Char-Broil Grill2Go X200 1-Burner Portable Propane Gas Grill Review: The Portable Powerhouse with a Fiery Secret

There’s a specific kind of disappointment that every outdoor enthusiast knows. It’s the moment you’re deep in the woods, at a vibrant tailgate, or relaxing by the lake, and you realize your portable grill is, for lack of a better word, pathetic. We’ve all been there. You pack the perfect cuts of meat, your meticulously prepared marinades, and visions of a beautiful, sizzling sear dance in your head. But when it’s time to cook, your so-called “grill” sputters, struggles to get hot, and produces a sad, grey piece of meat that’s more steamed than grilled. This was my dilemma for years: a constant trade-off between portability and power. The bulky home grill delivered incredible results but was a non-starter for travel. The flimsy, compact models were easy to carry but failed to deliver the high, even heat essential for a truly great grilling experience. The search was on for a grill that could shrink my camping footprint without shrinking the flavor of my food.

What to Consider Before Buying a Portable Propane Grill

A portable propane grill is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for unlocking culinary freedom on the go. Whether you’re an RVer, a dedicated tailgater, a weekend camper, or someone with a small balcony, these grills are designed to deliver the joy of open-flame cooking without the commitment of a full-sized backyard behemoth. The main benefit is obvious—portability—but a great model also offers rapid preheating, precise temperature control, and the power to sear meats properly, locking in juices and flavor. It solves the problem of relying on campfire cooking, which can be inconsistent and often restricted by burn bans, or settling for cold sandwiches on your adventures.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone who refuses to compromise on food quality just because they’re away from their home kitchen. They value convenience but demand performance. This could be a couple who loves to grill for two on their apartment patio or a family that makes camping trips a regular affair. On the other hand, a portable grill might not be suitable for those who regularly host large backyard parties or need multiple cooking zones for complex meals. For them, a larger, multi-burner stationary grill like the EUHOME 4-Burner model would be a much better fit. For the ultra-light backpacker, even a 20-pound grill might be too much, and they may prefer a simple camp stove.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: Pay close attention to the grill’s footprint, both when set up and when packed for travel. The Char-Broil Grill2Go X200 1-Burner Portable Propane Gas Grill measures 23.7″ W x 15.7″ D, a manageable size for a picnic table or truck bed. Consider how it will fit in your vehicle and your storage space at home. Sturdy latches and comfortable carry handles are non-negotiable for true portability.
• Capacity/Performance: Performance is measured in BTUs (British Thermal Units) and cooking surface area. The Grill2Go X200 boasts 9,500 BTUs across its 200 square-inch surface, a powerful combination for its size. This is enough space to comfortably cook for 2-4 people—think 6-8 burgers at once. Don’t just look at the BTU number; consider the cooking system, as infrared technology like Char-Broil’s Amplifire system can use BTUs more efficiently.
• Materials & Durability: A portable grill lives a rough life. Look for robust construction. The Grill2Go X200 uses die-cast aluminum for the lid and firebox and stainless steel for the grate and latches, a build designed to withstand bumps and scrapes. Cheaper models might use thinner stamped steel that can dent easily and rust over time. A solid build ensures longevity and consistent performance.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: Your grill shouldn’t be a chore. Features like a push-button igniter, a lid-mounted temperature gauge, and a removable grease tray are critical for a frustration-free experience. The grate design is also a key factor; while the infrared grate on the X200 is fantastic for preventing flare-ups, users note it requires a bit more effort to clean than traditional wire grates.

Choosing the right portable grill means balancing these factors to fit your specific adventures. If you prioritize searing power and robust construction, a model like the Char-Broil Grill2Go X200 should be at the top of your list.

While the Char-Broil Grill2Go X200 1-Burner Portable Propane Gas Grill 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: Unboxing a Grill That’s Built Like a Tank

Pulling the Char-Broil Grill2Go X200 1-Burner Portable Propane Gas Grill from its box, the first word that came to mind was “substantial.” At 20 pounds, it has a reassuring heft that immediately distinguishes it from the flimsy, wobbly portable grills that litter campsite graveyards. The die-cast aluminum body feels rugged and ready for action, and the two large stainless steel latches clamp the lid down with a satisfyingly secure click. There’s no fear of this grill accidentally popping open during transport. The carry handles are integrated smoothly into the sides and are large enough to get a good grip on, even with gloves. Assembly was minimal and intuitive, essentially just involves placing the grate and connecting the regulator. Right away, we noticed the lid-mounted temperature gauge, a feature often omitted on portable models but essential for any kind of controlled cooking. Compared to other portable grills we’ve tested, the X200 feels less like a portable grill and more like a shrunken-down version of a high-end stationary model, a promising sign of the performance to come. You can see its full feature set and user reviews to get a better sense of its premium build.

Performance Under Fire: A Detailed Analysis of the Grill2Go X200

A grill’s true character is revealed not on the spec sheet, but in the heat of the moment—literally. We put the Char-Broil Grill2Go X200 1-Burner Portable Propane Gas Grill through a series of real-world tests, from tailgate burgers to campsite steaks and even delicate grilled vegetables, to see if its performance matched its powerful first impression.

Searing Perfection: The TRU-Infrared Advantage

The heart and soul of this grill is Char-Broil’s TRU-Infrared cooking system, which they now call “Amplifire.” It’s not just a marketing gimmick. Instead of direct flame heating the food, the flame heats a special stainless steel plate below the cooking grate. This plate radiates intense, even infrared heat directly to your food. The results are immediate and dramatic. First, flare-ups are completely eliminated. We grilled fatty burgers and heavily marinated chicken thighs, and not once did we have the grease fires that plague traditional grills. This means no more charred exteriors and raw interiors—just perfectly cooked food.

Second, the searing power is phenomenal. This little grill gets searing hot, and fast. Within 10 minutes, the lid-mounted thermometer was climbing past 500°F. We threw on a couple of thick ribeye steaks, and the sizzle was instantaneous and glorious. The infrared grate created beautiful, professional-looking grill marks, and the crust we achieved in just a few minutes per side was something we’d expect from a full-sized steakhouse broiler. As one user aptly put it, “This grill sears like nobody’s business.” This is the key differentiator for the X200: it delivers the high-heat performance that portable grills almost always sacrifice. The 200 square inches of cooking space proved ample, easily fitting four large burgers and a handful of hot dogs simultaneously, making it perfect for feeding a small group. For anyone who believes a good sear is non-negotiable, the X200’s cooking system is a game-changer in the portable category.

Mastering the Inferno: A Guide to Heat Control

Now, let’s address the elephant in the room: the heat. A significant portion of online feedback centers on the Char-Broil Grill2Go X200 1-Burner Portable Propane Gas Grill running “too hot.” Our testing confirms this—with the stock regulator on its lowest setting, the temperature can still hover around 450-500°F with the lid closed. For high-heat grilling and searing, this is a feature, not a bug. As one experienced griller noted, “what’s worse than a grill that’s too hot? One that’s too cold, by far!” We wholeheartedly agree. It’s easier to manage high heat than it is to create heat that isn’t there.

However, learning to control this power is key to unlocking the grill’s full potential. It requires a slight shift in mindset. First, pre-seasoning the grill is crucial. Before the first cook, we ran it on high for about 20 minutes to burn off any manufacturing residues, a step mentioned by several savvy users. For lower-temperature cooking, we found the best technique is to manage the heat by cracking the lid open slightly. This allows excess heat to escape and can bring the temperature down to the 300-350°F range, perfect for chicken or corn on the cob. It’s a hands-on approach, but effective. For those who want more precise, set-it-and-forget-it low temperatures, the user community has found solutions. Many have successfully modified the grill by either adjusting the regulator with a hex key or replacing it with an aftermarket adjustable valve. While we didn’t find this necessary for our style of grilling, it’s an available option for tinkerers who want absolute control. For most users, simply learning the grill’s nuances is enough to produce fantastic results across a variety of foods.

Built for the Road: Durability and Day-to-Day Use

Beyond its cooking prowess, the X200 is fundamentally designed for a life of travel. The rugged cast aluminum construction makes it feel incredibly solid. We transported it in the back of a truck over bumpy roads, and it arrived without a single scratch or loose part. The latches are robust and inspire confidence, ensuring the lid and grate stay put. The 20-pound weight is a perfect balance—heavy enough to feel durable and stable on a picnic table, but light enough for one person to carry comfortably from the car to the campsite.

In day-to-day use, the features are well-thought-out. The push-button igniter worked reliably on the first or second click every single time. The grill is designed to work with standard 1lb propane canisters, which are perfect for portability, but it can also be easily adapted with a hose to connect to a larger 20lb tank for extended use at home or on a long camping trip. The only real point of friction is cleanup. The infrared grate, with its valleys and ridges, does a fantastic job of vaporizing drippings for extra flavor, but what’s left can be tricky to clean. A good, stiff-bristled grill brush is an absolute necessity. The removable grease tray at the bottom is a simple but effective feature, sliding out easily for quick disposal of any accumulated residue. It’s a small detail, but one that makes packing up significantly less messy. The overall design prioritizes performance and durability, making the Char-Broil Grill2Go X200 1-Burner Portable Propane Gas Grill a truly reliable travel companion.

What Other Users Are Saying

Across the board, user feedback confirms our own findings, painting a picture of a powerful but demanding portable grill. The overwhelming positive sentiment comes from users who, like us, prioritize searing power. One RVer with 20 years of experience called it the “best small portable BBQ ever,” even mentioning they’ve cooked small turkeys and roasts on it. Another user, who initially bought it for camping, loved its speed and high temperature so much that it became their primary home grill.

The most common criticism, unsurprisingly, relates to the aggressive heat and the stock regulator. One user bluntly stated they “could not get the temp below 450* even at the lowest setting,” a sentiment echoed by many who found it challenging for delicate foods. This feedback is valid and highlights the learning curve involved. However, many of these same users, like the one who called Char-Broil and was told to only cook hamburgers, ultimately found solutions through minor adjustments or by embracing the grill’s high-heat nature. A few negative reviews mentioned receiving damaged units or broken plastic regulator knobs, highlighting potential quality control or shipping issues, though these seem to be outliers compared to the widespread praise for the grill’s robust build quality.

How Does the Char-Broil Grill2Go X200 Compare to the Alternatives?

The Char-Broil Grill2Go X200 1-Burner Portable Propane Gas Grill occupies a unique space in the market, but it’s important to understand how it stacks up against other options that might be on your radar.

1. Concord 16″ Single Banjo Wok Burner with Stand

This isn’t a grill; it’s a specialized, high-output burner designed for specific tasks like wok cooking, home brewing, or large-scale frying. With a staggering potential output of 270,000 BTUs, it dwarfs the X200’s 9,500 BTUs. However, it offers no lid, no temperature gauge, and no cooking grate for traditional grilling. Someone should choose the Concord burner if their primary goal is stir-frying or boiling large pots of liquid with incredible speed. For anyone looking to grill burgers, steaks, or chicken, the X200 is unequivocally the correct choice, offering contained, even heat and true grilling functionality.

2. Coleman Fold ‘N Go 6,000 BTU Portable Propane Grill

The Coleman Fold ‘N Go is a direct competitor in the portable grill space, but it serves a different user. With only 6,000 BTUs and a more traditional burner design, it prioritizes convenience and simplicity over raw power. It’s lighter, more compact, and less intimidating for casual grillers. However, it lacks the searing capability of the X200 and is more prone to uneven heating and flare-ups. A user should choose the Coleman if their main priorities are maximum portability and occasional, simple grilling tasks like hot dogs. If you demand a great sear and consistent, high-heat performance, the Char-Broil X200 is vastly superior.

3. EUHOME 4-Burner Propane Gas BBQ Grill with Side Burner

This EUHOME model represents the opposite end of the spectrum: a full-sized, stationary backyard grill. With four main burners, a side burner, and a massive 46,500 BTU output, it’s designed for hosting large groups and cooking complex meals with multiple temperature zones. It’s not portable in any sense of the word. A buyer would choose this grill if they are looking for a permanent fixture for their patio or deck and have no intention of taking their grilling on the road. The X200 is the clear choice for anyone who needs the flexibility to grill at home, at the park, or at a campsite, as its entire design is centered around high-performance portability.

The Final Verdict: A Fierce and Faithful Grilling Companion

After extensive testing, we can confidently say that the Char-Broil Grill2Go X200 1-Burner Portable Propane Gas Grill is one of the best-performing portable grills on the market, with one important caveat: you must respect its power. Its rugged, road-ready construction and phenomenal searing capability from the TRU-Infrared system set it apart from the competition. It produces results that rival much larger, more expensive grills. This is the grill for the adventurer who refuses to eat a poorly cooked steak just because they’re away from home. However, it’s not for the timid cook who wants gentle, low-and-slow cooking out of the box without a learning curve. If you’re willing to learn its fiery personality and appreciate a grill that can deliver a truly incredible sear anywhere you go, the X200 is an outstanding investment in your future culinary adventures.

If you’re ready to elevate your on-the-go grilling and experience the power of infrared cooking, we highly recommend you check the latest price and availability of the Grill2Go X200 today.