Great grill food doesn’t require a chef’s coat or a fancy setup. Whether you’re flipping burgers in the backyard, slow-cooking ribs at a tailgate, or searing shrimp on a small balcony, the right rub or grill turns an ordinary cookout into something memorable. This roundup pulls together eight options covering seasonings and grills across price points and experience levels, so you can pick the combo that fits your cooking style, your space, and the way you actually entertain.
Your Options, Compared
McCormick Grill Mates Montreal Steak Seasoning (No Msg), 29 OZ
Heath Riles BBQ Rub Garlic Butter Championship Recipe
Charmline Portable Tabletop Charcoal Grill with Lid
Charmline 20x14in Big Foldable Portable Charcoal Grill
Captiva Designs Propane Gas and Charcoal Grill Combo
Charmline Portable Charcoal Grill and Fire Pit
Captiva Designs Propane Gas Griddle Grill Combo
Charmline 14x9in Small Portable Charcoal BBQ Grill
A Closer Look At Each Pick
If you cook steak, chicken, or seafood on a regular weeknight and want a no-fuss flavor boost, this 29-ounce jug of McCormick Grill Mates Montreal Steak has earned its spot in pantries across the country for good reason. The blend leans on the steakhouse classic profile of coarse salt, black pepper, garlic, and paprika, which translates into a fast upgrade for anything from a thick ribeye to a tray of grilled shrimp.
Because it’s MSG-free and packaged in a generous canister, you get plenty of seasoning to last through busy grilling months. It’s the kind of shaker you reach for without thinking, the one that disappears faster than any other bottle on the spice rack.
What It Does Well
- Versatile on steak, burgers, chicken, fish, and vegetables
- Coarse grind creates a flavorful crust on grilled proteins
- Large 29-ounce container suits frequent grillers
- No MSG added, a clean label for everyday cooks
- Familiar steakhouse flavor profile that pairs with most meats
Worth Noting
- Coarse texture may not dissolve well in marinades
- Flavor skews savory rather than smoky, so a smoke ring won’t appear on its own
- Large size can lose freshness if stored in a humid pantry
Right Fit For
Weeknight grillers who want a dependable, all-purpose seasoning for steak, chicken, and seafood without a learning curve.
Skip It When
You want a sweeter or smoky rub, in which case Heath Riles BBQ Rub Garlic Butter Championship Recipe is a better fit for richer, buttery flavor profiles.
Heath Riles built his reputation on competition barbecue circuits, and this Garlic Butter rub shows up in that Cajun-Creole lane where butter, garlic, and a touch of jalapeño heat meet on the grill. The result works across poultry, pork, beef, and seafood, so you can stick with one bottle for almost everything that hits the grate. It’s the type of seasoning that quietly turns a basic chicken thigh into something memorable.
You may find the blend richer and more aromatic than a typical steakhouse-style rub, so it pairs well with fattier cuts and slow cooks. For anyone who likes their grilled food to taste like it came from a roadhouse pit, the flavor leans closer to comfort than restraint.
What Makes Sense
- Designed by a known competition pitmaster
- Works on chicken, pork, beef, seafood, and vegetables
- Buttery, garlic-forward profile fills in for added fats or sauces
Honest Caveats
- Richer profile can overpower delicate white fish
- Not a low-sodium blend, so go light if you’re watching salt intake
Built With In Mind
Home pitmasters who like big, buttery flavor on chicken, ribs, and burgers and want a versatile rub that handles a wide protein rotation.
A Better Fit Elsewhere
For a clean, MSG-free everyday seasoning for lean proteins like shrimp or fish, McCormick Grill Mates Montreal Steak Seasoning (No Msg), 29 OZ is a more neutral option.
Small patios, apartment balconies, and tight tailgate spots call for a grill that doesn’t take over the surface. The Charmline Portable Tabletop Charcoal Grill keeps a compact 14.6 x 10.2 inch grate that fits two to four people, while the lid and built-in thermometer let you manage heat without constantly lifting the dome. Two adjustable top vents add real airflow control, which is rare in this size class.
The footprint makes it easy to store between cookouts, and the lid turns what would otherwise be a basic open grate into something closer to a real grill. For charcoal purists who don’t have room for a full kettle, this fills a useful middle ground.
Positive Takeaways
- Lidded design with built-in thermometer
- Adjustable top vents for heat control
- Compact enough for apartment use
- Charcoal flavor in a small footprint
Things To Consider
- Limited grate space for larger cuts
- Charcoal requires ash cleanup after each cook
Right Fit For
Balcony and patio cooks who want charcoal flavor and lid-style heat management without dedicating a full grill cart to it.
Look Elsewhere When
You want a grill that doubles as a campfire, in which case Charmline Portable Charcoal Grill and Fire Pit offers more outdoor versatility.
The 20×14-inch Charmline foldable grill collapses to roughly the size of two A4 sheets of paper once packed away, which makes it the kind of gear that actually ends up in the car instead of staying in the garage. The included 44×24-inch fireproof mat gives you a defined cooking zone on grass, sand, or picnic tables, which takes the anxiety out of setting up on unfamiliar surfaces.
It’s sized for three to five people, and the lift-up grate makes charcoal refills safer mid-cook. There’s also a built-in spot for a sauce bottle, a touch that seasoned campers tend to appreciate.
Everyday Perks
- Folds flat for car trunk or backpack storage
- Includes fireproof ground mat
- Stable structure once unfolded
- Suitable for varied terrain like grass, beach, or tabletop
Honest Caveats
- No lid, so wind and flare-ups require attention
- Smaller than full-size grills for big cookouts
Best Suited To
Campers, beach-goers, and picnic hosts who want a charcoal grill that travels flat and sets up on uneven ground.
Another Choice May Suit
For solo outings where every inch of pack space matters, Charmline 14x9in Small Portable Charcoal BBQ Grill trims even further down to a single letter-paper footprint.
Backyard hosts often end up choosing between the convenience of gas and the flavor of charcoal, and this Captiva Designs combo sidesteps that debate by offering both in one unit. The propane side gives you quick weeknight dinners with push-button ignition, while the charcoal side delivers that open-flavor sear on weekends. A side burner expands the cooking surface for sauces, veggies, or a pot of corn on the cob.
The 61-inch-long counter gives you enough room to plate, prep, and run two cook zones at once. It’s a serious setup, the kind that turns a small gathering into a full outdoor kitchen.
Positive Points
- Dual fuel design covers both cooking styles
- Built-in side burner for sides and sauces
- Long 61-inch counter for prep space
- Independent controls for each side
Trade Offs
- Larger footprint requires a dedicated patio area
- More components to clean and maintain
- Heavier than single-fuel portable grills
Made For
Frequent backyard entertainers who want gas convenience, charcoal flavor, and a side burner all in one station.
Consider Something Else When
You mainly cook for two or travel with your grill, since Captiva Designs Propane Gas Griddle Grill Combo is better for flat-top versatility in a similar footprint.
Camping trips often need more than just a way to cook dinner, and this Charmline unit pulls double duty as a charcoal grill and a contained fire pit. Pull out the grate and you’ve got a campfire for s’mores, conversation, and warmth on cool evenings. Drop the grate back in and you’ve got a cooking surface for burgers, steaks, and chicken.
Two cooking surfaces come included: an open stainless steel grate and a perforated plate that keeps small foods like shrimp and sliced vegetables from dropping into the coals. The two-surface approach solves a real problem for campsite cooks.
Everyday Advantages
- Functions as both grill and fire pit
- Includes perforated plate for small foods
- Stainless steel grate for direct grilling
- Compact form for car camping and RV trips
Things To Weigh
- Charcoal ash cleanup is required after each use
- Not designed for large group cooking
Who Should Grab It
Car campers and RV travelers who want one piece of gear to handle dinner cooking and after-dark campfire time.
Reach For A Different Pick When
You prioritize quick setup over fire pit versatility, in which case Charmline Portable Tabletop Charcoal Grill with Lid offers lidded heat control in a smaller package.
The Captiva Designs griddle-grill combo brings a flat top into the backyard lineup, and that opens up breakfast hashes, smash burgers, stir-fries, and seared vegetables alongside traditional grilling. A 442-square-inch total cooking area gives you room to run griddle and grill grates side by side without crowding.
The propane setup means fast startup and easy temperature control, which matters on busy weekends when you’re juggling pancakes and bacon while a round of burgers waits. It’s a flexible station for cooks who treat the backyard like an extension of the kitchen.
The Good Stuff
- Combines flat top griddle with grill grates
- 442 sq. in. total cooking surface
- Propane for fast ignition and recovery
- Lid helps with indirect cooking and smoke retention
Points To Note
- Griddle surface requires seasoning and careful cleaning
- Takes up significant patio space
Perfect Match For
Home cooks who want griddle and grill in one, especially fans of breakfast-for-dinner or smash burger nights.
Where A Sibling Pick Shines
If you prefer charcoal flavor over griddle versatility, Captiva Designs Propane Gas and Charcoal Grill Combo covers both fuel types instead.
Solo travelers and small picnics don’t need much cooking space, and this 14×9-inch Charmline grill folds down to roughly the size of a sheet of letter paper. No assembly is required, just unfold and start grilling, which makes it approachable for first-time grillers and renters who don’t want a complicated setup.
It’s rated for one to three people, so it covers a quick dinner for two or a casual afternoon on the beach. For cooks packing light, it’s hard to beat on pure portability.
A Few Strong Suits
- Folds to letter-paper size for easy packing
- No assembly required out of the box
- Lightweight enough for backpack or tote
- Works for solo meals and small picnics
Worth Bearing In Mind
- Open design means wind affects cooking
- Smaller grate limits cookout size
Whose Shelf It Belongs On
Solo travelers and minimalists who want a no-fuss charcoal grill that disappears into a drawer or backpack between uses.
Swap It Out When
You typically cook for four or more, since Charmline 20x14in Big Foldable Portable Charcoal Grill scales up without much more bulk.
Picking The Right Grill Setup And Seasoning For You
Match The Grill To Your Cooking Space
A backyard with a covered patio gives you room for a full combo unit, while a balcony or apartment calls for a tabletop or foldable design. Think about where the grill will live ninety percent of the time, then size accordingly. Charcoal grills reward you with flavor but require ash disposal, storage, and some patience on startup. Propane models heat up quickly and recover faster between cooks, though they sacrifice some of that smoky depth. A combination unit makes sense if you cook for crowds and want both styles on demand.
Seasonings Are About Protein Match
Steakhouse-style blends like Montreal Steak work well across beef, poultry, and seafood because they rely on salt, pepper, garlic, and paprika as a base. Richer, buttery rubs lean toward fattier cuts like ribs, thighs, and burgers where the flavor can carry through. Lighter proteins like shrimp and white fish take well to herb-forward blends where heavy salts can overwhelm. Choosing a rub by protein type helps you avoid the “too salty” or “too rich” problem that comes from one-bottle-fits-all cooking.
Portability Versus Capacity
Traveling with a grill means trading grate space for packability. Foldable designs collapse flat and fit behind a car seat, while full-size combos stay planted on the patio. Think about how often you’ll move the grill versus how often you’ll host. A small charcoal grill for two doesn’t help much at a six-person cookout, and a full backyard rig is overkill for a solo beach trip.
Cooking Surface And Maintenance
Griddles open up breakfast and stir-fry options but require seasoning and careful cleaning to prevent rust. Open grates are forgiving but let small foods fall through. Stainless steel cleans up faster than cast iron in most cases, though it doesn’t hold heat quite as long. Match the surface to the kind of food you cook most, and build the maintenance routine into your expectation before you buy.
What To Watch Before You Buy
Common Shopping Slip Ups
Plenty of first-time grill buyers focus on BTU numbers and overlook the actual cooking surface area, which is what really matters for how much food you can turn out at once. Another trap is choosing a model without considering where the ash catcher is and how easy cleanup will be after a long cook. Seasoning buyers often grab the largest container without checking the salt content, only to find they use less than expected because the rub is heavy. Reading the label and picturing your real cooking flow saves money on returns.
Where The Extra Money Goes
Higher-tier grills earn their step up through thicker steel, better heat retention, and sturdier lids that hold temperature longer. Premium rubs often use larger spice pieces, less filler, and balanced salt levels that let the secondary flavors come through. You pay for materials and formulation, not magic, so the upgrade makes sense when you cook often enough to notice the difference. For occasional weekend cooks, mid-range options usually deliver more value than top-tier flagships.
