Master Forge Portable Gas Grill

Grilling On-the-Go with the Versatile Portable Grill from Master Forge

As an outdoor cooking enthusiast, I’m always on the lookout for portable grills that can deliver exceptional BBQ flavor wherever my adventures take me. Whether it’s camping in the mountains, tailgating at the big game, or spending a day at the beach, having the right grill makes all the difference.

After extensive research comparing features, specs, and reviews, I recently purchased the Master Forge Portable Gas Grill – and it has quickly become my go-to for grilling on the go. As soon as I used it for the first time, I knew this was the perfect portable grill for my needs.

If you’re looking for a versatile, high-quality portable propane grill that can grill up delicious BBQ anywhere, then the Master Forge is an excellent option. In this comprehensive buying guide, I’ll cover everything you need to know about this fantastic grill, from costs to features to how it compares with other models. Let’s dive in!

What Exactly is the Master Forge Portable Gas Grill?

The Master Forge portable grill is a lightweight and compact propane gas grill that is designed for convenient grilling on-the-go. It’s made by Master Forge, a company known for producing affordable and reliable outdoor cookers and smokers.

This particular model is their flagship portable grill. Weighing just over 20 pounds, the Master Forge portable grill packs plenty of grilling power into a handy size. It’s fueled by small 1-lb propane cylinders, making it easy to set up and start cooking virtually anywhere.

Some of the key features include 189 square inches of cooking surface, foldable legs, dual burners with 12,000 BTUs of heating power, push-to-ignite start, and porcelain-coated cooking grates. It’s available at most major hardware and home improvement stores.

How Much Does It Cost?

The manufacturer’s suggested retail price for the Master Forge Portable Gas Grill is around $150. However, you can often find it on sale for prices ranging from $100 to $130.

The grill comes fully assembled right out of the box – no construction required. The only additional purchases needed are a 1-lb propane tank and basic grilling tools, if you don’t already have them. Replacement propane cylinders usually cost $5 to $15, depending on whether you get refillable tanks or disposable ones.

For the grilling versatility this model provides, combined with the reliable Master Forge construction, the reasonable price point makes this portable grill an excellent value in my opinion. You get an efficient and durable outdoor cooker that will provide many tasty meals on camping trips, road trips, tailgates, and more without breaking the bank.

Where Should I Buy the Master Forge Portable Grill?

This versatile portable propane grill is sold both online and at retail stores. Here are some of the best places to find it:

• Home Depot – The Home Depot website and retail locations carry this Master Forge grill model for either in-store pickup or home delivery.
• Lowe’s – This home improvement superstore sells the Master Forge portable gas grill in-stores and online. Lowe’s frequently runs sales too.
• Walmart – You can often find the Master Forge grill in stock at your local Walmart store or order online for convenient delivery to your home.
• Amazon – On Amazon, the grill is sold directly by the manufacturer as well as some third-party sellers, usually with free shipping.
• Ace Hardware – Check your neighborhood Ace store or browse online to buy the Master Forge portable grill and arrange in-store pickup.

I bought my Master Forge grill at my area Home Depot since I wanted it right away. But online retailers like Amazon may offer lower pricing, especially during sale events. Shopping around can help find the best deal!

What Features Make the Master Forge Portable Grill So Handy?

After many hours spent grilling on this portable propane gas grill from Master Forge, I can say with certainty that the great features provide exceptional functionality and convenience:

• Compact Size – At just 20.5 x 19 x 13 inches, it takes up minimal space for a grill yet still offers 189 square inches of cooking area. Fits easily in almost any car trunk.
• Foldable Legs – The sturdy legs fold in when transporting then lock securely in place for grilling. Makes setup/takedown a breeze.
• Dual Burners – Two independently controlled burners (6,000 BTUs each) allow for customized heat zones when cooking different foods.
• Push-Button Ignition – Gets the propane burners started instantly with the push of a button; no messy lighter fluid needed.
• Large Handles – Durable front and side handles make carrying this fairly lightweight grill easy. Great for grilling on-the-go.
• Temperature Gauge – Built-in lid thermometer lets me accurately monitor internal cooking temp for perfect results.

These well-designed features let me grill up burgers, steaks, vegetables, and more just about anywhere with excellent performance. It’s ideal when camping or tailgating – no park picnic table or back patio required!

How Does It Perform for Camping and Other Outdoor Cooking?

Thanks to its portable size and convenient features, the Master Forge grill works phenomenally for outdoor cooking scenarios like camping, road trips, tailgates, beach trips, and more.

When camping, the foldable legs and carrying handles make it very easy to pack this grill into the car and set it up at the site. I love being able to cook delicious BBQ favorites even while camping off-grid. It fires up quickly with the push-button ignition and makes cooking easy for the whole family.

The dual burner configuration provides better temperature control than many small portable grills. I can sear steaks on high heat on one side while gently roasting vegetables over lower heat on the other. With proper preheating, it reaches high temps for excellent searing.

While it’s not designed for large cookouts, the 189 square inch cooking surface can still handle 6-8 burgers or a couple steaks at once. I’m able to cook full, satisfying campsite meals on the Master Forge grill for my family of four. Perfect size for 2-4 people.

What is the Cooking Surface Made Of?

This grill features porcelain-coated steel cooking grates. The grates provide 189 square inches of total cooking surface – enough to cook 6-8 average burgers or a couple steaks simultaneously.

I really like the durable porcelain coating on the grates. It helps prevent food from sticking too much, makes the grates easier to clean, and enhances even heating. The grate design allows nice grill marks on burgers, steaks, and chops too.

Underneath the grates, the Master Forge has stainless steel burners and a steel firebox construction. This helps it hold up extremely well to outdoor use and frequent transporting. I haven’t had any issues with flaking or rust.

The porcelain-coated steel grate material strikes a great balance – providing excellent durability and performance for a portable grill at this price point.

How Portable and Easy to Transport Is It?

Between the compact size, foldable legs, and large carrying handles, I’m thoroughly impressed with how portable and easy to transport the Master Forge grill is.

It weighs just over 20 pounds, which makes it easy for one person to pick up and carry using the front and side handles. The legs fold up flat, so the entire grill can be tucked away in a car trunk or backseat neatly when not in use.

The legs fold out and lock securely into place for grilling. I can have it set up ready to cook in under 2 minutes. It feels very sturdy and stable on the legs when grilling, with no wobbling.

At just 20.5 x 19 x 13 inches in size, it can fit into almost any vehicle for tailgating, road trips, or camping. The great portability is one of my favorite aspects of this grill. It truly excels when you need compact grilling power on-the-go.

Does It Have Foldable Legs and Sturdy Handles?

Yes, the Master Forge portable grill features both foldable legs and durable carrying handles that make transporting it extremely convenient.

The foldable legs are made of thick powder-coated steel. They lock securely in place for grilling and fold up flat for transport and storage. Having legs that both fold down and lock in place makes setup very quick and simple.

It has a large front handle with padding for comfortable carrying. There is also a side carrying handle which makes lifting the 20 lb grill easier. The handles feel very sturdy and solidly attached.

These well-designed foldable legs and carrying handles are part of what makes this model one of the most portable propane grills in its price range. I never have to worry about the grill falling over or being difficult to carry and set up.

What is the BTU Output and Heating Power?

This Master Forge grill is equipped with two stainless steel burners that each provide 6,000 BTUs for a total of 12,000 BTUs of heating power.

12,000 total BTUs is a great level of heating for a compact portable grill. During my testing, I found it able to reach grilling temperatures of around 500-600°F fairly quickly when properly preheated on both burners.

The two independently controlled burners are each powered by their own control knob and allow for direct or indirect grilling. I like having one side hotter for searing while the other keeps food warm.

For perspective, large full-size gas grills often have around 40,000 BTUs across three or four burners. Considering its small size, the Master Forge portable achieves impressively high temperatures thanks to the 12,000 BTU dual burner configuration. This allows for proper searing while remaining energy-efficient.

Is It Compatible with Small Propane Tanks?

The Master Forge Portable Gas Grill is designed to run off of small, portable 1-lb propane cylinders. This allows you to use it virtually anywhere.

It comes with a propane regulator that connects to disposable 1-lb tanks or refillable 1-lb propane canisters. You don’t need large tanks or cumbersome hoses. The compact propane cylinders make it completely self-contained and highly portable.

I like using the small Green Coleman propane cylinders because they are inexpensive and fit conveniently in the trunk. A 1-lb tank lasts for 2-3 grilling sessions typically. There are also refillable propane canisters such as Worthington and Flame King 1-lb tanks that can be refilled at propane supply stores for even more savings.

The ability to use affordable and widely available 1-lb propane tanks is a big advantage over many portable grills. You don’t need to bring along bulky propane tanks when transporting.

How Do You Clean and Maintain It?

I’ve found the Master Forge grill very easy to clean and maintain, especially compared to larger models. Here are my tips:

• Empty grease tray after each use once grill is cooled. The tray removes and empties easily.
• Brush grates after cooking while still warm using a stainless steel grill brush. This removes residue.
• Periodically wash grates with warm soapy water and dry thoroughly to prevent rusting.
• Wipe down the exterior using a non-abrasive cloth and grill cleaner/degreaser. Avoid oven cleaner.
• Cover when not in use for protection from elements which can shorten the lifespan.
• Replace cooking grates if they become excessively worn or rusted. Quality replacement grates are readily available.

The porcelain-coated steel grates clean up nicely after brushing and wipe down easily when warm. Doing regular simple cleaning makes taking care of this grill very straightforward.

Is There a Warranty?

Yes, the Master Forge portable grill comes with a 1-year limited warranty from the manufacturer.

The warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship for 1 year from the original date of purchase. To be covered, you just need to have your original sales receipt.

From my experience, Master Forge stands behind their products and will provide replacement parts if any issues arise within the first year.

Considering the reasonable price point, a 1-year warranty provides great value and peace of mind. Just be sure to do periodic maintenance and cleaning as recommended.

Can You Get Replacement Parts?

Replacement parts are readily available for the Master Forge Portable Gas Grill. The company sells original replacement parts through retailers such as Home Depot, Lowes and Walmart if needed.

Some of the most commonly replaced parts if they become damaged include:

• Porcelain-coated steel cooking grates
• Stainless steel burners
• Small propane regulator with hose
• Push-button igniter battery
• Foldable legs
• Knobs & fasteners

Having access to genuine replacement parts is great for long-term maintenance. The cooking grates in particular can become worn over time with heavy use. Being able to replace individual parts extends the usable lifespan of the grill.

How Does This Grill Compare with Similar Models?

The Master Forge Portable Gas Grill competes with other comparable portable propane grills in the $100 to $150 price range, such as:

• Coleman RoadTrip grill
• Cuisinart Petit Grill
• Giantex Propane Tabletop Grill
• Blackstone Table Top Grill
• Char-Broil Grill2Go X200

The Master Forge is very favorably matched up against competitors. Key advantages are the dual burners for better temperature control, larger 189 square inch grilling surface, and excellent portability with foldable legs. Construction quality is solid and owners report good longevity.

The RoadTrip grill from Coleman is closest in terms of features and performance. But the Master Forge has higher-quality porcelain-coated grates. For portable grilling functionality, the Master Forge delivers outstanding value and quality compared to other affordable models.

Is the Master Forge Grill Easy to Assemble?

One of the things I really appreciate about this grill is that no assembly is required – the Master Forge portable grill comes ready to use straight out of the box.

You can literally take it out of the box, unfold the legs, attach a 1-lb propane tank, and start grilling within minutes. No tools or complicated instructions needed.

The quick and effortless setup is possible because:

• It comes fully assembled already
• Legs simply fold out and lock securely in place
• Propane regulator connects directly to gas cylinder

Being able to use my new grill immediately without any complicated DIY assembly makes life much easier. I can pack it up at home then unpack and start grilling as soon as I reach the campsite or park. The hassle-free setup is a big plus.

Does It Have a Built-In Temperature Gauge?

Yes, the Master Forge Portable Gas Grill is equipped with a convenient lid-mounted temperature gauge to monitor internal heat level while cooking.

I find the gauge very useful for proper preheating. It also helps prevent accidentally overheating foods.

The gauge displays temperatures ranging from 150° F to 550° F. Knowing the exact heat level inside the grill lets me adjust burner settings to maintain the ideal cooking temperature for different foods.

Thanks to the built-in gauge, it’s easy to stick to the optimal heat for perfectly seared steaks (around 500° F) or gently roasted veggies (350-450° range). Keeping an eye on the gauge takes the guesswork out of outdoor grilling.

How Well Does It Work for Tailgating?

With its excellent portability and fast setup, the Master Forge grill performs extremely well for tailgating. Its compact size and foldable legs are perfect for taking in the car to the stadium parking lot.

The quick push-button ignition means you can start grilling within minutes of parking – no waiting for charcoal or messy lighter fluid. It reaches high temps fast so cooking goes quickly.

Between the dual burners and 189 square inches of grilling space, there’s plenty of room to grill up burgers, brats, or chicken wings to enjoy pre-game.

And since it uses 1-lb propane cylinders, you don’t have to worry about transporting large propane tanks. Just stash a few compact cylinders and you’re good to go. Plus clean up is easy after the game.

The Master Forge has become my #1 grill for convenience and portability at tailgates. My friends are always impressed by the food I can cook up quickly from the back of my SUV in the stadium parking lot!

What Do Customer Reviews Say?

The Master Forge Portable Gas Grill scores very well in customer reviews across major retailers. Here are some common positives I’ve seen:

• Durable construction quality given the price
• Excellent heating power from dual burners
• Distinct temperature zones work great
• Lightweight and portable
• Heats up fast and cooks evenly
• Easy push-button ignition
• Simple cleanup with removable grease tray
• Provides great value for money
• Reliable customer support from Master Forge

With over 500 reviews on Home Depot’s website, it averages 4.5 out of 5 stars. The vast majority of owners mention how satisfied they are with the grilling results, ease of use, portability, and value. Negative reviews are very rare for this model. It consistently impresses customers.

Is the Grill Made from Stainless Steel?

The Master Forge Portable Gas Grill features steel construction but is not fully stainless steel. Here are the materials used in each part:

• Porcelain-coated steel cooking grates provide durability and easy cleaning
• Stainless steel burners inside the firebox
• Steel for the lid, firebox, and foldable legs
• Durable aluminum for the handles and knobs

Using heavier-gauge steel keeps the cost down versus stainless, but it still holds up very well to weather and frequent transporting. The key parts like the grates and burners are higher quality materials.

The porcelain-coated grates give excellent rust resistance and the stainless burners prevent corrosion. Overall it achieves great durability and longevity despite not being full stainless. Careful cleaning helps maintain the steel body properly.

Where Is the Master Forge Grill Manufactured?

Master Forge is owned by Nexgrill Industries which has offices in California but manufactures its grills primarily in China.

The company uses manufacturing facilities in China in order to produce affordable and reliable grills for the US market, while keeping quality standards high through oversight of production.

As with many grills in the sub-$200 price range, outsourced Chinese manufacturing allows delivering a well-made portable grill with the latest features at a competitive price point.

While made in China, Master Forge grills are developed to meet North American safety and emissions standards for optimal performance. The brand has earned a reputation for good customer service and standing behind their products.

The Bottom Line – An Exceptional Value for Portable Grilling

For shoppers looking for a durable, high-performing portable propane grill at a reasonable price, the Master Forge Portable Gas Grill is an outstanding option. It delivers premium grilling versatility and convenience in a compact package.

Key advantages making it my top recommendation for camping, tailgating, road trips, and everyday outdoor cooking include:

• Compact and lightweight yet robust construction
• 12,000 BTUs of power from dual burners
• Large 189 square inch porcelain-coated grates
• Stainless steel burners for longevity
• Push-button ignition and built-in temperature gauge
• Foldable legs and carry handles for transport
• Wide availability of replacement parts

Given the excellent features and performance, the Master Forge portable grill provides unbeatable value – especially when purchased on sale under $130. If you want delicious gourmet grilling anywhere without spending big, this is the perfect portable grill for the job. It takes your cookouts on the go to a whole new level.