If you’re like me, you’ve probably faced the frustration of wanting that grilled flavor away from your main patio setup. Whether it’s camping, tailgating, or just a quick cookout on a small balcony, a standard grill isn’t always practical. I remember countless times wishing I had a compact, powerful grilling solution that didn’t compromise on performance. Without one, you’re stuck relying on less ideal cooking methods, missing out on that delicious char and smoky taste, which really puts a damper on outdoor adventures or small-space living. Finding the right portable grill became a priority.
- GAS GRILL: Powered by liquid propane gas, this grill runs on a 1-pound propane gas tank, not included. It reaches cooking temperatures quickly, delivers high temps and maintains even heat.
- COOKING TECHNOLOGY: The Amplifire cooking system grills juicier food, eliminates guesswork and prevents flare-ups. Our emitter plate transfers heat from the flame directly to the grate, vaporizes...
- COOKING AREA: Grill up to 8 burgers, 4 chicken breasts or 12 brats on the 200-square-inch grate.
What to Look for in a Portable Grill
Before diving into a specific model, it’s essential to think about what makes a good portable grill and if this category is right for you. The core purpose of a portable grill is to provide the authentic grilling experience in a compact, movable form factor. People seek these out for convenience, allowing them to enjoy grilled food while camping, at parks, tailgating events, boating, or even on small urban balconies where a full-sized grill isn’t feasible.
The ideal customer for a portable grill is someone who values mobility and doesn’t want to sacrifice flavor or performance when cooking away from their main grill. They might have limited space or lead an active lifestyle that takes them outdoors frequently. This category isn’t necessarily for someone who only grills at home and has ample patio space; they would likely be better served by a full-sized grill with more cooking area and features.
When considering a purchase, you need to think about fuel type (propane is common for portability), cooking area size (how much food do you need to cook at once?), BTU output (though note this isn’t the only indicator of heat), durability and construction (it needs to withstand transport), ease of cleaning, weight, and whether it has features that prevent flare-ups or ensure even cooking. Portability itself is key – look for features like sturdy handles and secure latches.
- ❤ STAINLESS STEEL BURNERS: This propane gas grill has 3 Stainless Steel burners, can put out 30,000 BTU-per-hour with integrated piezoelectric ignition system, quick start up with the push &turn of...
- 【Powerful & Even Heat Distribution】This propane gas grill features 3 stainless steel burners plus 1 side burner, delivering a total of 21,200 BTU—perfect for fast, even heat during your backyard...
- POWERFUL BURNERS: Four 11,000 BTU burners deliver a total of 44,000 BTUs of heat for precise, even cooking.
Introducing the Grill2Go X200
Enter the Charbroil Grill2Go X200. This isn’t just another little grill; it’s positioned as a rugged, high-performance portable unit designed for serious grilling on the go. The promise is straightforward: deliver powerful, even heat and juicy results thanks to its unique Amplifire cooking system, all within a tough, travel-ready package. When you purchase the Charbroil Grill2Go X200, you get the grill itself, ready to connect to a 1-pound propane tank (sold separately). Compared to other portable grills on the market, the X200 stands out primarily for its focus on high-heat searing capability and the Amplifire (TRU-Infrared) technology aimed at eliminating flare-ups. While some portable grills offer broader temperature control for slower cooking, the X200 leans into the hot and fast style of grilling. This specific product is ideal for someone who loves high-heat searing and cooking things like steaks, burgers, and hot dogs quickly while traveling. It might not be the best fit for someone who primarily wants to slow cook larger cuts of meat or requires very precise, low-temperature control straight out of the box.
Here’s a quick look at some pros and cons:
Pros:
* Excellent searing capability due to high heat output.
* Amplifire (TRU-Infrared) technology significantly reduces flare-ups.
* Durable, road-worthy construction with cast aluminum body and stainless steel latches.
* Portable and easy to transport with sturdy handles.
* Heats up very quickly.
Cons:
* Runs very hot, making low-temperature cooking challenging with the standard regulator.
* The stainless steel grate, while effective, requires diligent maintenance to prevent rust.
* Grease holes in the grate can sometimes clog.
* Handle can get hot during extended use.
Key Aspects and Advantages
Having used the Grill2Go X200 for quite some time now, I can attest that its design and features translate directly into the grilling experience. It’s built for a specific purpose, and it excels at it, though it does have a learning curve related to its heat. Let’s break down the core components and what they mean for your cooking.
Amplifire Cooking Technology: The Heart of the Performance
This is arguably the most defining feature of the Charbroil Grill2Go X200. The Amplifire system, also known as TRU-Infrared in some Char-Broil models, uses an emitter plate that sits directly beneath the grate. How it works is that the heat from the single burner is transferred to this plate, which then radiates infrared heat upward to the cooking surface. The grate itself is designed with raised channels and holes. This setup creates a barrier between the flame and your food, significantly reducing flare-ups caused by dripping fats.
The benefit here is twofold: juicier food and less guesswork. Without direct flame impingement and minimal flare-ups, your food retains more moisture. I’ve found that steaks and chicken breasts cooked on this grill are noticeably juicier than on traditional open-flame portable grills I’ve used in the past. Furthermore, the emitter plate is designed to vaporize drippings, sending flavor back into the food, which adds a nice touch. The design also aims for more even heat distribution across the 200-square-inch surface, which is crucial for cooking multiple items simultaneously. While achieving *perfectly* even heat is always a challenge, the Amplifire system does a better job than many basic portable grills at minimizing distinct hot and cold spots.
Powerful Heating Element and Temperature Capabilities
The X200 is equipped with a 9,500 BTU burner. Now, BTU (British Thermal Unit) measures fuel consumption, not necessarily maximum temperature, but in the case of the Grill2Go X200, that 9,500 BTU translates to *serious* heat. This grill gets hot, and it gets hot fast. With the factory regulator, reaching temperatures of 500°F, 600°F, or even higher is very easy and quick, often within 7-10 minutes.
The benefit of this intense heat is exceptional searing. If you love getting a deep, flavorful crust on your steaks, burgers, or chops, this grill delivers. It lives up to its promise of high temperatures perfect for searing. However, this brings us to a notable point raised by many users, including myself: controlling lower temperatures for less direct-heat cooking is difficult with the standard regulator. Even on the lowest setting, the grill can still run quite hot. This isn’t a grill designed for low-and-slow barbecue right out of the box. You *can* adapt, as I’ll discuss later, but expect it to be a high-heat machine first and foremost. The lid-mounted temperature gauge is helpful for monitoring the internal temperature, but managing it at the lower end takes practice or modification.
Cooking Surface Area
The Charbroil Grill2Go X200 Portable Gas Grill offers a 200-square-inch cooking area. This is ample space for a portable grill. Char-Broil estimates it can fit about 8 burgers, 4 chicken breasts, or 12 brats. In my experience, this is a reasonable assessment. It’s more than enough space for cooking for 2-4 people, making it perfect for small family camping trips, picnics, or grilling on a small balcony. You’re not going to be feeding a huge party with this, but for typical portable grilling needs, the 200 sq. inches is quite generous and allows you to cook your main items without needing multiple batches.
Porcelain-Coated Steel Grates
The cooking grates on the Grill2Go X200 are made of steel and are porcelain-coated. The porcelain coating is intended to make them resistant to rust and easier to clean. They are lightweight and do a good job of retaining heat to contribute to even cooking and leaving those desirable grill marks. However, based on my experience and that of others, these grates require careful maintenance. While the porcelain helps, the underlying steel can show signs of rust if meat juices or residue are left on the surface, especially in humid conditions. It’s not a dealbreaker, but unlike heavy cast iron or solid stainless steel grates, they require a bit more attention. I’ve found that burning off residue after cooking and applying a thin coat of cooking oil (like seasoning a cast iron pan) helps significantly in keeping them in good condition and preventing rust spots. The design of the grate, with the channels for the Amplifire system, also means that grease and small food particles can sometimes accumulate in the holes, requiring a bit more effort with a grill brush or occasional washing compared to a simple bar grate.
Durability and Portability Features
This portable gas grill is built tough. It features a high-impact frame with sturdy legs and a cast aluminum firebox and lid. The stainless-steel latches are robust and securely hold the lid down during transport. This construction makes it feel very “road-worthy” and capable of handling the bumps and jostling that come with tailgating, camping, or just moving it around. The integrated carry handles are solid and well-placed, making it easy to pick up and move the grill even when it’s still a bit warm (though be cautious of the handle itself getting hot, as noted earlier). Its dimensions (23.7″D x 15″W x 13.6″H) and weight (20 pounds) strike a good balance between providing a decent cooking surface and remaining genuinely portable.
Ignition and Control
Starting the Grill2Go X200 is straightforward thanks to the push-button igniter. It reliably creates a spark to light the burner when you press the button and turn the control knob. The single control knob manages the fuel flow, powering the grill on and off and adjusting the temperature from low to high. As mentioned, the temperature control with the standard regulator, especially on the lower end, can be tricky due to the grill’s inherent high-heat design. Turning the knob clockwise increases the heat, and counterclockwise decreases it. For precise lower temperatures, some users find external regulators helpful, although simply managing cook times and using techniques like momentarily lifting the lid can also work.
Removable Grease Tray
A practical feature for cleanup is the removable grease tray. Located beneath the cooking chamber, it catches oil drippings and slides out easily for disposal and cleaning. This helps contain messes and simplifies post-grill cleanup, which is always a plus, especially when you’re on the go.
Community Feedback
After spending a lot of time with this grill, I’ve also checked out what other users are saying online. The consensus seems to mirror my own experience: the Charbroil Grill2Go X200 is a fantastic portable grill, particularly praised for its ability to sear food like a champ and prevent flare-ups due to the Amplifire technology. Many users highlight its robust build quality, noting it feels very durable and suitable for travel, making it a favorite for camping and tailgating. While the high heat is celebrated for searing, numerous reviews mention the challenge of cooking at lower temperatures with the standard regulator. Users have shared various methods for managing this, from using aftermarket regulators to simple techniques like lifting the lid or even placing aluminum foil on the grate. The importance of properly seasoning and maintaining the grate to avoid rust is also a common theme among long-term users. Overall, the feedback is overwhelmingly positive, with many considering it the best portable grill they’ve ever owned, provided you understand its hot-and-fast nature or are willing to implement workarounds for lower temps.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve ever been stuck without a way to properly grill while traveling, camping, or on a small patio, you know the complications of settling for less-than-ideal cooking methods. That craving for perfectly seared meat or smoky vegetables goes unsatisfied. The Charbroil Grill2Go X200 is a great fit to solve that problem because it brings powerful grilling performance to a portable size. Its high heat excels at searing, the Amplifire technology handles flare-ups, and the durable construction means it can go wherever you do. While it runs hot and requires a little learning curve or adaptation for lower temperatures, its performance for high-heat cooking is truly impressive for a grill of its size.
Ready to take your grilling on the road or optimize your small-space cooking? Click here to check out the Charbroil Grill2Go X200 and see if it’s the right portable grilling solution for you.
Last update on 2025-08-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API