Posted by Bryan Hallatt
on June 27, 2025
If you enjoy barbecuing, the chances are you find getting outside and cooking in the fresh air appealing. In that case, what could be better, than taking a barbecue on trips away from home, so that you can enjoy the fantastic flavour of home-grilled cooking with mother nature as a backdrop? The romantic allure of barbecuing on the go is difficult to deny, but have you ever stopped to consider the choice of barbecue you take along with you? How do you decide whether you choose a one-time only barbecue, like you’d get from the supermarket, or whether you should invest in a more permanent portable grill? Read on to discover more about the top ten benefits of a Weber portable barbecue over a disposable grill, helping you make an informed choice over which is better and why. Spoiler alert: Since we sell portable barbecues, there are no prizes for guessing which side of the debate we squarely support…
So without further ado, here are the top 10 reasons you need a portable barbecue in your life:
1. Environmental benefits
It’s no secret that many big name UK supermarkets have withdrawn disposable barbecues from sale due to the potential detrimental impact they have on the environment and wildlife.
From the single-use nature of the product, which creates metal and packaging waste that litters the environment if not disposed of correctly, to their potential for contributing to wildfires during the hot summer months, disposable barbecues have a very bad reputation environmentally.
Happily, portable barbecues are much better for the environment, as there is far less waste since both the body and grate of the barbecue itself are used again, and again, repeatedly.
Several features also reduce their impact on wildfires, from stands or supports that elevate portable barbecues from the floor so they don’t damage the ground underneath to fuel sources that produce no solid waste (gas, electricity).
Weber portable charcoal barbecues can also be quickly extinguished by using the dampers to starve the coals of oxygen so that the barbecue cools more quickly and the fuel can either be used again (yes this is possible) or disposed of safely.
2. Higher quality & value
Weber’s portable barbecues are made from high quality materials, with all the legendary build quality and barbecue expertise that Weber are famous for, and come guaranteed stand the test of time.
Although there is a higher upfront cost to purchase compared to a disposable barbecue, Weber’s portable grills are built to withstand the knocks and scrapes of life on the road.
With a Weber portable barbecue you are investing in a product that will accompany you on your trips away from home for many years to come.
For instance, the Weber Smokey Joe comes with a long 10-year warranty on its lid and bowl. Even if you only used it once per year, this would work out at around £8 per use; a price which is comparable to some single-use barbecues on the market.
This means over its lifetime, the value of a Weber portable barbecue works out to be incredibly competitive.
3. Range of fuel options
With instant barbecues, you are limited to charcoal barbecuing only. Of course Weber have a collection of very pleasing portable charcoal barbecues.
However, many people enjoy the convenience and control that gas or electric barbecues give and would enjoy barbecuing on the go with something other than charcoal.
If this sounds like you, then you’ll be pleased to hear that Weber’s Go-anywhere, Traveler, Slate and Q Series portable gas barbecues plus Lumin electric options satisfy these requirements perfectly.
4. Natural grilling
Instant barbecues often use chemicals to help them ignite.
In contrast, users of Weber portable charcoal barbecues are free to choose their own ignition sources.
For instance, Weber lighter cubes are 100% natural and are guaranteed not use any harmful chemicals, plus they do not impart any harsh, acrid flavours to your barbecue food.
So you can be assured you’ll be enjoying natural barbecuing with just the authentic flavour of real charcoal, that has nothing added that could impair the enjoyment of your BBQ food.
5. Pleasing design silhouettes
Weber portable barbecues are available in a range of different styles, sizes, shapes and colours.
From sophisticated square black boxes, to mini colourful versions of Webers iconic kettle barbecues, and even larger portable barbecues on innovative wheeled carts.
With so many different designs on offer, Weber have thought of everything so you are bound to find a Weber portable barbecue which suits your style perfectly.
6. Versatility
It’s easy to adjust the cooking temperature on all Weber portable barbecues, so you can achieve a range of cooking styles.
This means you can easily enjoy everything from grilling simple burgers and sausages to high heat seared steaks.
Additionally, Weber’s portable charcoal barbecues can be set up for cooking using an indirect heat source, so you can also enjoy a variety of other cooking styles. such as baking, roasting and smoking meat at lower temperatures.
Furthermore, Weber barbecues all come with lids, which capture smoke, so you can maximumise authentic smoky barbecue flavour using lid-on cooking.
If you’d like to explore how to set up a barbecue to cook in a range of styles further, please visit our informative blog all about this subject: How do you cook food on a BBQ?
7. Suitability for several usage occasions
Weber portable barbecues are designed to be taken for picnics on the beach, trips outdoors, and to parties or festivals, where their compact size and carry handles make them perfect to take along with you.
Additionally, many people discover they also make a fantastic grill to take on camping trips or even, as being a convenient barbecue for use at home in the garden, where they are particularly suited to compact spaces.
The Weber Lumin Series of portable electric barbecues is also perfect for use where there are limitations on using naked flames, such as some campsites and the balconies of urban apartments.
8. Easy to transport
Disposable barbecues have no easy method of carrying them.
In contrast, Weber’s portable barbecues have handles to make them easier to transport, as well as covers that help protect your precious asset whilst it is being stored or moved.
Some of Weber’s larger portable gas barbecues, (such as the Weber Traveler and Q series) also fold neatly away to make them easier to store or pack in the boot of a car.
Additionally, the Weber Traveler series of larger portable barbecues feature all-terrain wheels to make them even easier to move around, especially over uneven ground.
9. Accessories
Webers also have a range of supporting accessories that are designed to make barbecuing on the go easier and more enjoyable.
Some examples include:
- The useful Rapidfire Compact Chimney Starter which easily ignites portable charcoal barbecues, so you can get your charcoal lit with the minimum of fuss, no matter where you happen to be
- The Weber Premium range of compact BBQ utensils designed for on the go usage
- An innovative griddle for the traveler series so you can cook breakfasts, smashed burgers and fajitas wherever you end up (particularly useful at a campsite)
- The handy side tables that come with the Weber Traveler and Q Series barbecues which are perfect for resting your tools on, maybe a drink for the chef, or prepping ingredients and serving food from
These all elevate the on the go Weber portable barbecue experience beyond what can be achieved with a disposable barbecue.
10. Legs, supports or frames
As we mentioned earlier, a key point against using instant barbecues is that disposable grills have been implicated in starting wildfires.
The main reason for this is they are typically used directly on the ground, which can scorch, or even ignite grass, making them very difficult to use safely.
Weber’s portable barbecues however all have stands which lifts them from the ground, so they are safe to use on grass or on tabletops, with the Weber Traveler series in particular supported on frames, at the perfect height for barbecuing.
Is a Weber portable barbecue worth it?
We think that when you take into consideration factors such as the environmental benefits, the higher quality, the costs over their lifespan, the different fuel options available, the versatile cooking methods that can be achieved, all the occasions when you can use them, plus the accessories that help make them a joy to use; then the many benefits of owning a Weber portable barbecue far outweigh the desire to use an instant, single-use barbecue. But as well as all the tangible benefits, Weber portable barbecues are designed to make cooking on the go easier and more enjoyable, which is another one of the many reasons that you’ll fall in love with a Weber portable barbecue. If you’ve been inspired to get out and about with a portable barbecue, you can call our barbecue team on 01664 454309 or explore our full range of Weber barbecues available online.