Ah, the memories of trying to grill on makeshift setups or tiny charcoal grills while away from home. For anyone who loves the taste of grilled food but finds themselves needing a convenient solution for camping trips, tailgates, or just small outdoor spaces, the struggle is real. I remember feeling limited by clunky equipment or relying on less-than-ideal alternatives, which always felt like a compromise. Finding a reliable, easy-to-transport grill that could still deliver decent results was a persistent minor annoyance that needed solving to truly enjoy outdoor cooking on the go.
- 288 square inches of total cooking surface
- 10,000 BTU stainless steel U shaped burner for maximum heat distribution
- Folding legs and locking lid make moving grill easy
What to Consider Before Choosing a Portable Gas Grill
Before diving into specific models, it’s essential to think about *why* you need a portable gas grill in the first place and what features are non-negotiable for your situation. Portable grills are perfect for folks who need flexibility: campers setting up at different sites, tailgaters wanting hot food before the game, apartment dwellers with limited balcony space, RVers hitting the open road, or even just someone who wants to easily move their grilling station around a small patio.
However, they aren’t for everyone. If you’re planning to host large backyard parties, cook for a big family regularly, or need the heavy-duty performance and expansive cooking area of a full-sized grill, a portable model likely won’t cut it. They typically have smaller cooking surfaces and lower BTU outputs compared to their larger counterparts, meaning they’re best suited for cooking for a few people at a time.
When shopping for a portable gas grill, consider the following:
* Size and Cooking Area: How many people will you typically be cooking for? 200-300 square inches is standard for small groups.
* Portability: Look for features like folding legs, locking lids, and manageable weight.
* Heat Output (BTUs): More BTUs generally mean faster preheating and hotter searing, but heat distribution and grate material are also key.
* Fuel Type: Most portables use 1lb propane canisters, but consider if you’ll need an adapter for larger tanks.
* Material: Stainless steel offers rust resistance and durability, but gauge and construction quality vary. Cast iron or stainless steel grates impact cooking and cleaning.
* Ease of Cleaning: Grease management systems (or lack thereof) are crucial for hassle-free cleanup.
* Ignition System: Reliable electronic ignition is a big plus.
* Extra Features: Warming racks, built-in thermometers, and side tables can add convenience.
* Durability and Build Quality: Check reviews for comments on flimsiness or issues after extended use.
* Price: Portable grills range from budget-friendly to premium. Determine your budget and what features are worth paying for.
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Introducing the Masterbuilt Portable Propane Grill MB20030819
Having looked at various options, I eventually landed on the Masterbuilt Portable Propane Gas Grill with Folding Legs, Chrome-Coated Warming Rack and 288 Cooking Square Inches in Stainless Steel, Model MB20030819. This grill presents itself as a convenient, compact solution for grilling on the go or in tight spaces. It promises portability with features like folding legs and a locking lid, combined with the durability and look of stainless steel construction.
When you purchase the Masterbuilt MB20030819, you get the grill body, lid, legs, internal components including the burner and grate, and the chrome-coated warming rack. It’s designed for use with standard 1lb propane canisters, though you’ll need an adapter to connect a larger tank if preferred. This specific Masterbuilt grill is definitely aimed at the casual user, the weekend camper, or someone with limited space – not the serious grill master needing high-end performance or heavy-duty build for daily use. Compared to some market leaders known for robust portable options, the Masterbuilt portable grill often competes on price and features while sometimes trading off a bit on overall build quality and refinement seen in higher-end models.
Here’s a quick look at the pros and cons I’ve experienced:
Pros:
* Excellent portability thanks to folding legs and locking lid.
* Stainless steel construction gives it a clean look and helps resist rust.
* Heats up very quickly with the 10,000 BTU burner.
* Decent cooking area (288 sq in) for small meals.
* Integrated warming rack is a useful addition.
Cons:
* Build quality can feel a bit flimsy in places.
* Assembly can be frustrating due to misaligned holes and stubborn labels.
* Grease management system is poor, leading to frequent flare-ups and difficult cleaning.
* Internal components (like the grease tray) stain and look burnt quickly.
* Thermometer accuracy is questionable, and it can fail.
* Does not include a cover, only a carry bag (which isn’t ideal for storage).
Delving into the Features and Their Advantages
Let’s take a closer look at the specific features of the Masterbuilt portable propane grill and how they perform in real-world use.
Portable Design and Construction
The standout feature of this gas grill is its portability. It boasts folding legs that tuck neatly under the unit, allowing it to sit low on a table or stand relatively compact for transport. The locking lid is a simple but effective feature, ensuring the grill stays securely closed when you’re carrying it, preventing grates or other components from falling out. Weighing in at under 18 pounds and with dimensions of roughly 17.3″D x 27.4″W x 12.2″H when set up (even more compact when folded), it’s genuinely easy to pick up and move.
This design is a massive benefit for anyone whose primary need is a grill that can travel or store away easily. Whether you’re packing it in the trunk for a weekend camping trip, setting it up on a picnic table at a park, or simply need to clear it off your small patio when not in use, the folding legs and locking lid make a real difference. It saves space and hassle compared to bulkier alternatives. While the overall construction can feel a touch light or “flimsy” to some compared to heavier models, this lighter weight is also what contributes significantly to its ease of portability. It’s a trade-off: more portable often means less substantial build.
Cooking Surface Area and Capacity
The Masterbuilt MB20030819 offers 288 square inches of total cooking surface. This is split between the main stainless steel cooking grate and a chrome-coated warming rack above it. For a portable grill, this is a respectable size. You can comfortably fit about 6-8 hamburger patties on the main grate at once, or a couple of decent-sized steaks, or chicken pieces sufficient for two to four people.
The benefit here is that it’s large enough to cook a complete meal for a small group without requiring multiple batches, yet small enough to heat up quickly and remain portable. The addition of the warming rack is particularly useful. You can use it to keep cooked food warm while the rest finishes, gently cook items that need lower heat, or even toast buns. It adds a layer of versatility that many basic portable grills lack, expanding the types of meals you can prepare. For its size class, the cooking area is quite practical for its intended use cases.
Power and Heat Distribution (10,000 BTU U-shaped burner)
At the heart of this Masterbuilt gas grill is a single 10,000 BTU stainless steel U-shaped burner. 10,000 BTUs is a solid amount of power for a grill this size, allowing it to heat up surprisingly fast. I’ve found it can reach grilling temperatures within minutes, which is a huge advantage when you’re trying to get food ready quickly, like during a tailgate or after setting up camp.
The U-shaped design is intended to distribute heat more evenly across the cooking surface than a straight bar burner. While it does a decent job of providing direct heat across most of the main grate, like many smaller grills, you will likely still find some hotter and cooler spots. Mastering the heat requires paying attention to where you place food and potentially rotating items. The adjustable heat control works, although some users feel it’s mainly between high and medium-low, lacking nuanced control. However, for standard grilling tasks like burgers, hot dogs, and chicken, the 10,000 BTUs get the job done efficiently and allow for good searing when needed. The quick heat-up time is a definite win for spontaneous grilling moments.
Stainless Steel Build
The exterior and cooking grates of the Masterbuilt grill are made from stainless steel. This material is a popular choice for grills because of its resistance to rust and corrosion, which is particularly important for a portable unit that might be exposed to various weather conditions or stored outdoors occasionally. It also gives the grill a sleek, modern appearance when clean.
The benefit of stainless steel is its longevity compared to painted steel which can chip and rust over time. It handles heat well and provides a relatively easy-to-clean surface – *in theory*. However, the grade and gauge of stainless steel used impacts its durability and resistance to staining. While the exterior holds up reasonably well against rust, I’ve found, like other users, that the interior, particularly the underside of the lid and the grease pan, stains and discolors very quickly, taking on a permanently “used” look after just a few cooks. This isn’t rust, but burned-on residue that is incredibly difficult to scrub off without potentially scratching the finish, despite the “Rust Resistant” and implied non-stick nature (for grates) in the description. So, while the stainless steel offers aesthetic and rust-protection benefits, don’t expect it to look pristine inside for long.
Integrated Warming Rack
As mentioned earlier, the portable Masterbuilt grill includes a chrome-coated warming rack. Positioned above the main cooking grate, it sits higher from the burner, providing a less intense heat zone.
The key benefit of the warming rack is its versatility. You can use it to:
* Keep cooked burgers, hot dogs, or chicken warm while the rest of the food finishes.
* Gently warm or toast burger buns without burning them.
* Cook delicate items like vegetables or fish indirectly using the lower heat zone.
* Free up space on the main grate by moving cooked food up.
It effectively expands the usable cooking space and allows for more complex grilling scenarios than just direct, high-heat cooking. The chrome coating is relatively easy to wipe down, though food can stick if not careful.
Electronic Ignition System
Starting a gas grill should be simple, and the Masterbuilt MB20030819 is equipped with an electronic igniter. Once connected to the propane source, you just turn the burner knob and press the ignition button, and it should spark to light the gas.
When it works correctly, this is a great feature. It provides quick, matchless ignition, which is convenient, especially outdoors where wind might make lighting difficult. Some users report it lighting on the first try, which is ideal. However, assembly involves connecting the igniter components, and based on my experience and others’, getting the electrode properly aligned with the burner ports during assembly can be tricky. If not aligned just right, the spark won’t catch the gas reliably. There have also been reports of the igniter components being flimsy or even failing prematurely. While the idea of easy electronic start is a benefit, the execution or durability seems inconsistent for some. *Crucially*, one review mentioned a shocking experience during assembly near the igniter, highlighting a potential safety concern if components aren’t seated correctly – something to be very cautious about during setup.
Grease Management (or lack thereof)
This is arguably the biggest drawback I’ve encountered with the Masterbuilt portable grill, and it’s echoed in user reviews. The design features a grease tray/pan located relatively close below the cooking grate and burner. While it catches dripping grease, the proximity to the heat source means that grease quickly burns onto the pan.
The main issue here is frequent flare-ups, especially when cooking fattier foods like burgers or chicken with skin. As grease drips, it hits the hot pan and ignites, sending flames up towards your food. This requires constant vigilance and moving food around to avoid burning. Furthermore, cleaning this burned-on grease from the stainless steel pan is incredibly difficult. Despite the stainless steel, it seems to bake on almost permanently after the first few uses, leaving a dark, unsightly mess that is near impossible to make clean again. This significantly impacts the “ease of cleaning” aspect, turning cleanup into a laborious chore rather than a quick wipe-down. The design of the flame protector also seems to contribute to grease buildup near the burner. While the grill cooks well *despite* this, the poor grease management system is a significant disadvantage impacting usability and long-term appearance.
Assembly Experience (and challenges)
While the core grill body is mostly assembled, there are still some steps required out of the box, including attaching the legs, handle, and the electronic igniter mechanism. The process seems straightforward on paper, but execution can be frustrating. Several users, including myself, have found that screw holes for components like the igniter housing or handle don’t always align perfectly, requiring some force or, in worst-case scenarios mentioned by others, drilling new holes.
Another minor but annoying assembly step is removing the large product decal glued directly onto the stainless steel lid. This label is tough to peel off and often leaves behind sticky residue that requires significant effort and cleaner to remove without damaging the finish. While assembly isn’t overly complex, these quality control issues like misaligned holes and stubborn labels can make the initial setup more frustrating than it needs to be. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s definitely a point of improvement needed for the Masterbuilt portable grill.
What Others Are Saying
Looking at feedback from various users online confirms many of my own observations. While some users absolutely love the convenience and quick heating of the Masterbuilt portable gas grill, praising its portability and ability to get hot fast for cooking small meals on the go, others have highlighted significant drawbacks. Many mention frustrating assembly experiences, citing issues with misaligned parts or the difficulty of removing packaging labels. Concerns about the grill’s long-term durability and the thinness of the stainless steel construction are also common themes. The problem of excessive grease buildup and frequent flare-ups is a recurring complaint, with users finding the internal grease tray difficult to clean and prone to permanent staining. There are also scattered reports of component failures, such as the thermometer becoming inaccurate or the igniter malfunctioning. Despite these issues, some users are still satisfied with the grill’s core function for occasional, portable use, acknowledging its limitations given its price point.
Final Thoughts and Recommendation
If you’re someone who frequently finds themselves needing to grill away from a full-sized setup – be it for camping, tailgating, or just making the most of a small outdoor space – the problem of preparing hot, fresh food conveniently needs a reliable solution. Relying on coolers and pre-made food is fine, but nothing beats a hot meal straight off the grill.
The Masterbuilt Portable Propane Gas Grill MB20030819 offers several compelling reasons to consider it. First, its design is genuinely portable with effective folding legs and a locking lid, making transport and storage easy. Second, the 10,000 BTU burner heats up the cooking surface rapidly, getting you to grilling temperature in no time. Finally, the inclusion of a warming rack adds useful versatility for keeping food warm or cooking indirectly. While it has its quirks, particularly with assembly and grease management, if you need a quick-heating, easily transportable grill for casual use and small groups, this portable grill is definitely worth a look. To learn more or purchase, click here to check it out .
Last update on 2025-09-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API