Nomad Grill: Portable Charcoal Grill - Modern & Convenient

Nomad, a company originating in Dallas, aimed to reimagine a time-honored culinary technique – but their approach didn’t involve integrating smart or connected technology. The Nomad Grill & Smoker instead focuses on refining traditional charcoal grilling through innovative industrial design, resulting in a unit that is both easily transportable and compact. This design ensures that both seasoned grill masters and those new to charcoal cooking can consistently produce delicious results.

Basics

The Nomad grill presents itself as a sophisticated and robust carrying case, reminiscent of equipment used by professional filmmakers or the design of contemporary Apple computers. Its construction utilizes an anodized aluminum unibody casting, providing exceptional exterior strength and efficient heat containment. When shut, the grill’s dimensions are approximately 2 feet by 2 feet, with a height of 9.5 inches, and it weighs 28 lbs. inclusive of the included cast stainless steel grill grate.

Although 28 lbs. represents a substantial weight, it is surprisingly manageable considering the extensive cooking area the Nomad provides. This area totals 212 square inches when utilizing a single grate – ideal for smoking – and expands to a maximum of 425 square inches in the open-grill configuration. This larger surface area is achievable with the addition of a second, separately available grate and charcoal positioned on either side, making it well-suited for traditional open-flame barbecuing.

The grill’s casing incorporates a secure dual-latch closure and a strengthened handle for convenient portability. Silicone pads safeguard surfaces during grilling, and two magnetic air vents located on opposing sides allow for precise airflow and flame regulation, adjusted through simple manual sliding.

Design and performance

The Nomad’s design appears straightforward – fundamentally, it’s a metallic container. However, a closer examination reveals sophisticated engineering, including a multi-layered shell construction. This design prevents the exterior from becoming excessively hot, enhancing user safety and allowing placement on various surfaces during cooking. This is a significant advantage for a grill intended for portability.

Focusing on the grill grate itself, it incorporates a honeycomb pattern to facilitate improved heat distribution. The grate is also gently domed to provide increased space for the charcoal below. It’s designed for easy removal, yet securely attaches to the grill using magnets, ensuring stability during transport and preventing shifting during use.

A noteworthy feature, despite its subtlety, is the integrated thermometer molded into the case. This provides straightforward and readily visible temperature readings, and its analog nature eliminates the need for a power source – a further benefit for portability.

In operation, the grill functions as expected from a high-quality charcoal grill, which is remarkable considering its compact size and portability. It’s worth noting that using a charcoal chimney will greatly simplify the lighting process, though this is a useful addition for any charcoal grilling setup.

I found the Nomad grill’s smoking capabilities particularly impressive. It consistently maintains a stable temperature when the lid is closed, and the integrated vents allow for simple temperature adjustments to control cooking intensity. The close distance between the charcoal and the food also contributes to a rich, flavorful result.

Final Thoughts

At a price point of $599, the Nomad Grill & Smoker represents a significant investment, yet it distinguishes itself within the current market due to the blend of ease of use and cooking capability it delivers. For both backyard cooking and adventures on the go, the Nomad serves as a valuable asset for any cooking enthusiast, potentially functioning as a comprehensive replacement for a traditional, stationary charcoal grill if desired.