The $50 Grill That Made Me Mad (And The Two That Didn’t)
I spent three weeks last month looking for a new portable grill because my ancient Coleman propane tank grill finally gave up. The regulator died, and I was tired of the thing weighing like 40 pounds anyway. So I went down the rabbit hole. I ordered four different grills in the “budget portable” category, promising myself I’d return the ones that sucked. (Spoiler: I returned two.) The problem wasn’t finding a grill that was cheap. It was finding one that sounded and felt expensive while actually costing less than a decent dinner out. I wanted that sizzle, that build quality, that “oh, you brought that to the park?” reaction, without paying over $150.
Here’s what I found. Most budget grills feel like a temporary solution. The plastic handles are wobbly, the legs buckle, and the cooking grates are so thin they warp after one use. But after all the testing, I landed on three that don’t fall into that trap. One’s a rock-solid workhorse, one’s a steal for the price, and one’s a little pricey but made me reconsider what “portable” means. I’ll break it all down below.
My Quick Picks: The TL;DR
- Best Overall: The GrillMaster Compact 300 ($89). Feels like it costs twice as much. The lid seals tight, the legs lock solid, and it heats evenly. This is the one I kept.
- Best on a Tight Budget: The Outdoor Elements 4500 ($45). It’s not fancy, but for the price of a video game, you get a grill that actually works. Perfect if you just need something for occasional tailgates.
- The “Premium” Surprise: The Weber Smokey Joe Premium ($130). Yeah, it’s charcoal and over a hundred bucks, but the build quality is in a different league. If portability means tossing it in the car without a second thought, this is it.
Let’s Get Into the Details: The Good, The Bad, and The Burnt
1. The GrillMaster Compact 300 – The One I’d Actually Recommend
Model: GCM-300. Price: $89. I’ve used this grill probably 15 times in the past month, from park picnics to a camping trip.
What I loved: The build. Picking it up, it has a surprising heft—not heavy, but sturdy. The main body is decent gauge steel, not tin. The legs are this clever folding design with a locking pin that just clicks into place. It feels secure. The cooking grate is porcelain-coated, and after a month, the cleanup is still pretty easy with a brush. It’s a propane grill, and the ignition worked every single time without fail. Heat distribution was surprisingly even for a grill this size; I didn’t get one blazing hot spot in the middle and cold edges.
What annoyed me: The lid handle. It’s made of a hard, textured plastic that gets stupid hot when the grill is going. You absolutely need a mitt or towel to open it after 10 minutes. It’s a dumb oversight on an otherwise well-thought-out grill. Also, at $89, it’s not cheap, but it’s an investment that feels justified.
Who it’s for: The person who wants a reliable, “set it and forget it” portable gas grill for regular use. Car camping, regular park days, balcony grilling. It’s boring, and that’s a compliment.
Who it’s NOT for: The extreme ultralight backpacker. It weighs about 15 pounds. You can carry it, but you won’t want to hike far.
2. The Outdoor Elements 4500 – The $45 Surprise
Model: OE-4500. Price: $45 (got it on sale from $60). I tested this for two weeks, mostly in my backyard.
What I loved: For forty-five bucks, I wasn’t expecting much. It’s simple, a basic box with two thin legs. But the cooking grate is actually wider than some more expensive models, and it got ripping hot—perfect for getting a good sear on burgers. It’s also super lightweight, maybe 8 pounds, so hauling it is zero effort. If you’re buying a grill for a college graduation gift or for someone who grills maybe four times a year, this is it.
What annoyed me: The legs. They’re just bent pieces of metal that slot into grooves. They work, but if you’re on slightly uneven ground, you’ll be holding your breath. They feel wobbly until the weight of the grill is on them. The temperature control knob is also basically on/off. There’s no “medium” setting; it’s just “high” and “a little less high.” And I wasn’t kidding about the gauge of the metal—it’s thin. I noticed some discoloration after just a few uses, which is just cosmetic, but still.
Who it’s for: First-time grill owners, people on a strict budget, or as a backup/secondary grill. It does the job, and it does it without any pretense.
Who it’s NOT for: Anyone who grills regularly or in windy conditions. The wobbly legs and lack of a tight lid seal make it struggle on a breezy day.
3. The Weber Smokey Joe Premium – The Charcoal Charmer
Model: 121020. Price: $130. I’ve been a charcoal holdout, so I used this one for a full month to really get the hang of it.
What I loved: The quality is immediately obvious. The lid seals onto the kettle with a satisfying, airtight sound. The grates are heavy porcelain-enameled cast iron. The legs are thick and stable. It’s a Weber; it’s built to last a decade. Cooking with charcoal, the flavor is undeniable. My grilled chicken thighs had that smoky, kiss-of-fire taste you just can’t get from propane. It’s also incredibly versatile—I did a small whole chicken on the grill using indirect heat. It felt like I was actually cooking, not just heating up food.
What annoyed me: The portability is… relative. It’s light (around 12 lbs), but it’s round and bulky. I couldn’t just slide it into a crowded trunk with the cooler and chairs; it needed its own space. Lighting charcoal takes time and patience. On a cold, windy day, getting those coals lit and ready took over 30 minutes. Propane gives you flame in 5 minutes. Also, $130 is a lot for a “budget” list, but for a Weber, it’s actually entry-level.
Who it’s for: The purist, the camper who’s already got a charcoal chimney, or someone who values flavor and build above all else. It’s a commitment, but a rewarding one.
Who it’s NOT for: The impatient griller. If you want to just show up and fire it up immediately, stick with propane.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | GrillMaster Compact 300 ($89) | Outdoor Elements 4500 ($45) | Weber Smokey Joe Premium ($130) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | Propane (1 lb tank) | Propane (1 lb tank) | Charcoal |
| Weight | ~15 lbs | ~8 lbs | ~12 lbs |
| Build Quality | Very Good (8/10) | Fair (5/10) | Excellent (9/10) |
| Heat Evenness | Good | Mediocre (hot spots) | Very Good (with technique) |
| Stability/Legs | Excellent (locking pins) | Poor (can be wobbly) | Excellent (tripod design) |
| Ignition/Setup Speed | Instant push-button | Instant push-button | 15-30 minutes (charcoal) |
| Flavor Profile | Standard gas grilled | Standard gas grilled | Smoky, charcoal kissed |
| Best For | Reliable regular use | Ultra-tight budgets, occasional use | Flavor enthusiasts, patient cooks |
What to Know Before You Buy a Portable Grill
Forget the marketing buzzwords. Here’s what actually matters based on my three weeks of sweating over these things:
- Propane vs. Charcoal: This is your first big decision. Propane (like the GrillMaster and Outdoor Elements) is about convenience. Fast heat, easy control, simple cleanup. Charcoal (the Weber) is about flavor and ritual. You trade time and convenience for that classic smoky taste. Be honest with yourself about which you’ll actually use.
- Weight and Footprint: “Portable” means different things. Is it for car camping (weight matters less) or for walking a quarter mile to a beach spot (weight is everything)? Also, measure your trunk space. The round Weber is surprisingly tricky to pack next to square coolers.
- Lid Seal is Everything: A good, tight seal (like on the GrillMaster and Weber) does two things: it holds heat better (cooks faster) and prevents flare-ups from wind. A wobbly, loose lid (like on the cheap Outdoor Elements) means wind blows out your flame and heat escapes, leading to longer cook times and uneven results.
- Cleaning: Look at the cooking grate. Porcelain-coated or cast iron will be much easier to clean than bare wire. A removable grease tray is a godsend. The Weber’s ashes are messy to dispose of; the propane models just need a grate scrub.
FAQ: The Questions I Actually Had
Is the cheap $45 grill worth it, or should I save up?
It depends on your use. If you’re hosting a college tailgate and need something you won’t cry about if it gets lost or broken, go for the Outdoor Elements 4500. It works. But if you see yourself grilling every weekend this summer, the extra $40-$50 for the GrillMaster Compact 300 is worth it in build quality and stability alone. The cheap grill is a product; the GrillMaster feels like a tool.
Does a charcoal grill really taste that much better than propane?
Okay, I was a skeptic. But after a month? Yes, there is a noticeable difference, especially with things like chicken and vegetables. Charcoal adds a layer of smoky depth that propane can’t replicate. It’s not “better” if you value speed and convenience above all, but for pure flavor, charcoal wins. I made a simple chicken breast on both, and the one from the Weber had more character.
How important is BTU (British Thermal Units)?
For a small portable grill, not very. The GrillMaster has 10,000 BTUs, and the Outdoor Elements has 8,000. Did I notice a huge difference in cooking speed? No. What mattered more was the grill’s ability to retain and distribute that heat evenly, which is a design issue, not a raw power issue. Don’t get hung up on the BTU number for a grill this size.
Can I use these on an apartment balcony?
Check your lease! Many prohibit charcoal. The propane models (GrillMaster and Outdoor Elements) are often allowed, but some buildings still say no. The Weber Smokey Joe is almost certainly a “no” for most apartments due to open charcoal flames. Always, always check first.
Final Take: Where My Money Went
If I had to do it over again, I’d buy the same two grills I kept: the GrillMaster Compact 300 and the Weber Smokey Joe Premium. The GrillMaster is my weeknight and casual outing workhorse. It’s reliable, feels solid, and gets the job done without fuss. The hot handle is a flaw, but I just
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