Portable PROPANE grills
 

We grill often, perhaps 4 times week/year round. I'm fond of the Webers as I've had good long life out of them. My question for the community is ... can you recommend a great PORTABLE propane grill. Please skip the hoopla over propane, I like its convenience.

I've looked at Webers Q series and like the 200 series/ not too small and not too big. Anyone have one? Pro's/cons?

Are there any better ones?

Grill
 

Well with the family down to just the wife and I, I normally take a 2 - burner coleman (gas or fuel).
Or a small screw on top burner that goes on the same bottle of propane.
When we start taking the hilo out I'll take both with us. One type backing the other type up.
That said I'll bet your looking to hear about the large ones.
Good Luck

Later Tim owner 18ft 1969 hilo

We have both a Weber Baby Q and a Q200. The best we ever had. The 200 stays home and the Baby Q gets to go along. They are a bit pricy but will outlast most other portables, parts are available forever, and their grilling/BBQ qualities are super.

I tried a couple of different grills on my boat before I settled on a Magma Adventurer Marine. It has folding legs, so I also use it camping.

I like the Magma because it puts out a lot of heat and the temperature is pretty consistent around the grill. It does a great job at searing meat. It's a bit pricey but I think it's worth it.

Products

I have had this portable grill for 3 years and have had excellent service form it.

GAT1913 BBQ grillware, BBQ Parts and BBQ Accessories

dallasnarc
2704T Hi-Lo

Thanks gents
 

I've looked at the alternatives that you've mentioned but my past Webers experience have sold me on another one ... unless there is a very good reason not to.

I think that 95% of the time the Q100 would be the better size (also just two of us - generally - not counting my furry 4 legged ones) but then again, occasionally I'd want larger. That remaining 5% is what got me looking at the larger Q200.

Is bigger BETTER? Having both, RichR says he leaves the bigger one at home/ that's probably the best advice that fits my situation.

I'm not going to buy one tonight and so will watch for further recommendations.

OK, I was wrong
 

I just ordered the Weber Q120 grill, its' portable table and a 6 foot long hose to feed the grill from a 20 pound propane tank instead of the throw-aways.

From Amazon - with FREE shipping and NO TAX (to Alabama residents) - the total is $254. Delivery will be Friday (get this folks, its Wed. night).

Grill
 

Sounds like a great one that your going to enjoy a lot.

Later Tim Owner 1969 hilo

I hope to (enjoy it)
 

otherwise I'll blame it on RichR.

I'll put you on my waiting list. :D

I don't think you will be disappointed.

Note: When you run off the bulk tank there a two things you should do. First, when you use the grill from the bulk tank turn the bulk tank on leave it sit for a few minutes before lighting the grill. This allows the anti-leak check valves and the gas pressure in the tank and line to equalize. Otherwise you will try to light the grill and the flame will fizzle out in a few seconds. Second, get a Mr. Heater fuel line filter to catch the crap from the bulk tank.
Amazon.com: Customer Reviews: Mr. Heater Fuel Filter for Portable Buddy and Big Buddy Heaters #F273699

Propane filter - I never heard of such a thing.
 

I thought it was quite pure as it's delivered.
I've never had any problems but if I do then I'll look into it.

I have had tanks filled and then later get a light oily substance, like 3in1 oil, that may show up on the connection threads when disconnecting. I have heard that it may be from getting a tank filled from a nearly empty supply tank. I think the oil can get into the regulator and mess it up.

Propane
 

Refill vs Exchange.

I used to refill my tanks but then switched over to exchanging them. Much easier/quicker and as I recall at a similar price.

I swapped out three tanks the other day, $16 each (WallyWorld).

I've never noticed any oily stuff but I haven't looked for it either.

I just did an inventory, I have 8 tanks: 2 on the camper, one each on the Weber grill, CharBroil smoker, fire ring, and three reserve. I guess one reserve will go towards this new baby Q.

All part of my storm preparedness plan.

Forgotten: I HAVE A 250 GAL PROPANE TANK FOR THE GENERATOR.

Don't quote me on this but I believe many of the exchange tanks are not full refills like getting your tanks refilled. 15 lbs vs. 20 lbs respectively. That may be brand specific and not typical of all. That goes along with the downsizing while keeping the prices the same trend. I don't know if the filled weight is stated on the exchange tanks.

less than full
 

I guess it's possible - but illegal - if they advertise it as 20#.

I can't imagine the bigger players (WallyWorld, Home Depot, Lowes, etc) would chance it. Thinking about it I BELIEVE that'd be more likely from the struggling Mom and Pop places that refill on demand.

But well never know.... crooks exist everywhere.

Forgot to mention, it's the law here in Alabama (and I believe its actually a Federal law) but propane tanks can ONLY be filled to the 80 percentile. The remaining 20% is a safety reserve to allow the gas to expand in the heat.

Go to the third from the last question on this webpage: Blue Rhino - Tank Exchange

The new OPD tanks will not allow an overfilled tank. The internal float valve shuts off the flow from the supply line at a maximum level. That came about because people did overfill them.

Tank
 

Just had a friends 20# tank refilled at a mom and pop company. The weight of the empty tank is stamped at the top of the tank (this case 18#). Well she filled it till gas till gas blew off the side over flow. Then weighted it and it came to 36#. I asked and she was quick to state about the overflow prevent system. As was stated about 80%. Which math states 80% of 20 is 16. So a completely filled tank 18#'s (empty weight) add 16#'s and get a total of 34#'s. Well it weighted about 36#'s. FYI

Later Tim

Filter
 

Forgot to add. Talked with a friend that ran a LP gas company for about 9 years of course about 10 years ago. His statement about a filter was something like, never heard of it. Then he stated something about why not if you want it. FYI

Later Tim

The filter is strictly optional. The Mr. Heater Buddy heaters recommend them when using bulk tanks to keep from fowling the heating elements.

Imagine that
 

"Go to the third from the last question on this webpage: Blue Rhino - Tank Exchange"

Well I'll be a monkeys uncle. I'll have to check the fine print next time.

Here is a short review of the Weber Baby Q100 grill:REVIEW: Weber Q100 “Baby Q” Portable Grill

that sounds like this one
 

that's taking up room until I find a better home for it.

I got one of these to keep the Baby Q in. HDX 27 gal. Tote-207585 at The Home Depot
It keeps it clean,and protected. There is room for other items, I can throw it in the truck and don't have to worry about something banging into it and can also pile things on top. The lid humps up a little bit when snapped on but without difficulty.

Thanks for that tip
 

I've been contemplating something to store it in - just undecided what other stuff I'd want to store WITH it (scrapper brush, tin foil, my propane hose extension).

Any additional ideas there?

Finally
 

the constant rains have let up, now its between a drizzle and dry, however the yard is much too wet to walk through (it's like walking on a sponge). Too wet for this sissy family to camp - but not too wet to try the new baby Q (on the porch).

First I oiled up the grate - then fired that baby up. As it had a "new" smell to it I allowed it to heat for 20-30 min. At that point it still had the new odor in it but as it was holding 585 degrees I decided it just needed time and/or smokey meat smells.

So on with the meal: first challenge was the noble hot dog. First grill impression, it's tiny. I'm used to a four burner one- I will have to adjust my servings and spacing. Second thought was just how fast it cooked. I guess that's due to the contents are closer to the flames plus NOT separated by additional grates usually used to catch/burn off the drippings. This evening I plan to grill chicken on it, something more greasy (and challenging) than dogs.

Initial conclusion: the dogs were fine, with no taste of the perceived odors.

Second use
 

and the chicken came out just fine. What really surprised me was there were no flare ups. I always! have flare ups when cooking chicken with the skin intact.

Being aware of that I did use the lowest cooking temp possible - which seemed to hold between 325-340 degrees (with lid closed).

tonights culinary treat was
 

a rack of baby back ribs. Sadly they were too big for the baby Q.
I guess I need to scratch that meal off the menu while camping.

Which brings up a big worry for me, how to buy and stock food items, I'm dependent upon several home fridge/freezers and generally cook too much - just in case someone drops by.

I'll venture a guess that the camper unit is 5 cubic (stands about 4 foot tall). Can/how do y'all get by with that or do you shop daily?

Refrigerator space
 

I write out a menu for each day and then go shopping. My friend taught me to cook at home where water is plentiful and a dishwasher is available. Some food is bought ready to microwave. Chill and freeze food at home. Then we put the ref. on propane 1 or two days ahead of time. Include a few ice packs for the freezer. We have three adults in our family and seem to be able to pack in the ref. more than we seem to consume. This way when you are camping you have more time to do activities and relax instead of spending all your time cooking and washing dishes. Our last campout tokk us on a five hr. drive and we arrived at our campsite at 6PM. Just had to heat up the mac'ncheese with tuna. Then I cut up some cucumbers and tomatoes. Easy and a quick clean up. We also had a tote of cannned goods and dry snack foods. For instance take a zip bag of the cereal instead of the whole box. It is good to know where a grocery store is in case you need something. Some camping trips are more laid back and you want to drive the neighbors crazy with your good outdoor cooking smells. It is okay to buy some convenience items such as mashed potatoes that you just heat up.

thanks for the common sense approach
 

which apparently I'm lacking. I typically decide what to eat by groping around in the freezer then adding to it.

I never considered pre-cooking nor pre-packaged stuff, duh? I did once think of adding a microwave to the camper but as I seldom use one at home I blew it off.

Keep these thoughts rolling please, while I head off to bed dreaming of grilled meats.

cooking ideas
 

Some favorite appliances used for RV cooking. Toaster oven,microwave and crockpot. When you cook at home you are not using RV propane. You also would not be putting out heat and moisture into the RV.

Tonights challenge
 

Baby Q VS. steak

Oh my, I actually got better grill marks with the Baby than my bigger grill. Perhaps it's because the meat is closer to the heat and there are no middle flavorizing bars separating the two.

Winner: ME.

As a side note, referring to earlier comments about propane exchange; you are correct. I exchanged another tank and the signage indicated it was 15 pounds (not in large letters but it was disclosed).

It is nice to know that I am actually right sometimes and two times at that. :D

I'm glad to hear the Baby Q is working for you, and that I was right about the 15 pound tank fills.

Yeah, it's pretty sneaky to underfill them
 

so as to disguise what would otherwise be a price hike, but that's marketing.

Still, I've come to prefer the quick in/out exchange system as compared to the olden times where I stood patiently by, swatting gnats, while my old tank was refilled.

Doing the exchange could save you some gas money going to get a refill, so it could balance out.

Weber for me
 

Have the Weber Q as well as Weber at home. We use the portable one on trips and love it as much as our home model. It's great when we're at places other than the "woods" for a camp fire. Used it for everything from steaks to "ka-bobs." Bought the optional stand but after the first year's use, left it at home. Campgrounds usually have a table so that's where we use it.

Weber stand
 

I went ahead and purchased one myself, figuring I'd rather have one and not need it than to need one and not have it. I also picked up a mat (to put below it) for those times I'd be using it alone - so as to help keep the surface neat/grease free, just in case it turns sloppy.

Today was CHEAP hamburger meat (the best kind for this purpose)
 

and I'm mighty impressed- no flare ups, but a bit disappointed in that there wasn't room for the buns (which we like toasted golden brown).

Camper rules worked in that I used a regular toaster and all was well.

Maybe you needed to buy the Q200 instead of the Baby Q. We have one of each but only take the Baby Q camping now. The Q200 was a little much for our camping trips so it gets to stay home along with the folding cart. But if we are going to have a big family camping expedition the Q200 is eager to go along.

I think your original recommendation
 

for the smaller grill was correct and will generally fit my needs. So far its' done what I've asked (with adjustments) all but once. Those baby back ribs simply needed a larger cooking surface and the second higher shelf.

Today I removed the grate for cleaning/ then I simply wiped the interior down with paper towels - very good open access made this a cinch. The catch basin was half full with collected grease (from the burgers).

I'm happy with it and expect many years of use from it.

NOTE: Several days ago -after exchanging the tank previously mentioned - I realized I now had three spare tanks. Trying to determine just how that happened, I remembered. Someone local was shipping overseas and had a tank posted for free. I was first to respond and so brought it home; it still had enough propane to fire the larger Weber through several meals.

I can't believe it
 

but I've now relied upon my baby Q (with one exception) almost daily since it came home. I am totally impressed! with this little thing.

With my full sized rack of ribs being the exception - this grill has done everything I've asked of it - for feeding two.

This coming weekend should be an exception as I'll be feeding 6 1/2 mouths. Obviously it'll be back to my full sized grill.

Not putting down any competing brands, just hi-lighting this particular grill as a recommended one - worthy of your consideration.

Happy grilling.

PS: want another Wrascal recommendation (non sponsored, of course) try a Yuengling with those ribs, chicken, pork chops or ribs.