So the sun's shining, the temperature's just right, and you're hungry! GREAT, that's what we're here for. What do you need to indulge yourself? That all depends on the venue. In some places all you need is a bag of charcoal and some food to cook. In most places, you're going to need at least one of those cheap hibachi things.

I used one of those things once... ONCE! I found a few downfalls. First, you have to carry around a bag of charcoal, or possibly charcoal and starter fluid. Second, you've got to wait for it to heat up. Then you have to wait for it to cool down if you plan to keep it, and you have to safely dispose of the hot coals. The most important reason to avoid these is simple - They stink to cook on!

The solution? I found it in the form of a small portable propane-powered grill. Yes, I know... it's kind of hard to justify my worry about toting lighter fluid when I will transport a tank of propane, but it pays off. I also know that purists will say that unless it's charcoal cooked, it doesn't count. I'm no purist, I guess, since my palette says that the food tastes fine. This unit currently retails for $22.96 at Wal-Mart, and don't forget to add the cost of a propane tank to that price. The only place I ran across these so far was Wal-Mart, but it's early in the season. There are also 'fuel' powered camping stoves, but I have never used one of those.

WalMart
Left to right from top photo
Smokey Joe Grill Charcoal	$29.96
Kingsford 14.5inch Charcoal	$12.88
Char Broil Mini-Boss Smoker	$19.96
Char Broil Propane	$22.96
Char Broil Charcoal	$18.86
Quick Grill w/instant Charcoal	$3.96
Kitchen Etc.
Weber Portable Propane Grill	$54.99