10 Best Small Charcoal Grills Of 2023

Top 3 Recommended Small Charcoal Grills

Preview
Best Overall
Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill, 22-Inch, Black
Best Performance
Masterbuilt MB20040220 Gravity Series 560 Digital Charcoal Grill and Smoker Combo, Square inches, Black
Best Budget
Oklahoma Joe's 19402088 Rambler Portable Charcoal Grill, Black
Brand
Weber
Masterbuilt
Oklahoma Joe's
Model
14401001
MB20040220
19402088
Color
Black/Green/Copper
Black
Black
Fuel Type
Charcoal
Charcoal
Charcoal
Assembly Required
Installation Type
Built In, Ground Mount, Peel
Wheeled
Free Standing
Price
Best Overall
Preview
Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill, 22-Inch, Black
Brand
Weber
Model
14401001
Color
Black/Green/Copper
Fuel Type
Charcoal
Assembly Required
Installation Type
Built In, Ground Mount, Peel
Price
Buy Now
Best Performance
Preview
Masterbuilt MB20040220 Gravity Series 560 Digital Charcoal Grill and Smoker Combo, Square inches, Black
Brand
Masterbuilt
Model
MB20040220
Color
Black
Fuel Type
Charcoal
Assembly Required
Installation Type
Wheeled
Price
Buy Now
Best Budget
Preview
Oklahoma Joe's 19402088 Rambler Portable Charcoal Grill, Black
Brand
Oklahoma Joe's
Model
19402088
Color
Black
Fuel Type
Charcoal
Assembly Required
Installation Type
Free Standing
Price
Buy Now

If you still prefer the old school way of grilling food then this guide on 10 Best Small Charcoal Grills is you!

We know that choosing a Small Charcoal Grills grill that is right for you is not an easy task.

There are a number of factors to consider, including size, what kind of food you plan on cooking on it, and how often you will be using the grill.

Most people know that charcoal grills are not quite as popular as they once were. In recent years, gas grills have become a favorite for many different reasons.

But in case you still want one then keep reading.


Should You Buy A small charcoal grill? 

10-best-small-charcoal-grills

Charcoal grills have not gone the way of the dinosaur completely. Now, these grills are more practical and smaller in size. 

With more modern designs and advancements in technology, it is no longer just about heating up a pile of coals and hoping for something edible to come out at the other end. So yes, you can buy it.


1. Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill, 22-Inch, BlackBest Overall

Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill
Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill

Rating:

Summary:

The Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill is a high-quality, sturdy, and dependable grill that does not disappoint.

Key Features

  • Cook up to 3 burgers at the same time
  • The easy and faster cleaning mechanism
  • Lid hook to hold the lid

Product Description

The original kettle design provides three spacious cooking areas which provide enough space to cook an entire barbecue meal without having to purchase additional equipment.

Each cooking area has its own side tables, making it the ultimate barbecue!

The cover also doubles as a handy work table for prepping ahead or cleaning up afterward – just fold down one side and you’re good to go. 1

Pros And Cons

Pros

  • The design is pretty classy
  • Easy cleaning comes with a built-in ash container
  • Adding more coal is easy

Cons

  • The bottom storage shelf is small in size

Product Specification

Item Dimensions‎22.5″D x 22.5″W x 27″H
Item Weight‎32.3 pounds
ColorBlack
Assembly RequiredYes
Finish Type‎Rust-resistant
Fuel TypeCharcoal
Total cooking area363 square inches

Why is it better?

This small charcoal grill is the perfect blend of the latest and old techniques. The product is more practical than many other products.

Our Experience

It is more than capable of providing excellent grilling for a variety of foods and can be used in any weather condition.

Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill Unboxing and Assembly Video


2. Old Smokey Charcoal Grill 22”- Classic style charcoal grillBest Rust-resistant

Old Smokey Charcoal Grill 22
Old-Smokey-Charcoal-Grill-22

Rating:

Summary:

This is the best charcoal grill on the market with 178 reviews and a 4.7 stars rating. It has a large cooking surface and allows for perfect indirect cooking.

Key Features

  • Rust-resistant material 
  • There are two-sided handles for easy grip
  • Made in USA

Product Description

With the old-style stainless steel lid, it’s easy to open or close which enables you to add or remove food without touching anything else. 2

Pros And Cons

Pros

  • Cheaper and better price
  • Both vents have great usability and design

Cons

  • Space is little bit less than other products 
  • No temperature gauge

Product Specification

Item Dimensions‎22 x 22 x 28 inches
Item Weight‎19 Pounds
Color‎Silver
Assembly RequiredYes
Finish Type‎Rust-resistant
Fuel TypeCharcoal
Total cooking area333 square inches

Why is it better?

The price is the main factor that makes it attractive for users who are on a tight budget. 

Our Experience

The coals are contained, so there are no ashes falling off onto your food unlike other grills with ash receivers you have to empty out often.

See what Reddit users think

Old Smokey Grill as a starter for smoking?
by u/ParsleyLimp in smoking

Old Smokey Charcoal Grill Cooking Experience


3. PK Grills SSB-X Original PKTX Outdoor Portable Aluminum Charcoal Grill and Smoker Best Portable

PK Grills SSB-X Original PKTX Outdoor Portable Aluminum Charcoal Grill and Smoker
PK Grills SSB-X Original PKTX Outdoor Portable Aluminum Charcoal Grill and Smoker

Rating:

Summary:

This is a portable grill that can be used anywhere. It comes with a charcoal burner and an aluminum grill so it’s lightweight.

Key Features

  • Portable and small charcoal grill for easy move
  • Most of the components are foldable
  • Different cooking and temperature settings

Product Description

This is perfect for camping or tailgating, as it wouldn’t take long to assemble and remove when you’re done grilling your food.

The stainless steel wire mesh allows you to smoke meat, fish, or vegetables while on the go.

There are multiple food compartments that can hold up to 220 pounds of food if needed! 3

Pros And Cons

Pros

  • Versatile and customizable product for BBQ parties
  • Easy to carry and fold for carrying in the car

Cons

  • There is no ashtray in this small charcoal grill

Product Specification

Item Dimensions‎48 x 19.2 x 38 inches
Item Weight‎55.9 pounds
ColorSilver
Assembly RequiredYes
Finish Type‎Rust-resistant
Fuel TypeCharcoal
Total cooking area300 square inches

Why is it better?

This grill is the most stylish and seems like the high-tech version of typical grills.

Our Experience

The overall experience was smooth. The challenge is that this grill can only be used with briquettes which are not included in the package.

PK Grills SSB-X Original PKTX Outdoor Portable Aluminum Charcoal Grill Overview


4. Masterbuilt MB20040220 Gravity Series 560 Digital Charcoal Grill + Smoker, Black Best Temperature Control

Masterbuilt MB20040220 Gravity Series 560 Digital Charcoal Grill + Smoker
Masterbuilt MB20040220 Gravity Series 560 Digital Charcoal Grill + Smoker

Rating:

Summary:

The Masterbuilt® Gravity Series® 560 Digital Charcoal Grill + Smoker features a unique patent-pending design that allows you to cook. 

Key Features

  • Reach higher temperature in less than 7 minutes
  • Digital stats for the better control over temperature
  • Digital fan to make the cooking easier

Product Description

Simply put the bricks in the bottom of the unit and let gravity do its job.

Weighing just 17 pounds, this small charcoal grill is portable enough to take it with you on camping trips or tailgating. It’s simple to use. 4

Pros And Cons

Pros

  • Versatile small charcoal grill for smokes too
  • Digital screen to show the temperature
  • Automatic fan to control the heat

Cons

  • A little bit bulkier than other products
  • Storage is complicated

Product Specification

Item Dimensions‎24.65 x 54.13 x 51.97 inches
Item Weight147 pounds
ColorBlack
Assembly RequiredYes
Finish Type‎N/A
Fuel TypeCharcoal
Total cooking area560 square inches

Why is it better?

The use of the digital screen and digital fan makes the grilling easier for the inexperienced person too. 

Our Experience

All you have to do is set your desired temperature, add wood or charcoal, and let the smoke ring generate flavor all day long.

Masterbuilt Gravity Series 560 Digital Charcoal Grill Have a Look


5. Kamado Joe KJ23RH Classic I Charcoal Grill, 18 inch, Blaze RedBest Built-in Thermometer

Kamado Joe KJ23RH Classic I Charcoal Grill
Kamado Joe KJ23RH Classic I Charcoal Grill, 18 inch, Blaze Red

Rating:

Summary:

Kamado Joe is a brand of charcoal grills that are designed to be used outdoors.

They usually have a dome-shaped firebox which helps the Kamado Joe’s design retain heat inside.

Key Features

  • Cook different styles in the same small charcoal grills
  • Unique and practical design for easy cooking
  • Built-in thermometer

Product Description

The dome shape also helps to keep the food from falling over on the grill.

This small grill stands at 18 inches tall, has a 23 square inch cooking area, and weighs 50 pounds.

This is one of the smaller sizes of Kamado Joe smokers available.

Pros And Cons

Pros

  • Better control over temperature
  • Side shelves to ease the cooking process

Cons

  • Price is a little bit higher but ROI is good

Product Specification

Item Dimensions‎18″D x 18.11″W x 48″H
Item Weight188 pounds
ColorBlaze Red
Assembly RequiredNo
Finish Type‎Painted
Fuel TypeCharcoal
Total cooking area23 square inches

Why is it better?

The design is not only unique better in price too. It traps the heat inside and this is a rare feature.

Our Experience

The egg-shaped small charcoal grill looks tiny but has larger cooking space. The area is large enough to cook a pizza. The use is easier than other grills. 

Kamado Joe KJ23RH Classic Unboxing & First Impressions


6. Oklahoma Joe’s 19402088 Rambler Portable Charcoal Grill, BlackBest Heavy-Duty

Oklahoma Joe's 19402088 Rambler Portable Charcoal Grill, Black
Oklahoma Joe’s 19402088 Rambler Portable Charcoal Grill, Black

Rating:

Summary:

The Oklahoma Joe’s Portable Charcoal Grill will ensure your barbecue experience provides a true smoky flavor.

With this grill, you can cook for hours and miles away from the house.

Key Features

  • Heavy-duty steel body can take a beating
  • Perfect small charcoal grill for outdoor use
  • Accurate and smooth airflow

Product Description

The Oklahoma Joe’s Rambler Grill is made of heavy-duty steel.

It can withstand up to 400-degree temperatures while maintaining a cool touch on the exterior.

This durable design has no parts or pieces that will rust or wear out; assuring you’ll take pleasure in it for years to come. 5

Pros And Cons

Pros

  • Compact and small design with practical options
  • The solid and rigid material
  • Easy to carry with side handles

Cons

  • The grill is heavy in weight due to the handles

Product Specification

Item Dimensions‎19.5″D x 26.8″W x 21.8″H
Item Weight2.2 pounds
ColorBlack
Assembly Required‎Yes
Finish Type‎Painted
Fuel TypeCharcoal
Total cooking area218 square inches

Why is it better?

Oklahoma Portable Charcoal Grill is designed with a compact size of 32″x18″x32″, and weighs only 30 pounds so one person can easily transport it by hand.

Our Experience

If you are not worried about the weight of the grill, everything else is perfect about this product. 

Oklahoma Joe’s 19402088 Rambler Portable Charcoal Grill – 6 Month Review


7. Char-Griller E1515 Patio Pro Charcoal Grill, BlackBest for Larger Cooking Area

Char-Griller E1515 Patio Pro Charcoal Grill, Black
Char-Griller E1515 Patio Pro Charcoal Grill, Black

Rating:

Summary:

This grill is the latest in outdoor cooking, ready to make any backyard cookout or summertime party easy breezy.

Key Features

  • Larger cooking area and easy mobility
  • Handles stay cool due to wood material
  • Side air vents for airflow

Product Description

With 58 000 BTUs of heat, this grill has plenty of power to handle a 12-pound turkey or a 4-pound pork shoulder. 

Its cast-iron grate and hood provide superior heat distribution for juicy meat. Its porcelain enamel finish prevents rusting and corrosion from the elements. 6

Pros And Cons

Pros

  • Easy to move for outdoor BBQ
  • Shelves to store items
  • Easy to assemble

Cons

  • The shelves are only useable for a few items

Product Specification

Item Dimensions‎‎31″D x 21″W x 44″H
Item Weight50 pounds
ColorBlack
Assembly Required‎Yes
Finish Type‎Powder Coated
Fuel TypeCharcoal
Total cooking area250 square inches

Why is it better?

Unlike other small charcoal grills, this one is pretty easy to assemble and requires no expertise.

Our Experience

Along with its aluminum side shelves that are perfect for burgers, ribs, and hot dogs–making this grill is perfect for tailgating parties too. 

Char-Griller E1515 Patio Pro Charcoal Grill, First Look


8. BioLite FPB1001 Outdoor Smokeless Wood & Charcoal Burning FirePit and GrillBest for Built-in Battery

BioLite FPB1001 Outdoor Smokeless Wood & Charcoal Burning FirePit and Grill
BioLite FPB1001 Outdoor Smokeless Wood & Charcoal Burning FirePit and Grill

Rating:

Summary:

This small charcoal grill and Fire Pit is the best outdoor cooking device we tested. It’s not just a grill; it’s a smoker, a fire pit, and an oven.

Key Features

  • Smokeless wood-burning pit
  • 4 different fan speed options for airflow
  • Built-in battery for emergency charging for mobiles

Product Description

This portable fire pit is constructed of stainless steel and metal mesh to prevent bugs from coming. It still protects the flames from the wind. 

The BioLite small charcoal grill also has a porcelain-on-steel grate cooking surface for easy cleanup. 7

Pros And Cons

Pros

  • Different options in the same product
  • Fan speeds are adjustable for different cooking options
  • Charging port to charge your phone

Cons

  • Color quality is poor

Product Specification

Item Dimensions58.4 x 37.8 x 38.7 inches
Item Weight20 pounds
ColorBlack
Assembly Required‎Yes
Finish Type‎Powder Coated
Fuel TypeWood
Total cooking areaN/A

Why is it better?

For outdoor BBQ, you also get a charging option so your phones don’t run out of power. This is the multi-functional small charcoal grill.

Our Experience

It’s strong enough to hold oversized logs for long periods of time without collapsing. The BBQ experience is smooth. 

BioLite Outdoor Charcoal Burning FirePit and Grill Review


9. PK Grills PKO-SCAX-X Original PK Grill & Smoker Grill SmokerBest Unique Features

PK Grills PKO-SCAX-X Original PK Grill & Smoker Grill Smoker
PK Grills PKO-SCAX-X Original PK Grill & Smoker Grill Smoker

Rating:

Summary:

When you want to cook a delicious meal, you can get your grill for an amazing price.

Key Features

  • Unique shape with several air vents
  • Rigid and durable construction
  • Amazing features and options

Product Description

The PK Grill & Smoker by PK Grills is rectangular in shape with side shelves on both sides.

They also have adjustable height legs so that your cooking surface will always be level. No matter where it is placed on uneven ground. 8

Pros And Cons

Pros

  • Easy and smooth setup
  • Heat retention is really impressive
  • Built-in shelf

Cons

  • Lid attachment is not firm

Product Specification

Item Dimensions16 x 35 x 35.5 inches
Item Weight45 pounds
ColorSilver
Assembly Required‎Yes
Finish Type‎Rust-proof
Fuel TypeCharcoal
Total cooking area300 square inches

Why is it better?

The area is larger than many other products and the wheels make the move really easy. 

Our Experience

The PK Grill & Smoker offers a 16 x 35 x 35.5-inch cooking space. There is a large front door for easy access to the grill’s contents without any risk of getting burned.

PK Grills PKO-SCAX-X Original PK Grill & Smoker Grill Smoker Quick Review


10. Weber 15501001 Performer Deluxe Charcoal Grill, 22-Inch, Touch-N-Go gas ignition systemBest Durable

Weber 15501001 Performer Deluxe Charcoal Grill, 22-Inch,
Weber 15501001 Performer Deluxe Charcoal Grill, 22-Inch, Touch-N-Go gas ignition system

Rating:

Summary:

This small charcoal grill is perfect because:

  • It’s one of the most well-built, durable grills on the market
  • It can cook food better than any other

Key Features

  • Two-way power mode for both gas and charcoal
  • Larger cooking area of 363 square inches
  • Built-in thermometer and LCD

Product Description

This small charcoal grill is engineered with outstanding quality materials.

It includes a sturdy base, porcelain-enameled charcoal chamber, and cooking grate and triple nickel chrome plated steel venturi burners. 9

Pros And Cons

Pros

  • Amazing built quality
  • Larger cooking area
  • Dual-channel option to cook food

Cons

  • An expensive product but offers a great feature

Product Specification

Item Dimensions30″D x 48″W x 43.5″H
Item Weight91 pounds
ColorGreen
Assembly Required‎Yes
Finish Type‎Painted
Fuel TypeCharcoal
Total cooking area363 square inches

Why is it better?

In case you want to use gas, you can easily attach the gas. It works with charcoal too.

Our Experience

This small charcoal grill doesn’t come cheap. If you’re serious about cooking or like to BBQ often then investing in this high-quality grill may be worth it.

Weber Performer 22-Inch Charcoal Grill Review


Comparison

PRODUCTRatingPriceBest ForPrimary Cooking AreaFininsh TypeSpecial Feature
Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill, 22-Inch, Black4.8/5$219.00Overall22 inchPaintedOne-Touch Cleaning System
Old Smokey Charcoal Grill 22”- Classic Style Charcoal Grill4.7/5$71.00Rust-ResistantN/ARust-resistantEasy To Assemble
PK Grills SSB-X Original PKTX Outdoor Portable Aluminum Charcoal Grill And Smoker4.7/5$559.99Portable300 Square inchesN/AWheeled
Masterbuilt MB20040220 Gravity Series 560 Digital Charcoal Grill + Smoker, Black4.3/5$397.60Temperature Control560 square inchesN/ADigitalFan
Kamado Joe KJ23RH Classic I Charcoal Grill, 18 Inch, Blaze Red 4.8/5$820.00Built-In ThermometerN/APaintedBuilt-In Thermometer

How to use a small charcoal grill?

Charcoal Grills can be a wonderful way to cook healthy food with more smoke flavor. But not all of us have the time or knowledge to figure out how they work. 

For best instructions, you can refer to the instruction manual with the product.


How to choose a small charcoal grill?

Small Charcoal Grill is a simple device, as long as you do not need to cook a lot of food at the same time.

It is enough, no matter what you should choose. Well, you need to consider size and portability as the main features.


Conclusion

The choice process for the small charcoal grill is simple. However, the food quantity needs to be large, or if you often cook barbecue for guests and friends.

Then there are some ways to distinguish between different grills.


FAQs

Can You Carry Choose A Small Charcoal Grill?

A choose small charcoal grill must be small enough for you to carry in the car.

Does Choose A Small Charcoal Grill To Come With Wheels?

Some models of choosing small charcoal grills have wheels that make the move easy.

How Many Burgers Can You Cook At The Same Time?

Depending upon the size of choosing small charcoal grill, the numbers keep varying. Usually, you can grill 3-4 burgers at the same time.

NPC Overall Rating


ARTICLE SOURCES

The National Planning Cycles is committed to producing high-quality content that follows industry standards. We do this by using primary sources, such as white papers and government data alongside original reporting from reputable publishers that were appropriate for the accuracy of information while still being unbiased. We have an editorial policy that includes verifiable facts with due credit given where applicable.

  1. https://www.thespruceeats.com/weber-original-kettle-premium-22-charcoal-grill-review-4767281[]
  2. https://www.derrickriches.com/old-smokey-22-charcoal-grill-review/[]
  3. https://www.smokedbbqsource.com/pk-grill-classic-review/[]
  4. https://www.smokedbbqsource.com/masterbuilt-gravity-series-560-digital-charcoal-smoker-review/[]
  5. https://portablegrill.net/oklahoma-joes-rambler-review-2020/[]
  6. https://www.dontwasteyourmoney.com/products/char-griller-e1515-patio-pro-charcoal-grill/[]
  7. https://www.foodfirefriends.com/biolite-firepit-plus-review/[]
  8. https://www.bbqdryrubs.com/pk-grill-review/[]
  9. https://www.foodfirefriends.com/weber-performer-deluxe-charcoal-grill-review/[]

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