Travel Friendly Grills That Are Perfect for Camping or Tailgating

Have grill, will travel. Anyone who takes road trips knows how quickly fast food can add up. Choose a more economical option by traveling with a portable grill. Rather than transport a lot of food on a long trip, we like to pack the essentials and then make a pit stop at a grocery store closer to our destination.

Consider the following portable grills the next time you take a road trip, plan a tailgating party, are stuck at an out of town sports tournament...or all the above at the same time like my family often is.

A bag of groceries, couple kabobs and a grill can transform a meal into an culinary adventure.

EZ Grill is extremely light and portable. This very affordable grill comes complete with EZ Light charcoal. The charcoal is dipped in mineral oil, so no lighter fluid is necessary. It really is an instant grill. Toss a match and cook for up to 1 1/2 hours.

It comes in two sizes; regular and party size. Both sizes are under $10 and can be purchased from Camping World, Walgreens and other convenience stores nationwide. This is the grill I've picked up to save my family from fast food and my favorite grill is sitting quietly in the garage at home.

Marsh Allen Cast Iron Hibachi Charcoal Grill is my fav. It feels like a "real grill" to me and because of the cast iron, will last a lifetime. It features adjustable grilling surfaces so that you can keep the food at the perfect temperature while cooking and a total of 157 square inch cooking surface. Moderately priced under $30 this is a bargin for a grill that could be past down to your great grandchildren.

A fancier version of a portable travel friendly grill is the Cobb grill. This unique unit runs on eight charcoal briquettes for three hours and can fit a whole chicken inside. I love how it can be moved while cooking without a problem, the exterior does not get hot. The website has a host of accessories and other nifty items.

Coleman makes a Road Trip Perfect Flow Grill. Coleman is a trusted name in camping gear and this little number doesn't disapoint. It has 285 square inches of cooking space and has two removable cooking grates. Swap these grates out with a griddle or stove top style burner for more cooking options. This grill works wonders on an extended trip since there are so many different food choices; pancakes, eggs, pots as well as the typical kabobs and burgers.

Like a backyard grill, this Coleman grill has a push button ignition system and runs with a one-pound canister of propane. It weighs around 25 lbs and has a pull out handle and wheels like a suitcase so it is easy to transport. You can also purchase a travel cover and store all your grilling tools inside. Definitely pricier than the other travel grills at $200 dollars, but the added options and ease of use makes it an attractive choice.

Toss a grill in your trunk next time you head out for an extended trip and see the difference it can make. Any campground, hotel parking lot or sports field can double as a gourmet restaurant, or at the very least, you can definitely make it "your way!"