Portable PROPANE grills - Hi-Lo camper travel trailer forum

Wrascal · 06-26-2013, 05:17 PM

We grill often, perhaps 4 times week/year round. I'm fond of the Webers as I've had good long life out of them. My question for the community is ... can you recommend a great PORTABLE propane grill. Please skip the hoopla over propane, I like its convenience.

I've looked at Webers Q series and like the 200 series/ not too small and not too big. Anyone have one? Pro's/cons?

Are there any better ones?

69hilo2 · 06-26-2013, 06:01 PM

Well with the family down to just the wife and I, I normally take a 2 - burner coleman (gas or fuel).
Or a small screw on top burner that goes on the same bottle of propane.
When we start taking the hilo out I'll take both with us. One type backing the other type up.
That said I'll bet your looking to hear about the large ones.
Good Luck

Later Tim owner 18ft 1969 hilo

RichR · 06-26-2013, 07:25 PM

We have both a Weber Baby Q and a Q200. The best we ever had. The 200 stays home and the Baby Q gets to go along. They are a bit pricy but will outlast most other portables, parts are available forever, and their grilling/BBQ qualities are super.

Norton Rider · 06-26-2013, 07:33 PM

I tried a couple of different grills on my boat before I settled on a Magma Adventurer Marine. It has folding legs, so I also use it camping.

I like the Magma because it puts out a lot of heat and the temperature is pretty consistent around the grill. It does a great job at searing meat. It's a bit pricey but I think it's worth it.

Products

dallasnarc · 06-26-2013, 07:42 PM

I have had this portable grill for 3 years and have had excellent service form it.

GAT1913 BBQ grillware, BBQ Parts and BBQ Accessories

dallasnarc
2704T Hi-Lo

Wrascal · 06-26-2013, 08:57 PM

I've looked at the alternatives that you've mentioned but my past Webers experience have sold me on another one ... unless there is a very good reason not to.

I think that 95% of the time the Q100 would be the better size (also just two of us - generally - not counting my furry 4 legged ones) but then again, occasionally I'd want larger. That remaining 5% is what got me looking at the larger Q200.

Is bigger BETTER? Having both, RichR says he leaves the bigger one at home/ that's probably the best advice that fits my situation.

I'm not going to buy one tonight and so will watch for further recommendations.

Wrascal · 06-26-2013, 11:32 PM

I just ordered the Weber Q120 grill, its' portable table and a 6 foot long hose to feed the grill from a 20 pound propane tank instead of the throw-aways.

From Amazon - with FREE shipping and NO TAX (to Alabama residents) - the total is $254. Delivery will be Friday (get this folks, its Wed. night).

69hilo2 · 06-26-2013, 11:43 PM

Sounds like a great one that your going to enjoy a lot.

Later Tim Owner 1969 hilo

Wrascal · 06-27-2013, 07:48 AM

otherwise I'll blame it on RichR.

RichR · 06-27-2013, 08:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wrascal

otherwise I'll blame it on RichR.

I'll put you on my waiting list.

I don't think you will be disappointed.

Note: When you run off the bulk tank there a two things you should do. First, when you use the grill from the bulk tank turn the bulk tank on leave it sit for a few minutes before lighting the grill. This allows the anti-leak check valves and the gas pressure in the tank and line to equalize. Otherwise you will try to light the grill and the flame will fizzle out in a few seconds. Second, get a Mr. Heater fuel line filter to catch the crap from the bulk tank.
Amazon.com: Customer Reviews: Mr. Heater Fuel Filter for Portable Buddy and Big Buddy Heaters #F273699

Wrascal · 06-27-2013, 12:05 PM

I thought it was quite pure as it's delivered.
I've never had any problems but if I do then I'll look into it.

RichR · 06-27-2013, 12:27 PM

I have had tanks filled and then later get a light oily substance, like 3in1 oil, that may show up on the connection threads when disconnecting. I have heard that it may be from getting a tank filled from a nearly empty supply tank. I think the oil can get into the regulator and mess it up.

Wrascal · 06-27-2013, 02:56 PM

Refill vs Exchange.

I used to refill my tanks but then switched over to exchanging them. Much easier/quicker and as I recall at a similar price.

I swapped out three tanks the other day, $16 each (WallyWorld).

I've never noticed any oily stuff but I haven't looked for it either.

I just did an inventory, I have 8 tanks: 2 on the camper, one each on the Weber grill, CharBroil smoker, fire ring, and three reserve. I guess one reserve will go towards this new baby Q.

All part of my storm preparedness plan.

Forgotten: I HAVE A 250 GAL PROPANE TANK FOR THE GENERATOR.

RichR · 06-27-2013, 08:12 PM

Don't quote me on this but I believe many of the exchange tanks are not full refills like getting your tanks refilled. 15 lbs vs. 20 lbs respectively. That may be brand specific and not typical of all. That goes along with the downsizing while keeping the prices the same trend. I don't know if the filled weight is stated on the exchange tanks.

Wrascal · 06-27-2013, 09:23 PM

I guess it's possible - but illegal - if they advertise it as 20#.

I can't imagine the bigger players (WallyWorld, Home Depot, Lowes, etc) would chance it. Thinking about it I BELIEVE that'd be more likely from the struggling Mom and Pop places that refill on demand.

But well never know.... crooks exist everywhere.

Forgot to mention, it's the law here in Alabama (and I believe its actually a Federal law) but propane tanks can ONLY be filled to the 80 percentile. The remaining 20% is a safety reserve to allow the gas to expand in the heat.

RichR · 06-27-2013, 09:50 PM

Go to the third from the last question on this webpage: Blue Rhino - Tank Exchange

The new OPD tanks will not allow an overfilled tank. The internal float valve shuts off the flow from the supply line at a maximum level. That came about because people did overfill them.

69hilo2 · 06-28-2013, 12:15 AM

Just had a friends 20# tank refilled at a mom and pop company. The weight of the empty tank is stamped at the top of the tank (this case 18#). Well she filled it till gas till gas blew off the side over flow. Then weighted it and it came to 36#. I asked and she was quick to state about the overflow prevent system. As was stated about 80%. Which math states 80% of 20 is 16. So a completely filled tank 18#'s (empty weight) add 16#'s and get a total of 34#'s. Well it weighted about 36#'s. FYI

Later Tim

69hilo2 · 06-28-2013, 12:17 AM

Forgot to add. Talked with a friend that ran a LP gas company for about 9 years of course about 10 years ago. His statement about a filter was something like, never heard of it. Then he stated something about why not if you want it. FYI

Later Tim

RichR · 06-28-2013, 09:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 69hilo2

Forgot to add. Talked with a friend that ran a LP gas company for about 9 years of course about 10 years ago. His statement about a filter was something like, never heard of it. Then he stated something about why not if you want it. FYI

Later Tim

The filter is strictly optional. The Mr. Heater Buddy heaters recommend them when using bulk tanks to keep from fowling the heating elements.

Wrascal · 06-28-2013, 01:33 PM

"Go to the third from the last question on this webpage: Blue Rhino - Tank Exchange"

Well I'll be a monkeys uncle. I'll have to check the fine print next time.