Unbiased Portable Charcoal Grills Review


Our review process

We've taken a look at thousands of grills in total, including handfuls of different brands, models, and features. We used our leading AI algorithm to score each individual grill based on several data entries. These features range from installation type and dimensions to durability and additional cooking accessories. The following article will discuss portable charcoal grills in particular, of which we found 10 different grills. We hope that this guide will assist you in choosing the best one for you.

There's lots to know about portable charcoal grills. Charcoal grills can reach 700 degrees Fahrenheit, adding seared zest and flavors to your food. Suitable for searing, they give your food exceptional flavor and create the perfect texture. They cook food slowly and gradually, ensuring that meat remains incredibly tender for the most delicious results. However, they are usually slower to start up, making them an impractical choice if you're looking for fast grill time. Moreover, charcoal grills tend to rust and build-up carbon and ash, leaving behind a lot of ash that will cause food to stick during future grilling. On the other hand, they can melt off unwanted grease and fats, offering a healthier alternative to other grilling methods. Offering a smokier flavor, they provide a more specific taste and aroma to your food.

Portable grills are easily stored, making them great if you want to save space. They typically include internal storage compartments to help keep all grilling utensils in one convenient area. However, they often don't have safety mechanisms, which means that you should never leave the grill unattended while you're cooking. Additionally, they don't get to your desired temperature as fast as regular grills, so it takes more time to prepare food with them.

Our Top Ranking Grills:
Product NameBrandCooking Grate MaterialBody ConstructionGrill TypeCooking Area
Best Overall Score
1
An image of Grilla Kong 24" Charcoal Ceramic Portable Grill
Grilla Kong 24" Charcoal Ceramic Portable Grill
Grilla
stainless steel
ceramic
Runner Up
2
An image of Blue Rhino GBT1508B Charcoal Portable Covered Grill
Blue Rhino GBT1508B Charcoal Portable Covered Grill
Blue Rhino
porcelain-enameled steel
covered grill
240 sq. in.
Best Affordable Option
3
An image of Char-Griller 06614 Akorn Charcoal Cast Iron Portable Kamado Grill
Char-Griller 06614 Akorn Charcoal Cast Iron Portable Kamado Grill
Char-Griller
cast iron
cast iron
vessel/kamado grill
153 sq. in.
Best Durable Option
4
An image of Magma A10-703C Charcoal Stainless Steel Portable Kettle Grill
Magma A10-703C Charcoal Stainless Steel Portable Kettle Grill
Magma
stainless steel
stainless steel
kettle grill
162 sq. in.
5
An image of Char-Griller 1624 Charcoal Steel Portable Barrel Grill
Char-Griller 1624 Charcoal Steel Portable Barrel Grill
Char-Griller
cast iron
steel
barrel grill
1238 sq. in.
Our Top Ranking Grills
Customer Rating
Brand
Grilla
Cooking Grate Material
stainless steel
Body Construction
ceramic
Grill Type
Cooking Area
Customer Rating
Brand
Blue Rhino
Cooking Grate Material
porcelain-enameled steel
Body Construction
Grill Type
covered grill
Cooking Area
240 sq. in.
Customer Rating
Brand
Char-Griller
Cooking Grate Material
cast iron
Body Construction
cast iron
Grill Type
vessel/kamado grill
Cooking Area
153 sq. in.
Customer Rating
Brand
Magma
Cooking Grate Material
stainless steel
Body Construction
stainless steel
Grill Type
kettle grill
Cooking Area
162 sq. in.
Customer Rating
Brand
Char-Griller
Cooking Grate Material
cast iron
Body Construction
steel
Grill Type
barrel grill
Cooking Area
1238 sq. in.
Best Overall Score
An image of Grilla Kong 24" Charcoal Ceramic Portable Grill

Rely on the Grilla Kong Charcoal Grill for a delicious barbecue experience you can share with your friends and family. This ceramic grill has a precise temperature control, so you can achieve the perfect level of heat when you cook. It is equipped with a solid handle to keep your barbecue tightly sealed. Using charcoal, it infuses your meat with a smoky flavor, for an authentic cookout experience. This ceramic grill has a portable design, which makes it perfect for camping or hosting parties. It has convection grilling, which cooks the food from he inside out, so it will stay juicy and flavorful. It includes a stainless steel cooking grate, giving you a trustworthy non-stick surface that will last a long time.

    Pros
    • Features dual side shelves, giving you extra room to hold plates and utensils
    • Charcoal cooks your food for an extended period of time
    Cons
    • Ceramic construction is a lot more fragile than other materials
    • Includes a stainless steel grill grate, getting messy easily and requires intense cleaning
    • Uses charcoal, taking more time to get hot
Runner Up
An image of Blue Rhino GBT1508B Charcoal Portable Covered Grill

Do you enjoy cooking up delicious summer barbecues? The Blue Rhino Charcoal Covered Grill is an outstanding choice for you. Create the indirect and direct heat needed for two-zone cooking with this charcoal grill's large stainless steel main burner. It has a portable design, so you can conveniently bring it camping or to a friend's house. This charcoal grill features a continuous-spark ignition, so you can turn it on with ease and get cooking. Fueled by charcoal, it cooks your food over an extended period of time to ensure the meat remains juicy. It features a folding side shelf, which adds ease to the grilling experience. This charcoal grill has a porcelain-enameled steel cooking grate, providing a durable, corrosion-resistant, and won't peel or fade. Equipped with a warming rack, it is great for keeping food from getting cold.

    Pros
    • Continuous-spark ignition provides you with an easy way to light your grill
    • Warming rack helps keep food hot
    • Features a porcelain-enameled steel grill grate, providing an extremely durable finish that protects against weathering
    Cons
    • Continuous-spark ignition loses its functionality very quickly if it gets too dirty
    • Charcoal gets dirty and harder to clean
Best Affordable Option
An image of Char-Griller 06614 Akorn Charcoal Cast Iron Portable Kamado Grill

If you're a person who enjoys backyard barbecues, the Char-Griller Akorn Charcoal Vessel/kamado Grill should be your go-to grill. Control the level of heat with this kamado grill's adjustable air vents. It has a portable design, so you can conveniently take it camping or to a friend's house. Fueled by charcoal, it grills the meat and infuses a deep, smoky flavor. This kamado grill includes a cast iron cooking grate, providing a high-quality non-stick surface that you can rely on for a long time.

    Pros
    • Grease pan collects grease from your food and prevents it from damaging the grill
    • Charcoal cooks your food for a long period of time to ensure the meat remains soft for an authentic barbecue experience
    • Fitted with adjustable air vents to control the temperature within your grill
    Cons
    • Cast iron construction has a much bulkier structure than stainless steel
    • Features a cast iron cooking grate, taking a considerable amount of time to get hot
    • Charcoal is difficult to use during colder seasons because it requires more time to get to its ideal cooking temperature
Best Durable Option
An image of Magma A10-703C Charcoal Stainless Steel Portable Kettle Grill

Enjoy your time barbecuing with the help of the Magma Charcoal Kettle Grill. This charcoal grill cooks your food over an extended period of time to develop a rich barbecued flavor. This charcoal grill is made with a portable design, so you can easily take it for tailgating parties. It has a Stay Cool heat-resistant handle, so you can avoid burning your hands when the grill is hot.

    Pros
    • Stainless steel design is both sleek and durable
    • Features a tool holder, giving you the flexibility to barbecue like a professional by having all your utensils easily accessible
    • Uses charcoal, grilling your food over a longer period of time to develop deeper flavors
    Cons
    • Stainless steel construction tends to fade with extended use
    • Stainless steel cooking grate is less weather resistant and more difficult to clean
    • Charcoal takes more time to get hot
Additional Picks
An image of Char-Griller 1624 Charcoal Steel Portable Barrel Grill

The Char-Griller Charcoal Barrel Grill is an outstanding choice for those who enjoy an authentic grilling experience. This steel grill is able to withstand harsh environments. This steel grill has a cast iron cooking grate, providing a high-quality non-stick surface that you can rely on for a long time. It uses charcoal, grilling the food to give it an excellent smoky taste. This steel grill has a portable design, so you can easily bring it for tailgating parties. It features a side table and lower shelf, which adds ease to the grilling process. With a smoker add-on, it is perfect for adding extra flavor to whatever you're preparing. It has a storage rack, providing sufficient storage space, so you can keep your work space organized and clutter-free. This portable grill has a tool holder, which allows you to hang your tongs, spatula, fork, and brush for easy access when you're barbecuing.

This steel grill has a temperature gauge, so you can maintain the perfect level of heat when you cook. It has a Stay Cool heat-resistant handle for enhanced safety when cooking. Featuring a warming rack, it is perfect for preventing grilled food from getting cold until you are ready to eat. Quickly and easily discard ashes accumulated while cooking with its ash pan.

    Pros
    • Equipped with a smoker add-on to infuse your meat with a rich, smoky taste
    • Warming rack helps keep your food from getting cold
    • Features a storage rack, providing a sufficient amount of storage space for conveniently accessing all your tools and utensils
    Cons
    • Cast iron cooking grate needs more maintenance than other grate materials
    • Charcoal gets incredibly dirty and tougher to clean
An image of Vision Grills CS-TE19C1CBVDX-S7 Charcoal Ceramic Portable Kamado Grill

The Vision Grills Charcoal Vessel/kamado Grill is an excellent choice for those who enjoy a tasty grilling experience. This ceramic grill features adjustable air vents and a temperature gauge, so you can always monitor the temperature of the grill in order to achieve the desired results each and every time. Fueled by charcoal, it cooks your food for a long period of time to ensure the meat remains juicy. It has a stainless steel cooking grate, which provides a trustworthy non-stick surface that you can rely on for a long time. This ceramic grill features a portable design, which makes it excellent for a day at the beach.

    Pros
    • Charcoal infuses your meat with a smoky flavor for an authentic cookout experience
    • A temperature gauge ensures that you won't overcook your meat
    • Anti-tip stainless steel stand makes packing up hassle-free
    Cons
    • Ceramic construction is at a greater risk of having cracks
    • Stainless steel cooking grate is much more costly than other grate materials
    • Uses charcoal, getting incredibly messy and harder to clean
An image of Yoder Smokers Charcoal Steel Portable Grill

For the perfect combination of performance and functionality, choose the Yoder Smokers Charcoal Grill. This Yoder Smokers grill has a portable design, which makes it ideal for a day at the beach. Built from steel, it is able to withstand harsh environments. Fueled by charcoal, it grills your food over an extended period of time to develop a rich barbecued flavor. It is equipped with a precise temperature control and uses adjustable air vents, giving you more control over your grill. With four penumatic wheels, this Yoder Smokers grill is great for hosting, picnics, and camping.

    Pros
    • Features a front service shelf, giving you extra space to hold plates and accessories
    • Charcoal infuses your meat with a smoky flavor, for an authentic cookout experience
    • Removable drip tray collects grease and helps prevent it from falling directly onto the grill
    Cons
    • Charcoal takes more time to get hot
An image of Magma A10-114 17" Charcoal Stainless Steel Portable Kettle Grill

The Magma Charcoal Kettle Grill is a great choice for any weekend barbecue. This grill has a portable design, which makes it great for a day at the beach. It has a Stay Cool heat-resistant handle for enhanced safety as you grill. Featuring a warming rack, it is great for keeping food hot until the moment you sit down to eat. Fueled by charcoal, it grills the meat and offers an excellent smoky taste.

    Pros
    • Stainless steel construction is incredibly resistant to corrosion and rust
    • Warming rack helps keep food hot
    • Charcoal cooks the food slowly
    Cons
    • Stainless steel construction tends to lose its color over time
    • Includes a stainless steel cooking grate, getting dirty easily and requires intense cleaning
    • Charcoal takes more time to get hot
An image of Coleman 2000023832 Charcoal Portable Kettle Grill

The Coleman Charcoal Kettle Grill is a perfect choice for those who enjoy an authentic barbecue experience. Control the amount of heat with this portable grill's adjustable air vents. It features a portable design, so you can conveniently bring it on weekend trips. Using charcoal, it grills your food for a long period of time to ensure the meat remains tender. It features a chrome plated cooking grate, which has a visually appealing look and is simple to clean for user convenience.

    Pros
    • Includes a chrome plated cooking grate, providing a corrosion-resistant, rust proof, and wear-resistant exterior that is also visually appealing
    • Uses charcoal, barbecuing your food over a longer period of time to develop stronger flavors
    • Has folding legs to be easily moved anywhere the party takes you
    Cons
    • Features a manual ignition, taking longer to get to the ideal cooking temperature
    • Charcoal gets dirty and tougher to clean
An image of RiverGrille SC2185601-RG 40" Charcoal Stainless Steel Portable Covered Grill

Transform your barbecuing experience by using the RiverGrille Charcoal Covered Grill. This charcoal grill cooks the food over a long period of time to ensure the meat remains soft. Featuring a smoker add-on, this charcoal grill is ideal for adding a distinct smoky flavor to whatever you're cooking. It has a portable design, which makes it perfect for camping or hosting parties. This stainless steel grill is highly resilient and durable in harsh environments. It features an easy-to-carry handle to keep your grill securely closed.

    Pros
    • Stainless steel construction is durable and has an elegant appearance
    • Smoker add-on can infuse your food with a deep, smoky flavor
    • Charcoal cooks the food over an extended period of time to ensure the meat remains juicy for an authentic barbecue experience
    Cons
    • Stainless steel construction limits heat transfer, affecting your food
    • Features a manual ignition, taking longer to heat up
    • Charcoal takes much more time to get hot
How to Decide on Your New Portable Charcoal Grill: Additional Points to Keep In Mind:
Which Is the Optimal Grill Type for Your Portable Charcoal Grill?
Kamado Grills

Think that kamado grills are right for you? Then check out this portable charcoal grill after you finish reading about them. Kamado grills have ventilated heat regulation, so you can cook seafood at a steady temperature without it overcooking or burning. They preserve flavor and moisture due to the constant rotation of the grill's interior, adding juiciness and flavor. Built with ceramic materials, they are able to increase temperature and heat at a fast to sear all your favorite meat.

Covered Grills

The following will help you narrow down what to look for when considering covered grills. You can check out this portable charcoal grill if these types of grills are what you're looking for. Covered grills have even heat distribution, so that while the lid is sealed, food retains its consistency and texture. They feature ventilated heat regulation to ensure that combustion stays at a safe level. With a larger surface and flame for grilling several food items at once, they are ideal for cooking a whole meal for a large, hungry crowd.

Kettle Grills

The following will help you narrow down what to keep in mind when considering kettle grills. You can check out this portable charcoal grill if these types of grills are what you're looking for. Kettle grills have ventilated heat regulation, so you can cook seafood at a steady temperature without it overcooking or burning. They have even temperature circulation, so that while the cover is sealed, food retains the desired texture and consistency. They have a round or oval shape, channeling heat inwards to grill food at a faster rate.

Discover What Kind of Cooking Grates You Need for Your Portable Charcoal Grill
Grills with Stainless Steel Grates

If you want a portable charcoal grill with a stainless steel grate design, you can find a high-quality one here. Stainless steel grates are built with heat retention technology, reducing fuel consumption while grilling. Designed with anti-corrosion properties, the grates offer long-term durability even after repeated use. They have a low maintenance design, so it won't be a hassle to ensure that they are kept in good condition over time. Designed with a non-stick coating, the grates keep your grilling surface as clean and smooth as possible. They are simple to clean, so most grill brushes will do the job.

Grills with Chrome Plated Grates

With two portable charcoal grills available with a chrome plated grate design, there's lots to know about what makes them unique. Chrome-plated grates have a low maintenance construction for an easy cleanup. These grates have technology ideal for occasional use to fit starter grill enthusiasts. They are simple to clean, so you can use a standard grill brush to get off any grease. Now that you're feeling more confident about chrome-plated grates, check out this highly-ranked portable charcoal grill.

Grills with Cast Iron Grates

If you want a portable charcoal grill with a cast iron grate design, you can find a high-quality one here. Cast iron grates have even heat distribution for ensuring that food is thoroughly cooked. These grates have heat retention technology, limiting the amount of charcoal you need while you cook. They are non-stick to help you remove any remains of food after you are finished grilling. However, they are quite heavy, so you may need a special tool to lift and replace them on the grill. Also, the grates need to be maintained carefully: It's best if you oil them before use and clean them while they're still warm.

What Size Cooking Area Do You Need for Your Portable Charcoal Grill
Over 700 Sq. Inch Grills

Interested in more than 700 sq. in. grills? Here are a few things you should consider about them. Feel free to check out this highly rated portable charcoal grill in the meantime. Large grills are ideal for backyard gatherings, so they will give you the chance to host countless neighborhood block parties or birthday celebrations without worrying about preparing enough food. With these kinds of grills, you can cook up to 16 piece of chicken, 20 sausages, 8 steaks, and 16 burgers at one time. They are typically equipped with eight burners and are usually built with several grates, so you have a large surface area for cooking. They have a rotisserie feature, making sure you can roast meat. They often feature side burners, offering alternative cooking space, great for making side dishes or sauces while grilling. They give you the ability to prepare various food items at different temperature levels.

Under 500 Sq. Inch Grills

Interested in less than 500 sq. in. grills? Here are a few things you should consider about them. Feel free to check out this great portable charcoal grill in the meantime. Small grills supply plenty of room to cook for the whole family, offering you the space you need to make breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Created with simultaneously searing at high temperatures and slow cooking at low temperatures in mind, they are usually equipped with two burners, so you can simultaneously sear at high temperatures and slow cook at low temperatures. They are not difficult to move, which will allow you to place them anywhere in your patio.