6 Best Portable Charcoal Grills, Tested by Experts

Our experts tested other popular models on the market and whittled down the list based on consumer and Lab testing data. Here’s a handful that we tested and worked well but might not be the best picks for everyone.

The Big Green Egg MiniMax is the mini 13-inch version of Big Green Egg. It’s more affordable but difficult to transport. It might be suitable for car camping, but there were other grills with superior portability.

Kamado Joe’s Joe Jr. is another mini version of the brand’s big one (which we love), but again, it’s heavy and not exactly portable. However, they now sell a rolling cart to make rolling it around your backyard easier.

Lodge Sportsman’s Pro Cast Iron Grill won a Kitchen Gear Award in 2022 for its quality build and ability to cook juicy meats. We still adore this grill's ability to hold heat well, but it's heavy for a portable grill.

The Snow Peak Takibi Fire & Grill folds flat, so it can be stored super slim, but it’s quite pricey.

The Solo Stove Ranger has a grill attachment, but it’s hard to regulate the temperature. It’s fine for camping and bonfires but not ideal for grilling.

The Good Housekeeping Institute's Kitchen Appliance and Culinary Innovation Lab has been at the forefront of grill testing for decades.

Decide where and how you want to use your portable charcoal grill the most. Then consider these factors:

✔ Type: Portable charcoal grills come in various designs to suit different needs and preferences.

• Tabletop grills are compact and lightweight, perfect for picnics, camping trips or small outdoor spaces. These types, like the Everdure CUBE and Oklahoma Joe's Rambler, typically feature a simple design with a grill grate, charcoal tray and sometimes foldable legs for easy transportation.
  
• Lidded grills, like the Portable Kitchen PKGO and Weber Smokey Joe, can be used to create a smoking environment for slow-cooking meats thanks to lids with vents for temperature control.
• Wheeled grills are built on carts with wheels, making them easier to transport, even over rough terrain. These standing grills, like the Masterbuilt Portable Charcoal Grill, may also feature additional storage space for charcoal or grilling accessories.

✔ Size: While a larger cooking space may seem appealing to accommodate more food, it also adds bulkiness, impacting portability. If you prioritize ease of transport, consider opting for a smaller-sized grill or one with features like folding mechanisms or wheels. This ensures you strike the right balance between cooking capacity and portability.

✔ Material: Thicker materials, such as cast iron or heavy-gauge steel, excel at retaining heat, ensuring consistent cooking temperatures that are ideal for longer cooks or smoking sessions. However, this robust construction often translates to heavier weight, potentially compromising the grill's portability. On the other hand, lightweight materials like aluminum or thin stainless steel offer easier portability but may sacrifice heat retention and durability. While they may be suitable for short cooking sessions like searing steaks or occasional use, they may struggle to maintain consistent temperatures for longer cooking periods.

✔ Stability: When it comes to a grill, stability is nonnegotiable. A wobbly grill is a safety risk. All of the selections on our list stood firm during cooking and testing without any instability.

✔ Lids: Lids are a great feature to have as they facilitate quick cooking by trapping heat. Some of our recommended picks, such as the Everdure CUBE and BioLite, don't have lids but still delivered satisfactory results, albeit with slightly longer cooking times.

✔ Ease of use features: Several features can enhance the convenience and functionality of a portable charcoal grill for a more user-friendly grilling experience, especially when cooking on the go.

• Adjustable grill grate and charcoal holder: The ability to adjust the height of the grill grate or charcoal holder allows for precise control over cooking temperatures, accommodating various types of food and cooking techniques.
• Oversized handles: Large, sturdy handles make it easier to transport the grill, especially when it's still hot. They provide a comfortable grip and reduce the risk of burns or accidents.
• Foldable legs: Grills with foldable legs are space-saving and convenient for storage and transportation. They also offer stability when in use, even on uneven surfaces.
• Ash collection system: A built-in ash collection system simplifies cleaning by trapping ash and debris, making disposal hassle-free and preventing messes.
• Vents: Adjustable vents on the lid and bottom of the grill allow for precise control of airflow and temperature regulation, ensuring optimal cooking results.
• Tool hooks and shelves: Integrated hooks or shelves provide convenient storage for grilling utensils, condiments or cooking accessories, keeping everything within reach while cooking.
• Built-in thermometer: A built-in thermometer enables you to monitor the internal temperature of the grill without the need for additional tools, ensuring consistent and accurate cooking results.
• Hinged grate or access door: Grills with a hinged grate or access door simplify the process of adding charcoal or wood chips during cooking, which minimizes heat loss.

The amount of charcoal needed for a portable grill depends on several factors, including the size of the grill, the type of charcoal used and the desired cooking temperature and duration.

• Size: Experimentation is key to finding the right amount of charcoal for your specific grill. Start with a single layer of charcoal covering the bottom of the grill and adjust as needed based on your experience.
• Type: Lump charcoal tends to burn hotter and faster than briquettes, so you may need slightly less. Briquettes provide more consistent heat and may last longer.
• Cooking duration: High heat or extended cooking times may require more charcoal to maintain the desired temperature.

Perry Santanachote is a contributing writer for Good Housekeeping. She has been testing and writing about the best kitchen appliances and cookware for over a decade. She has years of experience in the food industry, working as a recipe developer, food stylist and cook.

Nicole Papantoniou is the director of the Good Housekeeping Institute's Kitchen Appliance and Culinary Innovation Lab where she oversees all kitchen appliance content and testing. She has tested more than 40 grills for Good Housekeeping, along with grilling tools and accessories. She's a professional, trained cook, recipe developer and grill aficionado.