How to choose a small charcoal grill
A small charcoal grill gives you real charcoal flavor without the footprint of a full-size kettle. The best ones are light, easy to light and clean, and sturdy enough to survive a season in the trunk. Before you buy, check your building or campground rules about open-flame grilling.
We compared five small portable charcoal grills by build quality, grate size, portability, cleanup and value. Our assessments are based on manufacturer specifications and Amazon customer ratings, not our own lab testing. Nobody pays us for placement; we earn a commission only when you buy through our links.
Our top 5 small charcoal grills
- ✓ Compact, lightweight kettle design made for camping, tailgating and small patios
- ✓ Tuck-N-Carry lid lock doubles as a lid holder and carry handle
- ✓ Porcelain-enamel finish is scratch- and rust-resistant according to Weber
- ✓ Ash catcher protects surfaces and makes cleanup easier
- ✗ Small grate: enough for about six burgers, not for a crowd
- ✗ Costs more than basic tabletop grills
- ✓ Large rating base: over 21,000 Amazon ratings
- ✓ Chrome-plated grate and dual vents for temperature control
- ✓ Three lid locks keep it secure for transport
- ✓ Lightweight at about 4 lb – easy to carry to the park or campsite
- ✗ Thinner steel than premium kettles; handle the lid and legs with care when hot
- ✗ Smaller than a full-size kettle grill
- ✓ Cast iron holds heat well for searing steak, skewers and vegetables
- ✓ Double-sided, adjustable grate gives you control over distance to the coals
- ✓ Tabletop size works on a patio table or fire pit area
- ✓ Heavy-duty build that can last for years with care
- ✗ Heavy to carry compared with steel kettles
- ✗ Cast iron needs seasoning and rust prevention
- ✗ Pricier than the other picks
More options are in the table below: the budget GasOne 14" portable grill with a built-in thermometer and a compact foldable grill that packs flat.
All 5 grills at a glance
| Product | Type | Key feature | Material | Price | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weber Smokey Joe 14" Best overall | Kettle | Tuck-N-Carry lid lock | Porcelain-enamel steel | $55 | 9.1 |
| Cuisinart 14" Portable Best value | Tabletop kettle | 196 sq in grate | Steel | $37 | 8.6 |
| Giantex Cast Iron Hibachi Best for searing | Hibachi | adjustable grate | Cast iron | $90 | 8.4 |
| GasOne 14" Portable Grill Budget | Tabletop kettle | built-in thermometer | Steel | $25 | 8.2 |
| Compact foldable charcoal grill | Foldable | packs flat | Steel | $22 | 7.8 |
Buying guide: what to look for in a small charcoal grill
Our tip
Light charcoal with a chimney starter rather than lighter fluid, and let the ashes cool completely before disposal.
Verdict
The Weber Smokey Joe 14-Inch is our top pick: a well-built kettle with a lid lock that doubles as a carry handle, an ash catcher and a rust-resistant porcelain-enamel finish. If you want a proven, cheaper option, the Cuisinart 14" portable grill has more than 21,000 Amazon ratings and costs about $37. For high-heat searing on a table or patio, the Giantex cast-iron hibachi is the best fit, but it is heavy and needs seasoning.
Pick the grill that matches how you will really use it: carrying it far calls for a kettle, searing at home for a hibachi.
Frequently asked questions
A 14–17 inch grill is enough for one to three people. Check your building's rules first – many apartments and condos restrict open-flame grilling on balconies.
A kettle grill has a domed lid, so you can grill with the lid closed and control heat with vents. Tabletop kettles are the same idea in a smaller, lighter form. Hibachis are open, cast-iron grills that are great for quick, high-heat searing.
For two to four people, yes. A 14-inch grate holds about six burgers, but it is not meant for large gatherings or for cooking big cuts.
Use it outdoors on a stable, heat-resistant surface away from walls and anything flammable. Light charcoal with a chimney starter rather than lighter fluid, never leave it unattended and let the ashes cool completely before disposal.
Keep it dry and covered, clean the grate after use and empty the ash catcher. Cast iron needs a thin coat of oil after cleaning.