Is there something better than a grilled hot dog in nature?
Portable charcoal grills are essential gear for plenty of campers, but it might be hard to just one model.
You can prepare hamburgers, steaks, ribs, and other delicious food using a charcoal grill.
These devices come in different styles and versions, and here is the selection of the best grills on the market.
Read till the end and find the buying guide with more tips below my list.
Char-Griller Kamado Grill
The Kamodo grill is practical, efficient, and easy to use.
It is easy to put out the fire and start your culinary magic.
This Kamodo grill can smoke, grill, and bake food giving you more options when cooking on camping.
It is 55 cm high and has a thermometer, which makes it easy to use for people of all sizes and grill skills.
Pros
- Can smoke, grill, or bake
- Optimal size grill surface
- Ash rack for easy ash removal
- Durable
Cons
- Possible shipping issues
Dylan's TakeThe Kamodo Grill is multi-purpose camping essential.
You will have fun using it, and cleaning it isn’t that hard.
Weber Original Kettle Premium
This Weber charcoal grill is a favorite amongst all campers.
It is the best energy saver and has a convenient thermometer.
Therefore, you can get consistent results every time you cook.
The grill can be used for smoking and has an air vent for heat control and fire extinction.
Pros
- Large grill surface
- Warming rack included
- Stable
- Ash catcher has an aluminum coating to prevent rust
Cons
- Assembly instructions are a bit vague
Dylan's TakeI like the stability of the grill, with a three-legged stand, wheels, and front stopper.
On the plus side, the grill includes a 10-year warranty.
Kingsford Barrel Charcoal Grill
The Kingsford barrel charcoal grill comes with a convenient bottom rack.
It has metal shelves that can be extended for storage.
The grill is also one of the affordable and durable portable grills.
The grill has a built-in thermometer for simple temperature control.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Affordable
- Has thermometer
Cons
- Complex assembly
Dylan's TakeOverall, the Kingsford grill is a well-built portable device, with 793 square inches of cooking area.
I also like the wheels for easier moving and convenient storage shelves.
Camp Chef PG24DLX Deluxe Pellet Grill With Digital-Controls
This Camp Chef grill can be used for smoking too.
It has convenient controls and dual sensors, so adjusting the temperature is a breeze.
The grill is easy to install and use.
Also, cleaning it is simple, because you don’t have to disassemble the device completely.
Pros
- Digital controls
- Versatile
- Easy to clean ash
- Simple setup
Cons
- Short warranty
Dylan's TakeOverall, the Camp Chef grill heats fast and is simple to use.
The pellet grill ensures the rich, smoky flavors of your food every time you use it.
PK Grill Charcoal Grill Smoker Camba
This PK Grills item has a stylish appearance and some excellent features.
The capsule has four adjustable vents for grilling and smoking.
You can also adjust the cooking time and temperature.
The material is rust-proof, and the grill maintains the temperature without issues.
Pros
- 10-year warranty
- Versatile use
- Sturdy cast aluminum construction
Cons
- Replacement parts are expensive
Dylan's TakeThe PK Grills model is a heavy-duty, durable, and portable grill.
It also gives you plenty of options for cooking customization but takes time to get used to cooking with it.
Weber 721001 18-Inch Charcoal Smoker
This Weber grill has a high-quality porcelain-enamel steel construction.
Therefore, the grill is heat-resistant and consumes less fuel.
Because of the included thermometer, it is easy to monitor the temperature and customize it.
The grill comes with two heavy-duty plated steel grates, and you can smoke and roast food at the same time.
Pros
- Easy to set up
- Cooks fast
- Heavy-duty grill
- Can roast and smoke at the same time
Cons
- Stacking the racks vertically is troublesome
Dylan's TakeThis Weber grill is made from premium materials, which contributes to its durability.
The handle is heat-resistant, so it is easy to move the grill, even while it is on.
Char-Griller 1515 Patio Pro Charcoal Grill
The device from Char-Griller is one of the grills of the best quality on the market.
It has a convenient heat-resistant handle that protects you from burns and enables easier handling of the device.
The grill has convenient wheels that improve the mobility of the grill.
It has a small cooking place and heavy-duty construction, so it is a better choice for families with fewer members.
Pros
- Compact
- Easy to clean
- Sturdy construction
- Easy to store
Cons
- Not suitable for large gatherings
Dylan's TakeThe Char-Griller grill is durable, easy to use, and portable.
The heavy-duty construction ensures that you can use the grill for cook numerous meals for your family outdoors.
Char-Griller Table Tap Charcoal Grills
This compact Char-Griller charcoal grill has an interesting, table-top design.
It is made from durable materials, and perfect for long-term use.
The device has two adjustable dampers that allow you to control the heat and customize the cooking process.
It can be used for smoking, and the cooking surface is 250 square inches.
Pros
- Durable
- Removable pan
- Easy to carry outdoors
Cons
- Limited warranty
- Paint can chip, but it won’t affect the primary purpose
Dylan's TakeIf you are looking for a compact, portable grill, you will hardly find anything better than this table-top Char-Griller device.
It can withstand years of use without showing signs of deterioration.
Lodge L410 Pre-Seasoned Sportsman’s Charcoal Grill
The Lodge grill has a practical draft door, so you can regulate the heat easier.
The grill is portable, and great for different outdoor activities, such as camping, picnics, etc.
It has a convenient handle, you can use it to move from one place to the other.
The device features even heat distribution, for consistent cooking results.
Pros
- Adjustable height
- Can be used anywhere
- Easy to assemble
- Suitable for beginners
Cons
- You need to monitor food all the time
- Heavy
Dylan's TakeThe Lodge grill is compact and weighs less than 30 pounds, which is a lot for a grill of its size.
If you are looking for something small and easy to use, try the Lodge device.
Beau Jardin Charcoal-Grill, Portable Barbecue-Smoker
This Beau Jardin grill looks amazing, and performs well, too.
It has a built-in thermometer, for simpler heat control.
The porcelain-enameled lid and aluminized steel bowl are easy to clean and won’t rust over time.
Also, it has aluminum legs for rust-resistance properties and stability.
The wheels are of optimal size to ensure simple mobility.
Pros
- Sturdy wheels
- High-quality materials
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- Requires special care during shipping to prevent damage
Dylan's TakeThe Beau Jardin grill has easy to clean ash catcher, as offers a user-friendly grilling experience.
The control system is simple, yet effective so you won’t have trouble getting perfectly grilled food every time you use it.
Buying Guide
Choosing the portable grill for your camping adventures is fun, but it takes some basic knowledge to decide wisely.
Here are some things to consider when choosing a portable charcoal grill for camping.
Size
Size matters, because it determines the cooking surface and the ease of storage.
Check the size of the cooking racks, as they can be as low as 140 square inches and as large as 1.200 square inches.
Smaller grills usually have one burner, but larger ones have three or more..
Determine how much food you want t cook at a time and choose the optimal size grill for your needs.
Cooking Style
Think if you want direct or indirect cooking.
If you are new to grilling, here is a short introduction to the cooking style.
Direct cooking means that your food is just above the fire.
Indirect cooking is when your food is cooked by the heat of the grill and isn’t exposed directly to the source of heat.
A practical grill allows you both.
For example, you can smoke and grill the food at the same time.
If it seems like something you might be interested in, consider investing more money in a versatile grill.
Budget
When it comes to the portable grill, the price doesn’t always determine the quality.
You have to consider the material quality, construction, and other factors to determine if the grill is worth it.
Also, think about user-friendly features and the individual experience of using the grill to determine your budget.
Grill Design
Grills come in different styles, and can be made from ceramic, be in a shape of a barrel, or look like a kettle.
Determine your preferences and check a few models of different styles for comparison.
Accessories
Some people don’t need accessories or extra features.
They want only to enjoy the experience of using a grill in nature.
On the other hand, lockable wheels, adjustable grill beds, additional trays, and warming racks might be convenient for you.
Check the manual to see if the device is easy to assemble and what additional features come with the grill.
Reviews
Many people find reading other people’s experiences useful for their decisions.
That way, you can find out more than just reading the product specifications.
Customer reviews will also show you are possible downsides of a grill, etc.
But, remember to read-only relevant reviews, of people who explain their experience in detail.
That way, you can be prepared for possible bad sides of the product and decide whether the grill is worth it.
Also, you can learn about shipping issues or specific care that users discover after using the concrete grill.
Conclusion
When you are choosing the grill for your camping adventures, make sure to get the one that is easy to clean, even in nature.
Find the grill that brings you joy and helps you improve your cooking skills.
It is better to invest in premium materials than buy cheap grills that can cause burns or come apart after a few uses.
Also, buy the grill that comes with some user-friendly features.
What is your favorite model from my list?
Feel free to add more recommendations in the comments!
Best Overall Choice
Char-Griller Kamado Grill
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