Portable Barbecues

It is becoming increasingly popular to cook hot food whilst out at the beach, in a field, whilst camping - well, basically wherever you are.

Only a short time ago you were limited to how you could cook outdoors. Propane powered burners, small & heavy grills or simply an open fire were the main options. But in recent years the small, self contained disposable barbecue has caught on, and now there are numerous different portable barbecues on the market, which are light and easy to carry.

When looking at the portable barbecue you are really looking at the following options:

Disposable Barbecue.

These are cheap & cheerful, and in all honesty are pretty good at what they do. You can find them in nearly all supermarkets, DIY stores and even the local convenience store. And they are all reasonably priced.

They usually consist of a foil tray - which is pre-packed with charcoal, a metal grill all covered by a cardboard lid. You simply set light to the lid, it burns the charcoal & when the coals are white/grey off you go.

I first started barbecuing on these, and they are quick & easy to use. The only drawback is the size - you certainly won't be able to cook for 15 people using one of these, but for two people they aren't bad. Plus, when they cool down there is nothing you can do to "refuel" them. No adding of charcoal is possible - so once they are spent, that's the cooking done for the day.

Portable Charcoal Grill

Small, barrel shaped BBQ which simply looks like a mini version of your standard barrel grill, without the legs - or with small, collapsable legs. Compact & hard wearing, you use them exactly the same way as you would you charcoal grill at home.

Whilst they (in my opinion) produce the best flavoured food of any portable grill, they can be heavier to carry - plus you need to take the charcoal, lighters etc with you.

Portable Gas Grill

This is one area that has really taken off. With dozens of designs available you can find the one that meets your needs.

These are powered by small gas canisters, and are easily controlled. Plus its fairly easy to carry spares canisters around with you. There are loads of designs out there. From small squat ones that resemble your usual grill, to space-age fold out one (a favourite of Weber) to even more space-age designs which fold out to give you two fairly large cooking grills - all from something which you carry in a simple back-pack.

Easy to use, easy to carry & good cooking - a really good choice.

Portable Electric Grill

I'm sure you are all familiar with the "George Foreman" grill. Plug them in, griddle your food for a healthy meal - all good.

And I'm sure you are aware that a BBQ style grill is available in the George Foreman range - looks just like a regular grill & cooks food well.

Well, there are smaller units available from other companies, which offer a good alternative to the other portable grills - as long as you have a suitable power source.

Not really the thing for cooking in the middle of a field, but when in a caravan or on an organised campsite - or even if you have a car, they offer you a simple & relatively smoke free alternative.