15 Best Portable Charcoal Grills for 2024

By Chris Johns •  Updated: 03/15/24 •  21 min read

Best Portable Charcoal Grills

Portable charcoal grills are a classic style of grill that has stood the test of time for plenty of great reasons. There’s nothing more memorable than the delicious smells of a charcoal barbecue while spending time with your family and friends somewhere fun.

Whether it’s tailgating, camping, picnicking, or a day at the beach, a portable charcoal grill can turn any outing into a truly wonderful adventure.

These travel-sized grills deliver the superior taste of traditional charcoal grilling while being lightweight and portable enough to take practically anywhere.

In this guide, I’ll tell you about a variety of models available, breaking down the pros and cons of each unit to help you choose the best portable charcoal grill for your needs.

The Best Portable Charcoal Grills for 2024

Here is my list of the 15 best portable charcoal grills available in the U.S., Canada, Australia, and the U.K in 2024. I’ll start with the top 5 overall choices, then go into the reviews and best options for different needs.

1. Cuisinart 14-Inch Portable Charcoal Grill – Best Overall Choice #1

Cuisinart 14-Inch Portable Charcoal Grill

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The Cuisinart 14-Inch Portable Charcoal Grill weighs two pounds and costs as little as your weekly Starbucks habit. This grill may be affordable and lightweight, but its sturdy design will lead you to believe otherwise.

Except for the handle, this grill is top-to-bottom metal. The firebox is enamel-coated, making it sleek and durable. Truly, this grill will survive and thrive no matter where you take it.

Under the hood, you’ll find 150 square inches of cooking surface, a chrome-plated cooking rack, and enough space to accommodate four to six burgers at once. On top, you’ll find a lid-locking bowl and a functional dual-venting system.

Below is an efficient, enamel-coated ash-catchment tray that won’t rust, break down, or spill, even after years of continued use and abuse.

This mini charcoal grill is as unique as you are, so make a color choice that fits your palate: The Cuisinart 14-Inch Portable Charcoal Grill comes in black and red.

If you’re looking for an affordable road warrior that is lightweight, durable, efficient, and primed to pack, stow, and go, check out this Cuisinart charcoal grill.

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Cuisinart CCG190RB Inch BBQ, 14' x 14' x 15', Portable Charcoal Grill, 14' (Red)
13,954 Reviews
Cuisinart CCG190RB Inch BBQ, 14" x 14" x 15", Portable Charcoal Grill, 14" (Red)
  • 196-SQUARE-INCH CHROME PLATED GRATE: The 196-square-inch chrome plated cooking rack gives a spacious cooking surface is able...
  • DUAL VENTING SYSTEM: Features a Dual venting system, giving you the ultimate charcoal management and temperature control.
  • THREE SECURE LID LOCKS: The grill features three secure lid locks for easy and safe transport.

2. Weber Smokey Joe Grill – Best Overall Choice #2

Weber 10020 Smokey Joe 14-Inch Portable Grill

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If the name of this charcoal grill doesn’t pique your attention, maybe this will: The Smokey Joe is a Weber.

The Weber name means something to me: They’ve been around since 1893, and in that time, they’ve designed some of the most efficient, innovative, and technology-packed grills on the market. And unlike many other manufacturers, Weber stamps a warranty on all of their grills, regardless of their price point.

Unlike their premier grill packages, The Smokey Joe ditches the bells and whistles and harkens back to the company’s humble charcoal beginnings. As I see it, this is a virtue, not an encumbrance.

For only a few dollars more than the Cuisinart 14-Inch Portable Charcoal Grill, you get a porcelain-enameled lid & bowl, durable plated-steel grill grates, dampers, and rust-resistant construction. This grill was designed not to crack, rust, or peel – and if it does, you can rest assured knowing that a 10-year warranty backs the whole darn package.

I wish that this grill had a locking lid, but Weber makes up for this missing piece with other amenities.

The Smokey Joe weighs in at nine pounds. It’s not flimsy, but it’s certainly not heavy either. It is, however, heavy-duty, especially for a tabletop charcoal grill.

Since I mention portability, the Smokey Joe was designed for life on the road. Its compact footprint (14.5″L x 14.25″W x 17″H) makes stowing and going a breeze.

Additional features include 150 square inches of cooking surface, three aluminum legs, a sturdy, spill-free aluminum ash catcher, and bright nickel-plated steel cooking grates.

The only thing “plastic” about this grill is the handle, but who cares? Because the handle is glass-reinforced nylon, it is heat- and crack-resistant.

If you’re looking for a travel-buddy grill that is jaw-droppingly affordable, heavy-duty, rust-resistant, and boasts the coolest name on the block, take a look at the Weber Smoky Joe Grill.

Weber Smokey Joe 14-Inch Portable Grill, Black
7,087 Reviews
Weber Smokey Joe 14-Inch Portable Grill, Black
  • Load up the car and hit the road with your Smokey Joe portable charcoal grill. Its durable, lightweight, compact design is...
  • Holds up to five burgers made with a Weber burger press
  • Compact and lightweight for grilling on the go

3. Weber Go-Anywhere Charcoal Grill

Weber 1141001 Go-Anywhere Gas Grill

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If you like the Weber name, need extra grilling space, but don’t want to compromise on portability), check out the Weber Go-Anywhere Charcoal Grill.

As the name suggests, this charcoal grill is designed to go whenever and wherever you want.

The Weber Go-Anywhere offers a tuck-and-carry lid-locking design. When you want to stow, set your lid, swing up those plated steel legs, and lock everything into place. This is a no-nonsense design that is durable and road-ready. No flimsy plastic latches here.

Extra features include 160 square inches of cooking space packed into a rectangular grill box design. I love the look of circular grills but find them cumbersome when I’m on the road. Since this grill is boxy, it tucks and stacks perfectly amongst my other gear, which means I never lose precious storage space.

This grill is a Weber, so its durability is no surprise. This grill offers a porcelain-enameled lid and base that are both rust and peel-resistant. Lift the cover, and you’ll find durable plated-steel cooking grates that retain heat and clean up with ease.

This grill is brawny but weighs a mere 8.82 pounds. Worth mentioning, too: Weber backs this grill with a 10-year warranty.

If you need a little extra grilling space but don’t want to compromise on quality, price, or portability, consider the Weber Go-Anywhere Charcoal Grill.

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Weber Go-Anywhere Charcoal Grill, Black
5,481 Reviews
Weber Go-Anywhere Charcoal Grill, Black
  • Holds up to six burgers made with a Weber burger press
  • Compact and lightweight for grilling on the go
  • Porcelain-enameled lid and base retain heat, and won’t rust or peel

4. Weber Original Kettle Premium 22″ Charcoal Grill

Weber Original Kettle Premium 22" Charcoal Grill

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If you’re tired of crouching or crowding your picnic table with a smoky charcoal grill, the Weber Original Kettle Premium 22″ Charcoal Grill presents an affordable alternative. In its design, this grill is as classic as they come.

The Kettle Premium features a circular dome design that rests on a two-wheeled tripod stand. Surprisingly, this grill weighs only 32 pounds. You don’t have to be as nimble or brawny as this grill is to move it around.

Additional features include a one-touch cleaning system. This metal basket locks into place beneath the grill box’s undercarriage: no spilling ashes, no mess, no fuss. Once your grill basket fills, unlock and unload.

This grill is just under three and a half feet tall, which might not be efficient for compact-car travelers. But if you have the space for this charcoal grill, you’ll appreciate what it has to offer.

Other amenities include a lid-mounted temperature gauge, rust-resistant dampers, and a porcelain-enameled lid & bowl. Are you tired of searching for a clean patch of ground to set that hot lid? Search no more. This grill features an angled lid hook, ideal for storing your cover.

The Kettle Premium also comes with tool hooks, so your cooking utensils remain clean and ready for the draw.

Want to recreate the backyard grilling experience while on the road? Are you tired of looking for a place to store your piping-hot lid and fed up with having to hunch over your portable grill? The Weber Original Kettle Premium 22″ Charcoal Grill offers an efficient, economical alternative.

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Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill, 22-Inch, Black
6,690 Reviews
Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill, 22-Inch, Black
  • Holds up to 13 burgers made with a Weber burger press; Built-in lid thermometer. Rust-resistant aluminum dampers
  • One-Touch cleaning system with high-capacity ash catcher provides hassle-free ash cleanup
  • Porcelain-enameled lid and bowl retain heat, and won’t rust or peel

5. Weber Jumbo Joe 18-inch Portable Grill

Weber Jumbo Joe Charcoal 18-Inch Black Grill

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If the Smokey Joe name tickles you, but you need sturdier construction and additional grilling surface area, check out the Weber Jumbo Joe 18-inch Portable Grill.

The Jumbo Joe offers an 18-inch cooking radius, heavy-gauge steel charcoal grates, and a porcelain-enameled bowl and lid.

The grill weighs in at 18 pounds, but I see that as an advantage. The Jumbo Joe is built with thicker materials, so while you get the same porcelain-enameled bowl and lid, you can feel the quality upgrade in this model.

So go ahead and put this grill through its paces. You’re not going to risk denting or cracking this machine.

This grill is ideal for adventurous cookers who want to bring the backyard experience with them. An 18-inch cooking surface allows me to grill all the usual burgers and brats. But when I want to roast tri-tip, this grill enables me to do so without cramming the grates.

A nice bonus is the accompanying lock-and-lift swivel bar. This mechanism serves two purposes. First, it keeps your lid in place during transport. Second, it holds your lid off to the side, so you never have to search for a clean, safe space to store it.

This is a Weber – and it grills like one.

If you’re looking for an affordable, portable, robust charcoal grill that looks and cooks as efficiently as your backyard barbecue, look no further. The Weber Jumbo Joe 18-inch Portable Grill’s got you covered.

On Sale
Weber Jumbo Joe Charcoal Grill 18 Inch Black
5,218 Reviews
Weber Jumbo Joe Charcoal Grill 18 Inch Black
  • Travel with taste, or grill up a quick meal on your patio with the Jumbo Joe portable charcoal grill. The compact size with...
  • Holds up to eight burgers made with a Weber burger press
  • Compact and lightweight for grilling on the go

6. Char-Griller Akorn Jr. Kamado Kooker Charcoal Grill

Char-Griller Akorn Jr. Kamado Kooker Charcoal Grill

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If you want to stand out from the crowd and grill exceptional food on a portable unit while you do it, check out the Char-Griller Akorn Jr. Kamado Kooker Charcoal Grill. . This “retro” unit uses tried-and-true charcoal technology. It is “futuristic” in that it completely disregards that run-of-the-mill design your great grandfather was stuck with.

So let’s step into the future and see what you’ll get with this unit: A reasonable price tag (seriously!), 53 square inches of primary cooking surface, cast-iron grates, an easy-dump ash pan, and a powder-keg design made of 22-gauge steel.

This quality extends to the grill’s insides made of porcelain-coated steel.

The grill body features triple-walled insulation, which packs in and maintains heat. As a result, you’ll have no trouble maintaining 200 to 700-degree temperatures.

The steel body features top and bottom dampers;  these maintain even airflow while you’re cooking – or smoking. That’s right, this grill doubles as a smoker. Yes, you may now cheer!

Considering the quality materials Char-Griller uses on this unit, you’d expect it to weigh a lot more than 37 pounds. But it doesn’t. This unit travels and packs like a champ thanks to its hinged, flip-top locking lid and robust design.

I continue to marvel at the price tag on this unit. It’s mind-blowingly affordable, especially when you consider the quality. If you want to raise eyebrows and take a little personality with you on the road, take a look at the Char-Griller Akorn Jr. Kamado Kooker Charcoal Grill.

Char-Griller® AKORN® Jr. Portable Kamado Charcoal Grill and Smoker with Cast Iron Grates and Locking Lid with 155 Cooking Square Inches in Red, Model E06614
3,415 Reviews
Char-Griller® AKORN® Jr. Portable Kamado Charcoal Grill and Smoker with Cast Iron Grates and Locking Lid with 155 Cooking Square Inches in Red, Model E06614
  • PORTABLE CHARCOAL GRILL - Kamado style Portable BBQ Grill & Smoker perfect for both high heat grilling and low-and-slow...
  • GRILL ANYWHERE - Grilling on-the-go has never been easier thanks to the convenient handles and compact frame, perfect for...
  • BEST IN CLASS FEATURES - Insulated design with locking lid traps smoke, heat, and moisture like expensive ceramic kamados...

7. Weber Original Kettle 18″ Grill

Weber Original Kettle 18" Grill

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Weber is one of the true “originals,” and so is the design of their classic Weber Original Kettle 18″ Grill. That’s what immediately attracted me to this firebox: the design is familiar, it has a circular 18-inch cooking radius, and it looks and cooks like the backyard barbeque I grew up with.

In addition to its throw-back design, Weber includes enough extras to shake a skewer at. These include a one-touch cleaning system that provides hassle-free ash dumping, a lid-mounted damper system, and plated steel cooking grates.

You couldn’t call it a Weber if it didn’t retain heat – and this unit does, thanks to its porcelain-enameled lid and bowl. I also like that this unit features an angled hook, a design that keeps my 700-degree cover off the dirty ground.

The rolling tripod design may not be ideal for compact-car travelers. However, if you’re concerned about weight, the Original Kettle won’t bog you down. This unit weighs in at 24 pounds – and that factors in the stand’s weight.

Speaking of, let’s talk about the stand. This grill stands three feet tall and rolls around on durable, crack-proof wheels. That means no more bending down to flip burgers!

I’ve always been a fan of using portable charcoal grills for camping. Thanks to its exceptional portability, the Weber Original is one of the best camping charcoal grill models on this list.

If you’re looking for an affordable barbecue that looks and cooks like a true classic, take a look at the Weber Original Kettle 18″ Grill.

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Weber Original Kettle 18 Inch Charcoal Grill, Black
3,992 Reviews
Weber Original Kettle 18 Inch Charcoal Grill, Black
  • Holds up to nine burgers made with a Weber burger press. Dimensions - Lid Closed (inches) : 36"H x 18.5"W x 23"D
  • One-Touch cleaning system provides hassle-free ash cleanup
  • Porcelain-enameled lid and bowl retain heat, and won’t rust or peel

8. Fire Sense Notebook Charcoal Grill

Fire Sense Notebook Charcoal Grill

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If it smokes, shoots fire, and has grates, I’ve probably cooked a meal on it. At least that’s what I thought – until I came across the Fire Sense Notebook Charcoal Grill.

This is one of the coolest, most compact, and affordable grilling gadgets I’ve seen in years.

This grill features sturdy steel construction, weighs a mere nine pounds, and looks a lot like a magazine rack you’d find at Ikea, but with a significant set of bonuses: You can cook on it, then collapse and carry this bad boy under your arm like a boss.

Did I mention that the Fire Sense Notebook costs only about three times as much as it weighs? Seriously.

The Fire Sense Notebook is so unbelievably (and ingeniously) efficient and straightforward that I don’t know what else to say about it.

If you’re looking for a quality build, extreme portability, sleek and innovative design, and a price tag that’ll make you chuckle like a hyena behind a grill, check out the Fire Sense Notebook Charcoal Grill.

9. Weber Smokey Joe Premium 14-inch Portable Grill

Weber Smokey Joe Premium 14-inch Portable Grill

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I already talked a bit about the Weber Smokey Joe, but what happens when a classic design goes premium? You get the Weber Smokey Joe Premium 14-inch Portable Grill.

The Smokey Joe Premium is nearly identical to its predecessor. With the Premium, you still get a porcelain-enameled lid & bowl, durable plated-steel cooking grates, a lid-mounted damper, rust-resistant construction, and a 10-year warranty.

Likewise, you also get 150 square inches on which to cook, three aluminum legs, sturdy bright nickel-plated steel cooking grates, and the same glass-reinforced nylon lift handle.

The Weber Premium did receive two notable upgrades.

The first is a lid-locking mechanism that doubles as a lid holder. Thanks to this, transporting this 9.8 pound is a breeze, plus you never have to look for a clean, safe place to stow your lid when you check on your food.

The second upgrade is an additional body-mounted venting system. This is a small but significant upgrade that makes dialing in and maintaining temperatures a lot simpler.

Missing from the Premium version is the nifty ash-catchment tray, which is a bit of a shame.

What I do like, however, is that the Premium version of this grill comes in a variety of color choices. These include classic black, crimson, ivory, smoke, slate blue, and spring green.

There is only a $10 price difference between the original and premium Smokey Joe’s, so I’ll leave the decision to you.

If you can live without the spill-free ash catcher, like increased portability, enjoy a pop of color, and need more cooking flexibility, consider going with the Weber Smokey Joe Premium 14-inch Portable Grill.

Whatever you choose, you’re going to get an affordable, heavy-duty, rust-resistant grill that’s made by a household name.

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Weber Smokey Joe Premium 14-Inch Portable Grill , Black
1,707 Reviews
Weber Smokey Joe Premium 14-Inch Portable Grill , Black
  • Grab the handle of your Smokey Joe Premium portable charcoal grill and throw a BBQ, tailgate, or grill lunch anywhere you go....
  • Holds up to five burgers made with a Weber burger press
  • Compact and lightweight for grilling on the go

10. Beau Jardin 18-Inch Portable Charcoal Grill

Beau Jardin 18-Inch Portable Charcoal Grill

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If you’ve grilled behind the Beau Jardin 18-Inch Portable Charcoal Grill and liked the experience, you’ll be happy to know that this grill received a couple of upgrades.

The new design features larger, sturdier wheels and upgraded handles that are thicker and better insulated.

Other upgrades include a thicker porcelain-enameled lid and bowl that ensure better heat retention and a sturdier frame. These are efficiency upgrades, but they also look sharp and give this classic design a modern, sleek look.

Additional features include a large cooking surface (225 square inches), heavy-duty plated steel charcoal grates, and rust-resistant adjustable aluminum air vents, making dialing in cooking temperatures a breeze.

Also included is an easy access lid hanger hook, a one-touch cleaning system that is as simple as it is effective. Just rotate the dial and watch your burnt-out coals gather neatly in the catcher.

You’ll find a wireframe shelf below the catchment system, perfect for storing extra charcoal or cooking tools, spices, and plates.

This is an affordable grill with a classic design. It’s only 28 inches tall, so regardless of how you “ride” or what you ride in, the Beau Jardin 18-Inch Portable Charcoal Grill helps emphasize portability.” It’s road-ready, durable, and, for the price, a great grilling machine.

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BEAU JARDIN Premium 18 Inch Charcoal Grill for Outdoor Cooking Barbecue Camping BBQ Coal Kettle Grill Tailgating Portable Heavy Duty Round with Thickened Grilling Bowl Wheels for Small Patio Backyard
1,374 Reviews
BEAU JARDIN Premium 18 Inch Charcoal Grill for Outdoor Cooking Barbecue Camping BBQ Coal Kettle Grill Tailgating Portable Heavy Duty Round with Thickened Grilling Bowl Wheels for Small Patio Backyard
  • PORTABLE CHARCOAL GRILL:Portable charcoal grills with dimension of 18 inch diameter by 24-inch high without lid. Durable 18...
  • PERFECT HEAT CONTROL&RETENTION: Rust-resistant adjustable aluminum air vent damper allows for heat control without hassle to...
  • EASY TO USE&CLEAN: The inside lid hanger hook under the lid could be hung on one bowl handle without hassle to lift it or put...

11. LeFroom 18-inch Charcoal Grill

LeFroom 18-inch Charcoal Grill

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The LeFroom 18-inch Charcoal Grill is 34.6 inches tall, which means you can kiss the days of slouching and crouching to flip your food goodbye.

This grill features an 18-inch diameter cooking surface, a bottom storage rack, adjustable air vent dampers, and a heat-retaining lid and body, both made of alloy steel.

LeFroom designed a grill for road-warriors with an appetite. When you want to stow and go, all you have to do is remove the two detachable legs with wheels.

Additional efficiencies include a lid hanger, which keeps your piping hot cover off of the ground yet close at hand. Cleanup is made simple thanks to this unit’s one-touch system that funnels ash into a catchment tray.

If you’re better at grilling than you are at being handy, you’ll love how easy this unit assembles. I unboxed and had this unit fully assembled in about 15 minutes.

If you like classic, lightweight design and need an affordable travel charcoal grill, the LeFroom 18-inch Charcoal Grill is a worthy option.

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Charcoal Grill 18 inch Barbecue Grill for Outdoor Courtyard Picnic Camping Tailgating BBQ Kettle
631 Reviews
Charcoal Grill 18 inch Barbecue Grill for Outdoor Courtyard Picnic Camping Tailgating BBQ Kettle
  • ➤Portable BBQ Grill --- 18 inch diameter and 34.6 inch high, enough high no need to bend over or slouch to grill! With a...
  • ➤Heat Control&Retention --- Adjustable air vent damper allows for heat control without hassle to lift the lid. Two handles...
  • ➤Easy to Assemble&Use --- The charcoal grill is easy to assemble with the help of step by step instruction. The inside lid...

12. Esbit Portable Folding Charcoal BBQ Grill

Esbit Portable Folding Charcoal BBQ Grill

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I’m a design enthusiast, so I’m always on the prowl for companies that put their spin on ancient grilling technology. Esbit is one of those manufacturers.

The Esbit Portable Folding Charcoal BBQ Grill is a sleek and ingenious little machine that truly stands out from the crowd.

This mini charcoal grill features durable stainless steel construction and a unique square body design that collapses, stows like a champ, and weighs a mere five pounds. There’s a lot to like about this mighty machine.

I love that this unit comes with a nylon carry-away bag – and at only five pounds, I can easily swing this grill over my shoulder. I also appreciate that I can leave my dusty, easily-tearable charcoal bag at home and instead store several days’ worth of charcoal in the grill body.

Before I hit the road (or the canoe, campground, or stadium parking lot!), I fill up the body with charcoal, set the grates, seal it up, and stow it away in my “gig” bag. This is a convenience that you get with folding charcoal grills.

This grill is one of the higher-end units on my list, but it is worth every penny. If you appreciate sleek design and want a lightweight yet sturdy road buddy that goes where you do, take a closer look at the Esbit Portable Folding Charcoal BBQ Grill. You’re going to love how it looks and cooks.

Esbit Portable Folding Charcoal BBQ Grill with Carrying Bag
398 Reviews
Esbit Portable Folding Charcoal BBQ Grill with Carrying Bag
  • Durable stainless steel construction
  • Height adjustable grill - 3 levels
  • Grate with removable hadle

13. Oklahoma Joe Charcoal Grill

Oklahoma Joe Charcoal Grill

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While we’re on the subject of design, let’s take a look at the Oklahoma Joe Charcoal Grill. This grill is a sleek workhorse designed to pull double-duty.

If you only want to purchase a single grill, one you can use at home and on the road, the Oklahoma Joe delivers.

This grill takes the best parts of a heavy-duty charcoal grill and reworks them (without compromising, I might add) to maximize travel efficiency. Here’s what you get: steel construction, a height-adjustable tray, and large air dampers that facilitate ideal temperature and airflow.

Additional amenities include a full-size, easy-to-clean removable ash pan, thick cast-iron grates for enviable steakhouse sears, and a 218 square inch cooking surface. I can easily grill ten burgers at once on this machine.

This grill packs in the heat, but thanks to the height-adjustable tray, I’m able to cook low and slow. Extras include a front-mounted, removable ash pan that doubles as a grease catchment system, a lid-mounted temperature gauge with glow-in-the-dark accents, and sturdy carrying handles.

I love how this grill cooks, but its barrel-top design and chimney stack make this unit a true pageant-winner. This unit weighs in just shy of 50 pounds, which isn’t light – but it certainly isn’t a backbreaker either.

If you’re looking for a portable charcoal grill that is sleek and powerful enough to wow a patio crowd yet compact and lightweight enough to travel, consider the Oklahoma Joe Charcoal Grill.

Oklahoma Joe's® Rambler Tabletop Charcoal Grill – 19402088
1,358 Reviews
Oklahoma Joe's® Rambler Tabletop Charcoal Grill – 19402088
  • CHARCOAL GRILL: This grill is fueled by lump charcoal or briquettes, sold separately. It’s designed to cook food over hot...
  • COOKING AREA: Grill up to 6 burgers, 4 steaks or 12 brats on the 218-square-inch grate.
  • GRATES: These cast-iron grates retain heat to cook food evenly and leave impressive grill marks.

14. Starwide Go Bus-Shaped BBQ

Starwide Go Bus-Shaped BBQ

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I’ve been in the grilling game for a long, long time, so I was confident that I’d seen it all. Then I came across the Starwide Go Bus-Shaped BBQ.

The Starwide Go Bus-Shaped BBQ is exactly that: a grill in a Volkswagen bus body. This unit may be cute, but it doesn’t rely on a gimmick to get the job done.

So here’s what you get with the Starwide charcoal grill: portability, quick and easy setup, a 3-piece stainless steel toolset, and a unique design that includes a BBQ, table, and frier.

This unit pulls double-duty. Not only does it grill, it fries. All you have to do is remove the lower grid, replace it with a frying pan, and drop in your oil and wings.

Additional features include a collapsible, roll-away design that cleans as easily as it stows. Also included are a waterproof cover, rollaway wheels, and a handle that transform this grill into a nifty piece of luggage.

This grill is innovative, easy to move, and stands high enough to keep you from crouching. If you’re looking for a unique design, efficiency, portability and want to stand out from the crowd, the Starwide Go Bus-Shaped BBQ is worthy consideration.

15. Fire & Flavor Hero Grilling System

Fire & Flavor Hero Grilling System

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Want to save your guests from hunger and protect the environment at the same time? Thanks to the Fire & Flavor Hero Grilling System, you can, the world’s first environmentally friendly portable grill.

This grill uses biodegradable charcoal pods, which means a cleaner, easier, and more portable grilling experience. This grill is lightweight, foldable, compact, and dishwasher-friendly.

The HERO isn’t a coffee maker, but it does emulate the Keurig, single-use design. This grill runs on single-use, biodegradable charcoal pods vacuum sealed and filled with cardboard, lava stones, and all-natural instant light charcoal briquettes.

This grill weighs a mere 10 pounds and fits inside a rugged carrying case (included). This is truly an all-in-one unit. Extras include a front-mounted temperature gauge, non-stick grates, a bamboo spatula, and a sturdy cutting board.

If you appreciate lightweight, innovative design, a reasonable price tag, and are tired of toting around and cleaning up dusty charcoal, check out the Fire & Flavor Hero Grilling System.

Fire & Flavor Hero Grill System - Ultra-Portable Grill for Camping, Tailgating, and BBQ on the Go - Tabletop Charcoal Grill Set Comes with Spatula, Thermometer, and Cutting Board
104 Reviews
Fire & Flavor Hero Grill System - Ultra-Portable Grill for Camping, Tailgating, and BBQ on the Go - Tabletop Charcoal Grill Set Comes with Spatula, Thermometer, and Cutting Board
  • PORTABLE CHARCOAL GRILLING SYSTEM: Melding minimalist design with rugged portability, the HERO is perfect for easy charcoal...
  • CONVENIENT AND COMPACT: Great for apartment living, parks, tailgating, camping, boating, and hanging out on the beach. The...
  • QUICK AND EASY CHARCOAL PODS: Our charcoal pods are a clean, compact, and eco-friendly fuel choice that cooks at over 400...

What is the best portable charcoal grill for you?

So what is the best portable charcoal BBQ grill? Ultimately, that depends on your budget, needs, and preference.

If you like kitschy design, enjoy grilling as much as you do frying, and want a self-contained party station that includes a table and rolls away, take a look at the Starwide Go Bus-Shaped BBQ. This grill is affordable, efficient, and as unique as they come.

Those looking for a sleek and robust unit that is as useful on the patio as it is on the road might consider the Oklahoma Joe Charcoal Grill. This grill packs in the heat but is also flexible and allows you to sear and cook low and slow. And the price tag isn’t bad either!

If you’re a fan of classic design, don’t want to spend a lot of money, and appreciate a pop of color, consider the Cuisinart portable charcoal grill. The Cuisinart 14-Inch Portable Charcoal Grill is durable yet lightweight – plus, it comes in two color choices: red and classic black.

I hope you found my list of the best portable charcoal grills helpful.

Happy Grilling!

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Chris Johns

Chris Johns is the founder of Rock's Barbecue® and has been an avid barbecue fan for over 20 years. His mission is to make grilling and smoking the best food possible easy for everyone. And each year, he continues to help more people with grilling, smoking, and barbecue recipe recommendations.

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