Best Portable Charcoal Grills – Reviews & Buying Guide

Have you ever thought of taking your charcoal grill on a road trip? Although, the charcoal types are normally used in the backyards, yet it is possible to take them along with you. This is possible with the best portable charcoal grills. Consequently, these allow their customers to enjoy their favorite charcoal grills bbq wherever they like.

For decades of human generations, charcoal grills have been ruling over the grilling world. Even with changing times, where many different kinds of appliances came and left, nothing could replace the charcoal type. And now, as the best portable charcoal grills have been discovered, the fun of grilling has increased even more!

A portable charcoal bbq grill is very convenient to carry. You can just throw the machine in your trunk and take it on your vacations or camping sites, or anywhere else. Also, such tools are easy to assemble and lightweight so moving the best small charcoal grill is no big deal too. Thus, getting the best portable charcoal grills will let you enjoy the classic grilling style in your dreamy place.

10 Best portable charcoal grills Updates

In this article, we will take a look over the top brands for the best portable charcoal grills. No doubt, these appliances are gaining popularity due to both their hierarchy and the convenience of transporting. Conceding that, you can see our top 10 recommendations that have been selected from the latest collection. So, let’s start!

1. Weber 121020 Go-Anywhere Charcoal Grill, Black – Your grilling suitcase!

No matter what type of grill you buy, you will definitely find all types under Weber. Surely, from gas to pellet or charcoals, Weber has created many versatile kitchen appliances. Likewise, you can also find the best portable charcoal grills from this brand. Thus, you can buy worry free as this is a trustworthy brand with years of experience.

The corresponding model comes with 160 sq inches of primary cooking area. Consequently, it can accommodate 6 burgers at once with its burger press. In addition, the cooking area comprises durable cooking grates. As a result of the steel coating, these grates retain heat easily. Similarly, the base and lid are can retain heat and are resistant to rust.

As this model is one of the best portable charcoal grills, it is a given for it to come with a design made especially for transporting. In other words, it comes with a lid lock so that you can easily carry the device without having to worry about it getting disheveled. Not to mention, its compact body is very light so take it with you wherever you go. You can also check this Smoker Grill Combo for home.

Conclusion:

Weber go-anywhere model is a favorite among travel enthusiasts. Uniquely, it is designed with exceptional features and its compact appearance gives you the feel of a suitcase. Thus, this model is one of the best portable charcoal grills that allow you to have a fun grilling time on your favorite spot.

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2. Char-Griller E06614 Charcoal Grill, Red – With kamado style grilling

After Weber, we see Char Griller which is also a profound brand for the best portable charcoal grills. No doubt, it’s a trustworthy brand that is recommended even by experts. Likewise, the concerned model is admirable because of its unique Kamado style grilling. Given that, this particular Kamado style allows you to cook efficiently with the least fuel consumption.

Furthermore, this appliance comes with triple layer insulation. As a result, the heat is cant escape outside and the inside temperature remains constant. Therefore, you can efficiently cook your meals at the temperature of 200-700 degrees Fahrenheit. On the same note, the 22 gauge steel makes it durable and long lasting. Thus, it comes with a strong body that can withstand harsh conditions.

Although the best portable charcoal grills are compact, yet they offer a sufficient amount of meals. In other words, this device comes with 153 sq inches wide grilling space that can cook a decent quantity of meals. Apart from that, this sturdy tool comes with dampers for managing the airflow. Not to mention, the ash pan is included to make its cleaning an easy chore.

Conclusion:

Char Griller offers you a model with a unique Kamado grilling style among the other best portable charcoal grills. Its sturdy body may look heavy and difficult to transport but it’s perfectly portable. Hence, whether it’s the beach or tailgating, take this little beast and enjoy your time.

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3. GoBQ Portable Charcoal Grill – Your traveling buddy

In this current era, many people travel often, either due to their jobs or for enjoyment. For that reason, getting the best portable charcoal grills will definitely add more fun to your traveling time. On the same note, this GoBQ model is promised to be your great traveling companion. Given that, it’s a portable charcoal grill with folding legs that makes it easy to carry it around.

In addition to its portability, it comes with features that allow for splendid cooking. To demonstrate, it is a 14” grill that can cook a whole chicken at once! Also, it can easily accommodate 6 burgers or 24 hotdogs altogether too. Thus, it has sufficient grilling space to cook large servings. Moreover, this appliance is easy to set up and you can start grilling on the go too.

Surprisingly, this device can fold down to at least 17% of its volume. Therefore, you can pack other things necessary for grilling along with it as well. Also, did you know that this is one of the bes6t portable charcoal grills that you can take on a plane too!? Hence, grill wherever you want and enjoy the traditional smoky, charred meals.

Conclusion:

If you are a traveling person who has to frequent planes, then this model is one of the best portable charcoal grills for you. Thus, you don’t need to go anywhere and get this handy tool as your traveling buddy. Also, it can cook sufficient meals for a large number of people. Therefore, whether it’s tailgating or camping, you can use it anywhere you go.

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4. Cuisinart CCG190RB Portable Charcoal Grill – With dual venting system

Have you ever heard any fault in Cuisinart’s creations? Definitely no, as it’s a brand that has been serving with both experience and expertise. Since the beginning, Cuisinart’s customers had a great time with its unique and innovative products. Likewise, its best portable charcoal grills are also designed to serve you both with quality meals and convenience of usage.

Uniquely, this model is like a little giant which comes with 150 sq inches wide cooking space. Therefore, it provides enough cooking space to cook up an adequate amount of food. Also, its cooking grate is coated with chromium so that the heat distribution is even and the food comes out nicely cooked. Not only that but the firebox is also covered with enamel for durability.

Its main feature includes the dual venting system. As a result of this, you can easily control the cooking temperature and adjust the charcoal input. Furthermore, as it’s one of the best portable charcoal grills, it has a compact design that is perfect to take on your vacations. Not to mention, the 3 secure lid locks make sure that it is transported safely with ease.

Conclusion:

This Cuisinart model is indeed one of the best portable charcoal grills that come at dreamy prices. Surprisingly, it offers you all the services essential for great grilling results at such a low range. Thus, you can buy this little giant which will definitely not disappoint you in the long run.

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5. Royal Gourmet CD1824AX 24-Inch Charcoal Grill Outdoor BBQ Smoker Picnic Camping Patio Backyard Cooking – For professional results

Royal Gourmet is one of those brands which are famous for both their skills and expertise. No doubt, its high class products are admired by even the professionals. Similarly, it provides us with the best portable charcoal grills in the market too. Given that, this model is designed to give you professional results regardless of where you take it.

As far as it appears, this appliance comes with a large cooking area of 598 sq inches. This spacious grilling space includes porcelain enameled cooking grates and the chrome coated warming rack. Therefore, with this large and durable cooking surface, you can grill some delicious meals with promising flavors. Apart from that, this device allows you to easily manage the charcoals with its easy access door. Not to mention, the door comes with a cool touch handle so that your fingers remain safe.

Furthermore, if you want to keep an eye on the temperature level then the built-in gauge will aid you in monitoring it. In addition, to have efficient control over the temperature this device has 2 side dampers installed in it. Thus, these best portable charcoal grills come with an efficient heat controlling system for producing great outcomes.

Conclusion:

Certainly, it’s a given that people desire to have everything without any sacrifices. This prejudice is applicable in the case of the best portable charcoal grills too. Therefore, this model fulfills all the conditions to serve with professional results in addition to being easily portable.

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6. Char-Griller E2828 Pro Deluxe Charcoal Grill, Black – With the promise of long lasting durability

No doubt, Char Griller has released many different kinds of grills in the market. Some of them were affordable and the others were good at heat controls. Similarly, among its best portable charcoal grills, this model has marked its footing due to its long lasting durability as well. Conceding that, it is made of heavy duty steel and its grate comprises sturdy cast iron too. Thus, investing in this durable model will prove to be worthwhile in the long run.

In addition, it comes with an 830 sq inches wide total cooking area. This is further comprised of 580 sq inches primary and 270 sq inches secondary cooking surface. Besides, it has dampers that are adjustable according to one’s needs. In other words, you can close the dampers if you want to stop the airflow or open it if you desire to raise the heat level. Also, the heat gauge is installed in the hood to help you monitor the time of your cooking.

Apart from all, it has parts that allow for convenient storage of tools and other accessories. Therefore, you can easily access the tools while cooking. Lastly, the easy dump ash pan makes the cleanup of these best portable charcoal grills mess free.

Conclusion:

Surely, whenever you buy a kitchen utensil, you want it to last for a longer time. For that reason, this Char Griller model is designed with heavy duty material to ensure durability. In addition to that, it also offers to cook a large number of meals efficiently for a large gathering.

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7. Weber 441001 Original Kettle 18 in Charcoal Grill – Black 

Weber is undoubtedly the most successful brand when it comes to kitchen utensils. No matter what you buy for your kitchen, Weber will always be able to meet your demands. As we have already seen previously, Weber has never once disappointed in its quality creations. Thus, there is also no doubt that it makes one of the best portable charcoal grills in the market.

Conceding that, this model comes in its leading products too. Uniquely, this little friend comes with durable cooking grates with steel enamling. As a result, these grate retain heat and you can cook the food thoroughly. In addition, you can also control the cooking temperature without the need of lifting the lids every time. In other words, this device allows you to control the temperature by adjusting the dampers.

As it’s one of the best portable charcoal grills, it is a given for it to come with durable wheels. Given that, you can easily move your appliance to different places and experience outdoor grilling. Not to mention, it has a unique one touch cleaning system. So, you can easily clean your device without any hassle or mess.

Conclusion:

This Weber portable charcoal grill is a perfect size for small families. Despite its small appearance, it can easily cook up 9 burgers at once. Not only that, it comes with durable parts that efficiently retain heat, and the food ends up with delicious flavors.

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8. PK Grills PKO-SCAX-X Original PK Grill & Smoker Grill Smoker – With cast aluminum construction

PK grills are known to work for a longer time amongst the other best portable charcoal grills. The question is, what makes it so unique? Well, the answer lies in its construction! This model is made of aluminum which is resistant to rust and is very lightweight. In comparison to the steel grills, this aluminum grill can conduct heat 4 times more. Thus, with this innovative appliance, you can cook your meals fast and with greater efficiency.

Moreover, this device has a large cooking surface which is 300 sq inches wide. Therefore, whether it’s small meat buns or a whole turkey, you can grill anything you like. What’s more, it includes a unique feature which is a “4 point venting system”. In addition, the unique capsule like shape of the grill adds to the use of this venting system too. To demonstrate, you can cook at a hot and fast level or you can also grill at a low and slow level. Hence, this feature gives you multiple options.

Granted the 4 point venting system, this machine allows you to cook in 2 zones. Given that, you can either cook with direct or indirect heat to achieve your desired results. Besides, these best portable charcoal grills are separable from their stands for transport.

Conclusion:

For 60 years, PK grills have been winning the hearts of many grill enthusiasts. Certainly, it got both the experience and skills for producing the best portable charcoal grills. Thus, you can buy it with confidence as it comes with the surety of 20 years of usage.

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9. Oklahoma Joe’s 19402088 Rambler Portable Charcoal Grill – For perfect sears

Since 1987, Oklahoma Joe’s has been working day and night to provide its customers with the best services. In this long period, it has released many appliances that have successfully made it to many kitchens. Similarly, its best portable charcoal grills are also used widely by many grill lovers.

Uniquely, this innovative device is versatile enough to be used both inside and outside your kitchen. Furthermore, this appliance comes with a 218 sq inches cooking surface. Consequently, you can cook up to 10 burgers altogether on this spacious grill. In addition, the cast iron grates are designed to impart signature grilling marks on the meals too.

Besides, the charcoal tray can be adjusted at different heights with the help of 3 fixed settings. Therefore, it is your choice whether you wanna grill at high or low heat by changing the level of the charcoal tray. What’s more, it has large dampers on the side to ensure the control of airflow. Lastly, these best portable charcoal grills are easy to clean due to their removable ash pan in the front.

Conclusion:

If you are looking for the best portable charcoal grills that give you perfect searing marks on your meals, then this model is the right call. Conceding that, it comes with thick grates made of cast iron. Also, the side handles are sturdy that helps in its easy transport.

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10. Kamado Joe Jr. KJ13RH Charcoal Grill 13.5 inch Blaze Red – Multi-talented

Kamado Joe’s appliances are almost every grillers favorite. Given that, it designs its products in such a way that they can be used either in your backyards or on a beach site. On the same note, it has created the best portable charcoal grills for outdoor grilling purposes. Among them, this model steals the spotlight as a multi-talented machine. In other words, it is a special type of grill that can do so much more.

How would you feel if your grill could do smoking and baking in addition to grilling? Of course, you would love it because who else won’t! Indeed, this model is the best charcoal grill that offers versatility. Apart from that, it comes with a 304 stainless steel grate for excellent outcomes. Furthermore, it comes with durable air vents that are made of cast iron to allow efficient temperature control.

Similarly, its outer wall is thick and resistant to heat. As a result, the smoke cant escape and it locks in moisture to impart mouthwatering flavors to the meal. In addition, the built-in gauge enables you to monitor the cooking temperature too. Despite its sturdy appearance, it is only 68 pounds heavy which makes it among the best portable charcoal grills that are easy to carry.

Conclusion:

This Kamado model is a multipurpose machine that can also smoke or bake in addition to grilling. Therefore, you can use this appliance to cook your meals however you like. Not to mention, it’s among the best portable charcoal grills that are lightweight and easy to carry.

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Buying Guide

Certainly, choosing one option out of hundreds of the best portable charcoal grills is very tiring. We truly understand your difficulties with this nerve-wracking task. For that reason, we have done the homework for you and have come up with some tips to make it easier for you to make the right decision. Surely, our buying guide will help you out in every way to find the right product for yourself. Let’s see what it has to offer:

Size:

It is a given that whenever you look for a grill you will need to consider its size. Especially, when buying the best portable charcoal grills, the size of the cooking surface matters a lot. But how will you know which size is the best for you? Well, it depends on the number of servings you are going to make with it.

Usually, the best portable charcoal grills come with a grilling area within the range of 300 sq inches. Consequently, this much is enough to cook the portions for 4 people at once. Thus, you should check the size of the machine you are buying from the size chart so that you end up with the right choice.

Cooking grate:

The cooking grate of the best portable charcoal grills must be thick and sturdy so that they can withstand heavy weight. In other words, the grates should be durable enough to take on pans or others so that you have multiple cooking options.

Also, the grate must be made of quality material. Given that, grates comprise different types of material. For example, some are made of cast iron and some are made of stainless steel. To conclude, it’s up to you which kind of grates’ material you need to have. The thing that remains constant is that there should be no compromise on the grates’ quality.

Weight:

Certainly, the best portable charcoal grills come in various categories. However, being portable as it is, it is critical to consider the weight of this appliance. Of course, a heavyweight machine wouldn’t be easy to carry and that’s what you need to avoid. Given that, you must look for one that is lightweight and come with parts such as handles, foldable legs, etc that help in its transport.

Therefore, we recommend you to get the one whose weight is under the range of 40 pounds. Thus, the best portable charcoal grills wouldn’t weigh any more than this and that’s the key to its easy carriage.

Storage convenience:

Obviously, when you talk about the best portable charcoal grills that means carrying them with you in your transport. Given that, the grill must be compact and storable so that you can easily place it inside your car’s trunk. Thus, the space the device will take is an important matter and you must check beforehand so that it won’t trouble you later.

Ease of cleanup:

When you take your grill with you on a beach or camping site and you aren’t able to clean it due to its difficult cleanup, then what would you do? Rather than facing the troublesome cleanup, it is better to be careful before buying. In other words, you must check the cleanup feature when looking for the best portable charcoal grills.

We suggest you look for one that comes with a removable ashtray or shallow charcoal bins. These are easier to clean after grilling. To conclude, you no longer need to stress over the cleaning procedure with these best portable charcoal grills and have fun until the end.

FAQs:

Final Thought: