The OUTDOORCHEF City Grill 420 is a compact, portable grill that performs like a pro. As its name suggests, the grill is engineered for city use (e.g., on balconies of high rise apartments); however, the grill also functions well as a travel grill and is ideal for taking to picnics at the beach or tailgating at the ballpark. Its claim to fame is virtually smokeless cooking, made possible by a unique flip funnel design that adds extra radiant heat, while deflecting drippings away from the burner to prevent flareups and smoke.

This kettle-style gas barbecue is attractively designed in black enameled steel with a contrasting orange lid handle. The kettle measures 16.5 inches in diameter and sits atop a stand with four legs attached to a support ring at the base. Even atop its stand, the City Grill is only 24 inches tall and requires a table or other work surface to bring it up to eye level for grilling. The grill can also be set on the ground, so long as the chef does not mind sitting or bending to tend the food.

The City Grill is equipped with a unique flip funnel technology. A large two-piece metal funnel, roughly the diameter of the kettle at its widest point, can be used two ways. With the funnel pointed down, heat from the burner is channeled up the outside of the funnel and around the food, similar to a convection oven. You can use this method to bake a whole chicken or turkey, without ever having to turn the food. Vent holes in the lid ensure proper air circulation. By turning the funnel in the upright position, you can concentrate the heat directly under the grate to sear burgers, hot dogs, steaks, brick oven style pizza and much more.

What's great about this grill is its lightweight, compact design, which lets you pick up and go quickly and easily. It weighs just 26 pounds. A separate storage/carrying case is available for the grill and well worth the investment ($39.95) if you plan to use the grill on the road. Assembly and disassembly is accomplished in just minutes.

We were impressed at how hot this little grill got. The grill lit on the first try. A pushbutton flint-style igniter provides a reliable spark for lighting. In just 5 minutes, the hood thermometer registered 400 degrees Fahrenheit; after 10 minutes, it had reached 500 degrees! Not bad for a single burner grill. A single dial control lets you adjust the temperature from Hi to Lo in varying increments. The power is supplied by a portable 16-ounce propane cylinder, which screws onto a stationary value. A cylinder support rack is included but was a bit awkward to attach and unnecessary in any case.

The OUTDOORCHEF City Grill comes with an open style enameled grate. You can also purchase a two-piece gourmet skillet and pizza pan, a solid cast iron griddle or a tripod stand. It is the perfect cooking tool for apartment dwellers or anyone who is constantly on the go. For the price, it is a great value.


Pros: Single round burner, 195 sq. in. of cooking space, stand disassembles for compact storage/travel
Cons: Requires table or optional tripod stand to raise grill to proper cooking height, propane cylinder rack is awkward to attach

Warranty
2 years, limited