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FAQs About Portable Grills: Everything You Need to Know

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Person grilling food on a portable BBQ by a lake, with a scenic backdrop of water and trees.

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Portable grills are an easy, convenient, and fun way to cook on the go. Whether you are boating, camping, tailgating, or spending the day at the beach, having a portable grill with you means hot, delicious food no matter how far you are from home.Β 


As a leading manufacturer of portable grills, we get a LOT of questions for people looking to learn about what they can and can’t do with a portable grill and how best to care for them. Check out some of the questions we get asked most often and see what our product specialists have to say in response.


How do you connect a propane tank to a portable grill?


To connect a mini propane tank to a portable grill, first ensure all grill knobs are off. Remove the protective caps from the tank and grill connection. Attach the control valve regulator to the grill connection by screwing it clockwise until hand-tight. Then connect the mini propane tank to the regulator, screwing it on in a clockwise direction until hand-tight. Make sure the top of the propane bottle is angled up. Now you are ready to light your grill.

Can you put a portable grill on a plastic table?

No, we don’t recommend using a portable grill on a plastic table. There’s a high chance that the heat from the grill could melt the table or even if it didn’t, it might heat it up enough to release toxic chemicals that you don’t want to be breathing in. We recommend placing your portable grill on concrete, brick, gravel, dirt, grass, or on a metal table if you have one. Or, you can use a compatible stand like our Quad Pod Stand or grill mounts to mount your portable grill to your boat or tailgate.

How heavy are portable grills?

Our portable grills range in weight from just 8.5 lbs. up to 48 lbs. Our lighter models are perfect for taking with you on weekend trips to the beach or hiking to your favorite campsite while our heavier portable grills are ideal for tailgating, RV camping, or mounting to your boat for the season. We have padded carrying cases available for each of our grills to make transporting them a breeze.

Can you use a portable grill indoors?

No, you should not use a portable grill indoors. Whether you are grilling with charcoal or gas, adequate ventilation is required. Be sure to set your grill up outdoors whenever you are going to use it. If you need some shade, it’s 100% ok to set your grill up on a covered patio or under an umbrella as long as the space isn’t enclosed.

How can you clean a portable grill?

Keeping your portable grill clean is easy. We recommend using a little oven cleaner on the interior components after every eight to ten uses. Lay your cooking grates, radiant plates and burner out on newspaper in a well ventilated area. Spray on the oven cleaner using the directions on the packaging and remove as directed. Warm soapy water can be used to keep the exterior looking like new. If you experience any discoloration on your grill’s exterior, we recommend applying Magma Magic grill restorer with a soft cloth or sponge.

Where can you buy a portable grill?

You can buy Magma portable grills right here on our website, in our Amazon store, or at any of our retail partners. We offer an extensive selection of high-quality portable grills in a variety of sizes, fuel types, and price points to meet all your outdoor cooking needs.