Spontaneous clambakes. Fire escape kabobs. Picnic pitas, toasted over coals. Need I go on?
As summer looms, we're preparing for any char-grilled flavor opportunity. (Did we mention roasted marshmallows yet?) Here is a roundup of ten of our favorite portable grills:
Above: Designed by Tools Design, a fireproof porcelain Eva Solo Table Grill has a handle to make it easy to carry along to the beach; available in white or black, it is $325 from LBC Modern.
Above: Easy to carry and designed to fit a small space such as a balcony, a wood-burning Ceramic Fire Bowl With Pan And Grill Frame is 158€ from Manufactum.
Above: A 12-inch-square charcoal grill with an ingenious design—the charcoal briquette fit into their own slots, like puzzle pieces—consumes 75 percent less fuel than similarly sized grills. To cook a dinner for four, for example, you need use only nine charcoal briquettes. The EcoQue Portable Grill is $125 from A + R.
Above: A black enameled Folding Portable Charcoal Grill comes with a carrying case so you can take along to the beach; $49.95 from Crate & Barrel.
Above: With a conical shape that promotes efficient burning, A Cast Iron Fire Bowl collects ash in the base and has a built-in air pocket from which the fire can draw; $465 from Design Within Reach. It burns wood or charcoal; an optional Stainless Grill Top is $110.
Above: A folding Pack and Carry Fireplace (L) comes in three sizes at prices ranging from $100.95 to $189.95 and will leave no trace if you are camping; accessorize it with a grate to burn wood or a Fireplace Grill Bridge (in three sizes, at prices ranging from $34.95 to $42.95); available from Snow Peak.
Above: With an adjustable height grill and a draft door to regulate heat, the Lodge Cast Iron Hibachi Grill is $145 from West Elm.
Above: The Bodum Fyrkat Picnic Charcoal Grill in red is $79.95 from Wayfair.
Above: A Weber Smokey Joe Charcoal Grill has a glass-reinforced handle and a lid that locks for carrying; $34.99 from Amazon.
Above: From HEAT, a collapsible Portable Charcoal Grill with adjustable grill height, a chrome grill, and handles is available in four colors including orange (shown) ; it's 59.95€ from Barbecues Winkel.
For more of our favorite outdoor cooking options, see World's Best Barbecue Grills.