Finding the right way to cook outdoors, whether camping, tailgating, or just on a small patio, can be a real headache. I remember struggling with bulky grills or inefficient charcoal setups that took forever to heat up and left a messy cleanup. If you enjoy spontaneous outdoor meals or have limited space, solving this problem isn’t just about convenience; it’s about reclaiming those moments without the hassle. Not addressing it means missing out on easy outdoor cooking or being stuck with less-than-ideal solutions that complicate things rather than simplify them.
Before diving into specific models, it’s helpful to think about what you really need in a portable grill. These handy devices are designed to liberate you from your main deck grill, allowing you to cook just about anywhere that permits grilling. People seek out a portable gas grill for convenience on trips, ease of use in smaller spaces, or simply as a backup or secondary grill. The ideal customer is someone who values mobility, doesn’t need to feed a massive crowd in one go, and prefers the quick heat-up and relatively cleaner burn of gas over charcoal. If you’re planning to host large barbecue parties frequently, or prefer the distinct flavor profile that only charcoal can provide, a portable gas model might not be your primary choice.
When deciding on a portable grill, you should think about several factors: the overall size and cooking area you need (how many burgers can you comfortably fit?), its weight and portability features (are the legs foldable, are there good handles, does the lid lock?), the BTU output for heating power, the fuel type (small propane cylinders are common for portability), the materials used for durability and heat retention, how easy it is to assemble and clean, and the ignition system. Considering these points helps narrow down the options and find a grill that truly fits your lifestyle.
- DURABLE STEEL CONSTRUCTION: Built with a heat-resistant finish, the tabletop grill's sturdy steel frame provides long-lasting protection against wear and tear while maintaining aesthetic appeal
- STAINLESS STEEL BURNER: Offering a total of 11,000 BTUs from its high-powered burner, the camping grill delivers reliable and consistent heat, allowing for efficient grilling of all your favorite...
- 360 SQ IN COOKING SPACE: Versatile cooking space provides ample space for grilling a variety of food at once, the portable propane grill is ideal for BBQs, patio, and garden gatherings
Introducing the Megamaster 820-0065C
The Megamaster 820-0065C 1 Burner Portable Gas Grill presents itself as a rugged and portable solution for flavor on the go. It promises convenience, compactness, and power, aiming to be your stronghold for delicious outdoor cooking wherever you are. When you purchase this grill, you get the main unit with its single burner, porcelain-enameled firebox, cooking grid, removable grease tray, and foldable legs. While I haven’t used *every* portable grill on the market, the Megamaster stands out in its price range for including features often found on slightly more expensive models, like a built-in thermometer and a secondary warming rack. This particular model, the 820-0065C, is specifically geared towards individuals, couples, or small families who need a reliable grilling option for tailgates, camping trips, picnics, or apartment balconies where space is a premium. It’s likely not the best fit if you need high BTU power for searing large cuts of meat or require a massive cooking surface for entertaining large groups.
Here are some pros and cons based on my long-term use:
Pros:
* Excellent portability with foldable legs, locking lid, and multiple handles.
* Ample 360 sq. in. cooking space for its compact size.
* Quick and easy Piezo ignition.
* Simple cleanup thanks to the removable grease tray and smooth surfaces.
* Solid steel construction feels durable for transport and use.
Cons:
* The lid latch feels a bit flimsy and could be more secure for carrying.
* Takes a bit longer to cook compared to full-size grills, and loses heat quickly if the lid is frequently opened.
* Assembly requires some time and patience.
* Grease tray can get clogged with larger debris, requiring periodic cleaning.
* The top warming rack can dislodge easily if the lid is opened too fast.
- ❤ 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.
Examining Key Features and Their Practical Benefits
Having used the Megamaster 820-0065C for quite some time now, I can speak to how its features translate into real-world grilling experiences. It’s the accumulation of these details that really defines the product.
Exceptional Portability with Foldable Legs and Smart Design
One of the most heralded features of this portable gas grill is its design centered around mobility. The foldable legs tuck neatly underneath, transforming it from a stable cooking surface into a compact package. Coupled with a sturdy locking lid and three integrated handles (one on the front, two on the sides), it’s incredibly easy to pick up and carry. I’ve taken this grill camping, to parks for picnics, and even just moved it around my small balcony. Its relatively light weight (around 14.4 pounds) makes a huge difference. Why does this matter? Because the whole point of a Megamaster portable grill is to take the cooking outdoors, wherever ‘outdoors’ is for you that day. This design eliminates the struggle of trying to awkwardly balance or transport a bulkier unit, making spontaneous cookouts a breeze.
Durable Construction for Long-Lasting Use
Built with a sturdy steel frame and finished with a heat-resistant coating, the Megamaster 820-0065C feels robust despite its size. It’s designed to withstand the rigors of being transported and used in various outdoor environments. I’ve certainly put mine through its paces, and the finish has held up well against the elements and the heat. This durability means you’re not buying a grill that will rust out or fall apart after just one season. It provides long-lasting protection against wear and tear, maintaining its aesthetic appeal over time. This is a crucial benefit for a product intended for ‘on-the-go’ use, where it might face bumps and scrapes during transport.
Reliable Heating Power from the Stainless Steel Burner
At the heart of this camping grill is its single stainless steel burner, providing 11,000 BTUs of heat. This might sound modest compared to multi-burner full-size grills, but for a unit this size, it’s quite powerful. The Piezo ignition system fires it up instantly with the simple push and turn of a knob, which has been consistently reliable for me. The heat distribution, while not perfectly even (more on that later), is generally good enough to cook most things effectively. Having reliable, consistent heat is fundamental to successful grilling, allowing you to cook food thoroughly and efficiently. This feature directly addresses the problem of slow or unreliable heating often found in cheaper or poorly designed portable units.
Generous 360 Sq In Cooking Surface
Despite its compact footprint when folded, the Megamaster 820-0065C opens up to reveal a surprisingly versatile cooking space of 360 square inches. The product description suggests you can grill up to 17 burgers at once, which might be pushing it slightly depending on burger size, but I can comfortably fit about 6-8 patties or a mix of chicken pieces and veggies. There’s also an elevated warming rack, which is great for keeping cooked food warm or gently toasting buns. This ample space is a major benefit, allowing you to cook for a small group without needing multiple batches, which significantly speeds up the meal process compared to smaller portable grills. It makes the grill suitable for a variety of food items, adding versatility to your outdoor cooking repertoire.
Fast Heating with a Porcelain Steel Firebox
The porcelain steel firebox contributes to the grill’s ability to reach high temperatures relatively quickly. The heat-retaining properties of the firebox help maintain the cooking temperature once the grill is preheated. This feature is important for getting food on the grill faster and ensuring it cooks properly. However, as noted in some user reviews and my own experience, opening the lid does cause a noticeable drop in temperature, and it can take a few minutes to recover. This means you need to be mindful of “peeking” too often, especially when cooking items like steak or burgers where consistent heat is desired.
Effortless Cleanup Thanks to the Removable Grease Tray
Cleaning up after grilling is often the least favorite part of the process. The Megamaster 820-0065C simplifies this with a built-in removable grease tray located conveniently underneath the firebox. Grease and drippings collect here, and you can easily slide it out to empty and clean. This feature makes maintenance much less of a chore, keeping the grill ready for its next use. While some reviewers mention the tray’s size being a limitation for very greasy foods like burgers, for most uses, it works well. I’ve also found using a grill mat helps significantly reduce the amount of debris that falls to the bottom, making cleanup even easier.
Designed for LP Compatibility
This small gas grill is designed to work with small, convenient propane tanks, the kind readily available at hardware stores and many grocery stores. This LP compatibility ensures you have a convenient, portable fuel source wherever you go. It avoids the mess and planning required for charcoal and provides a consistent, controllable flame.
Addressing Some Drawbacks
While the features listed above are certainly beneficial, it’s important to acknowledge some of the points raised in user feedback and my own observations. The lid latch, as mentioned, could be more robust. It holds the lid down, but I wouldn’t rely on it alone when carrying the grill by the front handle; I usually support the bottom or use the side handles.
Cooking can sometimes feel a bit slower than on a full-size grill, which is somewhat expected given the BTU output and size. The uneven cooking reported by some users can happen, especially if the internal heat shield is dislodged (which can happen during transport) or if you don’t give it adequate time to fully preheat. Checking and potentially repositioning the heat shield occasionally is a good practice.
Assembly does take a bit of time (plan for an hour or so) and requires following diagrams carefully, but it’s manageable with basic tools. Finally, while the front handle is convenient, the screws can loosen over time, possibly due to heat expansion, and may require tightening or a more permanent fix as one user suggested. The upper rack also needs careful handling when opening and closing the lid to prevent it from dislodging.
Despite these minor issues, the core functionality and portability of the Megamaster 820-0065C hold up well for its intended purpose and price point.
Insights from Other Users
Having scoured the internet and spoken to others who own this grill, it’s clear that many share my overall positive experience. Users frequently praise the Megamaster 820-0065C for its perfect size, ease of cleaning, and surprising portability. Many find it a solid upgrade from older, less efficient portable models. While assembly can be a minor hurdle for some, the general consensus is that the final product is a great value for its price, fitting perfectly on small patios or accompanying outdoor adventures. Common points echoed include the convenience of using 1lb propane cylinders and the ample cooking space provided.
Bringing It All Together
The inability to easily cook outdoors when you’re away from home or have limited space is a genuine problem that can limit your enjoyment of parks, campsites, tailgates, or even your own small patio. It means either sacrificing the experience of grilled food or dealing with cumbersome, messy alternatives. The complications range from wasted time setting up and cleaning to inconsistent cooking results.
The Megamaster 820-0065C 1 Burner Portable Gas Grill is a great fit to solve this problem for several key reasons. Its design is truly centered around portability, making it easy to take virtually anywhere. The cooking space is generous enough for individuals or small families, allowing you to cook a decent amount of food in one go. Finally, its straightforward operation and relatively easy cleanup mean you spend less time struggling with the grill and more time enjoying your food and the outdoors. If you’re looking for a capable, portable grilling solution without breaking the bank, the Megamaster 820-0065C is certainly worth considering. To learn more or purchase this product, click here.
Last update on 2025-08-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API