We all want something that is super portable and cooks up a storm. The NomadIQ Propane Grill ticks both boxes. It is super portable, really lightweight, and has a fabulous cooking surface. Today we will take you through our NomadIQ portable grill review and tell you all of the things we like, and maybe even some things we didn’t, to help you make a choice if you are thinking of buying one.
NomadIQ Portable Grill Review | Here’s the Stats
| Color | Black |
| Size | 36cm x 41cm x 13cm / 14” x 16” x 5” |
| Cooking Area | 1460 cm² / 226 inches² |
| Fuel type | Propane Gas |
| Weight | 12lbs / 5kg |
Key Features
- Super compact
- Spacious cooking surface
- Very Portable
- Lightweight
If you are looking for a truly portable grill, then this could be the answer. NomadIQ has built this grill with one thing at the forefront of their mind. Making this propane grill well and truly portable. We are pleased to say that they have succeeded in a big way.
Here are the features that we think really make the NomadIQ portable grill really shine….
Size and Weight of the NomadIQ Portable Gas Grill
When we saw this, we said one word. That word was ‘wow’. This portable grill is smart, really smart.
If you look at the stats of the NomadIQ, you’ll see that it is really small and really lightweight. Our measurements are given with the grill folded. This is easily small enough to be stashed wherever you can fit it. If you had a big enough backpack, we think you could even consider taking it camping.
For those who are looking for something handheld, then this portable grill fits the bill. It is an all in one solution. The best bit is that the cooking area is pretty substantial, considering its size, when in transit.
When it comes to weight, and bearing in mind what you are getting, we think this grill is one of the best in class. Weighing just 12lbs, there is certainly no reason why it couldn’t be taken everywhere! Camping, fishing, in an RV, tailgate parties… This grill is ideal for all.
The NomadIQ portable Gas Grill | What’s it made of?
If you are going to be transporting your grill, you want it to withstand the rigors of the journey. Construction and durability are important.
The NomadIQ grill is constructed to a pretty high standard. The grill itself is made from hard-wearing and durable steel. This has a powder-coated finish, so it keeps good looks and function in equal measure.
The Cooking Surface on the NomadIQ Portable Grill
One standout feature of this grill is the size of the cooking surface. One trade-off often made by portable gas grill manufacturers is that they sacrifice cooking ability for portability, or vice versa. The NomadIQ should give you both.
When the grill is opened. You’ll have a whole 226 square inches to cook on. That is pretty good going for something so lightweight and easy to carry.
The size aside, let’s look at what the cooking surface is made of.
As you’ll know, part of getting a nice char flavor and those signature grill stripes on your steaks and burgers depends heavily on the cooking surface. The NomadIQ doesn’t disappoint. The cooking grate is made of tough and quite substantial ceramic coated non-stick cast iron. These hold heat well, and given enough gas, will easily put a nice dark ‘line’ on whatever you throw onto the grill.
One other great feature is the gas ring. You’ll no doubt already know that a lot of the flavor of a grill comes from the vaporized fat drifting up onto your food. The gas ring on this grill is pretty wide. As it heats, it forms a sort of secondary ‘hot’ surface. Perfect for imparting more than a touch of BBQ flavor onto your food.
What Makes the NomadIQ Portable?
The key feature of the NomadIQ propane grill is that it folds. Essentially it doubles in size when you deploy it.
Remember how we said it was smart? The outermost edges of the grill have two cut out sections. When the grill is folded shut down the middle, these two sections form an easy to grip handle. Making it easy to carry to your chosen location.
When you find a suitable location, simply unfold the grill, and the lower section forms a sort of ‘plinth’. The good news with this feature is that you aren’t going to heat up the surface underneath. A portable tabletop grill? Yes, please.
Other features that we love in a portable gas grill are ease of setup and ignition. Again with the NomadIQ, we were not left wanting. It’ll take you less than a minute to be ready to cook. Fold the grill down. Attach the gas, hit the electric push to start switch. Job done.
It is really easy to use. Check this video out to get a flavor of what the NomadIQ is all about
Cleaning the NomadIQ
Often with a portable grill, you’ll find those small things can be quite hard to clean. And you will want them clean. Especially if you are carrying them around.
The good news is that the cooking grate on the NomadIQ grill is removable. Want the best bit? It is dishwasher safe. Allow the grill to cool, remove the cooking grates, throw them in the dishwasher. How easy does that sound?
If you are on the go and want to quickly clean the grill, a wire grill brush is a portable and easy solution. They stop food residue from becoming burnt on and keep your grill looking newer for longer.
How to Cook on the NomadIQ Propane Grill
The NomadIQ is really easy to cook on. One great feature that helps when grilling is the ability to create different ‘zones’. We like a super hot side and a slightly cooler side. Fortunately, this grill will allow you to do exactly that.
The NomadIQ has dual temperature controls. This allows you to use one side for searing and charring and the other side for cooking more slowly. Alternatively, you can just whack both sides up to the maximum if you are grilling for a crowd.
Ok full disclosure, we have one minor gripe that will mean that this grill is not for everyone… This grill is perfect for those who want to grill and nothing more. For burgers, steaks, chicken, fish, and all of your usual dishes, it will be ideal… But, when you are cooking, there is no lid. If you are looking to slow roast, reverse sear or cook low and slow, you might struggle.
This isn’t a deal-breaker, and we think the grill more than makes up for this in other ways. But it has two settings. Open and cooking, or closed and not, with nothing in between.
FAQ
How do I know what size grill to get?
This is a really good question and one that we get asked often. It all depends on what you what to do with the grill and how many people you intend to cook for. If you are looking for something to use at home, you can afford to go a little bigger and slightly less portable with the occasional use elsewhere.
If you intend to use the grill while ‘out,’ portability is something that you should strongly consider.
How Do You Prepare A Gas Grill For The First Time?
Certain grills need to be ‘seasoned’ before first use. Essentially this means that they are heated to get rid of any leftover debris from the manufacturing process. Once they have been heated, they are coated in a thin layer of cooking oil. The aim is to let the oil soak in, offering protection to the grill from oxidization and rust. This is the usual method of seasoning for cast iron grills.
The good news with the NomadIQ propane grill is that the cast iron within the cooking grate is coated with porcelain enamel. Protecting it from the elements. So, no seasoning or preparation is required. Just fire it up and get cooking!
What is the Best Portable Gas Grill for the Money?
What you define as ‘the best’ grill depends on how well it suits your requirements and whether you consider various features ‘worth it’. If you can cook how you want, where you want, and for as many people as you need to, and consider a grill that will allow you to do that, then you will be in good shape. You can see some more really great suggestions and guides just here.
Where to buy the NomadIQ, and how much does it cost?
Ah, the cost. This is often a deciding factor. But as the saying goes, ‘buy cheap, buy twice’. If you are getting a lot of use out of your grill, you want it to be durable and to last.
We’ll be the first to admit the price of the NomadIQ is more towards the premium end, but that’s because it is really high quality. You can see how much it costs and some more of its features here.
Our final thoughts…
In three words? We love it. It’s not often you get a grill that is so portable and also allows you to great results in the cooking department. It’s great. You might get a few more features on larger grills, but we think the NomadIQ portable grill is great for ease and simplicity. We hope you enjoyed our NomadIQ portable grill review. Why not leave a comment below and tell us what you think of it?