A day at the beach is one of the best ways to enjoy the summer. Of course, getting a great spot on the sand or claiming a pavilion without having to pay for it in advance usually requires that you stay put for hours on end.
When stomachs start to rumble with hunger, you are forced to either send someone off to buy what is usually overpriced concessions or you need to cook a meal for yourself.
Let’s face it, a soggy, cold sandwich that’s been knocking around in a cooler all day is rarely the hallmark of a memorable day at the beach. That’s why most people who want to enjoy a great day of sun, surf and sun will bring their own portable grill with them.
Know The Beach Grill Rules
A decade or two ago public beaches didn’t have many rules beyond keeping things clean, and not causing a ruckus. Today things have changed to the point that many public beaches are regulated by their own laundry list of safety rules. With many, this includes rules about what type of grill you can use, as well as designated areas to use it.
It’s an unfortunate reality that a few irresponsible charcoal grillers have raised past concerns about fire safety. While there still are a fair number of public beaches that still allow charcoal grills, many have rules stating that you have a gas grill, or they provide a pavilion area where you can plug in an electric grill.
So, before you invest in a grill you have your eye on, make sure to take a moment to look up the rules governing your favorite beach.
What To Look For In A Beach Grill
Portability is very important in a quality beach grill that you are going to use multiple times in the summer, and hopefully for many summers yet to come. Ideally, you want one that one person can carry on their own. Then someone else can drag the cooler of food and drinks along.
Most portable grills under 25 pounds will do. Just keep in mind that the farther you have to carry the grill, the heavier it will start to feel.
Choosing The Right Fuel Type For Your Beach Grill
Fuel type is also a key factor to consider not just when it comes to what’s allowed at your favorite beach. Even if you can use a charcoal grill, are you prepared to haul the charcoal along with the grill? Do you also have a reasonably safe way to deal with the lingering embers and ash?
If you are interested in a gas grill, is the regulator set up for a 1-pound propane cylinder? If not, are you prepared to haul a 25-pound LP tank along with the grill?
If your beach offers reliable electricity at a pavilion or other structure, is it free? Do you have to reserve a spot? Is someone in your group willing to hang back to keep your spot on the sand?
These are all key questions you might want to ask as you dial in your beach grill preferences.
Convenient Features To Look For In A Beach Grill
Beach grills tend to move around a lot throughout the course of a single summer season. A few special features can help make these more convenient. This includes things like a latching a lid, which allows you to securely lock it in place. Sometimes there might even be enough room under the lid to hold all your grilling tools.
Cool touch handles and other carrying features are also very handy. An exposed, bare metal handle can soak up an awful lot of heat energy during the course of a long day in the sun. More than one person has suffered the discomfort of having to hold a burning hot grill handle at the end of a day at the beach.
Best Gas Grills For Trips To The Beach
Cuisinart CGG-049 Searin' Sphere Portable Gas Grill
Weber Q1200 Liquid Propane Grill
CADAC 98700-25-04-US Tailgater Chef Grill
Smoke Hollow 205 Stainless Steel Tabletop Propane Gas Grill
Coleman Party Propane Grill
Blackstone Grills Tailgater 1555 Portable Gas Grill and Griddle Combo
Magma A10-603 Adventurer Series Gas Grill
Napoleon s TQ285X Travelq 285 Portable Grill
Best Charcoal Grills For Trips To The Beach
Volcano Grills VL-20-300 3-Fuel Portable Camping Stove And Fire Pit
Weber Charcoal Go-Anywhere Grill 121020
Cuisinart CCG-290 18-Inch Kettle Charcoal Grill
Char-Broil Portable CB500X Charcoal Grill
Lodge Cast Iron Sportsman's Grill. Large Charcoal Hibachi
Weber Smokey Joe Premium 14-Inch Portable Grill
Best Electric Grills For Trips To The Beach
Traeger TFT17LLA PTG+ 15" Portable Electric Grill
Nutrichef PKFG16 Electric Indoor Fish Grill
Techwood Indoor/Outdoor Electric BBQ Grill
Giantex KC42178 1350W Electric BBQ Grill
Gourmia GBQ330 Portable Charcoal Electric BBQ Grill
Cuisinart CEG-980 Outdoor Electric Grill
Remember To Clean And Maintain Your Beach Grill
Beach grills tend to take a fair amount of abuse throughout the course of the summer season. They move around a lot more, and it’s easy to put off cleaning them at the end of a long day under the sun. Not to mention sand’s sneaky ability to get into everything.
Even if you don’t have the facilities to clean up your beach grill while you are on the sand, you need to take the time to give it a proper cleaning once you get home. The longer you wait to remove grease, burned-on bits of food, and other random drippings, the more likely your beach grill is to suffer from rust and corrosion. This is even more likely to be an issue if your favorite beach is on saltwater.
Best Kamado Grills For A Deck
