How this grill and smoker redefines portable outdoor cooking

By Michael Hiller
Photo courtesy of Nomad

The Nomad Grill and Smoker is a portable powerhouse that redefines grilling for serious outdoor cooks. Designed by a Dallas-based company, the Nomad isn’t just compact, it’s engineered for portability and performance, and it’s aptly named for cooking on the move. When closed, it resembles a sleek, top-secret CIA briefcase, but open it up, and you’ve got a high-performance charcoal grill and smoker combo capable of rivaling full-sized competitors.

We put the Nomad through its paces over the last few weeks. In grilling mode, its cast aluminum, honeycomb-patterned grates heated quickly and evenly, delivering burgers with a crisp exterior and juicy interior in under 20 minutes. Smashburgers cooked over coals on Nomad’s optional griddle was even better. The Nomad’s nonstick cooking surfaces and an ash collection system made cleanup a breeze.

When it came to low-and-slow cooking, the Nomad held a steady 250°F for hours, properly smoking a whole chicken with tender, juicy results and beautifully crisped skin. It’s too small to cook a brisket or several racks of ribs at once, but no one expects to haul a refrigerator home from Costco in the rear of their hatchback either.

We love the grill’s reliable built-in thermometer, heat retention and exterior insulation that make positioning it safe for almost any surface. But the feature we love most about the Nomad is its versatility. Unlike many portable grills that sacrifice performance for size, the Nomad offers portability with few compromises. Folding it open doubles the cooking space with an optional second grate. 

That optional carbon steel griddle further expands its functionality. Its rust-resistant anodized aluminum construction promises durability, and the suitcase-style build and cushioned handle make it easy to carry and store. At 28 pounds, it’s hefty but it isn’t particularly cumbersome; that means your personal trainer won’t have to travel with you just to lug it around.

Despite its diminutive size, the Nomad is a premium grill. High-quality materials, thoughtful engineering, and reliable performance make it a worthwhile investment for anyone serious about grilling. 

But if you are tailgating, camping, or hosting a small backyard party with limited space, the Nomad delivers serious results.

THE DETAILS

Nomad Grill and Smoker, $695 from nomadgrills.com