Masterbuilt MB20030819 Portable Propane Gas Grill Review: High Heat on a Budget, But Are the Flaws a Deal-Breaker?

There’s a special kind of freedom that comes with cooking outdoors. Whether it’s the sizzle of burgers at a tailgate, the scent of grilled vegetables at a campsite, or simply enjoying a steak on a small apartment balcony, the experience is fundamental. For years, my adventures were accompanied by a trusty but aging portable grill that had seen better days. It was bulky, uneven in its heating, and a chore to clean. I knew there had to be a better way—a grill that combined the power of a full-sized unit with the convenience and portability needed for life on the go. This search for a compact powerhouse, one that wouldn’t sacrifice searing capability for a smaller footprint, led me directly to the world of high-performance portable propane grills, and specifically, to the subject of today’s in-depth analysis: the Masterbuilt MB20030819 Portable Propane Gas Grill.

What to Consider Before Buying a Portable Propane Grill

A portable propane grill is more than just a cooking appliance; it’s a key solution for anyone who craves the authentic taste of grilled food without being tethered to their backyard. It’s for the adventurers, the apartment dwellers, the tailgating champions, and the RV enthusiasts. The primary benefit is obvious: powerful, controllable flame-grilling anywhere you can safely carry a small propane cylinder. This unlocks culinary possibilities far beyond a campfire or a cramped kitchen, allowing you to sear, roast, and grill with precision, no matter your location. The challenge, however, is finding a model that balances portability with performance, durability, and ease of use.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing space constraints or who has a mobile lifestyle. If you live in an apartment with a small patio, own an RV, or frequently go camping or to sporting events, a portable grill is practically a necessity. It delivers a superior cooking experience to smaller charcoal or electric options. However, it might not be suitable for those who primarily cook for very large crowds or who desire the features of a full-blown outdoor kitchen, like side burners and extensive storage. For those users, a larger, stationary grill would be a more practical investment. For everyone else looking for that perfect blend of convenience and power, a portable propane grill is the answer.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Portability: This is the primary consideration. Look at the grill’s weight and its dimensions both when set up and when folded for transport. Features like folding legs, a locking lid, and a sturdy carrying handle are not just conveniences—they are essential. A grill that’s a hassle to move will inevitably be left at home, defeating its purpose.
• Heating Power & Cooking Area: Performance is measured in BTUs (British Thermal Units) and square inches of cooking space. For searing steaks and getting a good char, a higher BTU rating (10,000 or more) is desirable. The cooking area determines how much food you can cook at once. 288 square inches, like the Masterbuilt offers, is a generous size for a portable unit, capable of handling meals for a small family or group.
• Materials & Durability: The construction material dictates the grill’s longevity and resistance to the elements. Stainless steel is a premium choice, offering excellent rust resistance and durability, though it can be prone to discoloration from high heat. Look for sturdy grates (stainless steel or cast iron are best) and a well-built frame that doesn’t feel flimsy.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: A good portable grill should be simple to operate. Features like a push-button igniter are standard and expected. For cleanup, consider the grease management system. A removable grease tray is a must-have for easy, mess-free maintenance after a long day of cooking. Check out the full specifications to see how this model handles cleanup.

Navigating these features is key to finding the perfect grill for your needs. While this review focuses on one specific model, understanding the broader category is essential.

While the Masterbuilt MB20030819 Portable Propane Gas Grill is an excellent choice for many, 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: A Gleaming But Flawed Arrival

Unboxing the Masterbuilt MB20030819 Portable Propane Gas Grill was a mixed experience. The first thing that strikes you is the gleaming stainless steel construction. It looks sleek, modern, and more expensive than it is. At just under 18 pounds, it felt surprisingly lightweight yet solid enough, thanks to its stainless frame and lid. The design is clearly focused on portability, with stout folding legs that snap into place and a large, robust front handle for carrying. The locking lid is secured by two clips, a simple but effective touch for keeping the grates contained during transport.

However, the initial excitement was quickly tempered by signs of inconsistent quality control—an observation echoed by many users. Our unit had a minor dent on the lid, likely from the factory, as the packaging was pristine. More frustrating was the assembly of the igniter and handle; the pre-drilled holes were slightly misaligned, requiring a bit of force and patience to get the screws to thread properly. And then there’s the sticker. A very large, very adhesive brand decal was plastered across the beautiful lid, and its removal required a solvent, a scraper, and about 20 minutes of work. These are not deal-breakers, but they are preventable annoyances that detract from an otherwise promising first impression and hint at a wider pattern of manufacturing inconsistencies you can see for yourself in the user feedback section online.

Performance Deep Dive: Where the Masterbuilt Sizzles and Fizzles

A grill’s worth is ultimately decided by how well it cooks. Here, the Masterbuilt MB20030819 Portable Propane Gas Grill is a story of two extremes. It possesses the raw power to impress even seasoned grill masters, but this power is sometimes undermined by design flaws and inconsistent manufacturing that can turn a pleasant cookout into a frustrating ordeal. We broke down our extensive testing into the core aspects of its performance.

Assembly and Build Quality: A Game of Manufacturing Roulette

Assembling the Masterbuilt grill should take no more than 15 minutes. The main body is pre-assembled; you only need to attach the handle, the igniter housing, and the regulator. The instructions are clear, and the required hardware is included. However, our experience, and that of many other users, shows that this simple process can be a source of immense frustration. The misaligned screw holes for the igniter on our test unit were a prime example. We managed to get it attached, but it required carefully threading the screws at an angle. Other users have reported far more severe issues, which confirms our assessment that quality control is this product’s Achilles’ heel.

We found reports of broken welds holding the main burner in place, rendering the grill unusable. One user noted, “the welds that hold the burner to the bottom of the grill were broke off… one of the tabs that holds the heat shield in place was not attached at all.” Others have received units with significant dents or rust spots right out of the box. While our unit was functionally sound after assembly, the prevalence of these issues suggests that buying this grill is a bit of a gamble. You might receive a perfectly constructed unit, or you might receive one that needs to be returned immediately. The stainless steel construction feels robust in principle, but if the components aren’t welded or attached correctly at the factory, the quality of the material is irrelevant.

Searing Power & Heat Control: A Tale of Two Temperatures

This is where the Masterbuilt MB20030819 Portable Propane Gas Grill truly shines and simultaneously stumbles. The heart of this grill is its 10,000 BTU stainless steel “U-shaped” burner. This design is far superior to the simple straight-tube burners found in many cheaper portables, as it distributes heat more evenly across the 288 square inches of cooking grate. Firing it up, we were blown away by its heat output. With the lid closed, the built-in thermometer (which, on our unit, was functional) climbed past 600°F in under 10 minutes. This is serious searing power. We threw on thick-cut ribeyes and were rewarded with a deep, crusty sear that’s often difficult to achieve on a portable grill. This high-heat performance is a feature that really sets it apart from lower-powered competitors.

However, the grill’s incredible power becomes a liability when you need nuance. The regulator and control knob offer a very narrow band of adjustment. We found that the difference between the ‘High’ and ‘Low’ settings was minimal. As one user aptly put it, “The fire at Low is still very high.” This makes it challenging to cook more delicate items like fish or chicken without scorching them. Furthermore, the design of the heat shield and the proximity of the burner to the grates make the grill prone to significant flare-ups. Dripping fat from burgers or sausages would instantly ignite into large flames, requiring constant vigilance to prevent food from burning. While some flare-up is characteristic of grilling, the intensity here was excessive and points to a less-than-optimal grease management design.

Portability & On-the-Go Design: Its True Calling

If there’s one area where the design of the Masterbuilt MB20030819 Portable Propane Gas Grill unequivocally succeeds, it’s in its portability. Every feature seems thoughtfully engineered for the person who plans to take their grill on the road. The folding legs are thick and sturdy, locking securely into place for cooking and folding neatly underneath for transport. The lid locks down with two strong latches, preventing the grates and warming rack from rattling around or falling out in your car trunk. The large front handle provides a comfortable and balanced grip for carrying the 17.8-pound unit.

We took it to a local park for a picnic, and the entire process—from carrying it from the car to setting it up on a table—was effortless. It operates on standard 1-pound disposable propane cylinders, which are readily available and easy to transport. For those who want to use a larger 20-pound tank for home use or extended trips, an adapter hose can be purchased separately. This blend of a lightweight frame, secure locking mechanisms, and a compact, easy-to-carry shape makes it a fantastic companion for camping, RVing, or tailgating. It’s in these transient settings that its strengths are most apparent and its flaws, like nuanced temperature control, are less critical.

What Other Users Are Saying

The user feedback for the Masterbuilt MB20030819 Portable Propane Gas Grill paints a clear and consistent picture of a product with great potential but flawed execution. On the positive side, many users are thrilled with its performance, especially for the price. One happy customer exclaimed, “I Love this grill!! Its Perfect. Gets upto 585f in a minute. Fully adjustable heat. Comes almost totally assembled.” Another user, who cooked for a family of eight, found it “perfect” for handling burgers, meat, corn, and hot dogs all day.

However, the negative feedback is significant and centers almost exclusively on quality control and safety. The most common complaint is damage upon arrival, with one person noting, “Packing and box were not dented but lid had 3 big dents when we unpacked item.” This points to issues at the factory, not in shipping. Functional problems are also rampant, from broken thermometers and misaligned assembly holes to faulty welds. Most alarmingly, several users reported serious safety concerns. One user experienced an electrical shock during assembly, while another issued a stark warning: “This grill is dangerous! A malfunction in the propane regulator switch resulted in an explosion.” This spectrum of reviews confirms our own findings: it’s a powerful grill that can be a fantastic value, but it comes with a non-trivial risk of receiving a defective or even hazardous unit. You can check the latest user reviews and availability before making a decision.

How Does the Masterbuilt Compare to the Alternatives?

No product exists in a vacuum. To truly understand the value proposition of the Masterbuilt MB20030819 Portable Propane Gas Grill, it’s essential to see how it measures up against other popular options in the portable outdoor cooking space. Each alternative serves a slightly different purpose, catering to different needs and priorities.

1. ROVSUN 3 Burner Propane Gas Stove with Side Shelf

The ROVSUN is less of a direct competitor and more of a specialized alternative. This is not a grill but a high-power outdoor gas stove, boasting a massive 225,000 BTU output across three burners. It’s designed for heavy-duty cooking tasks like using large stockpots for brewing, frying a turkey, or wok cooking for a crowd. Someone would choose the ROVSUN over the Masterbuilt if their primary need is boiling, frying, or simmering in pots and pans rather than direct-heat grilling. While it’s portable, its focus is on raw power for specific cooking methods, lacking the lid, grates, and sear-focused design of a traditional grill.

2. Sophia & William Propane Grill and Griddle Combo

The Sophia & William model offers incredible versatility by combining a traditional propane grill with a flat-top griddle in one unit. With a much larger 696 square inch cooking area, it’s aimed at the backyard or patio chef who wants the option to cook anything from pancakes and bacon to steaks and burgers. It sacrifices the hyper-portability of the Masterbuilt for a much broader range of cooking styles. A buyer would opt for this combo if they have a dedicated outdoor space and value the flexibility of having both a grill and a griddle, making it more of a stationary outdoor cooking station than a grab-and-go option.

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

The Coleman Fold ‘N Go represents the ultra-portable end of the spectrum. With only 6,000 BTUs and a smaller cooking surface, it can’t match the searing power of the Masterbuilt. However, its key advantage is its incredibly compact, lightweight, and suitcase-style folding design, making it the easiest to transport and store. A user would choose the Coleman if maximum portability and minimal weight are their absolute top priorities, and they are willing to sacrifice high-heat performance. It’s perfect for minimalist campers or those with very limited storage who just need a simple, reliable way to cook basic grilled meals.

Final Verdict: A Powerful But Risky Proposition

So, should you buy the Masterbuilt MB20030819 Portable Propane Gas Grill? Our final verdict is a conditional recommendation. On paper, this grill is a fantastic value, offering the high-heat performance and generous cooking space of more expensive models in a wonderfully portable package. When you get a good unit, it’s a joy to use, capable of producing beautifully seared steaks at the campsite or perfectly grilled burgers at a tailgate.

However, the pervasive and well-documented quality control issues cannot be ignored. The risk of receiving a damaged, defective, or even dangerous product is higher than it should be. We recommend this grill to budget-conscious buyers who are willing to play the “manufacturing lottery.” If you choose to purchase it, inspect it meticulously upon arrival for any defects in the welds, alignment, and components, and be prepared to process a return if necessary. For those who prioritize guaranteed reliability and safety above all else, it would be wise to invest a little more in a brand with a more consistent manufacturing track record. If you’re willing to take the chance for high-performance grilling on a budget, you can check the latest price and order the Masterbuilt MB20030819 Portable Propane Gas Grill today.