Finding a reliable way to cook outdoors, whether camping, tailgating, or simply enjoying a small patio space, can be a challenge. I remember struggling with bulky setups or unreliable fuel sources, wishing for something convenient and effective. Not having a good portable option meant settling for less-than-ideal meals or missing out on the joy of grilling altogether, especially when space or transport was limited. It was a problem that really needed solving for anyone who loves the outdoor cooking experience but isn’t tied to a large backyard setup.
Choosing Your Next Portable Grill
Before you dive into the world of portable grilling, there are a few things to consider. A portable gas grill is perfect for someone who values convenience, speed, and mobility in their outdoor cooking. It’s ideal for apartment dwellers with small balconies, campers, tailgaters, picnickers, or anyone who needs a secondary, easy-to-fire-up grill. If your primary use is feeding a large family regularly or attempting complex smoking techniques, a portable unit might be too small or lack the specific features you need; a larger, stationary grill or smoker would be a better fit. When choosing a portable grill, think about the cooking area you require, the heat output (BTUs), the fuel type (small propane canisters vs. larger tanks), the materials and durability, ease of cleaning, weight, and overall dimensions for transport and storage. Consider how often you’ll move it and where you’ll be using it most.
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- POWERFUL BURNERS: Four 11,000 BTU burners deliver a total of 44,000 BTUs of heat for precise, even cooking.
Meet the Char-Broil Portable Grill
The Char-Broil Portable Convective 1-Burner Stainless Steel Propane Gas Grill – 465133010 is a compact, straightforward gas grill designed for exactly these kinds of on-the-go or small-space cooking needs. It promises quick heat-up times, even cooking, and hassle-free portability. Included with your purchase is the grill unit itself with its porcelain-coated wire grate and a user manual. Compared to some bulkier portable options or charcoal competitors, this Char-Broil grill stands out for its simplicity and focus on convection-style cooking in a small footprint. While it might lack the bells and whistles of larger grills or specialized portable smokers, it aims to be a reliable workhorse for basic grilling tasks. This specific portable convective 1-burner grill is definitely for the casual user who prioritizes portability and ease of use over high-end features or massive cooking capacity. It’s likely not suited for someone looking to grill for groups larger than 3-4 people regularly or someone needing precise temperature control for varied cooking methods.
Pros:
* Excellent portability and compact size
* Heats up quickly and reaches high temperatures
* Generous cooking area for its size (190 sq in)
* Simple to use with a single control knob
* Porcelain-coated grates are easy to clean
Cons:
* Handle can get very hot, requiring protection
* Lacks an auto-igniter; requires manual lighting
* Temperature control can be sensitive, running hot on low
* Durability concerns reported by some users (paint chipping, parts bending)
* Lid resting brackets are small/awkward
Deep Dive into What It Offers
Having used the Char-Broil Portable Convective 1-Burner Stainless Steel Propane Gas Grill for quite some time now, I’ve gotten a real feel for its capabilities and limitations. Let’s break down the key features and how they translate into real-world benefits (or occasional drawbacks).
Portability and Design: This is arguably the core selling point of the gas grill, and for the most part, it delivers. Weighing in at only 16 ounces (though some listings suggest around 10 pounds, which feels more accurate in handling) and measuring 24″D x 12″W x 15″H, it’s genuinely compact and lightweight. The sturdy, heat-resistant side handles are a great addition, making it simple to lift, carry, and move around. Whether I’m taking it to a park, setting it up on a small balcony, or packing it in the car for a camping trip, its size and the handles make transport easy. The foldable legs tuck away neatly for storage. This portability means I don’t need a large yard or dedicated space to enjoy grilled food. I can pull it out whenever the mood strikes, which is a huge plus for flexible outdoor living. However, some older versions reportedly had more robust handles, and the current flat plastic ones, while heat-resistant, might feel less substantial to long-time users of the model.
Cooking Area: The Char-Broil 465133010 boasts a 190-square-inch cooking surface. For a portable grill, this is quite respectable. Char-Broil suggests you can fit up to 8 burgers, 6 steaks, or 12 brats. In my experience, this capacity is pretty accurate for burgers and brats. You can comfortably grill for 2-4 people in a single go, which is perfect for small family meals, couples, or a few friends. It’s enough space to cook the main protein and maybe a few veggies simultaneously. The convective design, where heat circulates, helps cook items relatively evenly across this surface, though like most grills, you’ll eventually find some hotter spots, usually closer to the burner element. Managing these hot spots is part of mastering any grill, but it’s something to be aware of on this unit.
Heat Output and Control: With an 11,000 BTU rating, this portable convective grill packs a punch for its size. It reaches cooking temperatures very quickly, which is fantastic when you’re in a hurry or don’t want to wait long to start cooking. The grill delivers high temps suitable for searing. However, the single control knob, while simple, can be quite sensitive. The “high” setting is indeed very high, often requiring you to turn the knob down significantly, sometimes less than halfway, for moderate heat needed for things like chicken or fish. Finding the right setting takes some trial and error. There’s also no temperature gauge, so an external thermometer is helpful if you need precise heat monitoring. Despite the sensitivity, once you find the right setting, the grill generally maintains an even heat across the porcelain-coated grate, which is crucial for consistent cooking results. Flare-ups are relatively minimal, especially if you keep the drip shield clean, thanks to the convective system directing grease away.
Grates: The grates are made of porcelain-coated wire. This material offers several advantages. Firstly, porcelain coating helps prevent food from sticking, making grilling and subsequent cleaning much easier than bare metal grates. They also warm up quickly and recover heat relatively fast after the lid has been opened. Being made of wire keeps them lightweight, which adds to the overall portability of the gas grill and makes them easy to lift out for cleaning. While easy to clean, the wire design might not leave the thick, restaurant-style sear marks some people desire, but they are perfectly functional for achieving good grill marks and cooking food thoroughly.
Fuel Source: This Char-Broil grill is designed to run on 1-pound liquid propane tanks (not included). This is incredibly convenient for portability – you can easily find these small tanks at many stores, and they are simple to attach. A single tank provides a decent amount of cooking time, enough for multiple grilling sessions depending on how hot you run the grill and for how long. Users have reported getting several hours of cooking from one tank on lower heat settings. The connection is standard, though some users have noted that the tank just hangs from the connection point, which can feel a bit unstable if the grill isn’t placed on a level, solid surface. An adaptor can be purchased separately if you prefer to use larger propane tanks for longer cooking times, but for maximum portability, the 1-pound canisters are the way to go.
Ignition: One notable difference between this current model and some older versions is the ignition method. This Char-Broil Portable Gas Grill does *not* have a built-in auto-igniter. You have to light it manually, typically with a match or a long lighter inserted through a lighting hole near the burner. This can be a minor inconvenience, especially compared to the push-button convenience of many modern grills. It also feels a bit awkward lighting from underneath or the side, particularly if the grill is already hot or on a low surface. A long-handled lighter or flexible lighter is definitely recommended.
Construction and Durability: The grill features a stainless steel body with some powder-coated parts, primarily the bottom firebox. The stainless steel gives it a relatively sleek look and feels sturdy enough for regular use. However, some user feedback points to potential durability issues, which aligns with my longer-term observation. I’ve seen minor paint chipping on the bottom firebox area over time, likely due to the high heat. While it hasn’t affected performance, it does raise questions about the long-term cosmetic wear. Some reviewers also reported receiving units with bent parts or experiencing the lid brackets bending, suggesting potential quality control variability or fragility in certain areas. The lid handle, while heat-resistant, has been a point of criticism from users of older models, with reports that it gets too hot to touch with bare hands when the grill is fully heated, requiring a glove or careful handling – a departure from previous designs. Also, the small metal hooks on the back meant for resting the lid while you check the food are indeed tricky to use, requiring you to reach over the hot cooking surface.
Assembly: Char-Broil states that minimal assembly is required, and this is true. The instructions are generally clear, and you can have the grill put together and ready to go relatively quickly, often in 15-30 minutes. This is a plus if you’re eager to start grilling or if you’re not particularly handy. The process is mostly attaching the legs, lid handle, and connecting the burner assembly.
Warranty: The product description lists a 90-day warranty on all parts. While not extensive, this is typical for portable grills in this price range. It provides a short window to identify any initial manufacturing defects.
Overall, the Char-Broil Portable Convective 1-Burner Gas Grill excels in its primary function: providing a compact, portable, and quick way to grill food using convenient propane canisters. Its heat output is impressive for its size, the cooking area is adequate for small groups, and the grates are easy to manage. However, it’s not without its flaws, particularly the manual ignition, potentially hot handle, sensitive temperature control, and some questions about long-term durability based on materials and design choices compared to earlier iterations of what is a long-running model.
What Other Users Are Saying
Having spent a lot of time with this Char-Broil Portable Grill, I’ve also looked at feedback from others online. Many users echo my positive experience with its portability, quick heating, and solid cooking performance for basic grilling. People love how easy it is to take camping, tailgating, or just use on a small patio. Several long-time owners mentioned they’ve owned multiple versions over the years, speaking to its consistent basic design and reliability for simple tasks. However, common criticisms also surfaced: the handle on the lid getting too hot to touch, the lack of a self-igniter requiring manual lighting, and some observations about the newer version feeling slightly less robust or having smaller handles compared to older models. A few reviewers also pointed out issues like paint chipping or receiving units with minor damage, though these seem less widespread than the handle and ignition complaints.
Final Thoughts on This Portable Option
If you’re someone who needs a convenient, space-saving way to grill, whether for travel, small living spaces, or quick weeknight meals, the challenges of not having such a solution are real – think limited cooking options, less enjoyable outdoor experiences, or hassle with bulkier equipment. The Char-Broil Portable Convective 1-Burner Stainless Steel Propane Gas Grill offers a solid answer to this problem. It’s a great fit because it’s genuinely portable, heats up fast, and provides a sufficient cooking area for small groups. While it has some minor drawbacks like the manual ignition and hot handle, its core performance and ease of use make it a compelling option for casual users who value mobility and speed.
Ready to check out this portable gas grill for yourself? Click here to view the Char-Broil Portable Convective 1-Burner Stainless Steel Propane Gas Grill – 465133010 .
Last update on 2025-08-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API