There’s a special kind of freedom that comes with taking great food on the road. For years, my grilling was tethered to the patio, a large, cumbersome beast of stainless steel that, while capable, was firmly rooted in place. Every camping trip, tailgate party, or beach day was a compromise, relying on disposable charcoal grills that were messy, unpredictable, and frankly, a pale imitation of the real thing. I craved the searing power and convenience of gas grilling, but in a package that could fit in the trunk of my car without a logistical nightmare. The challenge was finding a portable grill that didn’t feel like a toy—one built with real, durable materials that could deliver a serious sear without weighing a ton. It’s a surprisingly difficult balance to strike, leading many to settle for flimsy, rust-prone models that barely last a season.
- 【LIGHTWEIGHT CAST ALUMINUM FRAME】Constructed from durable cast aluminum, this small propane grill offers superior heat distribution and retention,...
- 【CAST IRON COOKING GRATE】Get exceptional sears that boost flavor and texture, while the natural non-stick surface and durable design ensure your...
What to Consider Before Buying a Portable Propane Grill
A portable propane grill is more than just a smaller version of its backyard counterpart; it’s a key solution for unlocking culinary potential anywhere you go. From a balcony with limited space to a remote campsite, these compact powerhouses provide instant, controllable heat for everything from morning bacon to evening steaks. The main benefits are convenience, speed, and control. Unlike charcoal, there’s no waiting for coals to heat up, and temperature adjustments are instantaneous, preventing the dreaded burnt-on-the-outside, raw-on-the-inside scenario. This makes them perfect for quick meals and unpredictable weather.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone who values mobility and convenience without sacrificing cooking quality. This includes RV enthusiasts, campers, tailgaters, boat owners, and apartment dwellers with small patios. They need a grill that is lightweight enough to carry, compact enough to store, but powerful enough to cook for a small group of two to four people. Conversely, this type of grill might not be suitable for those who regularly host large backyard parties or need to cook for more than four people at once. If you’re looking for a permanent fixture for a large deck and need multiple cooking zones, a larger, cabinet-style grill would be a much better investment.
Before investing in a portable propane grill, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Portability: This is paramount. Look at the grill’s weight and its dimensions when ready for transport. Do the legs fold? Is there a secure lid latch? A grill that’s small but awkward to carry, with dangling parts, defeats the purpose of portability. Measure your car trunk or storage space to ensure a good fit.
- Cooking Power & Surface Area: Performance is measured in BTUs (British Thermal Units) and cooking surface area (square inches). For a single-burner portable, anything around 10,000 BTUs is excellent. The cooking area, around 180-200 sq. in., is typically enough to handle about 6-8 burger patties, which is perfect for a small family or group.
- Materials & Durability: This is where many budget grills fail. Look for a cast aluminum firebox and lid, as they resist rust far better than painted or coated steel. For the cooking grates, porcelain-coated cast iron is the gold standard, offering superior heat retention for excellent searing marks and a naturally non-stick surface that’s easier to clean.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: Features like a push-button ignition (like a Piezo system) are a must for hassle-free startups. A removable grease management tray is also critical for long-term care and preventing flare-ups. Consider how easy the grates are to remove and clean; some are even small enough to fit in a standard kitchen sink, a huge bonus when on the road.
Understanding these factors will help you choose a portable grill that becomes a trusted companion for your adventures, rather than a frustrating piece of gear left in the garage.
While the Nexgrill 1-Burner Portable Propane Gas Grill 820-BC002 is an excellent choice that we’ll dive into, 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 a Surprisingly Robust Grill
Upon unboxing the Nexgrill 1-Burner Portable Propane Gas Grill 820-BC002, the first thing we noticed was its surprising heft and substance. In a market flooded with flimsy stamped-steel competitors, this grill felt different. At just under 16 pounds, it strikes a perfect balance—solid enough to feel durable, yet light enough for one person to carry easily. The main body, composed of a cast aluminum lid and firebox, has a rugged, premium feel that immediately inspires confidence. This material choice is a huge plus, as it promises excellent heat retention and, most importantly, a rust-free life.
Assembly was straightforward, taking us about 15 minutes from start to finish. As one user noted, a second set of hands can make attaching the legs a bit quicker due to the grill’s shape, but it’s entirely manageable for one person. The star of the show, even before the first cook, was the porcelain-coated cast iron cooking grate. It’s thick, heavy, and feels like it belongs on a much larger, more expensive grill. This is the kind of component that gets you excited about searing steaks. The Piezo ignition clicked reliably, and the single large control knob felt sturdy. Initial impressions were overwhelmingly positive; this grill is built with materials that prioritize cooking performance over cutting costs.
What We Like
- Superior Construction: The cast aluminum body and lid are lightweight, rust-proof, and excellent at retaining heat.
- High-Performance Cooking Grate: The porcelain-coated cast iron grate provides exceptional searing capabilities, a feature often missing in portable models.
- Powerful Burner: 10,000 BTUs deliver quick pre-heating and high temperatures for a perfect cook.
- Excellent Value: For its price point, the quality of the core materials is outstanding compared to competitors.
Potential Drawbacks
- Misleading Portability Features: The legs are stationary and do not fold, and there is no lid latch, which complicates transport and storage.
- Inconsistent Ignition: While our unit worked, several users report the Piezo igniter failing, requiring a manual lighter.
- No Built-in Thermometer: Lacks a lid thermometer, making precise temperature control a matter of guesswork and experience.
A Deep Dive into the Nexgrill 820-BC002’s Performance
A grill’s true worth is proven over the flame. We put the Nexgrill 1-Burner Portable Propane Gas Grill 820-BC002 through its paces over several weeks, using it for everything from camping trips to quick weeknight dinners on the patio. We wanted to see if its impressive build quality translated into equally impressive cooking results. The answer, we discovered, is a resounding yes, though with a few important caveats related to its design.
Construction & Durability: The Cast Iron and Aluminum Advantage
The foundation of any great grill is its materials, and this is where the Nexgrill 820-BC002 truly shines, setting it far apart from many rivals. The decision to use a cast aluminum firebox and lid is a game-changer in this category. Unlike the painted steel common in many portable grills, aluminum is inherently rust-proof. We left our test unit out in a couple of unexpected rain showers, and after drying, it looked as good as new, with no signs of corrosion. This is a grill built to withstand the elements, a critical feature for a product designed for outdoor life. This sentiment was echoed by users, one of whom specifically chose it because they “didn’t want a stainless grill (too hard to maintain and are flimsy thin).”
The real centerpiece of the cooking system is the porcelain-coated cast iron grate. It’s substantial and holds heat incredibly well. After a 10-minute preheat, the grate was ripping hot, ready to put a beautiful, deep sear on a pair of thick-cut ribeyes. This heat retention also leads to more even cooking, as the grate temperature doesn’t plummet the moment you place cold food on it. The porcelain coating, while not as perfectly smooth as what you might find on a premium Weber Q series grill, is effective and makes cleanup manageable. We found the best method, as confirmed by another user, was to let the grates cool and wash them in the sink. The durability of a grill built with these robust materials cannot be overstated; it feels like an investment that will last for many seasons of adventure.
Cooking Power & Heat Control: Searing with Authority
With 10,000 BTUs from a single 304-grade stainless steel burner, this grill has plenty of power on tap. It heats up remarkably fast, reaching searing temperatures in under 10 minutes, even on a breezy day. This aligns perfectly with user reports that it “heats up quick” and “gets nice and hot.” We were able to achieve a fantastic crust on burgers and steaks, locking in juices effectively. The burner design provides surprisingly even heat distribution across the 183 square inches of cooking space. While there’s a slight hot spot directly over the burner tube, it’s predictable and easily managed.
However, mastering that heat takes some practice. The biggest omission in its feature set is a built-in lid thermometer. This means you’re flying blind when it comes to knowing the ambient temperature inside the grill, which is crucial for anything beyond direct, high-heat grilling. We had to rely on experience and the occasional peek to gauge cooking times for chicken thighs and thicker pork chops. One user wisely noted they “added the thermostat…no big deal,” which is a highly recommended and inexpensive upgrade for anyone serious about their grilling. Despite this, the grill’s raw power is undeniable. It performs its core function—getting hot and cooking food well—with impressive authority for its size, a feature that really sets its performance apart.
Portability & Design: A Story of Missed Opportunities
Herein lies the central paradox of the Nexgrill 1-Burner Portable Propane Gas Grill 820-BC002. As a *compact* or *tabletop* grill, it is superb. Its small footprint makes it perfect for a tiny balcony, a boat, or a permanent spot at a campsite. Users who bought it for “van life” or to use on their boat called it “absolutely perfect.” It’s lightweight and easy to move from the garage to the patio. The legs are sturdy, providing a stable cooking platform.
However, as a truly *portable* grill for those constantly on the move, it has some frustrating design flaws. The most significant issue, mentioned repeatedly by disappointed users, is that the legs do not fold. One user stated bluntly, “Disappointed the legs do not fold as stated in the write up.” Another commented, “Great grill but they took away the folding legs and top lock.” This, combined with the lack of a lid latch, means that for transport, you have a somewhat awkward shape to pack, and the heavy cast iron grate can slide around inside if not secured. It transforms the grill from a “grab-and-go” item into a “pack-with-care” item. This seems like a baffling oversight for a product aimed squarely at the camping and tailgating market. While its cooking prowess might make you forgive these flaws, it’s a critical point to consider if your primary need is ultimate portability and quick setup/teardown.
What Other Users Are Saying
Our findings are strongly supported by the wider community of users. The praise is almost universally directed at the grill’s core cooking ability and build quality. One happy camper reported, “This is a high quality grill and I have been very satisfied with its performance.” Another who replaced an older, larger grill was thrilled, stating, “This is a well cast and finished aluminum. The grates are indeed a good cast iron. The whole design of this grill is well thought out and manufactured.” These comments confirm our assessment that the fundamental components are excellent for the price.
However, the negative feedback is just as consistent and focuses on features and quality control. The non-folding legs are a major source of frustration. On the functional side, the Piezo igniter is a point of contention. While ours worked fine, one user gave a direct warning: “Igniter is worthless so make sure you bring a lighter with you!” More concerning are isolated but serious reports. One user had a frustrating three-month ordeal with customer service over a faulty part, while another reported a terrifying incident where a leg near the gas hose caught fire. While this appears to be a rare event, it’s a stark reminder to always follow safety procedures and check connections carefully before each use.
How Does the Nexgrill 820-BC002 Compare to the Alternatives?
No product exists in a vacuum. To understand if the Nexgrill 1-Burner Portable Propane Gas Grill 820-BC002 is the right choice for you, it’s essential to see how it stacks up against other options that serve different needs.
1. Monument Grills 4-Burner Propane Gas Grill
- 52000 BTUs COOKING POWER - Four main burners and one side burner with total 52,000 BTUs deliver powerful heat and great grilling experience
- LARGE COOKING AREA - 570 square inches of total cooking area offers plenty of grilling space; 405 square inches of primary cooking area and 165 square...
This Monument grill represents the opposite end of the spectrum. It is a full-size, cabinet-style grill designed for a permanent home on a patio or deck. With four main burners, a side burner, and a massive cooking area, it’s built for entertaining large groups. If your primary need is capacity and you have the space, the Monument is a far more capable choice for backyard barbecues. It’s not portable in any sense of the word, making it an alternative only for those who realize their “portable” needs are actually better served by a stationary, high-capacity grill.
2. ARC Advanced Royal Champion 13″ Single Propane Burner
- Powerful Heat Output: High-pressure system at 30,000 BTU/h, it can generate a lot of heat, perfect for wok cooking and stir frying. It's an ideal gas...
- Premium Quality: ARC propane burner stove is made to last as it made from heavy-duty cast iron with weather proof cosating to stand any outdoor condition.
The ARC burner isn’t a grill at all, but a high-power outdoor stove. It’s designed for specific tasks like wok cooking, brewing, or using very large stockpots that wouldn’t fit on a standard grill. For a camper who wants to do more than just grill—say, a big crawfish boil or frying fish—this burner offers immense, focused power. It’s a specialized tool. Someone might choose this *in addition* to the Nexgrill, but it doesn’t replace it. It’s for the outdoor cook who needs raw, high-BTU flame for pot-based cooking, not for searing burgers or chicken.
3. Coleman Fold ‘N Go 6,000 BTU Portable Propane Grill
- Portable folding grill with built-in handle for easy transport and storage
- Delivers 6,000 BTUs of heat across 105 sq. in. of grilling surface
The Coleman Fold ‘N Go is the most direct competitor to the Nexgrill, and it highlights the Nexgrill’s biggest weakness. As its name implies, this grill is built from the ground up for portability, folding down into a compact, briefcase-like shape that is incredibly easy to transport and store. However, this comes at a cost. It offers only 6,000 BTUs and typically uses a stamped steel grate, meaning it lacks the raw searing power and heat retention of the Nexgrill’s cast iron. The choice here is clear: If ultimate, hassle-free portability is your number one priority, the Coleman is superior. If you prioritize cooking performance and build quality over convenience of transport, the Nexgrill is the clear winner.
Our Final Verdict: Is the Nexgrill 820-BC002 Worth It?
After extensive testing, we can confidently say that the Nexgrill 1-Burner Portable Propane Gas Grill 820-BC002 is a fantastic *compact* grill, but a flawed *portable* one. Its performance is driven by a stellar combination of a rust-proof cast aluminum body and a heavy-duty cast iron cooking grate—materials that are typically found on more expensive models. It gets incredibly hot, sears beautifully, and delivers the kind of results you’d expect from a much larger grill.
We highly recommend this grill to anyone looking for a high-performance cooking machine for a small space, like an apartment balcony, a boat, or a semi-permanent campsite setup where it won’t be packed and unpacked frequently. However, for the serious road-tripper, tailgater, or camper who values quick setup and efficient packing above all else, the non-folding legs and lack of a lid latch are significant drawbacks that cannot be ignored. If you can live with those design quirks, you’ll be rewarded with one of the best-cooking and most durable tabletop grills in its price class. For those who prioritize performance, this grill offers incredible value and is a worthy addition to your outdoor adventures. You can check the latest price and see its full feature set online to decide if it’s the right fit for your needs.
Last update on 2025-11-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API