Char-Broil's Grill2Go Express 06401314 is ideal for quick pick-up-and-go grilling. This compact travel grill proves its worth in terms of portability. If your primary consideration in a compact grill is size, this little beauty fits the bill. With its legs folded, the Grill2Go Express measures 27 inches wide (including the front handle) by 18 inches deep. It stands about 13 inches tall. Unfolding the legs adds another 4 inches to the overall height.

This grill is designed to be used on a tabletop. A lightweight folding table works well, as does a picnic table. You need a surface that is flat and at least 15x32 inches to accommodate the grill's two side legs and also provide a steady work surface. It's important to keep the grill level, in order for the drip tray to function properly. Of course, in a pinch, you can also place the grill directly on the ground; however, you will then need to sit or kneel on the ground to monitor the cooking.

The Grill2Go Express is constructed using lightweight porcelain-coated steel components (hooks, grates, control panel), with heat-resistant plastic legs, handles and side shelves. The cookbox is made from heavy cast aluminum to stand up to the intense heat generated by the burners.

What's unusual for a grill this size is the fact that there are two independently controlled burners. The grill also has two flame-spreading vaporizer bars that protects the burners from excess drips and help fan the heat over a larger area so all points on the cooking surface cook evenly. We tested the evenness using delicate garlic bread and found the areas directly to the side of the vaporizer bars were slightly hotter but only marginally so. We were also amazed at how hot this grill got. Within 5 minutes, the grill surface was measured at approximately 450 degrees Fahrenheit, shortly thereafter, the temperature climbed to 500 degrees, before we adjusted the control knobs down to a moderate setting for grilling.

We were also impressed at the surprisingly ample amount of grilling space. We were able to fit eight large hamburgers on the 10.5x20.5-inch (200 square inches) cooking surface with no difficulty. The cooking grates are porcelain-coated steel with open slots to allow grease to drain, while also letting the flames peek through for true barbecue flavor. While we really liked this design for grilling, we did notice that it made the cleanup a bit more cumbersome because of the need to wipe the inside of the grill as well as the grates and drip tray. Regular cleaning will prevent flare-ups and keep the grill functioning well.

Other features of the Grill2Go Express include two flip-out 9.5-square-inch side tables with molded utensil hooks and cup holders, a convenient quick-connect gas coupling, two comfortable, easy turn control knobs with adjustable heat settings and a rotary flint-style igniter button. We especially liked the design of the shelves, which simply fold in (on top of the cooking grate) for storage. Another feature worth mentioning is the unique LED nightlight that clips onto the handle. Powered by four AA batteries, the light strip shines down on the grates to allow for night grilling. The light can also be removed and used as a utility light.


Pros: Ultra compact and lightweight, 200 sq. in. cooking surface, LED nightlight clips onto handle for nighttime grilling
Cons: Requires a separate table, thin metal cooking grates may wear out over time