Nexgrill Fortess 2-Burner Gas Grill & Griddle Combo Review: The Ultimate Portable Cooktop or Just Hype?

There’s a unique kind of freedom that comes with cooking outdoors, away from the confines of a traditional kitchen. For years, my adventures—be it a weekend camping trip, a tailgate party before the big game, or just a simple cookout on my apartment balcony—were often hampered by the gear. I’ve lugged around bulky, inefficient charcoal grills that took forever to heat up and even longer to clean. I’ve tried flimsy, so-called “portable” gas grills that felt like they’d buckle under the weight of a few burgers and offered about as much heat control as a candle in the wind. The problem was always the same: a compromise between portability and performance. I wanted the searing power and even heat of a real grill, but in a package that I could actually pick up and put in the trunk of my car without throwing my back out. The dream was a single, reliable unit that could handle searing steaks one night and flipping pancakes the next morning. This is the challenge that the Nexgrill Fortess 2-Burner Gas Grill & Griddle Combo aims to solve.

What to Consider Before Buying a Portable Propane Grill

A portable propane grill is more than just a piece of outdoor equipment; it’s a key solution for unlocking culinary possibilities wherever you go. It solves the fundamental problem of cooking high-quality, flavorful food without being tethered to a large, stationary backyard setup. The main benefits are convenience, speed, and control. Unlike charcoal, propane grills light instantly, heat up in minutes, and offer precise temperature adjustments, allowing you to go from a low-and-slow roast to a high-heat sear with the turn of a knob. This eliminates the lengthy prep and messy cleanup associated with other fuel types, making spontaneous cookouts a reality.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone who embraces an active, on-the-go lifestyle. Think RVers, van-lifers, avid campers, boat owners, and tailgating enthusiasts. It’s also a perfect fit for those with limited outdoor space, like apartment dwellers with small balconies or homeowners with compact patios who don’t want a massive grill dominating their yard. Conversely, this might not be suitable for those who regularly host large parties for 10 or more people. The smaller cooking surface will feel restrictive. If your primary need is smoking large cuts of meat like brisket or pork shoulder, a dedicated smoker or a larger, more feature-rich grill would be a better investment.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: Pay close attention to the grill’s footprint, both when it’s set up and when it’s stored. A portable grill needs to fit comfortably on a picnic table, a boat railing, or a small stand. Measure your intended storage space—in your car trunk, RV compartment, or closet—to ensure it fits without a struggle. The weight is also a critical factor; anything over 30 pounds starts to stretch the definition of “easily portable” for many people.
• Capacity/Performance: Look at the total BTUs (British Thermal Units) and the number of burners. Multiple burners offer superior temperature control, allowing you to create different heat zones for cooking various foods simultaneously. The cooking surface area, measured in square inches, will tell you how much food you can cook at once. For a family of four, around 250-300 square inches is a good target.
• Materials & Durability: This is where quality really shows. Look for a firebox and lid made of cast aluminum, which resists rust and holds heat exceptionally well. For the grates, porcelain-coated cast iron is the gold standard in this category, providing excellent heat retention for beautiful sear marks and durability that far surpasses flimsy wire grates. Avoid thin, painted steel bodies that can easily rust and dent.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: Features like a reliable push-button ignition, a built-in thermometer, and easy-to-access controls make the cooking experience much more pleasant. For cleanup, a removable grease management system is non-negotiable. A simple drip tray or catch pan that can be easily removed and cleaned will save you countless headaches and prevent flare-ups.

While the Nexgrill Fortess 2-Burner Gas Grill & Griddle Combo is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

First Impressions: Solid, Substantial, and Ready for Adventure

Unboxing the Nexgrill Fortess 2-Burner Gas Grill & Griddle Combo immediately set it apart from many of its lightweight competitors. The first thing I noticed was the weight and feel of the components. The main body, a cast aluminum firebox and lid, felt robust and substantial—a far cry from the thin stamped steel I’ve seen on other portable models. This wasn’t some flimsy, disposable grill; it felt engineered to last. Assembly was straightforward, taking about 15 minutes as one user noted, though having a second person to help hold the main body while attaching the legs certainly speeds up the process. The real stars of the show, even before the first cook, were the porcelain-coated cast iron cooking grids. They have a satisfying heft that promises superior heat retention and those coveted steakhouse sear marks. The overall design is compact and purpose-built for tabletop use, with sturdy legs and convenient handles for transport. It’s a thoughtful design that feels both premium and practical, and you can check the latest price and availability for yourself.

A Deep Dive into the Nexgrill Fortress’s Real-World Performance

A grill’s true worth is only revealed when the flames are lit and the food hits the grates. Over several weeks, we put the Nexgrill Fortess 2-Burner Gas Grill & Griddle Combo through its paces in a variety of settings—from backyard burger nights to a weekend camping trip. We cooked everything from thick-cut ribeyes and delicate fish to breakfast sausages and pancakes to truly understand its capabilities and limitations. What we discovered was a powerhouse of a portable grill that consistently punches above its weight class, though it’s not without its quirks.

Cooking Power and Heat Control: The Dual-Burner Advantage

At the heart of any grill is its heating system, and this is where the Nexgrill Fortress truly shines. Its two independent stainless steel burners kick out a combined 13,500 BTUs, which is more than enough power for its 263-square-inch cooking area. What impressed us most wasn’t just the raw power, but the control it afforded. We could run one burner on high for a hard sear on a steak while keeping the other on low to gently warm some vegetables. This dual-zone capability is a game-changer in a portable grill, allowing for a level of cooking versatility usually reserved for much larger models. The grill heats up remarkably fast, reaching over 500°F in under 10 minutes, a sentiment echoed by users who praise its quick heating. The built-in thermometer, while basic, gives a reasonably accurate reading of the internal air temperature, helping to dial in the perfect cooking environment.

The cast iron grates are instrumental in this performance. They absorb and retain heat incredibly well, creating an even cooking surface with no major hot or cold spots. We achieved a beautiful, consistent crust on burgers and deep sear marks on chicken thighs. Even on a breezy afternoon at the campsite, a challenge noted by one user, the grill had no problem staying lit and maintaining its temperature, a testament to its well-designed firebox. The cooking area is generous for a portable unit; we comfortably cooked for four people, fitting six large burger patties or a dozen hot dogs with room to spare. This is a grill that doesn’t make you feel like you’re compromising on cooking quality just because you’re away from home. The powerful and versatile cooking system is its standout feature.

Build Quality and Materials: The Cast Iron & Aluminum Foundation

In a market flooded with flimsy, disposable grills, the build quality of the Nexgrill Fortess 2-Burner Gas Grill & Griddle Combo is a breath of fresh air. The decision to use a cast aluminum lid and firebox is a significant one. Unlike the painted or stainless steel found on many competitors, cast aluminum is inherently rust-proof. This is a massive advantage for a grill designed to live outdoors, be transported in various weather conditions, and used in environments like on a boat where it’s exposed to salt air. It’s a feature many users specifically seek out, as one reviewer noted, “Didn’t want a stainless grill (too hard to maintain and are flimsy thin), and really wanted cast iron grates. This is a well cast and finished aluminum.” We couldn’t agree more. The entire unit feels solid and stable on its legs.

The porcelain-coated cast iron cooking grids are equally impressive. They are heavy, well-made, and provide the kind of heat transfer that produces professional results. Before our first use, we seasoned them with a high-smoke-point oil, which created a fantastic non-stick surface that improved with each cook. Cleanup of the grates was also surprisingly manageable. As one happy camper mentioned, “the grates are small enough to clean in the sink to keep it clean for travel.” This small detail makes a big difference in maintaining the grill on the road. This robust construction is a core reason we believe the Nexgrill Fortress offers exceptional value in its category.

Portability & Design: A Few Steps Forward, One Step Back

The “portable” aspect of the Nexgrill Fortess 2-Burner Gas Grill & Griddle Combo is a point of contention and seems to depend on which version of the grill you receive. At its core, the design is excellent for portability. It weighs just under 29 pounds, which is manageable for one person to carry from the car to the picnic table using the sturdy lift handles. Its tabletop design is perfect for van life, camping, or small balconies, providing a stable cooking platform without needing a large, dedicated stand. Many users rave about its perfect compact size for their boats or RVs.

However, a significant point of confusion and disappointment for some users stems from apparent design changes. Several recent reviews mention that the grill they received did not have the folding legs or lid latch that were seemingly present on older models or in product descriptions. One user stated, “Great grill but they took away the folding legs and top lock.” Another was “Disappointed the legs do not fold as stated in the write up.” This is a critical omission for those who prioritize maximum space-saving for transport. While the legs are easily removable, it’s not as convenient as a simple folding mechanism. This inconsistency is a definite drawback and something potential buyers should be aware of. Despite this, its core design remains highly functional for on-the-go cooking, but it may not be as elegantly portable as it once was. You can see the current design and full feature set on the product page.

Assembly, Usability, and Long-Term Concerns

Getting the grill from the box to its first cook is a relatively painless process. As mentioned, assembly takes around 15-20 minutes and the instructions are clear. In day-to-day use, the grill is very user-friendly, with large, easy-to-grip control knobs. The standard hose connection fits the common 1-pound propane cylinders, but we, like other users, immediately attached a conversion hose to use a 20-pound tank for longer cooking times and better economy. The one persistent usability flaw we encountered was the piezo igniter. Like some users who called it “worthless,” we found it to be hit-or-miss. More often than not, we resorted to using a long-reach lighter to get the burners going. While a minor inconvenience, it’s an area for improvement.

For maintenance, the removable grease tray is a blessing, making cleanup much simpler than on grills with integrated, hard-to-reach systems. However, looking at the long-term picture raises some concerns based on user feedback. Several reviews highlight significant difficulties with customer service, from locating a serial number for warranty registration to getting the correct replacement parts, with one user waiting three months for the wrong part to arrive. More alarmingly, one user reported a severe safety incident where a leg caught fire. While this appears to be an isolated and extreme case, it, along with the customer service issues, suggests potential challenges with long-term support and parts availability for this specific model (820-02005).

What Other Users Are Saying

After compiling our own findings, we delved into a wide range of user experiences to see how they aligned. The consensus is overwhelmingly positive regarding the grill’s core function: cooking. Users consistently praise the Nexgrill Fortess 2-Burner Gas Grill & Griddle Combo for its high-quality construction and excellent performance. One person summed it up perfectly: “This is a great little grill/griddle combo! … Heavy duty enough but not too heavy to move around. I love that the grates are small enough to clean in the sink… I like the heating units, as it distributes heat evenly.” Another highlighted its value, noting it has features like a cast aluminum body and cast iron grates typically found on more expensive models.

However, the feedback isn’t universally glowing. The most common complaints center on two areas: the inconsistent igniter and the apparent removal of key portability features. “Igniter is worthless so make sure you bring a lighter with you!” is a frequent refrain. The frustration over the lack of folding legs and a lid latch on newer versions is palpable. Beyond these design quirks, there are more serious reports concerning poor customer service experiences, with users struggling to get replacement parts or warranty support. This suggests that while the grill itself performs well, post-purchase support could be a significant challenge if you run into an issue. Weighing these user experiences is crucial before making a final decision.

How Does the Nexgrill Fortess Compare to the Alternatives?

The Nexgrill Fortess 2-Burner Gas Grill & Griddle Combo offers a fantastic balance of portability and traditional grilling performance. However, depending on your specific outdoor cooking needs, other specialized products might be a better fit.

1. Concord 16″ Single Banjo Wok Burner with Stand

The Concord Banjo Wok Burner is not a grill; it’s a high-octane, specialized cooking instrument. With a staggering output of up to 270,000 BTUs, it’s designed for tasks that require immense, immediate heat. This is the perfect choice for serious wok stir-frying, home brewing beer in large kettles, or running a massive crawfish boil. If your outdoor cooking centers around a pot, pan, or wok rather than direct grilling, the Concord burner offers power that the Nexgrill simply cannot match. However, it completely lacks the grilling, griddling, and roasting capabilities of the Fortress, making it a niche tool for specific culinary pursuits, not an all-in-one outdoor cooker.

2. ROVSUN 100,000 BTU Portable Propane Camping Stove

Similar to the Concord, the ROVSUN stove is a high-pressure single burner designed for camp cooking with pots and pans. Its 100,000 BTU output is powerful enough to bring large pots of water to a boil quickly, making it ideal for campers who need to cook for a group or prepare meals that involve boiling or frying. It’s essentially a supercharged version of a classic camp stove. Someone who primarily makes coffee, boils pasta, or cooks chili at the campsite might prefer the ROVSUN for its raw power and simplicity. It is not, however, a grill. It provides no surface for grilling burgers, steaks, or vegetables directly over a flame, which is the primary function of the Nexgrill Fortess.

3. GRILLBOSS 3 Burner Propane Grill

The GRILLBOSS 3 Burner represents a step up in size and capacity from the Nexgrill Fortess. With three burners, wheels, and side shelves, it blurs the line between a portable grill and a small backyard model. This is a better choice for someone who needs to cook for a larger group (5-6 people) at a tailgate or campsite and values the convenience of a built-in stand and extra prep space. While it is portable, it’s a much bulkier and heavier package than the Nexgrill. The GRILLBOSS is for the user who wants a more “full grill” experience on the go and is willing to sacrifice the compact, tabletop convenience that makes the Nexgrill Fortess so appealing for boaters, van-lifers, and those with minimal space.

Our Final Verdict: Is the Nexgrill Fortess 2-Burner Grill for You?

After extensive testing and analysis, we can confidently say that the Nexgrill Fortess 2-Burner Gas Grill & Griddle Combo is a formidable contender in the portable grilling space. Its greatest strengths lie in its exceptional build quality—the rust-proof cast aluminum body and heat-retaining cast iron grates are features typically reserved for more expensive grills. The dual-burner system delivers outstanding cooking performance, providing even heat and the versatility to cook for a small family with ease. It’s an ideal choice for the dedicated camper, RVer, or apartment dweller who refuses to compromise on the quality of their grilled food.

However, it’s not without its flaws. The unreliable igniter is a consistent annoyance, and the apparent removal of folding legs and a lid latch on newer models is a definite step back in portability. Potential buyers should also be mindful of the reported customer service issues. Despite these drawbacks, if your priority is raw cooking performance and durability in a compact, tabletop form factor, the Nexgrill Fortress is one of the best options available. It cooks like a bigger grill but travels like a portable one, and that’s a winning combination. If you’re ready for a serious upgrade to your on-the-go cooking setup, we highly recommend you check out the Nexgrill Fortess 2-Burner Gas Grill & Griddle Combo today.