2024’s Best Portable Charcoal Grills to BBQ On the Go
Hello, my friend, hello again; today we come together to talk about 2024’s Best Portable Charcoal Grills to BBQ On the Go and hope the blog can help you.
Don’t let the party crash and burn because of a big, clunky grill. With the best portable charcoal grill, you can take the smoke show on the road.
When it comes to preparing a meal over an open flame, nothing compares to the smoky flavor of good old-fashioned charcoal. With a portable charcoal grill, you can take that delicious food preparation wherever the party is with the help of its compact construction for easy transport.
We researched and/or hands-on tested many of the best models on the market to assemble our list of top picks. Our top rated model was the Weber’s 18-inch Jumbo Joe, with excellent portability yet still roomy enough to provide 240 square inches of cooking space. Read on to discover some of the best portable charcoal grills on the market.
- BEST OVERALL: Weber 18-Inch Jumbo Joe Charcoal Grill
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Cuisinart Portable Charcoal Grill
- BEST GRILL-SMOKER COMBO: Char-Griller Side Fire Box/Table Top Charcoal Grill
- BEST HIBACHI: Marsh Allen Cast Iron Hibachi Charcoal Grill
- BEST KAMADO: Kamado Joe Jr. Charcoal Grill With Cast Iron Stand
- BEST COMPACT: Weber Go-Anywhere Charcoal Grill
- BEST FOLDING: Moclever Portable Charcoal Grill
- BEST KETTLE: Weber 14-Inch Smokey Joe Charcoal Grill
- BEST CART-STYLE: Weber 22-Inch Performer Deluxe Charcoal Grill
How We Chose the Best Portable Charcoal Grills
For portable grilling, users need grills that are easy to transport but still provide enough grilling space to feed their group. These recommendations include a variety of portable charcoal grills that were thoroughly vetted and/or hands-on tested and can grill enough food for four to eight people. Each selection includes vents or dampers to help control the internal temperature, which is a key component of effective charcoal grilling.
We researched a number of styles from traditional kettle bowls to rectangles or open grill plates. Our favorite choices included styles that are easy to assemble and have varying weights based on the style of the grill. As a bonus, we added a combination smoker and grill for those who prefer to smoke their food no matter where they are.
Our Top Picks
It’s time to start grilling. The following list includes some of the top models on the market that Bob Vila staff hands-on tested or thoroughly researched to help streamline your search for the best portable charcoal grill. Each of the included top picks comes with a thorough list of pros and cons as well as notable product specs.
Best Overall
Weber 18-Inch Jumbo Joe Charcoal Grill
Photo: amazon.com
Product Specs
- Dimensions: 20.5 inches wide by 19.7 inches in diameter
- Weight: 21.5 pounds
- Cooking area: 240 square inches
Pros
- Porcelain-coated steel lid and bowl keep the heat in for quick and effective cooking
- Portable and lightweight construction is perfect for camping and RVing; comes with a lid lock
- Cooks over 9 burgers at a time with a 240-square-inch cooking space
Cons
- Does not come with a temperature gauge; may not be ideal for some customers
Like most Weber grills on the market, the Weber Jumbo Joe charcoal grill offers a combination of size and capability that’s hard to find in other kettle-style grills. A durable porcelain-coated steel lid and bowl will retain heat well at barbecue after barbecue. Dampers on the top and bottom offer extra temperature control.
While the Weber Jumbo Joe charcoal grill holds up to nine burgers at a time, it measures 20 inches both wide and tall and weighs just 21.5 pounds. So, it’s easy to carry—especially with the lid lock engaged. While the base doesn’t fold, the Jumbo Joe small outdoor grill fits in most vehicles.
What our tester says: Tony Carrick, Bob Vila writer and product tester, notes in The Best Portable Grills that “with the lid in place, the Weber Jumbo Joe charcoal grill’s bulbous kettle shape created an ideal roasting environment for our kabobs. The vents on the lid and base do an excellent job of controlling oxygen flow into the cooking chamber, which allowed us to control temperature. The Jumbo Joe boasts some 240 square inches of cooking space, and it feels that large. We could easily have loaded a dozen patties onto its cooking surface and still had enough buffer between them to allow for flipping.”
Get the Weber 18-inch portable charcoal grill at Amazon, Lowe’s, Ace Hardware, The Home Depot, or BBQ Guys.
Best Bang For The Buck
Cuisinart Portable Charcoal Grill
Photo: amazon.com
Product Specs
- Dimensions: 14.5 inches wide by 15.2 inches in diameter
- Weight: 5 pounds
- Cooking area: 150 square inches
Pros
- Durable enamel coating on the firebox provides excellent durability and long-term use
- Easily portable for RVing and camping; 5-pound construction and locking lid
- Dual venting system allows the user to quickly adjust the temperature
- Comes with an ash catcher and chrome plating on the steel grate
Cons
- Small cooking area compared to other models on this list; may only hold up to 5 burgers at a time
Barbecue masters on an apprentice’s budget will appreciate Cuisinart’s portable charcoal grill. One of the most portable options on the market, this compact grill measures just 15 inches wide and tall and weighs a scant 5 pounds. Because of its low price, most aspiring grillers can afford the investment.
Enamel coating on the firebox and ash catcher and chrome plating on the steel grate help prolong this grill’s lifespan. A dual venting system allows chefs to take control of this small grill’s temperature. Three locks keep the lid in place during pack-up and transport.
What our tester says: Tony Carrick, Bob Vila writer and product tester, notes in our tested guide that “like other charcoal portable grills, the Cuisinart reached well above the required heat needed to sear meat. Our burger turned out juicy with plenty of charcoal-infused smoky flavor. That alone makes the Cuisinart a great ultralight budget-priced grill, despite its shortcomings, of which there are a few.”
Get the Cuisinart portable charcoal grill at Amazon, Lowe’s, Tractor Supply Co., The Home Depot, or BBQ Guys.
Best Grill-smoker Combo
Char-Griller Side Fire Box/Table Top Charcoal Grill
Photo: amazon.com
Product Specs
- Dimensions: 20 inches high by 21 inches wide by 18 inches deep
- Weight: 38 pounds
- Cooking area: 250 square inches
Pros
- Comes with a slide-out firebox and an EasyDump ash pan for filling and emptying
- Dual dampers and 2-piece cast-iron grates allow for reliability and ease of use
- Can be used for Texas-style smoking; can act as a firebox attachment
- Durable construction is made with heavy-duty steel and cast iron
Cons
- Some users have reported that the paint in the exterior can chip or peel over time
Barrel-style grills tend to inspire amateur smokers, and the Char-Griller Side Fire Box charcoal grill will rise to the task. This grill features a heavy-duty steel body with cast-iron grates but measures just 20 inches high by 21 inches wide by 18 inches deep. A lightweight option for a barrel-style grill, it weighs in at 38 pounds.
A slide-out side firebox and EasyDump ash pan allows for loading and emptying charcoal or chips with ease. Two dampers help control airflow and contain smoke for that delicious smoky taste while the two-piece cast-iron grilling grates provide longevity. And, for those who already own full-size Char-Griller barrel grills, this unit can attach to the side to act as a firebox for Texas-style smoking. Plus, the product’s manual comes with a series of recipes for turkey, ham, chicken, venison, and more.
Get the Char-Griller portable charcoal grill at Amazon.
Best Hibachi
Marsh Allen Cast Iron Hibachi Charcoal Grill
Photo: acehardware.com
Product Specs
- Dimensions: 3.4 inches high by 18 inches wide by 10 inches deep
- Weight: 18 pounds
- Cooking area: 181 square inches
Pros
- Wooden handles on the cooking instruments and the grill itself keep the unit portable and the user’s hands safe
- Efficient construction requires very little charcoal for even and effective cooking
- Durable cast-iron and porcelain-coated steel construction provides durability
Cons
- Smaller cooking surface compared to some of the other grills on this list
- Does not provide a lot of clearance between the cooking space and a tabletop surface; may cause burns or damage
Those interested in an easy-to-use and effective hibachi grill can rely on this model from Marsh Allen. This small charcoal grill comes with dual multiposition cooking grids of 9 inches wide by 15 inches long and over 181 square inches of cooking area, which is about enough space for six burgers. It also has porcelain-coated steel wire grates for long-term use and durability.
This cast-iron hibachi grill also has a compact construction of 3.4 inches high by 18 inches wide by 10 inches deep, which makes it easy to transport in most vehicles. The compact construction requires very little charcoal for even and effective cooking, providing more efficiency than other reputable models. Finally, this tabletop charcoal grill comes with wooden handles for portability and to prevent any heat from reaching the user’s hands.
What our tester says: Tony Carrick, Bob Vila writer and product tester, notes in The Best Charcoal Grills that “the Marsh Allen hibachi grill may be small, but it feels well made. The grates at the base are heavy cast iron, giving it a sturdy feel. It also can get surprisingly hot. It only took a handful of hardwood charcoal to create ample heat for searing a burger patty. It also did surprisingly well with our grilled chicken kabob. With its three height positions, it was easy to make adjustments to achieve either a sear or a lower cooking temperature. And, since the grates can be set to different heights, we could create two, albeit small, cooking zones.”
Get the Marsh Allen portable charcoal grill at Ace Hardware, Walmart, or BBQ Guys.
Best Kamado
Kamado Joe Jr. Charcoal Grill With Cast Iron Stand
Photo: amazon.com
Product Specs
- Dimensions: 27.5 inches high by 20 inches in diameter
- Weight: 77.2 pounds
- Cooking area: 151 square inches
Pros
- Comes with a bottom-mounted slide damper and a top-mounted cast-iron damper for temperature control
- Built-in temperature gauge in the lid allows for user-friendliness and control
- Comes with thick, heat-resistant walls to protect the user from heat
Cons
- Heavyweight construction may be inconvenient for some users
Kamado-style grills bring ultimate flexibility and capability to the charcoal grilling game. Kamado Joe Jr. excels at taking that show on the road. This portable barbecue grill measures just about 20 inches wide and 27.5 inches tall and includes a 13.5-inch stainless steel cooking grate. At a hefty 77.2 pounds, Joe Jr. requires two people to carry it from the car to the party with its sturdy handles.
The Kamado Joe Jr. portable charcoal grill features a bottom-mounted slide damper and a top-mounted cast-iron damper to control the airflow and temperature within its thick, heat-resistant walls. With the built-in temperature gauge in the lid, backyard gourmets can dial in the perfect temp for meats, veggies, and other grillables.
Get the Kamado Joe Jr. portable charcoal grill at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Walmart.
Best Compact
Weber Go-Anywhere Charcoal Grill
Photo: amazon.com
Product Specs
- Dimensions: 15 inches high by 19.5 inches wide by 11.5 inches deep
- Weight: 14.5 pounds
- Cooking area: 160 square inches
Pros
- Comes with a porcelain-enameled lid and base and plated steel cooking grate to allow for heat retention and effective cooking
- Locking lid and dampers allow for ease of use and control over the cooking process
- Foldable legs provide clearance between the cooking space and the tabletop/ground
- Compact and ergonomic construction is easy to use and transport
Cons
- Some users have reported that the handles can get hot to the touch
Whether it’s a road trip, grilling around the campsite, or partying in the parking lot before the game, Weber’s Go-Anywhere charcoal grill can handle it. This portable camping grill measures 15 inches high by 19.5 inches wide by 11.5 inches deep. Folding wire legs keep it at a safe distance from the tabletop. The lid locks in place, and the grill closes up to roughly the same size as a standard tool box.
Grillers can throttle airflow with the dampers to control the temperature of this mini charcoal grill. The porcelain-enameled lid and base will stand up to many barbecue seasons. A plated-steel cooking grate handles up to six burgers at once.
What our tester says: Tony Carrick, Bob Vila writer and product tester, notes in our tested guide that “despite its compact size, the Go-Anywhere grill performs quite well. Its 160 square inches of cooking surface is larger than average for portable grills and offers enough space to fit six burgers or several kabobs. Its small size also means we needed very little charcoal to fill the grill. The grate is close to the hot coals, making searing easy. The design creates plenty of airflow to keep the coals hot while at the same time giving the user multiple ways to control the grill’s internal temperature when the lid is on.”