The aroma of a good steak cooking over a charcoal flame is mouth-watering. Cooking food by barbeque is not that difficult. Especially when you use one of the top 10 best portable charcoal grills in 2023.
If you are not sure which one is the best of the best, simply keep reading. Our review is designed to guide you to the top portable charcoal grills in 2023. You will get all the information you need to make an intelligent purchase. Buying any of these products has never been easier. The season to barbeque is anytime with these great portable charcoal grills.
Table of Contents
List of Top 10 Best Portable Charcoal Grills in 2023
10. Char-Broil Portable Tabletop Charcoal Grill
You do not need to build a budget-breaking barbeque grill when you can choose this unit. Its 22.9 x 12.05 x 15.16 in dimension, (without top and side handles), provides 190 square inches of cooking fun. Plus, the top-quality steel construction is coated with a heat resistant material to protect against rust.
Meanwhile, the handles are heat resistant as well. There will be no burning of your hands when you use them. The unit allows its users to fold up when not in use. This portable folding charcoal grill holds up to about 6 to 8 hamburgers.
What We Like:
- It is a foldable product and consumes less space for storage.
- The grill offers a large grilling space that equals 8 hamburgers.
- Such it is heat-resistant, it will not cause a fire.
- Its easy cleaning & rust-resistant attract a lot of buyers.
What We Don’t Like:
- It is a bit heavyweight as it weighs up to 7.5 pounds
9. Char-Griller 2-2424 Table Top Charcoal Grill
Flexibility and versatility make this unit a top portable charcoal grill in 2023. You can either lift the lid and barbeque your meat. Moreover, you can close it and use it as a smoker. At the same time, users can also adapt it to be a side firebox. However, once you do that, you cannot undo it.
The all-steel 18.5 x 16 x 17-inch charcoal grill features sportscast iron grates, tow dampers, and 247 square inches of cooking space. Furthermore, the two dampers allow you to control how hot your flame will be.
What We Like:
- It is very versatile that it serves a lot of purposes.
- There is also a lid covering the charcoals.
- It features all-steel construction.
- The product also comes with a removable ash pan.
What We Don’t Like:
- it is very heavy weighing up to 41 pounds of weight.
8. Uten Barbecue Grill
When you purchase any product online, watch out for fakes. This genuine Uten barbeque grill measures 13.8x 10.6x 7.9 inches and will handle all your favorite barbeque foods. Additionally, the chrome grid and all-steel construction are heat resistant and rust-resistant.
Not to mention, it is light and very compact in size. Thus, this makes it both easy to carry and easy to assemble. The grill is backed by a one-year warranty and make sure you use it on a level surface. All in all, it is a good portable charcoal grill that will enhance your beach party or camping trip.
What We Like:
- It features all-steel construction & chrome grid making it totally durable.
- The product is highly resistant to rusting and heat.
- As it is small and lightweight, moving it from place to place is a lot more convenient.
What We Don’t Like:
- Although it is heat resistant, extreme heat would cause a change in its color paint.
7. Weber Go-Anywhere Charcoal Grill (Weber Portable Charcoal Grill)
These days local governments are clamping down on camp and beach fires. This go-anywhere charcoal grill will make sure you do not miss out on any camp or beach fire fun. Coming with an overall dimension of 12.2 x 21 x 14.5-inch, this portable charcoal grill has enamel porcelain protection against rust. Other features include 2 dampers and glass-reinforced nylon handles that do not transfer heat.
You also get 160 square inches of cooking area, and the grid is nickel plated for optimum barbequing. Plus, the unit comes with built-in hangers to place the lid.
What We Like:
- There is a lid that can be removed.
- The handles of this grill are heatproof.
- With this, you can have the grilling space of 160 sq inches.
- It is available in 2 colors: Black & Red
What We Don’t Like:
- Nothing to dislike
6. Bargain World Stainless Steel Outdoor Portable Barbecue Grill
In case you are looking for any portable charcoal grill for outdoor use, we would highly suggest this product from Bargain. They are not designed for indoor use. This stainless-steel grill measures roughly 19.8 x 11.8 x 9.06 inches and has side dampers for ventilation and fire control. Added to that, its rounded rectangle design preserves heat and allows you to use charcoal or wood to barbeque your favorite dishes.
Plus, the A-frame shaped legs provide stability as you barbeque. This portable charcoal grill is great for camping, beaches, or even a picnic at the park. It is lightweight which means it is easy to carry.
What We Like:
- The product is portable and lightweight.
- Its stainless steel build is best for outdoor use.
- It supports both charcoal or wood.
- Coming with A-frame shaped legs, the stability is there for you to enjoy your BBQ.
What We Don’t Like:
- It is limited to outdoor use only.
5. Weber Smokey Joe Portable Grill
It may look like a spaceship, but it is not. It is a 14-inch barbeque that you can take anywhere. This portable charcoal grill comes with a nickel-plated grate, a glass-reinforced nylon handle, and porcelain-enameled coating. More so, it can also prevent rust and fading.
The total dimensions of this unit are 15.6 x 15.6 x 9 inches and it will handle up to three steaks at a time. If you are a barbeque novice, the manufacturer includes a 31-page manual filled with cooking tips. The grill is backed by a 10-year limited warranty.
What We Like:
- Being made of the nickel-plated grate, it is very durable.
- The handle is the product of nylon, so it highly prevents heat transfer.
- There is also a 10-year warranty for its purchase.
- The removable ash pan is also there for ease of emptying.
What We Don’t Like:
- Since it is small, users might need to bend down a little while grilling.
4. Everdure by Heston Blumenthal Fusion Charcoal Grill & Cover Bundle
It might look a bit big, but it is portable. This barbeque grill from Everdure is suitable for large outdoor gatherings. With this product, users can use it in two ways. First, it is with charcoal. Second, it is with electricity. For electricity use, it has a very simple and quick flame ignition system.
Even after using, users can just leave it outdoor as it comes with a cover, and the construction is highly resistant to weather. Most important, the product also comes with a built-in rotisserie which is best for chicken roasting.
What We Like:
- It can be used in 2 ways: charcoal & electricity
- The product offers a large grilling space.
- It also arrives with an attached rotisserie for chicken roasting
What We Don’t Like:
- It might be too big & heavy.
- The product is high in price.
3. Weber Jumbo Joe Portable Grill
This unit is for those times when you have a large crowd over for a party. The 18-inch steel-plated grate provides 240 inches of barbequing pleasure. It also fits comfortably in the grill’s 19.75-inch by 20.5-inch by 19.75-inch dimensions.
Other features include nylon heat resistant handle, dampers with ash catcher, and a secure lid attachment. One damper is located on the lid and the other is at the bottom of this portable charcoal grill. The lid lock doubles as a handy carrying handle.
What We Like:
- With this grill, you will have 18 inches of space for grilling.
- The handles are the product of nylon and highly resistant to heat. Thus, it does not receive heat at all.
- Its lid also comes with a locking mechanism that allows you to carry it easily.
What We Don’t Like:
- The product is limited to black color only.
2. Marsh Allen Cast Iron Hibachi Charcoal Grill
If you want strength and durability, cast iron construction is the way to go. This unit gives you two independent grills with 3 adjustment settings as well as 157 inches of barbeque area. Meanwhile, the wood handles do not transfer any heat. As a result, it will not burn your hands. Also, there is one slide damper for each of the two grates.
The portable charcoal grill measures roughly 18 x 10 x 3.4 inches and weighs over 16 pounds. Because it is made of cast iron, there is no harmful paint or other coating chemicals to transfer to your food.
What We Like:
- It has a construction of cast iron which makes it durable and stable.
- You will have about 157 inches of grilling area.
- It is very portable.
What We Don’t Like:
- The product is a bit heavy as it weighs 16 pounds.
1. Char-Griller Akorn Jr. Kamado Kooker Charcoal Grill
This red portable grill looks more like an alien than a portable barbeque. The powdered coated exterior, the porcelain-enameled interior, and cast iron grate combine to give you 153 inches of barbequing fun.
Other features include a top and bottom damper system, a hinged lid and a heat gauge. An easy to dump ash pan, tripod leg system and two handles complete the package. All of this is put into the 20.5 x 21.5 x 25.3-inch dimensions. The one drawback is that it weighs over 35 pounds.
What We Like:
- It has a very unique construction making it different from the typical products.
- The grill comes with a top-bottom damper system.
- There is also a removable ash pan for ease of emptying.
What We Don’t Like:
- It is very heavy weighing up to 35 pounds.
Buying Guide to Choosing Best Portable Charcoal Grills
Are you planning to have a barbeque camping or home barbeque with your family and friends soon? If that is the case, here is a list of the right buying guide you need to look at. There are several enlisted tips below that can be useful for your purchasing. Check it out now!
Cooking Area
First off, it should be the time to think of the cooking area. This refers to the cooking space. As a result, it requires you to know the number of people you are going to grill the food for. If you have a few people, it would be good for 18 sq inch space. However, if there are more, you should go for a large space. Probably, a 20 to 25 sq inch space would do.
Used Materials & Durability
The next step is the think about the used materials so that it allows you to estimate its durability. Those products we have mentioned are the product of all-steel construction or cast-iron. This way, it offers strength, stability, and durability. Moreover, you can look for the one that is highly resistant to all weather.
Good Ventilation System
Why do you need to think of a good ventilation system when it comes to looking for a charcoal grill? This is because the ones with good system may help control the burning temperature. Thereby, allowing you to grill your meat deliciously.
Weight & Size
Last but not least, it is always about weight and size. When you look for something portable, of course, these two things matter. That is why you need to look for the one that can fit right to the back of your car or truck. This way, it would be easier for carrying along for an outdoor camping BBQ party.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do you stop a charcoal grill?
A: Different from the gas grill, you might need to put the lid on the grill and cover both the top and bottom of the air ventilation system. When there is no oxygen, the fire will stop.
Q: What to do with coals after grilling?
A: You might probably need about 48 hours for the ash to cool down after use. Thus, it requires you to close the lid and close both the top and bottom air ventilation systems completely. Once the ash cools down, you can remove the ash pan/tray and empty it.
Q: Can I add more charcoal while cooking?
A: This is always a yes. However, there is a lot of ways for charcoal to add during the grilling process. For example, if you want to lower down the temperature, you can add the new charcoal directly to the burning. However, if you are actually satisfied with the burning capacity, you might need to burn out the charcoal first before adding them to the grill.
Some Final Words
Barbequing is a lot of fun. With these top 10 best portable charcoal grills in 2023, it becomes even more fun. Cook food faster, with more square-inch space than ever before. As you can see, there are a variety of designs and construction materials to choose from. No matter where you barbeque, whether it is in your backyard or at the beach camping with family or friends, it will always be at ease. These top 10 best portable charcoal grills in 2023 will meet any barbeque needs you have.