This is the perfect time to invest in a portable grill whether you love cooking over an open flame, are a seasoned grillmaster, go camping a lot, or want to start exploring the joys of outdoor cooking. A high-end portable grill will be handy at home and outdoors to cook vegetables, meats, and whatever else you need with the perfect hint of smoke and flavor. We have here compiled a list of the best portable charcoal grills you can use for cooking in your backyard or even carry to the campsite. These grills come in various sizes, weights, and shapes, allowing you different kinds of mobility. These best portable grills for the camping season 2024 will allow you convenience, comfort, and tasty meals every time, despite the place.
Psst! Many of these grills are on a Labor Day sale. Hurry up!
Our Top Picks for Portable Charcoal Grills:
Best Overall: Masterbuilt Portable Charcoal Grill and Smoker with Cart – $297
Best Spendy: PK Grills PK300 Portable Charcoal – $525
Best Affordability and Lightweight: Weber Smokey Joe Portable Grill – $45
Best Beginner-Friendly: Char-Griller Akorn Jr. Kamado Grill and Smoker – $171
Best Aesthetic: Everdure CUBE Portable Charcoal Grill – $190
Best for Camping: Weber Go-Anywhere Charcoal Grill – $71
Best Tabletop: Dyna-Glo Portable Tabletop Charcoal Grill – $119
Best Durability: Oklahoma Joe’s Rambler Tabletop Charcoal Grill – $155
Best Versatility: Maison Huis Adjustable Portable Charcoal Grill – $70
Best Kettle-Style: Weber Original Kettle Charcoal Grill – $190
How to Choose the Perfect Portable Charcoal Grill?
The choice of the ideal portable charcoal grill depends on what you want out of it so it is necessary to note a few things before investing in a grill. You need to consider the types of portable grills, their advantages and disadvantages, the size of the grill, and the construction material.
Types of Portable Charcoal Grills
The first type is a small grill, sometimes poised on a pedestal or stand, which is easy to move around. It is ideal for park picnics and beach trips because it can be carried easily and occupies less space in the boot of your car.
The second type is a compact kettle-style grill. It offers more versatility than the small grills. These often have dampers for indirect cooking and have handles for ease of portability.
The third type offers a grill/smoker on the go. These have a heavy construction, provide a full-sized grill/smoker in a compact design, and are perfect for outdoor space, RVs, and campers.
Size of Portable Charcoal Grills
While there isn’t one right-size, portable charcoal grill for everyone; you can pick the right-sized one by considering a few things. You must decide the purpose of getting a charcoal grill and for how many people you will be regularly cooking on the grill. This will help determine the size of the accessory. If you seek to cook a rack of ribs for just two people, a smaller grill is the way to go. But if cooking 10 burgers at a time is your goal, a larger grill should be your best bet.
The second thing to consider is the portability. You must know how often you will be moving the grill around to know what size you should get.
Material of Portable Charcoal Grills
The construction of your grill is more important than the size and type. It helps determine the longevity of the accessory which can further justify the investment you are about to make. Since the construction of the grill affects heat transfer and retention, longevity, ease of cleaning, and weight, it is important to pick materials that will cater to your needs while contributing to these factors.
For instance, a thin aluminum or steel grill will be lightweight but will not have great heat conductivity or life expectancy, whereas a cast aluminum grill will be heavy and harder to move but have better heat retention and durability. Stainless steel grates are good and lighter but they are harder to clean than cast iron.
Once you consider these factors, you can decide which portable charcoal grill would better suit your needs while giving you your money’s worth.
Weber Smokey Joe Portable Grill
The Weber Smokey Joe provides a versatile grill experience in the backyard and on the road. It holds up to five burgers made with a Weber burger press and has a porcelain-enameled lid and bowl offering excellent heat retention. The material doesn’t rust or peel, making it a durable and sturdy accessory. The lid dampers allow easy control over the temperature inside the grill so you get the desired results each time.
Our Take:
The Weber Smokey Joe is the ultimate portable grill, perfect for backyard grills, camping, or tailgating. This charcoal grill is durable and lightweight and can fit into the back of your car thanks to its compact design that weighs a little under 10 lbs. The design is simple and convenient offering a good quality experience. The grill is easy to clean.
We Like:
- Ease of assembly
- Most affordable
- Simple and convenient
What We Don’t Like:
- May be small for certain users
Price: $45| Colors: Black | Size: 14.2″D x 14.5″W x 17″H
Rating:
Amazon: 4.7/5 | Our Rating: 4.5/5
Maison Huis Adjustable Portable Charcoal Grill
The Maison Huis is a multifunctional metal grill for the outdoors. It has a thermometer on the lid to monitor and regulate the temperature. There are two adjustable air vents on the side and a vent on the lid that provides improved airflow and controls the fire. The grill is made from rust- and scratch-resistant iron, which is easy to clean and maintain. It has a removable grill rack and can cook for up to eight people on its 140 sq. inches of surface.
Our Take:
The compact grill is easy to maneuver and carry around thanks to an ergonomic handle on the lockable lid. The best part about this itty-bitty grill is that it can seamlessly fit in almost every car’s trunk, allowing you to take it out on day trips or picnics to beaches and lakesides. It is easy to carry and can be used for small parties of six to eight people in the backyard or balcony. Weighing only two pounds, the grill comes with accessories and user manuals, making it effortless to use.
What We Like:
- Ease of portability
- Versatility of use
- Lockable lid, ergonomic handles
What We Don’t Like:
- Temperature control could be better
Price: $70 | Colors: Black, Dark Red, Green | Size: 11.8″D x 16.5″W x 14.6″H
Rating:
Amazon: 4.3/5 | Our Rating: 4.5/5
Weber Go-Anywhere Charcoal Grill
If you are looking for a Weber grill but most seem out of budget, the Weber Go-Anywhere is the answer! The compact and affordable charcoal grill is impeccable to bring along on outdoor excursions for a taste of home. It can hold up to six burgers made with a Weber burger press on its 160 sq. inches of cooking surface. The porcelain-enameled lid and base of the grill have superior heat retention for consistent temperature and even cooking. It is also rust- and peel-resistant.
Our Take:
Aside from its heat retention capabilities, the grill provides precise heat control without lifting the lid by simply adjusting the damper. Moreover, it is an ideal companion for camping and tailgate parties. The modest grilling area can fit four medium steaks. The lockable lid, pivoting legs, and easy handles allow you to carry it around. The top lid handle and the side handle let you carry single-handedly or by two people.
What We Like:
- Ease of portability
- Impressive temperature control
- Perfect on-the-go companion
- Lockable lid, pivoting legs, and multiple handles
What We Don’t Like:
- Pales in comparison to other Weber grills
Price: $71 | Colors: Black | Size: 11.5″D x 19.5″W x 15″H
Rating:
Amazon: 4.7/5 | Our Rating: 4.5/5
Dyna-Glo Portable Tabletop Charcoal Grill
The Dyna-Glo is probably your best bet to cook for a large group of people, given its 287 sq. inches of cooking area. It has a big barrel-style design that weighs a little over 40 pounds, making it a little less desirable as a portable grill. But it works well for your backyard or deck grill sessions, or even camping where you can have it in the back of your truck. The charcoal grate can be accessed from the side so you can easily add more fuel while cooking.
Our Take:
The Dyna-Glo is a nifty grill in terms of fuel consumption. It heats up to over 500 degrees within 10 minutes, which works great if you are looking to cook up big batches of heavy-duty steaks. The grill leaves nice charring on your food, adding the perfect flavor. It comes with a removable charcoal grate and ash pan, making cleaning easier, while the porcelain enameled steel cooking grate provides even heat and perfect searing.
What We Like:
- Side charcoal grate for easy addition of fuel
- Larger cooking area
- Robust construction of heavy-gauge steel
What We Don’t Like:
- Sits on the heavy side with 40 pounds
- A bit tricky to move
Price: $119 | Colors: Black | Size: 24.17″D x 18.35″W x 21″H
Rating:
Amazon: 4.5/5 | Our Rating: 4.5/5
Oklahoma Joe’s Rambler Tabletop Charcoal Grill
Oklahoma Joe’s Rambler is a portable grill that offers durability with its heavy-duty alloy steel and cast iron construction. The grill has a height-adjustable tray and large air dampers that allow you to create an ideal temperature and airflow so you get perfectly grilled food every time. With a 218 sq.-inch cooking surface, you get to cook up to six burgers, four steaks, or 12 brats. The cast iron grate retains heat exceptionally for even cooking of food and perfect charring marks.
Our Take:
The Rambler is a tough addition to your at-home grill sessions and versatile enough for various outdoor adventures. The removable, full-size ash pan is great for quick and easy cleanups. Its temperature gauge on the lid with glow-in-the-dark accents is a nice touch and allows precision over the heat. The lid handle has a rubber grip that stays cool to touch, while the side handles offer ease of carrying the grill. It is the best companion for frequent campers or tailgaters owing to its ease of mobility and setup.
What We Like:
- The glow-in-the-dark temperature gauge on the lid
- Height-adjustable tray and large air dampers
- Durable construction
What We Don’t Like:
- Ashtray may miss a few
Price: $155| Colors: Black | Size: 19.5″D x 26.8″W x 21.8″H
Rating:
Amazon: 4.7/5 | Our Rating: 4.5/5
Char-Griller AKORN Jr. Kamado Charcoal Grill and Smoker
The Char-Grillers Akorn Jr. Kamado grill comes with optimal fuel efficiency and cooking versatility ideal for an on-the-go grill. The portable grill and smoker allows you to cook foods on high heat searing or low-temperature smoking to serve up delicious every time. It has a grill grate lifter, steel side shelves, cast iron cooking grates, and a removable stainless steel warming rack for ease of cooking and transportation.
Our Take:
Akron Jr. has enough space to cook for four people at a time. It has an easy dump ash pan, easy mobility, and excellent heat retention. The triple wall steel provides a durable and sturdy construction. The dual dampers allow control over temperature and airflow. It is ideal for camping and tailgating and is small enough to store in camper compartments. However, it is not ceramic and doesn’t hold heat as long as its counterparts on the list, which makes it difficult to smoke or cook at a lower temperature.
What We Like:
- Ease of assembly
- Large cooking surface
- Durable construction
What We Don’t Like:
- Difficult to smoke or cook at a lower temperature
Price: $171| Colors: Gray | Size: 20.5″D x 20″W x 26″H
Rating:
Amazon: 4.4/5 | Our Rating: 4/5
Weber Original Kettle Charcoal Grill
The Weber Original Kettle Premium 22-inch portable grill has been around for nearly 70 years with a few upgrades over time. The Gourmet BBQ System cooking grate provides an endless cooking possibility as you can choose from various accessories and cook breakfast, braise meats or simmer soups, or make a pizza. Moreover, it has wheels for easy portability and its compact design makes it fit in the back of your car.
Our Take:
The barbecue grill is easy to assemble. It has a built-in thermometer on the lid, offering you control over the temperature in the grill. The heat shield on the handle makes it safer to handle, while the hinged grate lets you add coal or reposition embers without fuss or mess. The ash catcher keeps the cleaning process effortless. It can cook plenty for a group of four in most cases. It is one of the best user-friendly charcoal grills, especially for the beginners.
What We Like:
- Compact design
- Enameled rust-free construction
- Easy cleaning through ash catcher
- Sits on the affordable side
What We Don’t Like:
- Small cooking space
- Charcoal is more difficult to get going than gas or pellets
Price: $190 | Colors: Black, Copper, Green | Size: 22.5″D x 22.5″W x 27″H
Rating:
Amazon: 4.8/5 | Our Rating: 4.5/5
Everdure CUBE Portable Charcoal Grill
The Everdure CUBE is a portable charcoal grill that is perfect to be used for tabletop barbeque. It is compact and pairs well with your tailgate, beach, patio, or camping grill sessions. The tabletop grill is thoughtfully designed with a built-in food-grade storage tray, bamboo prep board, and a porcelain enamel firebox. It has a hassle-free setup for both cooking and cleaning. The chrome grill rack allows even cooking with changeable grill positions and the cool-to-touch handles let you adjust it without burning the hands.
Our Take:
It allows you to have impromptu grills at home or away from home. The Everdure CUBE grill offers 115 sq. inches of grilling surface, which may not be much compared to its counterparts on the list but it is sufficient for six small burgers or three medium steaks. Weighing 15.50 lbs, the grill is easy to transport and makes for a nifty little appliance to have for both at-home and outdoor adventures.
What We Like:
- Compact and lightweight design
- All-in-one design
- Robust construction
What We Don’t Like:
- Does not have a lid cover for cooking
Price: $190 | Colors: Graphite, Khaki, Matte Black, Orange, Stone | Size: 13.7″D x 16.7″W x 9.05″H
Rating:
Amazon: 4.4/5 | Our Rating: 4.5/5
Masterbuilt Electric Portable Charcoal Grill and Smoker
The Masterbuilt portable charcoal grill and smoker offers 200 sq. inches of cooking area so you can cook for a couple of people at a time. The grill has a SteadyTemp dial for easy temperature adjustment, while the temperatures ranging from 250-550 degrees Fahrenheit lets you cook anything from as delicate as eggs to heavy-duty steaks. Its Charcoal MiniHopper can hold one pound of small lumps for about four hours of use.
Our Take:
The 52lbs. Masterbuilt portable grill and smoker is great for a couple of people and easy to maneuver. It has a lockable lid, so you can move the grill after cooking without spilling ashes on site. Meanwhile, the SteadyTemp dial is a good addition and you don’t have to manually adjust the coal. It is compact enough to pack in the back of a truck or trailer to take on camping without taking up much space. It has a collapsible and removable cart that allows ease of transportation and sets up in two minutes.
What We Like:
- Compact design
- SteadyTemp feature
- Collapsible cart
What We Don’t Like:
- Construction could have been better
Price: $297 | Colors: Black | Size: 18.7″D x 44.5″W x 36.1″H
Rating:
Amazon: 4.2/5 | Our Rating: 4/5
PK Grills PK300 Portable Charcoal BBQ Grill and Smoker
The PK300 grill is the perfect investment for those who like to smoke large meat cuts. Its four-point venting system allows control over the heat so you can achieve perfect flavor each time at both low and slow or hot and fast barbecue grilling. The grill shape allows two-zone cooking, letting you enjoy charred meats, burgers, briskets, and so on. The 300 square inches of cooking area can prepare food for a large group of people.
Our Take:
The rust-proof cast aluminum construction provides even heat distribution and comes with a 20-year warranty, making it one of the best picks on the market with a long lifespan. Its hinged cooking grid offers easy coal supervision, whereas the interior ash containment and airflow management make cleaning effortless. The custom aluminum wheels with rubber tires let you easily carry the grill along for camping, backyard grilling, park picnics, or tailgating.
What We Like:
- Compact design
- Rust-proof cast aluminum construction
- Four-point venting system
What We Don’t Like:
- Sits on the pricier side
Price: $525 | Colors: Graphite, Silver | Size: 16.21″D x 42.75″W x 37.35″H
Rating:
Amazon: 4.4/5 | Our Rating: 4.2/5
FAQs About Portable Charcoal Grills
Q: What is the ideal weight of a portable charcoal grill?
A: While the weight of every portable charcoal grill will vary from its counterparts, the ideal weight should be somewhere between 10 pounds to 50 pounds.
Q: Can I use a portable charcoal grill indoors?
A: It is not recommended to use a charcoal grill indoors, it can lead to a fire hazard. Charcoal releases a high amount of carbon monoxide, therefore, you should always use a charcoal grill outdoors.
Q: How do I fire up a charcoal grill?
A: While it is helpful to use a chimney starter to light the charcoal grill. Alternatively, you can use a balled-up paper or newspaper placed between the charcoals and light it with a long lighter. The burning paper will ignite the charcoal and your grill will be fired up slowly to give your food an authentic smoky flavor.
Q: What is the purpose of the vents on charcoal grills?
A: The vents and dampers on a charcoal grill help regulate the airflow and control temperature. The portable grills have multiple vents that allow you to create a pattern for direct airflow and smoke when cooking with indirect heat.
Q: How do I dispose of charcoal after grilling?
A: You need to let the grill cool down completely before you dispose of the charcoal. Once the ash and burned coals are cool, you can compost the lump charcoal which has no additives. For spent briquettes, you need to wrap them in aluminum foil before adding them to your outdoor garbage bin.
Q: Can a portable charcoal grill fit in a car?
A: Yes. A portable charcoal grill can fit in a standard car. However, you will need to account for the available space and height of the grill. You also need to let the grill cool down completely before putting it inside the vehicle.
Q: When should I clean my charcoal grill?
A: You should clean your charcoal grill after each use. Start by removing leftover charcoal and ash. If left uncleaned, the ash buildup can become moist over time and eat through the grill construction, leaving it prone to corrosion.
Final Verdict
While we want to leave it up to you to make an informative decision, we do have a few recommendations that might help with the process of choosing the best portable charcoal grill for your needs. The Masterbuilt Portable Charcoal Grill and Smoker with cart is one of the best grills out there that is affordable, has a clever design, and has an accurate built-in thermometer to make your outdoor grilling session flawless.
Follow Homecrux on Google News!
