Best Portable Charcoal Grills of 2026
* We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.
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
Top 10 Portable Charcoal Grills
Gas One Charcoal Grill - Portable and Compact with 3-Point Locking Lid
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.
Grills House CC1015B Portable Charcoal Grill
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.
Flame Box Nomad Portable Charcoal Grill
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.
Cuisinart Portable Charcoal Grill
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.
Odoland Portable Charcoal Grill
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.
SUNLIFER Charcoal Grill Offset Smoker
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.
GasOne CG-14T Portable Charcoal Grill
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.
Papapacks 18 Inch Portable Charcoal Grill
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.
Realcook Dual-Chamber Charcoal Grill & Smoker
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.
Weber Smokey Joe 14" Portable Grill
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.
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.
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.
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.