For years, my quest for the perfect portable grill felt like a fool’s errand. I’ve lugged around flimsy, suitcase-style grills that barely got hot enough to toast bread, let alone put a decent sear on a thick-cut ribeye. I’ve wrestled with models that promised portability but weighed a ton and had more awkward angles than a piece of modern art. The story was always the same: a frustrating compromise between convenience and performance. When you’re out at the campsite, the tailgate, or just enjoying a day at the park, you want the savory, flame-kissed flavor of a backyard barbecue, not a steamed, grey piece of meat. Giving up on a good steak just to downsize our camping footprint, as one user aptly put it, felt like a sacrifice too great. This dilemma—the gap between true grilling power and genuine portability—is where the Char-Broil Grill2Go X200 Portable Propane Grill stakes its claim, promising a no-compromise solution.
- 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...
- COOKING TECHNOLOGY: The Amplifire cooking system grills juicier food, eliminates guesswork and prevents flare-ups. Our emitter plate transfers heat from...
Before You Buy: Key Considerations for a Portable Propane Grill
A portable propane grill is more than just a compact cooking device; it’s a key solution for unlocking culinary freedom beyond the backyard. It’s for the adventurer, the tailgater, the RVer, and the apartment dweller who refuses to let space dictate their ability to enjoy a perfectly grilled meal. The main benefit lies in its ability to deliver high-heat cooking powered by convenient, readily available 1-pound propane canisters, offering a level of performance and flavor that campfires or small charcoal grills often can’t match, all while being easy to transport and set up.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone who values performance and convenience equally. They are often on the move and need a durable, reliable grill that can handle the rigors of travel and still cook like a champ. This includes campers who want to elevate their outdoor cooking, sports fans who are serious about their pre-game barbecue, and anyone with a small patio or balcony. Conversely, this might not be the right choice for someone who primarily grills for large crowds at home. In that case, a larger, multi-burner stationary grill would be a more suitable and efficient option. If your primary need is slow-cooking or smoking, a dedicated portable pellet smoker might be a better alternative.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: A portable grill’s footprint is paramount. Consider not just its packed-down size (like the Grill2Go X200’s 23.7″ W x 15.7″ D dimensions) but also its weight. At 20 pounds, the X200 is substantial but manageable. Look for features that enhance portability, such as integrated carry handles and secure lid latches, which prevent mishaps during transport.
- Capacity/Performance: Don’t be fooled by high BTU ratings alone. The cooking system is far more important. The Char-Broil Grill2Go X200 boasts 9,500 BTUs, but its real power comes from the TRU-Infrared (Amplifire) technology. This system ensures even heat distribution across the 200 square inch cooking surface and prevents flare-ups, a common plague of small grills. Consider how many people you typically cook for; a 200 sq. in. surface is great for 2-4 people, fitting up to 8 burgers.
- Materials & Durability: The road is tough on gear. Look for robust materials like the die-cast aluminum lid and firebox and stainless steel components found on the X200. These resist rust and physical damage better than cheaper, painted thin steel. The grate material also matters; porcelain-coated steel grates, like those on this model, offer a good balance of heat retention and non-stick properties.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: In an outdoor setting, simplicity is king. A reliable push-button igniter is a must-have. Think about cleanup: a removable grease tray is non-negotiable for quick and easy maintenance. Consider how the grates themselves need to be cleaned, as some cooking systems, while high-performing, can require a bit more effort to keep in top shape.
Understanding these factors will ensure you choose a portable grill that not only travels well but also delivers the exceptional cooking results you crave, wherever your adventures take you. You can see the full specifications and features of the Grill2Go X200 to compare against your needs.
While the Char-Broil Grill2Go X200 Portable Propane Grill is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
- High-Heat Propane Gas BBQ Grill – This 4-burner gas grill with an additional 8,500 BTU side burner delivers a total of 46,500 BTU. Enjoy rapid...
- ❤ STAINLESS STEEL BURNERS: This propane gas grill has 3 Stainless Steel burners, can put out 30,000 BTU-per-hour with integrated piezoelectric ignition...
- Heavy-Duty Griddle Plate – Built with a 4mm thick, reinforced hot-pressed steel griddle that ensures excellent heat retention and durability. Perfect for...
First Impressions: Unboxing the Road-Ready Char-Broil Grill2Go X200
Pulling the Char-Broil Grill2Go X200 Portable Propane Grill from its box, the first impression is one of surprising substance. Unlike many portable grills that feel flimsy and destined for a short lifespan, the X200 feels like a miniature tank. The die-cast aluminum body and lid are thick and solid, conveying a sense of durability that inspires confidence. Users often describe it as being “built like a brick oven,” and we have to agree. The stainless steel latches snap down with a satisfying, secure clank, and the stout carry handles feel like they can easily manage the grill’s 20-pound weight without complaint.
Assembly is refreshingly minimal, consisting of little more than attaching the handles and the regulator. Before our first cook, we heeded the advice of seasoned users and performed a crucial first step: the initial burn-off. We fired it up on high for about 20 minutes with the lid closed. This process, as one griller noted, emits a “strong whiff of plastic,” which is normal for many new appliances. This essential seasoning step burns off any residual manufacturing oils and coatings, ensuring your first meal tastes of delicious barbecue, not chemicals. It’s a simple but vital procedure that sets the stage for everything to come.
Key Benefits
- Incredibly powerful searing capability thanks to TRU-Infrared tech
- Effectively eliminates flare-ups for juicier, evenly cooked food
- Extremely rugged, road-worthy construction with quality materials
- Compact and genuinely portable design with secure latches
Potential Drawbacks
- Runs extremely hot, making low-temperature control very difficult
- Stock regulator and control knob can be of questionable quality
In the Field: Putting the Grill2Go X200’s Amplifire Tech to the Test
A grill’s true measure is taken not on a spec sheet, but in the heat of cooking. We took the Char-Broil Grill2Go X200 Portable Propane Grill through its paces with everything from thick-cut steaks to delicate vegetables to see if its performance lived up to its rugged exterior. The results were impressive, enlightening, and confirmed much of what we’d seen from the user community—this is a grill of fantastic extremes.
The TRU-Infrared (Amplifire) Advantage: Searing Power and Flare-Up Freedom
The heart of this grill is Char-Broil’s TRU-Infrared cooking system, which they now call Amplifire. Instead of direct flames licking at your food, the burner heats a special stainless steel emitter plate that sits just below the porcelain-coated cooking grate. This plate radiates intense, even infrared heat directly to your food. The benefits were immediately obvious. During our tests with some well-marbled ribeyes, the grill got searingly hot in just a few minutes. The moment the steaks hit the grate, we were greeted with a thunderous sizzle that you just don’t get from most portable units. The result was a deep, mahogany crust and perfect grill marks, locking in all the juices for an incredibly flavorful steak. As one happy user exclaimed, this grill “sears like nobody’s business.”
Even more impressive was the total absence of flare-ups. We grilled fatty burgers and sausages, items that would turn a conventional portable grill into an inferno. On the X200, the drippings hit the hot emitter plate and instantly vaporized into smoke, returning that flavor right back into the food. There were no sudden flare-ups to manage, no charred exteriors with raw interiors. This single feature is a game-changer for portable grilling, as it makes the cooking process more predictable, less stressful, and ultimately yields a juicier, better-tasting product. It’s a feature that really sets it apart in the crowded portable market.
The Heat Conundrum: Taming the “Blast Furnace”
With great power comes great responsibility, and the X200’s power is immense. The most common refrain among users—and a finding we quickly confirmed—is that this grill runs hot. Extremely hot. On its lowest setting with the lid closed, the lid-mounted thermometer quickly climbed past 500°F and kept going. Several users refer to it as a “blast furnace,” and the description isn’t far off. One reviewer even recounted a call with the manufacturer where they allegedly admitted the grill runs hot and was best suited for hamburgers. While it excels at high-heat applications like searing steaks and burgers, this aggressive heat output presents a significant challenge for anything requiring more finesse.
Attempting to grill chicken breasts or fish required a new strategy. Leaving the lid open was necessary to keep the temperature in a manageable range. We found, as experienced users have, that you must learn the grill’s “nuances.” This isn’t a “set it and forget it” appliance. It demands your attention. For those who want more precise control, the community has found solutions. Many owners have successfully modified the grill by replacing the stock regulator with an adjustable one, like a Bayou Classic valve. Others have found that a simple adjustment with a hex key inside the gas valve can tame the flame. While we wish this level of control was available out of the box, the fact that a dedicated community has developed these fixes speaks to the fundamental quality of the grill’s core design. People love its build and searing power so much that they’re willing to tweak it to perfection.
Built for the Road: Portability and Durability in Focus
Char-Broil clearly designed the Grill2Go X200 with travel in mind. The 20-pound weight is a perfect middle ground—heavy enough to feel stable and durable, but light enough for one person to carry comfortably from the car to the picnic table. The large, sturdy handles on either side provide a confident grip, and the heavy-duty stainless steel latches ensure the lid stays firmly shut, containing the grate and any residual grease during transport. We tossed it in the back of an SUV for a weekend trip, and it traveled without a single issue.
We were particularly impressed by a clever tip from one user who found that a 27-gallon “tough tote” from a home improvement store serves as the perfect, affordable carrying case. It not only protects the grill but also has enough room for tongs, a brush, and a couple of 1-pound propane cylinders, keeping the entire grilling kit in one place. This speaks to the grill’s convenient, boxy form factor, which is easy to pack and store. The die-cast aluminum construction means we don’t have to worry about rust if it gets caught in a sudden downpour, a crucial feature for any piece of camping equipment. After several uses, it’s clear this grill is built to withstand years of adventures, a sentiment echoed by long-time owners who use it for everything from RVing to boating.
Real-World Feedback: What Other Users Are Saying
After our own extensive testing, we delved deep into the experiences of other owners to paint a complete picture. The consensus is remarkably consistent. The positive feedback almost universally praises the grill’s raw power and build quality. One full-time RVer of 20 years called it the “best small portable BBQ ever,” awarding it “20 Stars” and noting they’ve cooked everything from small turkeys and roasts to steaks and burgers on it. Another user, looking for a boat grill, chose the X200 over pricier marine-specific brands specifically because of its superior infrared grate, finding it “seers your meat perfectly.”
On the flip side, the criticism is just as focused. The primary complaint revolves around the aggressive heat and the stock regulator. One frustrated user stated the regulator allows a temperature range “equal to somewhere between a steel blast furnace and somewhere deep in the pits of hell.” Another pointed out a significant safety concern, calling the plastic valve stem on the regulator a “piece of junk” that broke on their third use, leaving them unable to shut off the gas. These quality control issues with the regulator and knob are a recurring theme and a definite weak point in an otherwise stellar product. In summary, the community agrees: if you want a portable grill that can sear like a high-end steakhouse model and you’re willing to either master its heat or make a small modification, the Char-Broil Grill2Go X200 Portable Propane Grill is one of the best you can buy.
How Does It Compare? Char-Broil Grill2Go X200 vs. The Competition
The Char-Broil Grill2Go X200 Portable Propane Grill occupies a unique space, but it’s not without competitors. Here’s how it stacks up against some notable alternatives, including a unique “competitor” that’s actually a solution.
1. vivicreate Propane Gas Regulator 20 PSIG
- 🔥 INCLUDE CSA listed regulator, 0-20 PSIG adjustable high pressure, 4 feet length gas hose to support enough space to connect with propane gas tank.
- 🔥 GREAT OUTDOOR GAS STOVE - Perfect for outdoor cooking, camping and parties, With 2 powerful Cast Iron burners to work with, this burner stove makes...
This isn’t a grill, but rather the most common solution to the X200’s biggest flaw. For the user who loves the X200’s rugged build, flare-up-free infrared cooking, and incredible searing power but is frustrated by the lack of low-temperature control, an adjustable regulator like this is the perfect upgrade. It’s for the hands-on griller who doesn’t mind a small, inexpensive DIY project to turn a great grill into a perfect one. By swapping out the stock regulator, you gain precise control over the gas flow, allowing you to dial the temperature down for more delicate foods like chicken, fish, or vegetables, unlocking the full potential of the X200’s excellent cooking system.
2. PIT BOSS Stainless Steel Two-Burner Portable Grill
- 274 square inches of cooking space, holds approximately 12 burgers
- Easy push-and-turn ignition, 2 ABS control knobs
The Pit Boss Two-Burner is a more traditional portable grill and a direct competitor. Its main advantage lies in its dual 10,000 BTU burners, which allow for true two-zone cooking—you can sear on one side while keeping the other on low. This offers a level of temperature versatility that the single-burner X200 lacks out of the box. However, it uses a conventional direct-flame system, making it more susceptible to flare-ups. The Pit Boss is a better choice for someone who prioritizes temperature flexibility for cooking diverse meals simultaneously over the X200’s specialized, superior searing performance and flare-up prevention.
3. Monument Grills 4+2 Burner Propane Gas Grill
- STAINLESS STEEL BURNERS - Four main 304 stainless steel burners, one side burner, and one side sear burner with 72,000 total BTUs deliver powerful heat and...
- LARGE COOKING AREA - 723 square inches of total cooking area offers plenty of grilling space; 513 square inches of primary cooking area and 210 square...
This Monument Grills model represents a completely different class of grill and serves as a reality check for potential buyers. If you find yourself only occasionally needing portability and primarily grilling at home, a full-size grill like this might be a better investment. It offers a massive cooking area, multiple main burners, an infrared side sear burner, a storage cabinet, and all the features of a robust backyard cooking station. It’s for the home entertainer, not the adventurer. The X200 is for the person who wants to take great grilling with them; the Monument is for the person who wants their backyard to be the grilling destination.
The Final Verdict: Is the Char-Broil Grill2Go X200 Your Perfect Portable Powerhouse?
After extensive use and analysis, our verdict on the Char-Broil Grill2Go X200 Portable Propane Grill is clear: it is a phenomenal piece of portable grilling equipment, but it comes with a significant caveat. For the specific task of high-heat searing, it is arguably one of the best portable grills on the market. Its TRU-Infrared system delivers intense, even heat that produces incredible crusts on steaks and burgers, and its complete elimination of flare-ups is a revolutionary feature in a grill this size. Combined with a build quality that feels like it could survive an apocalypse, it’s an RVer’s, camper’s, or tailgater’s dream for powerful, no-fuss grilling.
However, its untamed heat is a real drawback for anyone hoping to do more delicate, lower-temperature cooking. It is a specialized tool, a searing savant. We recommend it wholeheartedly to anyone who prioritizes that perfect, steakhouse-quality sear above all else. If that’s you, and you’re willing to either learn its fiery personality or invest in a simple regulator upgrade, you will be rewarded with one of the most durable and high-performing portable grills available. For those seeking true grilling excellence on the go, the Char-Broil Grill2Go X200 is a top-tier choice well worth your consideration.
Last update on 2025-11-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API