The Best Portable Charcoal Grills of 2023

For those who’ve spent even 5 minutes researching grills, you realize there’s a lot to select from. Between fuel grills, charcoal grills, pellet grills, and people who smoke—every with worth factors that may differ from a couple-hundred bucks to hundreds of {dollars}—making a selection can really feel fairly daunting. To complicate issues even additional—simply kidding, we’re solely right here to assist!—we not too long ago examined transportable charcoal grills, and we’ve received an awesome set of grates to suit each funds.

The Winners, at a Look

The Assessments

• Meeting Take a look at: We assembled every transportable charcoal grill, timing how lengthy it took to take action.
• Temperature Management Take a look at: We used a probe thermometer to observe the temperature of the grill as we fired it up and tried to regulate the temperature. We additionally checked out how correct any built-in thermometers had been, in comparison with the probe thermometer.
• Corn, Burgers, and Brats Take a look at: We grilled two corn cobs, two burgers, and two brats on every grill, evaluating how effectively and evenly every grilled.
• Cleanup Take a look at: We cleaned every grill per the producer’s directions, taking a look at how simple it was to take action.
• Usability Assessments: All through testing, we evaluated how simple every grill was to setup, use, and transfer.

What’s a Moveable Charcoal Grill?

Because the identify suggests, transportable charcoal grills are transportable! Whereas most grills will be moved round to some extent, these are smaller, lighter, purpose-built grills meant for mobility. This implies in addition they are typically among the many most budget-friendly grills, they usually’re handy for smaller areas like patios or balconies.

Firing up a transportable charcoal grill is assured to make you the most well-liked individual on the seashore, park, or campsite this summer time—simply be sure you test native rules first to ensure grilling is allowed.

Ought to You Purchase a Moveable Charcoal Grill or a Normal-Measurement Charcoal Grill?

We all know it’s annoying to be instructed “it relies upon,” however, effectively, it relies upon. For those who’re solely planning to grill at dwelling and you’ve got the additional area for a standard-size charcoal grill, you would possibly as effectively give your self the extra cooking floor and go for the full-size model.

For those who’re tight on area or like the thought of with the ability to convey a small grill alongside on highway journeys or weekend outings with pals, a transportable charcoal grill is likely to be simply the factor.

The Standards: What to Search for in a Moveable Charcoal Grill

Charcoal grills are typically fairly simple in design anyway, so transportable fashions aren’t the place to count on bells and whistles. Once we let our testers free on over a dozen transportable charcoal grills, we needed their suggestions on components like meeting and clean-up, heating pace and retention, ease of flipping meals, and whether or not they handled issues like sticking or flare-ups.

The transportable charcoal grills that scored highest in our assessments excelled in a couple of key areas:

Portability

This might sound apparent, however we needed to ensure every transportable grill was truly transportable. We’re much less seemingly to make use of a grill that wants an entire tear-down and reassembly every time we need to take it someplace. And, ideally, a transportable grill needs to be light-weight sufficient to be manageable by only one individual—although we do have a couple of in our listing which might be greatest transported with a serving to hand.

Stability

We’re not anticipating excellent stability on a sandy seashore or rocky campsite, but when a transportable grill is sitting on a tabletop and wobbling with every burger flip? Not supreme.

Ease of Use

Once more, the entire level of a transportable charcoal grill is to have the ability to use it in conditions the place a grill might not be an apparent selection. We sought out grills that had been simple to assemble and clear and retained warmth effectively sufficient to cook dinner meals our testers truly needed to eat.

With that, let’s get into the transportable charcoal grills we’re blissful to suggest.

What we preferred: This grill scored excessive proper out of the field—actually, due to the actual fact it arrived principally assembled. This was additionally the place testers turned very conscious of the PKGO’s heft; its forged iron building means this transportable grill clocks in at 39.5 kilos. It received’t be the simplest for everybody to maneuver round, however this additionally means it’s good and secure. 

Our testers appreciated how simple it was so as to add charcoal with out making a multitude, and famous how the meals had loads of room on the grates. Burgers and sausages “sizzled instantly when positioned on the grill” and got here away with “very outlined grill marks,” in response to testers’ notes. The PKGO was equally simple to wash—just about a dump-and-go scenario—although it did take a very long time to chill down sufficient to deal with. 

General, testers agreed that this grill is “nice for an avid camper or outdoorsy individual,” with the caveat that it’s too heavy to realistically carry over lengthy distances. In addition they preferred the clips on the edges that ensured the lid stayed closed throughout transport or storage.

What we did not like: Its weight could also be a detriment to its portability, however the PKGO “retains warmth so effectively that the load truly makes it extra engaging,” in response to one tester, who added that this grill is well worth the funding as a result of it “carried out so effectively and the standard of the construct is so sturdy.”

Value at time of publish: $337.

Key Specs

• Cooking space: 204 sq. inches
• Dimensions: 13.03 x 20.9 x 15.3 inches
• Weight: 39.5 kilos
• Guarantee: 20 years (bowl and lid), 3 years (grates and plastic elements), 2 years (steel components and equipment), 1 yr (temperature gauge)

What we preferred: With its helpful rolling cart, testers confirmed that Masterbuilt’s transportable charcoal grill is “extremely simple to maneuver” and “secure when absolutely unfolded” due to the vast base. When you’ve received it the place you need it, charcoal was simple so as to add by means of the hopper.

Meals got here off of the Masterbuilt with a pleasant sear and the grill retained warmth effectively sufficient that our tester by no means needed to refill the coals throughout a 45-minute cooking session. Ash was simple to wash up (thanks once more, hopper!) and common consensus was that this grill “can be good for a small beach-going or tenting household.” It even has two built-in drink holders. Testers additionally agreed that the Masterbuilt transportable charcoal grill is each beginner-friendly and appropriate for skilled grills who can benefit from its skill to double as a smoker. 

What we did not like: Our testers cautioned that the hopper door will get fairly scorching and also you’ll positively need to use BBQ gloves when you’re planning so as to add coals whereas cooking.

Value at time of publish: $298.

Key Specs

• Cooking space: 200 sq. inches
• Dimensions: 18.8 x 27 x 36 inches
• Weight: 52 kilos
• Guarantee: 1 yr

What we preferred: The Everdure CUBE might be what involves thoughts first when most of us consider a transportable grill. It’s “small and straightforward to maneuver” and “very easy to make use of” in response to testers, although it’s positively suited to only one or two individuals—you received’t be feeding a crowd with this one!

One tester described the CUBE as “actually a drink cooler transformed right into a grill and I’m right here for it.” This little grill is sweet and light-weight, and well-balanced due to rubber ft in any respect 4 corners. Relating to cooking, the CUBE delivers with shocking efficiency. Testers reported “definitive grill marks” on the brats, charing on the corncobs, and a pleasant sear on the burgers. 

The Everdure CUBE transportable charcoal grill is “positively a beachgoer sort of grill” that’s “simple to maneuver, simple to make use of, and straightforward to wash.” Whereas its small measurement might restrict how effectively you’ll be able to feed a number of individuals, this can be a transportable grill you’ll truly need to make use of. It is also out there in a handful of enjoyable colours.

What we did not like: Once more, this can be a small grill and its measurement could also be limiting for some.

Value at time of publish: $199.

Key Specs

• Cooking space: 103.9 sq. inches
• Dimensions: 9.1 x 16.7 x 13.7 inches
• Weight: 15.43 kilos
• Guarantee: Not specified

What we preferred: At 44 kilos, this grill would possibly require a second set of palms to assist assemble and transfer, however it’s sturdy when you get it in place. Testers preferred the expansive cooking space and whereas they did discover some scorching spots whereas cooking, meals got here off the grates properly cooked and with pleasing grill marks. 

Because of the Dyna-Glo’s heft, this in all probability isn’t the grill you’ll carry alongside to the park, however it’s an awesome possibility for small out of doors areas. Testers agree this grill will attraction to grilling newcomers due to its sectioned grates that permit for the straightforward addition of charcoal, in addition to the conveniently positioned vent dampers and ash catcher. Equally, skilled grillers will admire the forged iron building that retains warmth effectively and clocks in at an accessible worth.

What we did not like: Once more, this is not a grill for transferring any form of distance.

Value at time of publish: $197.

Key Specs

• Cooking space: 287 sq. inches
• Dimensions: 24.17 x 18.35 x 21 inches
• Weight: 40.7 kilos
• Guarantee: 1 yr

What we preferred: Regardless of being “heavy and cumbersome to hold,” the Oklahoma Joe’s Rambler scored excessive amongst our testers, who appreciated the grill’s capability each for charcoal and area on the grates for cooking. “Meals that was in touch with the forged iron grates browned exceedingly effectively,” famous one tester, who additionally commented that the Rambler “dealt with effectively and was simple to wash,” due to its pull-out ash tray. 

This grill is maybe extra of a small-format grill than a real transportable unit—a scarcity of wheels provides to the issue of transferring it round—however the heavy-duty building means the Rambler retains warmth like a champ. The charcoal tray can also be height-adjustable, that means you’ll be able to simply obtain both excessive warmth, or maintain issues low and sluggish. General, “this grill feels priced exceptionally effectively for its sturdiness and efficiency.”

What we did not like: At 48.5 kilos, you’d seemingly want two individuals to maneuver this grill round.

Value at time of publish: $199.

Key Specs

• Cooking space: 218 sq. inches
• Dimensions: 19.5 x 21.8 x 26.8 inches
• Weight: 48.5 kilos
• Guarantee: 2 years

What we preferred: The NOMAD transportable grill positively carries the best price ticket on our listing, however our assessments proved it’s well worth the splurge when you’re severe about grilling on the go. 

Not solely does the NOMAD come absolutely assembled, the suitcase-style design means it’s about as transportable as a transportable grill can get. There are not any legs, so that you’ll have to discover a flat floor, however it’s a sturdy piece of apparatus with its rubber ft and magnetic grates. As a result of the NOMAD unfolds, you’re supplied with a beneficiant cooking floor—212 sq. inches as-is, or you should buy the optional second grate and revel in 425 sq. inches of grilling area. Throughout our single-grate take a look at, two corn cobs, two burgers, and two brats match with ease, although solely the brats got here off with seen grill marks. The corn was warmed by means of whereas the burgers had extra of a sear. It additionally as an fascinating, honey comb-shaped grate sample.

“It is a good grill for its portability and skill to cook dinner effectively,” reported one tester, who says the NOMAD is among the most accessible transportable grills for newcomers as a result of “it’s not troublesome to arrange or use and the dampers don’t go away a lot room for error.” That stated, it might not be supreme for avid grillers, however for tenting or tailgating functions? Undoubtedly.

What we did not like: In fact, its price ticket is *very* excessive in comparison with the opposite grills on this evaluation.

Value at time of publish: $649.

Key Specs

• Cooking space:  212 or 425 sq. inches
• Dimensions: 20.5 x 4.75 x 27.25 inches
• Weight: 28 kilos
• Guarantee: Restricted lifetime

What we preferred: Relating to affordability, this grill is hard to beat. Testers preferred how light-weight and straightforward it was to hold, and whereas the transportable Professional Grill isn’t probably the most secure unit on the market, it will get the job achieved with out fuss. “This grill has numerous room,” one tester famous, happy with the quantity of obtainable area to flip meals and transfer issues round. 

All instructed, it’s the value that basically sells this grill, which “looks like it could belong to a newbie or somebody who just isn’t able to decide to a full-size charcoal grill.” Testers agree that this mannequin is “an excellent match for tailgating or RV tenting, the place it may possibly sit on a truck mattress, fold-out desk, or picnic desk.” 

Professional Grill might not have given us a luxurious grill with this transportable choose, however it’s a darn good worth for a really practical piece of apparatus. Additionally? It’s cute.

What we did not like: The legs are wobbly, which gave testers pause.

Value at time of publish: $74.

Key Specs

• Cooking space: 262 sq. inches
• Dimensions: 17.5 x 17 x 24.5 inches
• Weight: 18.5 kilos
• Guarantee: 1 yr

What we preferred: Right here we now have one other budget-friendly transportable charcoal grill, this one from Char-Griller. It’s fairly stout, which does imply it’s much less simply transportable than the comparably priced Professional Grill, however it’s very sturdy and testers appreciated the dearth of wobble.

As soon as the grill is up and working, testers did just like the spacious cooking floor, evenly cooked meals, and ensuing char marks which yielded brats with “an exquisite exterior texture and taste with a juicy inside.” 

General, that is one other transportable grill greatest suited to newcomers, however for the value, we’ll again it as a choose for anybody out there for a small charcoal grill.

What we did not like: The Char-Griller will be troublesome in the case of including charcoal, which should be achieved from the smaller facet of the barrel, the place the charcoal chimney “simply barely matches inside to have the ability to pour the coals with out spilling ash and scorching embers.”

Value at time of publish: $70.

Key Specs

• Cooking space: 250 sq. inches
• Dimensions: 19 x 18.7 x 21.1 inches
• Weight: 37 kilos
• Guarantee: 1 yr

What we preferred: Testers preferred the portability of this grill, which “will be simply carried by an grownup” and “can be nice for a day journey with a small household.” The Sluggish ‘N Sear kettle grill can also be simple to wash and cools down shortly, which is handy for packing up however maybe much less supreme for warmth retention throughout cooking. 

You in all probability received’t win any grilling competitions with the SnS Sluggish ‘N Sear, but when your purpose is a very transportable charcoal grill that received’t take ages to chill down after use, testers concurred that the value is honest and “the general high quality of the grill is sweet.” 

What we did not like: Our testers struggled with uneven heating, reporting a distinction of 35°F between a sausage that had been within the heart of the grate versus one which had been nearer to the sting for a similar period of time.

Value at time of publish: $180.

Key Specs

• Cooking space: 18-inch diameter
• Dimensions: 21 x 20.25 inches
• Weight: 17.8 kilos
• Guarantee: 10 years (bowl and lid), 5 years (ash elimination, plastic elements, facet shelf), 2 years (remaining components)

What we preferred: With one of the vital revered names within the grill recreation, it ought to come as no shock that there’s a Weber on our listing. The Go-Wherever is a transportable charcoal grill at a positive worth that’s simple to assemble and light-weight sufficient to hold with ease. 

It isn’t Weber’s standout performer, although. Whereas our testers had no points with grilling burgers and corn cobs, the bratwursts cooked erratically compared. However as one tester famous, “there are not any bells and whistles in any capability—this grill performs the naked minimal and does so admirably.” In different phrases, so long as your expectations are modest, the Go-Wherever is a stable selection when you’re searching for a well-constructed grill beneath $100.

What we did not like: Once more, uneven cooking plagued this choose a bit.

Value at time of publish: $71.

Key Specs

• Cooking space: 160 sq. inches
• Dimensions: 11.5 x 19.5 x 15 inches
• Weight: 13.45 kilos
• Guarantee: 10 years

What we preferred: The Smokey Joe is actually budget-friendly at lower than $50. It’s fairly small and light-weight, and although testers famous the significance of conserving the grill upright and regular to keep away from dislodging the lid and grate whereas carrying it, that is a simple grill to maneuver round. 

Although the Smokey Joe doesn’t get as rip-roaring scorching as many people might hope for in a grill, that is an reasonably priced, sensible, beginner-friendly possibility for cooking meals in locations the place you in any other case wouldn’t.

What we did not like: As you’ll be able to in all probability assume from the 14-inch diameter, there’s not numerous room to work whereas cooking. Whereas testers had been capable of match two burgers, two brats, and two ears of corn multi functional go, the sausages had been undercooked and the remaining “seemed baked, not grilled,” in response to notes. 

Value at time of publish: $46.

Key Specs

• Cooking space: 14-inch diameter
• Dimensions: 17 x 14.2 x 14.5 inches
• Weight: 9.5 kilos
• Guarantee: 10 years

The Competitors

• Americana Walk-A-Bout Portable Charcoal Grill: This grill was capable of cook dinner meals satisfactorily, however testers thought it simply felt too cheaply constructed, even for its low worth.
• Napoleon 14″ Portable Charcoal Kettle Grill: Testers simply thought this grill was too common to decide on over different fashions. “I might spend more cash on a grill that I might belief to arrange a good-quality product relatively than take the inexpensive route and buy one thing I might be sad with after the primary time cooking on it,” one tester famous.
• Char-Broil Portable Kettle Charcoal Grill: “Don’t spend one pink cent on this grill!” wrote one tester, whose most constructive suggestions about this cheap mannequin was that it’s simple to wash.

FAQs

How mild is a transportable charcoal grill?

It varies! Relying on their measurement and building, the transportable charcoal grills we examined ranged from just below 10 kilos to over 50 kilos. 

How do you begin a transportable charcoal grill?

It’s useful to make use of a chimney starter when lighting a charcoal grill. As a substitute of squirting lighter fluid everywhere in the charcoal, you pile charcoal into the chimney, stuff the underside with newspaper, and lightweight with a match. When the coals are scorching, merely switch them to your grill.