While gas grills have gained more popularity in the last decade due to their portability, convenience, and ease-of-use, they still can’t quite measure up to the best portable charcoal grill in terms of grilling performance and raw food quality. In truth, nothing beats the classic, smoky flavor of charcoal-grilled-produced meat, and we perfectly understand why many BBQ enthusiasts are often reluctant to switch to the newer and more convenient gas grill. Of course, charcoal grills are most often used in the backyard, but you might like to take it on the road sometimes, which is usually where portable charcoal grills come into the equation.
With adequate care and maintenance, a charcoal grill can last for many years. Since they usually have no electrical components, you only need a flame and charcoal and you’re good to go. Due to these, they are ideal for different types of settings, including camping, tailgating, and more. But despite the fact that charcoal grills have been existing for decades, buying them can still be fairly testing, except you’re extremely experienced. In order to identify the ideal model for your needs, you must consider some important factors like cooking area, materials used, weight and dimensions of the grill.
If you’re in the market for a great portable charcoal grill and you don’t know how to go about it, you’re not alone. We understand that there’re many people like you in this dilemma, and that is why we have designed this guide to help untangle everything that might seem complicated to you. With our comparison table, the in-depth reviews of our top recommendations, our buying guide, and our answers to the most common questions asked by buyers, we trust that this guide will be able to serve the purpose for which it was written – enlighten buyers and help them choose the right portable charcoal grill with the list of the 15 best options topped with the Outsunny Iron Tabletop Charcoal Grill. our Editor’s Choice.
More features: equipped with 7 air vents; 2 lid locks
If you’re looking for a portable charcoal grill that offers almost the performance of bigger ones while coming at only a fraction of the price, look no further. With its 195 square-inch cooking area, you can easily invite five to seven friends or family members for a BBQ party at once. The product comes with a silicon handle which won’t cause damage over the painting of the grill or burnt hands so that you can have a wonderful and safe party without needing to worry about anything.
Apart from not having to worry about safety, you also don’t need to worry about cleaning since this unit has a porcelain-enameled and heat-resistant grate and a dust-proof surface. Coupled with its compact size, this product is also completely foldable, which means you can effortlessly put it in the trunk of your car and take it wherever you like. Moving on, the grill is outfitted with seven vents for both dust discharge and ventilation, which helps it add better taste to your food.
The product can serve you for many years with proper care and maintenance, but keep an eye on the legs especially since the material it is made from is not that sturdy. Also, the assembly instructions are rather difficult to understand at first. Once you get a hang of it though, you will realize it’s actually simpler than it seems.
More features: easy to use and clean, cast iron cooking grates, adjustable fire grate, bottom storage shelf, warming rack, wheels, front and side shelves
The Char-Griller 2137 is an excellent product for those who want a portable grill with smoking capability and lots of really great added extras, including a warming rack and shelves to keep food warm and give you a lot more control. The adjustable fire grates also mean that you have more control over the heat.
We’ve named this the best large portable grill due to the fact that it has an incredible 950 square inches of cooking space. If you are taking this out and about with you, it can be a challenge, but it is a good option for taking it into a garage and then pulling it out when you need it. It’s a heavy model at over 100 lbs., but this is virtually inevitable if you want those extra features and space. It isn’t easy to put in the car and take with you to cook when you are on the go.
Compared to the smaller options on the list, such as the Char-Griller E22424 Table Top Charcoal Grill, which is the Best Charcoal Grill under $100, this is much bigger, and though it does have wheels to help you to drag it around, but it wouldn’t be easy to get to the beach like the E22424 tabletop model. Instead, it is simpler to just put it away in the garage or undercover somewhere for the winter.
More features: ash leak under the bowl; 4 dampers on the lid
If the Weber 10020 Smokey Joe Portable Grill doesn’t impress you, we doubt any charcoal grill will ever get you impressed. It features everything you might want to see in a charcoal grill while being affordable at that. For optimum rust resistance, the grill has a porcelain-enameled coating, a bottom and top air vent, a triple nickel-plated grate, and a glass reinforced nylon handle. While it’s not the biggest model you’ll find out there, it can easily make food for two to three individuals, fitting three steaks or six burgers at a time.
However, it takes a little learning to be able to cook with this unit. In fact, the temperature controls may take you a few times to master perfectly. Generally, every meal made is delicious, and since there is a ten-year warranty on the unit, you can rest easy knowing you’re covered. The only few downsides we noticed is the lack of a locking mechanism and the fact that the grill has no handles. Consequently, transportation may be a bit difficult.
The Weber 10020 is also very portable and super light, which may somewhat make up for the lack of handles and a locking mechanism. Also, considering the very affordable price of this model, we think it delivers a lot of value for the investment. If you’re on a budget and looking for a portable charcoal grill for your on-the-road cooking, you might want to check this one out.
More features: 22-inch diameter porcelain-enameled bowl, One-Touch cleaning system, removable LCD cook timer, built-in lid thermometer
The features of the Weber 15501001 Performer Deluxe Charcoal Grill also make a good case for why you should buy it. It’s relatively high-tech with a touch-n-go gas ignition system that ensures you don’t spend too long lighting the charcoal so you can prepare a meal. The cooking area consists of a 22-inch porcelain-enameled bowl with a total cooking surface amounting to 363 square inches.
Despite being a charcoal grill, it comes with precision heat control, and the best part is that lifting the lid is unnecessary. Adjusting the dampers to determine how much air comes into the grill is enough.
Additionally, it features an LCD cook timer alongside a built-in lid thermometer. With these two features, it’ll be a cinch to ensure the meat is well-cooked both inside and outside. Additionally, the grill doesn’t leave a mess at your tailgating site with an aluminum ash catcher as part of the setup.
However, before you get to cooking, you need to assemble the grill, which shouldn’t be problematic even for people who haven’t handled a grill before. The 3D interactive assembly instructions make sure of that. The setup also offers convenient charcoal storage just beside the grill, so you won’t have to go into the house for a refill. The charcoal storage is placed just under an extra workspace where you can prepare your food before throwing it into the grill to cook.
At 91 lbs, the Weber 15501001 Performer Deluxe Charcoal Grill is a rather heavy cooking machine, although the incorporated wheels offset the weight when moving it.
More features: sliding drawer; can be used as a smoker/side fire box
Lightweight and portable, the Char-Griller Table Top Grill is another high-quality product on our list and the fact that it’s priced so low despite its many features is an incredible act of generosity of Char-Griller. Just like most Char-Griller’s products, this one too can be utilized for different grilling purposes, which include long-haul smoking, lower temperature, and fast barbecue grilling. Despite being a portable grill, it has a 250-square-inch cooking space, which is perfect for small areas such as balconies or patios, or for camping and picnicking.
Going further, this portable grill from Char-Grill is produced using durable, heavy-duty steel, which allows it to serve you well even under severe weather conditions. Apart from that, the grill also comes with a detachable ash catcher that makes it easy to clean. The design also allows for simple access to every area. Moreover, the cast iron grate enables even temperature all across the cooking area and won’t tarnish even when exposed to a lot of heat.
However, the grates are too close to coals, which may affect the durability of the grate in the long run. Besides, the grill only measures 16 inches in height, and that may be inconvenient, especially if you’re a fairly tall person. But it comes completely assembled, which makes it perfect for tailgating or trips. It’s smaller construction makes it more suitable for people with limited space, and its fuel economy prevents too much smoke production as well.
More features: holds 1.5 lbs of briquettes or 1lb of small lump, lockable lid, electrically powered
Another portable charcoal grill worth considering is the Masterbuilt MB20040522. It has a charcoal mini hopper that holds 1.5 lbs of charcoal briquettes. However, if you decide to go with a lump of charcoal instead of the smaller pieces, it can only hold 1 lbs. Nevertheless, the charcoal lasts four hours of cooking before the fire goes out, which is perfect for mini cookouts.
Speaking of cookouts, the grill offers a wide range of cooking temperatures, enough to change from cooking vegetables to eggs or steak. It also has one of the more impressive cooking temperature dials on the list, ensuring precise control for each type of meal. Nevertheless, it does need power for this feature to work, and you can use either batteries or connect it to a power outlet if you have one near you.
It’s compact enough for someone to lift, put it in their car trunk, and transport it to a campsite. Additionally, if the site has a policy against the disposal of ashes, you can just lick the lid, carry it back with you as is, and dispose of the waste once you get home. The locking feature can also be used while you’re cooking some meats to keep heat contained within the grill.
Due to its compact body and form factor, it’s better suited for families rather than large gatherings. However, it can be used in some situations if there are other grills handling some of the foods.
More features: adjustable top damper; bottom damper and ash pan
Engineered for both lengthy smoking and easy grilling, the Char-Griller E06614 Akorn Jr. Kamado Kooker Charcoal Grill makes it incredibly easy to cook any food. For maximum temperature control, the grill offers a temperature range between 200 and 700 degrees Fahrenheit. In addition, the design is fuel-efficient, which allows for less fuel consumption. By and large, this is a great charcoal grill that you just can’t go wrong with.
On both sides of the Char-Griller E06614 Akorn Jr are adjustable dampers to guarantee even air circulation, thereby allowing for extraordinary temperature control. But despite being quite portable at 25 x 14 inches, this charcoal grill from Char-Griller isn’t really lightweight, weighing in at almost 40 pounds. Considering the fairly heavy weight of this grill, it might not really be the perfect model for campers and tailgaters who are looking for something transportable for their trips. To make up for the heavy weight though, the manufacturers incorporated carrying handles on this one, which allows you to carry it easily.
This grill is also produced using durable and high-quality materials, which allows it to stand strong against a severe level of heat. It is, however, worth mentioning that this unit requires assembly which is super easy. Anyone with the most basic skills can assemble it – all you need is a screwdriver and some patience.
More features: inside lid hanger hook under the lid; ash leak under the bowl
Of course, the Beau Jardin Portable Charcoal Grill isn’t the most compact grill around, but the wheels it comes with help simplify its transportation. Compact, portable, durable, and functional, this unit from Beau Jardin is simply exceptional. Measuring 18 x 28 inches and featuring a lid, this charcoal grill offers adequate space for grilling. Apart from that, the unit also has perfect heat control and retention since it is produced using rust-resistant aluminum that allows for easy control of heat without lifting the lid necessarily as you cook.
Furthermore, this grill is made with heavy-duty material, which means it lasts longer and is capable of withstanding the charcoal’s severe heat. With the round porcelain-enamel bowl, the grill is able to retain the heat within, and it easily flows to the meal being cooked. The lid it comes with is easy to lift, which enables you to easily remove the remaining charcoal for proper cleaning. Therefore, it is also effortless to clean after usage.
However, while this charcoal grill has a fairly large grilling space, it might be too small if you are hosting a party. It is a compact unit, so it is absolutely understandable and you might need to look at other models if a larger grill is what you need. Apart from the small grilling area, this model is almost flawless.
More features: unique unfolding design
With foldable legs, the Mueller Portable Charcoal Grill is one of the easier options to transport since it doesn’t take up too much trunk space. The foldable legs also ensure it can be placed on a table if necessary. It weighs 4.2 lbs, meaning that even kids won’t struggle to get it from point A to B. As for construction, the grill consists of painted stainless-steel construction on the outside with a charcoal insert and slide-in tray at the bottom.
The 166 sq. in. cooking area is just about enough for a family of four. Nevertheless, this option needs more grilling skills than some of the other options because it doesn’t offer as much temperature control. As such, if you’ve been grilling for a long time and know how to ensure the right level of meat doneness without relying on temperature control, this might be the grill for you.
Overall, the grill is durable with a sturdy frame. Side air vents are also part of the package to ensure there’s enough oxygen for the charcoal to burn. You will, however, need to light up the charcoal manually. As for cleanup, most components are easily removable and can therefore be cleaned one at a time.
More features: chrome-plated cooking rack, dual venting system, convenient mess-free ash catcher
The Cuisinart CCG-190 is probably one of the smallest grills on the list, especially where the cooking area is concerned. However, if you’re cooking snacks like sausages and eggs, this should be enough given the short cook times. The CCG-190 is appropriate for a portable grills list since it only weighs 2 lbs.
The construction materials for this grill include durable alloy steel. This is in addition to a chrome-plated cooking rack that’ll prove easy to clean once the meal is ready. Below the rack is a mesh-free ash catcher, so there’s no risk of the ash dropping to the table or ground you’re cooking on. If you’re having an outdoor cookout, this also helps protect the environment
It comes with a manual lid, so if your recipes need that to achieve the best result, then the Cuisinart CCG is a great pick. The lid also features a handle, so you don’t burn your hands, and there are three lid locks included. Nevertheless, if you’re using it on a table, extra care needs to be taken, so it doesn’t get knocked over.
Despite the solid-looking exterior, the grill has a dual venting system that may come in handy for temperature control and charcoal management. However, users still need some grilling skills to take full advantage of the CCG-190.
More features: heat gauge; wood side shelf; 8-inch wheels
With a primary cooking area that measures 580 square inches plus a 270-square inch warming rack, the total 850 square inches delivered by this unit is enough to handle any kind of party or get-together. In fact, the grill can be used as both a cooker and a defroster at the same time, thanks to the incredibly large total cooking surface. Moving on, the unit also comes with cast iron grates in four lift-able sections for easy access to the coals, thereby providing the user with optimum comfort. And considering the product has a powder-coated finish on it, users have no reason to bother whatsoever.
Furthermore, this product is equipped with an adjustable charcoal grate and an easy-dump ash pan. The grill’s cart is also made using tubular steel, whilst its body is built with heavy-duty steel, making it an incredibly durable unit. Besides its durability, it is also portable – it features large eight-inch wheels, which is why it is extremely easy to transport. The unit also includes other useful features like condiment basket, wooden side shelf with utensil hooks, a large base wire shelf, and a temperature gauge.
The grill’s construction is designed to keep smoke and heat inside, thereby giving the food an excellent smoke flavor. There are air vents on the side of the grill to allow for easy temperature control. Generally, this is a great product with only a few drawbacks. In fact, the most prominent complaint is the difficult-to-understand instructions.
More features: LCD cook timer; built-in lid thermometer; Touch-N-Go ignition system
Weber is an incredibly reputable grill company, and having released a lot of high-quality grills in the past, it is only impressive rather than surprising that their Weber 15507001 Performer Deluxe Charcoal Grill performs amazingly well. For a portable charcoal grill, the 363-square-inch cooking area on this one is super remarkable. It’s large enough to accommodate all of your home cooking needs and help you grill conveniently for every member of your family.
The unit comes with an inbuilt lid thermometer which shows the grill’s internal temperature to allow you to know when to regulate the heat. Besides that, the unit also features a one-touch cleaning system which offers easy cleanup by swiping debris and charcoal ash into a detachable ash catcher. And in case you’re wondering if a charcoal grill will be as simple to use as a gas grill, the electronic ignition system helps you to ignite the charcoal effortlessly, which should tell you something about the ease of use of this product. It even has a mounted timer so that you will be able to set timers for grilling sessions and preheat.
When it comes to controls, keeping an eye on the temperature of this grill is super easy as well – you only need to adjust the dampers as completely closing the them will stop the flow of oxygen to help douse coals. The charcoal container incorporated offers convenient storage for your charcoal, allowing you to easily take it whenever you need it. The only con users could find is the seemingly low-quality material which corrodes quickly and makes it unsuitable for uncovered outdoor storag
Extra features: steel wire cooking grid, porcelain enamel firebox, removable ash catcher
Some people are looking for simple and portable when it comes to their charcoal grill, and the Megamaster Premium Charcoal Grill is small and portable and has a claim to being the best charcoal grill for the money. Don’t expect to cook for hundreds on this grill, but for family camping trips and taking to the beach this can be a good option.
At just 16 lbs. in weight, this is one of the lighter choices. Often, light can also mean flimsy, but the Megamaster does a good job of still keeping a lot of durability. This is backed up by the truly impressive warranty which gives ten years of protection should anything go wrong with your grill. The porcelain-coated firebox and base helps give a pretty sturdy feel in spite of the light and portable design.
At 18 inches in diameter, this gives the user 248 sq. In of grilling space, which is enough for small to medium groups to enjoy grilling.
Other well-thought-out features include the oversized handles, designed for heat protection and meaning you can move the grill during use or while it is still hot (as long as you do so with caution).
More features: comes with an anti-hot handle and a charcoal ash bowl
With small and non-reputable companies like Baffect producing high-quality grills all the time, maybe it’s high time BBQ enthusiasts started paying attention to less popular companies. Portable, lightweight, foldable, compact, and easy to use, the Baffect BBQ Charcoal Grill is the ideal grilling option for the on-the-road BBQ enthusiasts.
It is produced using high-quality food-grade stainless steel, which makes it durable, reusable, safe, rust- and wear-resistant. This is the kind of grill you use for many years without encountering any design or construction problems. Also, this grill has outstanding wind resistance, which allows it to deliver high-efficiency heat collection. The grill is also engineered with several vents so that charcoal can fully burn and heat can be distributed evenly across the grill. And you don’t need to worry about encountering any clean-up difficulty since the unit comes with a detachable, mess-free ash catcher.
However, despite the many upsides it has, this unit isn’t without some flaws. There’s no cover to increase the temperature produced and no carry bag to transport ut easily.
More features:5 vent on both sides, can be folded and packed in a box
While the AGM Barbecue Grill comes with great features just like the other models reviewed earlier, it isn’t as popular. We’re confident this grill will rapidly become one of the most popular charcoal grills in a few years. With its stylish design, perfect temperature regulating capability, and easy temperature control, you won’t find many better options at this price point.
Regardless of what you want to grill, this grill will provide the perfect temperature to cook your meal effectively. But while it is seemingly too small or compact for a large family or a party, the lightweight design and portability make it the ideal option for outdoor usage. When folded, the grill looks like a small briefcase which is so ideal to take along wherever you go. It can be used for an extensive range of purposes, which include camping patio, picnics, tailgating, and outdoor parties.
Durability is always one of the key features you must consider when purchasing a grill, and this one is remarkable on that front as well since it is produced using sturdy stainless steel material. With such a durable design, you can sleep better at nights knowing that your grill is sure to serve you for many years to come.
If you want to buy a portable charcoal grill that you will be satisfied with, you must be very meticulous when weighing your options. In that case, there are many things you must know apart from the specifications of the most popular grills, some of which we will discuss below.
As we said earlier, nothing beats the classic, smoky flavor of charcoal grills, and this is one of the primary reasons why BBQ lovers have a tendency of preferring this grill type. While some people believe that you only need to use wood in order to add flavor to the smoke of a gas grill, it can’t just be the same (though gas and charcoal grill combos often provide the best of both worlds). The flavor may not be a big deal when you are cooking burgers and hot dogs, but it adds a whole lot of difference when you are slow roasting ribs, turkey, chicken, and the likes. Searing is another thing that brings flavor to whatever you’re cooking.
If you’re looking to achieve a really great searing, you will require grill that is capable of delivering a 900 degrees Fahrenheit high temperature – and other grills may not be able to perform as well as a charcoal grill in this condition. Sometimes, some gas grills are capable of reaching about 500 degrees Fahrenheit but that’s pretty much the highest they can go. Some gas grills also come with sear burners that will give them the heat required for searing, but charcoal is the ideal option if you are looking to do lots of steaks simultaneously.
There is something really special that comes along with getting your charcoal grill ready alongside your friends. Added to that, trying to ignite a fire in a charcoal grill is very thrilling. Also, learning the art of smoking and grilling perfectly seared and seasoned meat takes a little practice, and the learning comes along with a lot of fun and excitement.
The majority of charcoal grills come outfitted with wheels that improve their portability and transportability. In addition, it isn’t really difficult to load a bag of charcoal, although that is not to say that gas grills aren’t portable as well.
Charcoal grills usually burn a lot hotter compared to regular gas grills with no infrared burners, and that is the exact thing you require when you intend to make the external part of your meat crisp while the inside stays tender and pink like steaks and lamb chops.
By and large, charcoal grills usually don’t have lots of moving parts so they are often less expensive to buy and maintain when compared to high-quality gas grills. You can effortlessly get a high-quality charcoal grill such as the Weber 10020 Smokey Joe 14-Inch Portable Grill for less than a hundred dollars (also check out our top picks of the best grills under $100 if you’re on a tight budget!). As a result of the less expensive maintenance as well, charcoal grills tend to last longer. You don’t have to change its parts or your grill anytime soon.
When choosing a portable charcoal grill, you must familiarize yourself with the proper specifications, sizes, functionality, and your preferred choice when it comes to shape, color, and more. Regardless of the amount of experience you have when it comes to charcoal, you need a couple of tips in order to get the best portable charcoal grill for your needs.
If you are only looking for a portable charcoal grill to take on a romantic getaway with your partner, then the grill’s cooking area or size may not make much difference, since most BBQs come with enough grilling space for two. However, the grilling area or the cooking grate diameter will become much more important if the number of individuals you are cooking for rises. Therefore, think about what you intend to be using the BBQ for before buying as a couple of extra inches can make a huge difference. With a total cooking area of 850 square inches, the Char-Griller E2828 Pro Deluxe Charcoal Grill has the largest cooking space on this list.
Another key factor you must look into when shopping is the material used to manufacture the cooking surface of your grill. You must make sure that the cooking surface’s material of your selected model is sufficiently durable and easy to clean and maintain. Besides, the material must be capable of withstanding high temperature, so ensure you select a strong material such as stainless steel.
You should, however, avoid utilizing materials that are produced using aluminum. Of course, aluminum is an alloy, which means it is very lightweight. You must remember that aluminum won’t be able to withstand much heat.
You also need to check if your charcoal grill is outfitted with legs for stability so that you won’t have to buy a table separately to set it on. You don’t have to check if there are legs alone, you must also check if the legs are made with strong materials and if they are foldable. For durability, the legs must be made of sturdy and thick steel.
Based on the number of people you are intending to be cooking for and where you are planning to be using it, your charcoal grill must be very lightweight for easy transportation. Of course, the larger the BBQ, the more it weighs, which is why you must determine the amount of grilling space you really require. Fortunately, all the models featured here are portable in this or that way, and if you’re looking for something lightweight enough to be carried on picnics, any of them should be suitable. Weighing less than five pounds, the Baffect BBQ Charcoal Grill.
Wheels and handles are also very important if you’re looking for a portable model. While the wheels will enable you to easily move the grill from one place to another, the handles mean you can easily carry it as well. The Beau Jardin Portable Charcoal Grill and the Char-Griller E2828 Pro Deluxe Charcoal Grill are examples of models that are equipped with great wheels for easy transportability.
As with every other purchase you make, you will want a unit that is actually backed up by the company as well. When it comes to portable charcoal grills, the average warranty usually ranges from three to five years for most models. This will afford you a lot of confidence and peace of mind, as these products are often expensive investments.
While the extra features may not automatically affect your cooking, they just increase the convenience with which you use your grill. Great examples are temperature gauges and ashtrays, which look unimportant until you actually need them. Make sure you read through the user’s manual and ensure that the product you are looking at won’t give you much of a problem during assembly.
Pinty is one of the fastest-growing companies in the grill industry and the Outsunny Iron Tabletop Charcoal Grill is a substantial testament of the company’s high ambitions. Despite being reasonably priced, this unit has everything you could want from a small grill. Apart from the high grilling performance it delivers, it is also very portable, thanks to the incorporated handle and foldable construction.
Our second-placed model is the Char-Griller E2828 Pro Deluxe Charcoal Grill, and featuring a total grilling area of 850 square inches, this selection is totally justified. While the large grilling space is enough to earn it a spot here, it’s incredibility doesn’t stop at that – the unit also features large wheels for easy transportation and a temperature gauge for ultimate control while cooking your favorite dishes.
Our third choice is also our Budget Pick, and that’s a very rare occurrence. In truth, the Weber 10020 Smokey Joe Portable Grill totally merits its spot on this list. Besides its superb grilling performance, the ten-year warranty it comes with is absolutely impressive, and that alone might be enough to attract some buyers.
