Charcoal grills in smaller sizes become the favorite for ones who love the smoky flavor of perfectly grilled food and the ease of a portable BBQ. These compact cooking gadgets, inspired by old designs, become hugely popular for parties, camping trips, and outdoor gatherings. Yet, picking the right grill is crucial to get that perfect mix of **smokiness** and **char**.
The best small charcoal grill should be robust, lightweight, and easy to assemble. It should also distribute heat evenly, have excellent temperature control and provide a sufficient cooking area for your needs. Using an unsuitable grill could result in unevenly cooked food or even the accidental creation of unintentional “charcoal” instead of a grilled meal.
When shopping for a small charcoal grill, it’s essential to pay attention to factors such as the material used in its construction, the size of the grill, inclusion of helpful features like adjustable vents or ash pans, and user-friendly design.
In this article, we will use our extensive experience and rigorous testing process to help you choose the best small charcoal grill. After intense experimentation and comparisons, we’ve identified the grills that offer optimal performance, durability, and value for money. By the end of this article, you’ll have all the guidance you need to select a small charcoal grill that elevates your grilling experience.
Best Small Charcoal Grill
Selecting the right small charcoal grill is a significant decision that can drastically influence your grilling experience. The grill needs to be robust, heat-efficient, and simple to assemble. However, with a vast and sometimes overwhelming market, making the right choice can be daunting. Through extensive testing, experimentation and customer feedback analysis, we have created a comprehensive list of the best small charcoal grills for you to consider. Stay tuned as we share our findings and validate the features of these exemplary picks.
Barbecue Grill, Charcoal Grill Folding Portable Lightweight Barbecue Grill Tools for Outdoor Grilling Cooking Camping Hiking Picnics Tailgating Backpacking Party (Medium)
If you’re looking for a compact and portable grill that can keep up with your outdoor cooking needs, the Barbecue Grill by TACKLIFE is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- With a foldable design, this grill is incredibly compact and portable, making it perfect for camping, tailgating, and other outdoor activities.
- The grill grate is made of heavy-duty cast iron, which provides even heat distribution and retains heat well, ensuring that your food is cooked to perfection.
- The grill comes with a foldable side table, which provides extra space for your grilling tools and accessories, making it more convenient to use.
Cons
- The grill’s cooking area is relatively small, measuring at just 189 square inches, which may not be sufficient for larger gatherings.
- The grill’s lid vent can be a bit finicky and may require some trial and error to get the air intake just right.
- The grill’s wheels are a bit on the smaller side, which may make it a bit difficult to maneuver over rough terrain.
Overall, we were impressed with the Barbecue Grill by TACKLIFE. Its compact and portable design makes it perfect for outdoor enthusiasts who want to take their cooking on the go. The heavy-duty cast iron grill grate ensures even heat distribution and retains heat well, while the foldable side table provides extra convenience. While the grill’s cooking area may be a bit small for larger gatherings, and the lid vent and wheels may require some adjustment, we think this grill is definitely worth considering if you’re in the market for a portable and compact grill.
Gas One – 14-inch Portable Barbecue Grill with 3-Point Locking Lid for Heat Preservation – Dual Venting System – Small Charcoal Grill for Backyard, Camping, Boat
If you’re looking for a compact and portable charcoal grill, the Gas One 14-inch Portable Charcoal Grill is a great option.
Pros
- The 3-point locking lid ensures better heat preservation, making it more energy-efficient than other portable grills.
- The double-layer lid and body insulation system reduces the grill’s heat loss and retains heat longer, allowing you to cook your food evenly.
- The grill’s lightweight design and compact size make it easy to carry around, whether you’re going camping or tailgating.
Cons
- The grill’s cooking area is relatively small, measuring only 14 inches by 14 inches, which may not be enough for larger gatherings.
- The grill’s legs are made of plastic, which may not be as durable as metal legs.
- The grill’s side vents can be difficult to adjust, making it challenging to control the heat.
Overall, we found the Gas One 14-inch Portable Charcoal Grill to be a reliable and efficient option for those looking for a compact and portable grill. The 3-point locking lid and double-layer insulation system make it a great choice for those who want to cook their food evenly and retain heat longer.
The grill’s lightweight design and compact size also make it easy to carry around, whether you’re going camping or tailgating. However, the grill’s small cooking area may not be enough for larger gatherings, and the plastic legs may not be as durable as metal legs.
In summary, if you’re looking for a compact and portable charcoal grill that’s easy to carry around and cooks your food evenly, the Gas One 14-inch Portable Charcoal Grill is a great option. However, if you need a larger cooking area or more durable legs, you may want to consider other options.
Cuisinart CCG190RB Inch BBQ, 14″ x 14″ x 15″, Portable Charcoal Grill, 14″ (Red)
If you’re looking for a portable charcoal grill that’s easy to use and clean, the Cuisinart CCG190RB is a great option.
Pros
- The 14-inch diameter grate provides ample cooking space for a variety of foods.
- The built-in thermometer allows you to monitor the grill’s temperature without opening the lid.
- The removable grease tray and aluminum legs make cleanup a breeze.
Cons
- The grill’s 100-square-inch cooking area may not be sufficient for larger gatherings.
- The lid lock and side table may not be necessary for all users.
- The grill’s weight of 22 pounds may not be ideal for those who need to frequently transport it.
The Cuisinart CCG190RB is a great choice for those who want a portable charcoal grill that’s easy to use and clean. The 14-inch diameter grate provides ample cooking space for a variety of foods, and the built-in thermometer allows you to monitor the grill’s temperature without opening the lid. Additionally, the removable grease tray and aluminum legs make cleanup a breeze.
While the grill’s 100-square-inch cooking area may not be sufficient for larger gatherings, it is perfect for small gatherings and camping trips. The lid lock and side table may not be necessary for all users, but they are great features for those who need to secure the grill during transport or need a place to set utensils and plates.
Overall, the Cuisinart CCG190RB is a great portable charcoal grill that’s easy to use and clean. If you’re looking for a grill that’s perfect for small gatherings and camping trips, this is the grill for you.
Fire Sense 60508 Notebook BBQ Grill 3.5mm Cooking Bars Instant Foldable & Easy Portability For Outdoor Barbecues Camping Traveling Picnics Garden Beach Party – Black
If you’re looking for a compact and portable grill for your camping trips, the Fire Sense 60508 Notebook BBQ Grill is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The 14″ x 18″ cooking surface is perfect for small gatherings and camping trips.
- The instant folding legs and carry handle make it easy to transport.
- The 3.5mm steel cooking bars provide even heat distribution and prevent food from sticking.
Cons
- The 5,500 BTU burner may not be enough to cook large quantities of food.
- The side table is small and may not be enough to hold all your grilling accessories.
- The grill may not be suitable for larger gatherings or backyard barbecues.
We’ve used the Fire Sense 60508 Notebook BBQ Grill for a few camping trips and were impressed with its performance. The grill is easy to set up and the push-button ignition makes it easy to get the grill going. The 3.5mm steel cooking bars provide even heat distribution and prevent food from sticking, which makes cleaning up a breeze.
The instant folding legs and carry handle make it easy to transport the grill, which is a great feature for camping trips. The side table is also a nice touch and provides a convenient place to hold your grilling accessories.
One thing to keep in mind is that the 5,500 BTU burner may not be enough to cook large quantities of food, so if you’re planning on feeding a larger group, you may want to consider a larger grill. Additionally, the side table is small and may not be enough to hold all your grilling accessories, so you may need to find another place to store them.
Overall, if you’re looking for a compact and portable grill for your camping trips, the Fire Sense 60508 Notebook BBQ Grill is a great option to consider. It’s easy to set up, easy to transport, and provides even heat distribution for delicious grilled food.
Everdure Oval Cast Iron Grill & Cover – Outdoor, Portable Charcoal Grill and Tabletop Cast Iron Skillet – 100% Cast Iron, Enameled, Durable, Small Charcoal Grill, Camping Stove, Hibachi Grill
If you’re looking for a versatile and durable grill and skillet set, the Everdure Oval Cast Iron Grill & Cover is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The set includes a grill, skillet, and cover, making it a great value for those who want to cook a variety of dishes.
- The grill and skillet are made of cast iron, which is known for its durability and even heat distribution.
- The enameled finish of the grill and skillet makes them easy to clean and resistant to rust and corrosion.
Cons
- The grill and skillet are relatively small, which may not be suitable for larger groups or gatherings.
- The set is quite heavy, which may make it difficult to move around.
- The grill and skillet require seasoning before use, which may be a drawback for those who don’t have the time or patience for this process.
We’ve used the Everdure Oval Cast Iron Grill & Cover for a few camping trips and backyard gatherings, and we’re impressed with its performance. The grill and skillet heat up evenly and retain heat well, which means we don’t have to constantly adjust the heat or wait for the food to cook through. The set is also very easy to clean, thanks to the enameled finish.
One thing to keep in mind is that the grill and skillet are relatively small, so they may not be suitable for larger groups or gatherings. However, for smaller gatherings or camping trips, the set is perfect. We also appreciate that the set includes a cover, which helps to protect the grill and skillet from the elements when not in use.
Overall, if you’re looking for a versatile and durable grill and skillet set, the Everdure Oval Cast Iron Grill & Cover is a great option to consider. With its cast iron construction, enameled finish, and inclusion of a cover, this set is sure to last for many camping trips and backyard gatherings to come.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best small charcoal grill, there are a few key factors to consider. We’ve used and tested a variety of models, and have found that the following features are important for a quality grilling experience.
Grill Size
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a small charcoal grill is the size of the grill. While you want a grill that is small enough to fit in your outdoor space, you also want one that is large enough to cook the amount of food you need. Look for a grill with a cooking surface that is at least 180 square inches, as this will allow you to cook a decent amount of food at once.
Grill Material
Another important factor to consider is the material of the grill. Look for a grill made from high-quality materials, such as cast iron or steel, as these materials will provide even heat distribution and will be durable enough to withstand frequent use.
Air Vent
A good air vent is essential for proper air flow and temperature control. Look for a grill with a adjustable air vent, as this will allow you to control the temperature of your grill and prevent hot or cold spots.
Ash Collection
Cleaning up after a grilling session can be a hassle, so look for a grill with a good ash collection system. This will make it easy to remove the ashes from the grill and keep your outdoor space clean.
Portability
If you plan on moving your grill around frequently, look for a model that is lightweight and easy to transport. Look for a grill with wheels and handles for easy maneuverability.
By considering these factors, you can choose the best small charcoal grill for your needs. Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or a beginner, a high-quality grill will provide you with delicious, perfectly grilled food every time.
