5 Best Portable Charcoal Grills for Camping Reviews and Buying Guide

Summertime is the perfect time to get outdoors and enjoy the sun and fresh air. Having fun camping with friends and family is a great way to do that. And, what’s a summer camping trip without delicious food cooked over an open flame? Portable charcoal grills are perfect for camping, tailgating, or just enjoying a backyard cookout. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at some of the best portable charcoal grills on the market today.

Check out this article if you’re planning your next outdoor adventure or just looking for a new grilling method!

Can you smoke meat on a portable charcoal grill?

Grilling meat on a charcoal grill is one of the best ways to enjoy it on the go. They’re perfect for tailgating, camping, or even just cooking out in the backyard. But can you smoke meat on a portable charcoal grill? The answer is yes! Smoking meat in a portable charcoal grill is easy to do and can result in some delicious, smoky-flavored meats.

To start, light your charcoal and let it heat up for about 20 minutes. Then, place your meat on the grill grates and close the lid. You’ll want to keep an eye on the temperature of your grill and adjust the vents as needed to maintain a consistent temperature. After about 2 hours, your meat should be cooked through and infused with that delicious smoky flavor. So, don’t be afraid to give it a shot – smoking meat in a portable charcoal grill is a great way to enjoy classic barbecue flavors wherever you go!

Buying guide

Summertime is grilling time, and there’s nothing quite like the taste of food cooked over an open flame. But not all charcoal grills are created equal. When shopping for a portable grill, remember a few things.

Temperature range

The first is maximum temperature. Some grills can get very hot, while others have trouble reaching high temperatures. If you’re looking to do any serious cooking, make sure to choose a grill with a high max temp.

Shape

Next, consider the shape of the grill. Portable grills come in various forms, from round to square to rectangular. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to choose the right one for your needs.

Cooking Range

Finally, take into account the size and range of the grill. The cooking area should be large enough to accommodate your needs, and the range should be sufficient for you to move the grill around as needed.

With these factors in mind, you’re sure to find the perfect portable charcoal grill for your summer cookouts.

Our Top 5 Picks

1. Char-Griller E1515 Patio Pro

The Char-Griller E1515 Patio Pro is a small and compact charcoal grill that can be used in small to medium spaces. The grill is perfect for those with smaller yards or patios and is made with durable, heavy-duty steel. The Char-Griller E1515 includes cast iron grill grates for even charcoaling and great-tasting food results. Pair the Char-Griller E1515 charcoal grill with the Char-Griller 6060 Grill Cover (sold separately) for maximum weather protection against the elements.

Specifications

Brand: Char-Griller
Material: Alloy Steel
User interface: Manual
Grill size/Cooking area: 250 sq inches
Weight: 50 lbs

Pros:

Great for small patios
Easy to clean and maintain
It has two side tables for extra storage

Cons:

Heavier than expected, so it can only be used on smooth surfaces and not over concrete

Buy on Amazon

2. Oklahoma Joe’s 19402088 Rambler Portable Charcoal Grill, Black

Oklahoma Joe’s Rambler Portable Charcoal Grill is built to be strong and tough, with heavy-duty steel construction. Thick cast iron grates produce a perfect sear, and the height-adjustable charcoal tray lets you cook with high heat or slow and low cooking. The large air dampers allow for accurate airflow control, while a full-size removable ash pan makes clean-up easy.

Specifications

Brand: Oklahoma Joe’s
Material: Alloy Steel
User interface: Manual
Grill size/Cooking area: 218 sq inch
Weight: 48.5 lbs

Pro:

High quality at an affordable price
Easy to assemble
It’s very portable

Con:

The removable ash bin is flimsy and sometimes doesn’t fit well in the grill

Buy on Amazon

3. Barbecue Charcoal Grill

Are you a barbecue lover? Do you love to taste delicious food while enjoying the outdoors? Are you really looking for something that will make your experience easier, safer and more comfortable? You are in the right place. We offer portable stainless steel folding BBQ tool kits for outdoor cooking. This set includes tongs, a spatula for flipping, a fork for turning your food over, and a brush for cleaning your grill. The tools can be easily stored in a compact carrying case for safekeeping and transporting.

Specifications

Brand: Ubten
Material: Stainless steel
User interface: Manual
Grill size/Cooking area: 217 sq inches
Weight: 8.48lbs

Pros:

Cooking grill with stand and work surface
Flexible side shelves fold flat for compact storage and easy handling
Includes a grease tray for collecting juices and fat from barbecued foods

Con

broil too close to the heat source, and you may char your food!

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4. Fire Sense 60508 Notebook Charcoal BBQ Grill

The Fire Sense 60508 Notebook Charcoal BBQ Grill is an ultra-portable grilling machine that can cook your favorite grilled foods anywhere with its lightweight design, durable construction and 3.5mm cooking bars. This grill can be used wherever and whenever you want, and it has a safety lock that keeps it stable and secure. Whether camping or tailgating with friends, pack this grill so you can enjoy some good old-fashioned grilling any time!

Specifications

Brand: Fire Sense
Material: Alloy Steel
User interface: manual
Grill size/Cooking area: 3.55 mm
Weight: 7.98 lbs

Pros:

Sturdy & folds flat for easy storage and portability. It can fit in your car or be used as a travel grill.
Produces minimal mess with the grease tray.
Has required burners to grill different types of food.

Cons

The plastic parts are a little stiff too.

Buy on Amazon

5. CUSIMAX Charcoal BBQ Grill

The Cusimax Portable Charcoal BBQ Grill is the perfect grill for camping, backpacking, and outdoor cooking. It features a super high-quality stainless steel design, making it extremely durable and rust-resistant. With the folding legs, you can easily store, transport, and set up anywhere and at any angle to cooking whatever you want inside or outdoors.

Specifications

Brand: CUSIMAX
Material: Porcelain
User interface: Manual
Grill size/Cooking area: 18.5 inches
Weight: 10.93

Pros:

Looks cool
Foldable and portable4. Easy to move around the yard
Simple to assemble, suitable for use with charcoal and propane tanks

Cons:

Assembly is a bit difficult

Buy on Amazon

Conclusion:

Several of the portable charcoal grills on this list would be great choices if you’re looking for a quality, affordable grill. Each of these grills has been tested by our team and comes highly recommended. So, whether you are an experienced camper or just getting started, one of these portable charcoal grills will make your camping trip much more enjoyable.

FAQs

How do you keep a charcoal grill going for hours?

Any BBQ enthusiast knows that there’s nothing quite like the taste of food cooked over a charcoal grill. A charcoal fire can be tricky to keep going for longer than a few minutes, as anyone who has tried to keep a fire going knows. The key is to start with a large enough pile of coals, and then to keep the coals evenly distributed throughout the grill.

You also need to make sure that there’s enough airflow to keep the fire burning hot. Use a chimney starter or leave the vents open to get the coals going. Adding the charcoals slowly to the grill will allow them to adjust to the heat once they are lit. With proper care, your charcoal grill will stay lit for hours, giving you plenty of time to enjoy good food and good company.

What can you cook on a portable grill?

Here are some ideas for what to cook on a portable grill:

Grilled cheese sandwiches (if you have a portable griddle, you can even make grilled cheese sandwiches at the same time as other things!)
Hotdogs (the perfect go-to dinner)
Chicken (marinate it overnight in your favorite spices, and then just throw it onto the grill)
Steak (salt and pepper)
Tofu (doesn’t taste like much by itself, but if you marinate it and then grill it, it’ll be delicious)

How do you grill in a campsite?

A portable grill is a great way to cook while camping, as it allows you to enjoy a barbecue without having to haul a full-sized grill into the woods. When grilling at a campsite, choosing a spot that is level and clear of any debris is important; you will also need to gather some charcoal and lighter fluid. To start the fire, arrange the charcoal in the center of the grill and soak it with lighter fluid. The charcoal should then be ignited with a match or lighter. Once the coals are glowing red and covered in ash, they are ready to cook.