Not everyone has the budget or space in their backyard for a big charcoal grill or outdoor wood-fired pizza oven.
Our definitive list of the best small portable charcoal grills is for people who are on the lookout for a barbecue grill they can take anywhere and don’t want to compromise on quality.
Check our top choices for the best outdoor charcoal grills here.
Most importantly, many customers look for a small portable charcoal grill to enjoy the unique flavor a charcoal grill adds to any food.
Best of all, the majority of our top choices of the best small portable charcoal grills cost less than $100 without compromising on quality.
No matter if you need a small charcoal grill for your next camping trip, picnic at the beach or park, tailgate party, or for the home patio, you’ll find plenty of great choices in our post.
* Please note: all product links in this product review are affiliate links. That means, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Page Contents
Comparison Chart Best Small Portable Charcoal Grills In 2023
Let’s start off with a comparison chart where you can see details of the weight of the grill, the size of the cooking surface, and any additional features at a glance.
| Our Top Choices | Weight Of The Grill | Size of Cooking Surface | Additional Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
  Weber Jumbo Portable Grill | 17.9 lbs | 240 square inches | 10-year limited warranty | $$ |
  Weber Smokey Joe 14" | 9.8 lbs | 14 " in diameter | 10-year limited warranty | $ |
 Lodge Sportsman Hibachi | 32 lbs | 17" x 9" | cast iron | $$$ |
  Weber Go Anywhere Charcoal Grill | 14.5 lbs | 160 square inches | porcelain enameled coating | $$ |
  Gourmia Portable Charcoal Grill | 7.1 lbs | 11.8" in diameter | comes with a carry bag | $$ |
  Quick Grill Medium | 4.8 lbs | 12" x 12" | foldable with carry bag | $$ |
  Char-Griller Table Top | 40 lbs | 250 square inches | cast iron cooking grate | $$ |
Best Small Portable Charcoal Grills 2023 – Our Top Choices
Weber 1211001 Jumbo Joe 18-Inch Portable Grill
Weber is well-known for its excellent quality and the Weber Jumbo Joe 18″ is no exception.
The material and finish of the Jumbo Joe are identical to the Weber Performer grill, porcelain-enameled bowl, and lid as well as a generous cooking surface of 240 square inches.
The Weber Jumbo Joe is an ideal choice for someone who needs a bigger cooking grate than the average portable grill offers.
The lid holder is perfect to protect the grill from the wind. The ventilation is great thanks to the vents in the lid as well as the bottom vent.
The Weber Jumbo Joe charcoal grill is not foldable and doesn’t have a cover. A reviewer on Amazon suggested using the gray vinyl cover for the 18.5″; turn the cover upside down, put the Jumbo Joe in, and roll the cover up like a lunch bag. Here is the link.
Related post: The Best Infrared Grills (Not Only) For Your Backyard
We like that the lid holder can be locked into place to secure the lid for easy transportation.
The Weber Jumbo Joe ticks all the boxes for a quality, reliable, and sturdy portable charcoal grill with a generous cooking surface.
Please Check The Price On Amazon
Weber Smokey Joe Premium (Gold)14-Inch Portable Grill
Okay, this is a bit of a tricky one, because there are two Weber Smokey Joe’s on the market. One is called Silver, and the other one is the Gold or Premium.
Both Weber’s are hugely popular amongst buyers with pros and cons.
What they have in common is the identical size, and high quality of material Weber is famous for. The Smokey Joe Gold has a lockable lid; the Silver doesn’t.
The big difference between both is the location of the vents. The Silver has the vent in the bottom (plus one in the lid), and the Gold has the vents on the side next to the handle.
Pros and Cons of having the vents on the bottom (Silver)
Better air ventilation and therefore even burning of the coals result in a better grilling experience. Some users complained that the charcoal ashes clock the vent holes and ashes are falling through which makes the use a bit messy.
Pros and Cons of having the vents on the side (Gold)
No ashes are coming out and the grill stays therefore cleaner. Some say the side vents provide better air ventilation but others have found that there is no air ventilation at all which means the charcoal doesn’t burn properly.
Overall, both Weber’s are one of the best small portable charcoal grills and are built to last.
There is a carry bag that needs to be purchased separately. Here is the link.
The price difference between both Smokey Joes is only around $10. You’ll get a 10-year limited warranty with your purchase.
Please Check The Price For The Weber Smokey Joe Silver On Amazon
Please Check The Price For The Weber Smokey Joe Gold
Lodge L410 Pre-Seasoned Sportsman’s Charcoal Grill
The Lodge Preseasoned Charcoal grill is a rustic hibachi-style grill made from cast iron. ‘Hibachi’ is Japanese and means ‘fire bowl.’ It is basically an open container made from heatproof material so it can hold burning charcoal.
The Lodge Sportsman’s grill is a sturdy construction built to last. Cast iron is nearly indestructible, and this beauty can be passed on to the next generation of grilling enthusiasts.
Related posts: How To Clean A Cast Iron Skillet
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It is easy to assemble and the cooking grate offers a surface space of around 160 square inches.
With a weight of 32 lbs, this hibachi-style grill is not lightweight. Also, keep in mind to place the Lodge Sportsman on a heat-resistant, sturdy surface because the cast iron legs will get hot as well.
The front flap doesn’t latch so be careful. There are two adjustable heights. The air ventilation can be regulated in the front by a cast iron temper.
Overall, this is a fantastic small portable outdoor grill that looks rustic and does a great job grilling all sorts of meat, fish, and vegetables.
Please Check The Price On Amazon
Weber 121020 Go-Anywhere Charcoal Grill
The Weber Go-Anywhere Charcoal grill is such an excellent small portable grill to own.
It is compact, weighs only 14.5 lbs and arrives ready-to-go right out of the box.
The cooking surface of 160 square inches is generous enough to grill two steaks at once or a few chicken drumsticks.
Even though the legs look a bit tiny, they are pretty sturdy and hold up well. The legs are secured with a clip and also hold the lid and bottom together when you are done barbecuing.
Extra tip: for easy cleaning, line the bottom of the tray with aluminum foil before adding the charcoal. Once you have finished grilling, just through the aluminum foil out together with the ashes.
By the way, the square shape of the Weber Go_Anywhere grill may suit some people better than the round shape of the Weber Smokey Joe.
It fits perfectly in the trunk of a car. For us, the Weber Go-Anywhere Charcoal grill is the ultimate portable charcoal grill.
Please Check The Price On Amazon
Gourmia Portable Smokeless Charcoal Grill
The Gourmia portable charcoal grill features a unique design unlike any other of our reviewed small portable grills.
The charcoal fits into the small container that sits in the middle of the bowl. The outer layer doesn’t get hot, so it is even safe to use on a table with your guests being around. Everyone can get involved to put their favorite food on the cast iron grate.
To get the fire started, you’ll need to put some firestarter liquid on the plate in the bottom and light it. Next, place the container for the charcoal on top and fill it with charcoal.
Lastly, the cast-iron grilling surface goes on the top. It should be hot enough in around 5 to 10 minutes.
At the bottom of the Gourmia is a battery operated fan (4 AA Batteries, not included) that you can regulate for air ventilation. The good news is that the fan can also be used with a USB.
The whole grill (without the fan compartment) is dishwasher safe. All parts can be easily removed for cleaning.
You’ll get a carry bag with your purchase plus lifting tongs.
Overall, the Gourmia grill is a unique, sturdy, and quality small charcoal grill that has received great customer reviews.
With a weight of 7.1 lbs, it is also very lightweight.
Please Check The Price on Amazon
Quick Grill Medium: Original Folding Charcoal BBQ Grill
The Quick Grill medium is the only folding charcoal grill we have reviewed for the best small portable charcoal grills.
It folds down completely and comes with a nice carry bag. With a weight of only 4.5 lbs, the Quick Grill medium is truly lightweight.
The Quick Grill charcoal bbq grill is made from premium food-grade stainless steel.
The grilling surface of around 140 square inches is big enough to grill hot dogs, hamburger patties, or two juicy steaks.
The only downside we could find is that the grill grate is not anchored to the body of the grill and therefore can move. So you have to be careful when turning the food.
For easy cleaning, line the bottom of the basket with aluminum foil.
Overall, the Quick Medium grill is a high-quality portable charcoal grill that is easy to assemble and folds down for storage and portability.
Please Check The Price On Amazon
Char-Griller Table Top Charcoal Grill
The Char-Griller Table Top grill can be used as a portable grill or as firebox to your existing Char-Griller BBQ Grill.
For our review, we are focusing on the portable charcoal grill feature only.
The Char-Griller Table Top grill is made of heavy-duty steel excluding the front handle which is wood.
The cooking grate is cast iron and provides a generous cooking surface of 250 square inches.
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For excellent airflow, you’ll find two dampers/vents on both sides; one is higher up on the left side and a lower damper on the right-hand side.
With a weight of 40 lbs, it is not really lightweight but still portable enough to take this grill on your next camping trip.
Our favorite feature is the slide-out ash drawer for easy cleaning. Just perfect!
Overall, the Char-Griller Table Top is a sturdy, durable portable charcoal grill with generous cooking space. We do like the rusting design and look of it.
Please Check The Price On Amazon
WolfWise Portable Foldable Charcoal BBQ Grill Stainless Steel
The WolfWise foldable and portable charcoal grill is very compact and at around 4.4 pounds lightweight as well.
You don’t need to assemble anything; it’s all done already. To unfold the grill, just press the spring loading pins on both sides and you are done.
The cooking space of 124 square inches is quite small but big enough to grill food for up to two people.
We do like the practical carry bag that makes it so easy to take this grill anywhere, the beach, for a picnic, or camping.
The charcoal grate has an enamel coating. the whole construction is made of stainless steel and carbon crystal plate.
Overall, you have to be careful not too overload the grill with charcoal because of the small size but also to avoid the food from burning.
Also, the cooking space is quite small but should be ideal for one or two people.
If you are looking for a small, foldable, and truly portable charcoal grill that is easy to clean, then the WolfWise grill might be the right choice for you.
Please Check The Price On Amazon
Portable thickened Outdoor Stainless Steel Folding Charcoal
Here is another great example of a simple yet practical portable charcoal grill. The legs are foldable which makes this grill easy to carry and with only 2 pounds it is very lightweight.
Thanks to the thickened stainless steel housing, the grill is durable, won’t rust, and should last a while.
We would like to see a carry bag that would make it even better to take the grill to the next picnic or tailgate party.
The edges of the legs are a bit sharp and some customers feel that the wire mesh is a bit on the thin side.
Overall, this grill is lightweight, compact and offers cooking space big enough to cater for up to five people.
A carry bag would be the icing on the cake. Otherwise, this product is solid and suitable to grill in small spaces.
Please Check The Price On Amazon
Best Small Portable Charcoal Grills 2023 – Wrapping It Up
We listed our top choices of the best small portable charcoal grills in no particular order. Every single one of these portable charcoal grills has its own unique features and benefits for you, the user.
Which one you would like depends on different things. and the questions you might like to ask yourself first.
Related post: The Weber BBQ Grill Review
Do you want a folding grill? Do you prefer a cast iron grill or stainless steel? How important is the size of the grilling surface? Do you want a lightweight grill or rather a heavier one?
We hope that our post will help you to make an informed decision. One thing is for sure, our best portable charcoal grills are great value for money, are durable and made with high-quality materials.
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Seems like Weber has some fine merchandise here!! I advise everyone to taste their meal cooked on a charcoal grill some time. They can never go back!! It really adds some bold flavor to the meat!!
AICOK Portable Small Charcoal Grill seems like a decent one for the ones who don’t want to put on a mess and it seems like a cool gizmo, can’t deny that 🙂
I agree with you, Tyler. Nothing beats the taste of meat or vegetables grilled over a charcoal fire. Yes, Weber’s products are top notch and the warranty speaks for the great customer service.
Thanks for commenting and Happy Grilling! Best, Anke
Hey there. Wow, I must say that is a really creative site and product you have there. And true, who does not love a pizza oven on a budget. I mean, afterall, everybody loves pizza! Great advice and site layout. I really enjoyed reading about your products. keep up the great work!
Cheers for your feedback! I am glad you have found my posts helpful. Yes, so many people love pizza or a barbecue in the Summer time.
I just love everything cooked over natural resources like wood or charcoal. The taste of food cooked on wood/charcoal is so unique and flavorsome.
All the best from Anke
My birthday is coming and he loves to do barbeque. I think that Weber can be a good gift and I wonder how is the durability since I want to get one which has good cost efficiency.
Also the legs look really tiny and you said that it is sturdy but I wonder which material are the legs made of?
Hi Furkan, Weber grills are well-known for their durability and amazing warranty. TheWeber Jumbo Joe grill comes with a 10-year limited warranty.
The legs may look tiny but are pretty sturdy and rust resistant because they are made of aluminum. One can’t go wrong with it the Weber grill at this relatively low price tag.
All the best from Anke
I am so glad I came upon your page, I am in the market for a new grill.
I much prefer a charcoal cooked meal vs propane or gas fueled grills.
We try to eat as clean as we can, and this goes for cooking as well. If we can not find suitable wood to cook with we use charcoal. Unfortunately, my own grill finally has seen it’s last meal so to speak.
I really appreciate that you have taken the time to compare all of the options available, this helps me find my next grill.
Hi Bree, tou are so right; nothing beats the taste of a meal cooked either on charcoal or wood. Even though it takes a bit more time and effort to cook this way, it is worth the wait.
I am glad that you have found our guide on the best portable charcoal grills helpful.
Happy grilling!
All the best from Anke
That’s a pretty good lineup of grills there. I like the fact that you listed both the coming surface and the weight. That will make it easier for me to decide which one would be best for me to take to the beach! What’s your take on the side vents vs the bottom ones?
Hi Eric, thanks so much for your comment. To your question side vents versus bottom vents: As long as the side vents are on the same hight/level as the charcoal fuels it is all good. This way the oxygen will actually get to the fuel and help keeping the coal/wood burning. So therefore it is important to check where the sidevents on the grill are positioned. I hope it makes sense?
Cheers, Anke
Are there any portable grills that are taller then these or can these be safely placed onto of a table and used?
Id really hate to have to be crouched down the entire time while grilling at any kind of event. But would rather not have to load my 60lb smoker into the truck for every small BBQ outing.
Hi Justin, yep, you can put these bbq’s on a table so you don’t need to crouch down all the time. But I would suggest to put a grill mat on top of the table (underneath the grill) to protect the surface from hot embers, any spills, or grease.
Here is a good example for a grill mat which is available on Amazon. They are heat resistant, waterproof, and easy to clean.
Best regards from Anke