Best Portable Charcoal Grills of 2026

Bryan Hicks Avatar
Bryan Hicks
Last Updated: Jan 15, 2026

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Portable charcoal grills are a great way to enjoy the delicious smoky flavor of grilled food while on the go. These compact and lightweight grills are perfect for camping, picnics, and tailgating. They are easy to transport and set up, and can be used in a variety of outdoor settings. Portable charcoal grills come in a range of sizes and styles, from tabletop models to larger freestanding units. They are also very affordable, making them a great option for anyone looking to enjoy outdoor cooking without breaking the bank. Whether you're grilling up burgers, hot dogs, or veggies, a portable charcoal grill is a must-have accessory for any outdoor enthusiast.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Gas One Charcoal Grill - Portable and Compact with 3-Point Locking Lid Cover #TOP 1
Gas One Charcoal Grill - Portable and Compact with 3-Point Locking Lid
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Grills House CC1015B Portable Charcoal Grill Cover #TOP 2
Grills House CC1015B Portable Charcoal Grill
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Flame Box Nomad Portable Charcoal Grill Cover #TOP 3
Flame Box Nomad Portable Charcoal Grill
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Portable Charcoal Grills

Gas One Charcoal Grill - Portable and Compact with 3-Point Locking Lid

Gas One
CG-14
14 Inch (Diameter)
Gas One Charcoal Grill - Portable and Compact with 3-Point Locking Lid Cover
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

The Gas One Charcoal Grill is a portable and compact barbecue grill perfect for backyard, camping or boat trips. It has a 14-inch/150-square inch cooking surface that ensures even heat distribution and uniform cooking. The 3-point locking lid traps heat and cooks your food uniformly like in a smoker or oven. Its dual ventilation system provides a constant air flow to keep the fire going and ensure optimal temperature for perfect cooking. The grill also features an ash catcher that prevents any mess around the grilling area.

What We Like
Portable and lightweight
Easy assembly and cleaning
Even heating
Affordable price
Good for small groups
#TOP 2

Grills House CC1015B Portable Charcoal Grill

CC1015B -SC
Blue
Grills House CC1015B Portable Charcoal Grill Cover
Grills House CC1015B Portable Charcoal Grill, 147 Sq. In. Cooking Area, with Four Air Vents, Lid Latch Buckle, Lid Handle, for Outdoor Backyard, Patio Parties and Picnics, Blue

The Grills House Portable Grill offers a generous 147 square inches of cooking space, making it easy for you to grill up to six burgers at once—ideal for small family gatherings. Its compact design helps you save space, so you can keep your patio or storage area neat without sacrificing grilling power. The grill is lightweight and has a built-in lid handle, which makes it simple for you to carry it wherever you go, whether it’s a picnic or backyard party. Plus, the convenient latch lets you fold the grill down for easy storage and hassle-free setup every time you use it.

What We Like
Spacious cooking area
Compact, space-saving design
Lightweight and portable
Easy-to-use latch for storage
#TOP 3

Flame Box Nomad Portable Charcoal Grill

Flame Box
Flame Box-Nomad-2025
Black
Flame Box Nomad Portable Charcoal Grill Cover
Flame Box Nomad Portable Charcoal Grill – Ultra-Slim Folding BBQ for Outdoor Cooking, Camping & Travel | 304 Stainless Steel, Heat-Resistant Wood Handles, Quick Setup

The Flame Box Nomad Grill is designed for outdoor lovers who want easy and fast cooking on the go. Its slim design, just 3.2 cm thick when folded, makes it as portable as carrying a laptop, so you can easily bring it anywhere. Setting up your grill is a breeze, taking only a few seconds without any tools or assembly—just unfold and start cooking. The grill features a heat-resistant body with wooden side trims that protect your hands, making it safer to handle. Plus, the wide stainless steel grate lets you cook enough food for 3 to 4 people, perfect for small gatherings or camping trips.

What We Like
Ultra-slim portability
Quick, tool-free setup
Heat-resistant handles
Large cooking surface
#TOP 4

Cuisinart Portable Charcoal Grill

CCG190RB
14.5" x 14.5" x 15"
Cuisinart Portable Charcoal Grill Cover
Cuisinart 14" Portable Charcoal Grill, Tabletop Outdoor Small Grill with Locking Lid and Dual Vents, Chrome Plated Travel Size BBQ Perfect for Camping, Tailgates, Cookouts, Red

The Cuisinart Portable Charcoal Grill is a durable and portable solution for on-the-go grilling needs. It features a 196-square-inch chrome plated cooking rack that distributes heat evenly and efficiently. The dual venting system helps control the temperature, allowing you to cook slow and low or up at searing hot temperatures. This grill is compact and lightweight, making it easy to transport to decks, patios, balconies, camping, and tailgating. It also features three secure lid locks for easy and safe transport, and a mess-free ash catcher for convenience.

What We Like
Compact and portable design
Durable build quality
Easy assembly and cleaning
Locks securely for transport
Fits multiple portions
#TOP 5

Odoland Portable Charcoal Grill

6d601245-3a7f-4fc4-b488-472584d8fdb4
black
Odoland Portable Charcoal Grill Cover
Odoland Camping Campfire Grill, Portable Folding Charcoal Grills, Backpacking BBQ Heavy Duty Firepit Grill with Carry Bag for Outdoor Cooking, Bonfire, Patio, Backyard

The Odoland Charcoal Grill is designed for outdoor enthusiasts who value convenience and versatility. Its compact size makes it easy to store and transport, perfect for bonfires, picnics, or backyard BBQs. You can enjoy the flexibility of using it as both a wood-burning stove and a barbecue grill, accommodating your cooking preferences. The heavy-duty iron construction ensures durability and can withstand high temperatures. Plus, assembly is a breeze, so you can spend more time enjoying your outdoor activities rather than setting up. This grill is a must-have for any camping or outdoor cooking experience.

What We Like
Portable and lightweight
Multifunctional cooking options
Durable heavy-duty material
Easy to assemble
#TOP 6

SUNLIFER Charcoal Grill Offset Smoker

Charcoal Grill with Offset Smoker
Black
SUNLIFER Charcoal Grill Offset Smoker Cover
SUNLIFER Charcoal Grill Offset Smoker: Charcoal Barbecue Grills with Spacious Cooking Area | Barrel BBQ Grill and Smokers Combo for Outdoor Patio Backyard Camping and Parties

The SUNLIFER Charcoal Offset Smoker offers precise temperature control with a built-in thermometer, so you can easily monitor your food’s heat without lifting the lid. Adjustable air vents help you fine-tune airflow and smoke levels, giving you the power to slow-cook or sear with confidence. Its spacious 512 sq. in. cooking area and dual chambers let you grill and smoke different foods at once, ideal for family meals or small gatherings. Plus, the grill is built for durability and ease, with rugged grates that allow adding charcoal without hassle and stainless steel handles to keep you safe from burns.

What We Like
Accurate temperature control
Large cooking surface
Adjustable airflow vents
Durable construction
Safe, heat-resistant handles
#TOP 7

GasOne CG-14T Portable Charcoal Grill

Gas One
CG-14T
14.5" x 14.5" x 15"
GasOne CG-14T Portable Charcoal Grill Cover
GasOne CG-14T – 14-inch Portable Barbecue Grill with 3-Point Locking Lid for Heat Preservation – Dual Venting System – Small Charcoal Grill for Backyard, Camping, Boat

The GasOne Portable Charcoal Grill offers a 14-inch cooking surface that is just the right size for grilling your favorite steaks or veggies evenly. Its clever 3-point locking lid keeps the heat sealed inside, helping your food cook thoroughly and making it easy to transport without spills. You’ll appreciate the dual vents that keep air flowing steadily, so the fire stays strong and your grill stays at the perfect temperature. Plus, its compact and lightweight design means you can easily carry it to your backyard, campsite, or boat, making outdoor cooking simple and convenient wherever you go.

What We Like
Spacious 14-inch cooking surface
3-point locking lid
Dual ventilation system
Compact and lightweight design
#TOP 8

Papapacks 18 Inch Portable Charcoal Grill

HDD-SKJ04-SBN06
multi-color
Papapacks 18 Inch Portable Charcoal Grill Cover
18 Inch Portable Charcoal Grill – Heavy-Duty Round BBQ Grill with Thickened Grilling Bowl, Sturdy with 4 Legs & Wheels for Small Outdoor Barbecue, Camping, Travel, Tailgating & Backyard Cooking

Papapacks Portable Charcoal Grill is designed with your convenience in mind. Located in NC, quick support is available for any queries. The stable 4-leg design and wheels make it easy to move for outdoor cooking. Installation is a breeze, and cleaning is simple with the one-touch system. This affordable grill is a great upgrade from smaller models, offering a cost-effective solution for your barbecue needs.

What We Like
Quick Support
Stable & Portable Design
Easy to Install & Clean
#TOP 9

Realcook Dual-Chamber Charcoal Grill & Smoker

Barrel Charcoal Grill Offset Smoker
Black
Realcook Dual-Chamber Charcoal Grill & Smoker Cover
Realcook Charcoal Grills with Offest Smokers: Spacious Barrel Charcoal BBQ Grill | Barbecue Smoker Grill Combo for Outdoor Backyard Patio Camping Picnic and Party

The Realcook Charcoal Grill Smoker is designed to make outdoor cooking easy and enjoyable. It features two cooking areas: a main grill for your charcoal BBQ and a side smoker for slow-cooking, giving you plenty of room to cook for 4-6 people. The grill is easy to move around thanks to sturdy wheels and handles, so you can take it anywhere from your backyard to a camping trip. You can control the heat precisely with adjustable vents and a chimney damper, plus a built-in thermometer helps you keep an eye on the temperature without opening the lid. The smart two-grate system lets you add charcoal mid-cook without disturbing your food, making grilling more convenient.

What We Like
Dual-chamber cooking space
Easy portability with wheels
Precise temperature control
Two-grate charcoal system
#TOP 10

Weber Smokey Joe 14" Portable Grill

1502058
Mocha
Weber Smokey Joe 14" Portable Grill Cover
Weber Smokey Joe 14 inch Portable Grill, Mocha

The Weber Smokey Joe Grill features a unique mocha-colored porcelain finish that adds a stylish, glossy look to your outdoor cooking setup. This compact and lightweight grill is perfect for taking with you on trips, allowing you to enjoy quality grilling wherever you go. Its porcelain-enameled lid and bowl help keep heat inside for even cooking, so your food turns out just right every time. Plus, the ash catcher makes cleanup simple by keeping ash and debris contained, protecting your patio or picnic area. This grill combines convenience, style, and performance for a great grilling experience.

What We Like
Stylish mocha porcelain finish
Compact and lightweight design
Heat-retaining porcelain lid and bowl
Ash catcher for easy cleanup
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Do apartments allow charcoal grills?

Some apartments and condos don't allow tenants to own grills. While this is unfortunate, it keeps you and other tenants safe. Be sure to check the rules of your building before you get a grill for your balcony, patio or other outdoor spaces. ... You can only use gas and charcoal grills at least 15 feet from buildings.

2. Is it safe to eat charcoal grilled foods?

Don't char or burn meat, poultry or fish.

Charring, burning or grilling meat, poultry and fish over high temperatures causes heterocyclic amines (HCAs) to form. These HCAs can damage a person's genes, raising the risk for stomach and colorectal cancers.

Editor's Notes

During our portable charcoal grill research, we found 24 portable charcoal grill products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 117,317 customer reviews through our big data system to write the portable charcoal grills list. We found that most customers choose portable charcoal grills with an average price of $98.49.

The portable charcoal grills are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of portable charcoal grills, including Gas One, Grills House, Flame Box, Cuisinart, Odoland. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Bryan Hicks Avatar

Bryan Hicks is a professional gardener and a writer who lives in North Texas with his family and his dog. Bryan has spent more than half of his life surrounded by garden products. He has extensive experience in garden makeovers and maintenance and lawn care. His areas of expertise include outdoor decoration, gardening and garden design.