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?
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.
Best Small Charcoal Grills
Here are our 10 best options based on:
- Best Overall – Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill, 22-Inch, Black
- Best Rust-resistant – Old Smokey Charcoal Grill 22”- Classic style charcoal grill
- Best Portable – PK Grills SSB-X Original PKTX Outdoor Portable Aluminum Charcoal Grill and Smoker
- Best Temperature Control – Masterbuilt MB20040220 Gravity Series 560 Digital Charcoal Grill + Smoker, Black
- Best Built-in Thermometer – Kamado Joe KJ23RH Classic I Charcoal Grill, 18 inch, Blaze Red
- Best Heavy-Duty – Oklahoma Joe’s 19402088 Rambler Portable Charcoal Grill, Black
- Best for Larger Cooking Area – Char-Griller E1515 Patio Pro Charcoal Grill, Black
- Best for Built-in Battery – BioLite FPB1001 Outdoor Smokeless Wood & Charcoal Burning FirePit and Grill
- Best Unique Features – PK Grills PKO-SCAX-X Original PK Grill & Smoker Grill Smoker
- Best Durable – Weber 15501001 Performer Deluxe Charcoal Grill, 22-Inch, Touch-N-Go gas ignition system
1. Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill, 22-Inch, Black – Best Overall
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.
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
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 grill – Best Rust-resistant
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.
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
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.
3. PK Grills SSB-X Original PKTX Outdoor Portable Aluminum Charcoal Grill and Smoker – Best Portable
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!
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
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.
4. Masterbuilt MB20040220 Gravity Series 560 Digital Charcoal Grill + Smoker, Black – Best Temperature Control
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.
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
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.
5. Kamado Joe KJ23RH Classic I Charcoal Grill, 18 inch, Blaze Red – Best Built-in Thermometer
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
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.
6. Oklahoma Joe’s 19402088 Rambler Portable Charcoal Grill, Black – Best Heavy-Duty
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.
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
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.
7. Char-Griller E1515 Patio Pro Charcoal Grill, Black – Best for Larger Cooking Area
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.
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
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.
8. BioLite FPB1001 Outdoor Smokeless Wood & Charcoal Burning FirePit and Grill – Best for Built-in Battery
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.
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
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.
9. PK Grills PKO-SCAX-X Original PK Grill & Smoker Grill Smoker – Best Unique Features
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.
Pros And Cons
Pros
- Easy and smooth setup
- Heat retention is really impressive
- Built-in shelf
Cons
- Lid attachment is not firm
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.
10. Weber 15501001 Performer Deluxe Charcoal Grill, 22-Inch, Touch-N-Go gas ignition system – Best Durable
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.
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
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.
Comparison
| PRODUCT | Rating | Price | Best For | Primary Cooking Area | Fininsh Type | Special Feature |
| Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill, 22-Inch, Black | 4.8/5 | $219.00 | Overall | 22 inch | Painted | One-Touch Cleaning System |
| Old Smokey Charcoal Grill 22”- Classic Style Charcoal Grill | 4.7/5 | $71.00 | Rust-Resistant | N/A | Rust-resistant | Easy To Assemble |
| PK Grills SSB-X Original PKTX Outdoor Portable Aluminum Charcoal Grill And Smoker | 4.7/5 | $559.99 | Portable | 300 Square inches | N/A | Wheeled |
| Masterbuilt MB20040220 Gravity Series 560 Digital Charcoal Grill + Smoker, Black | 4.3/5 | $397.60 | Temperature Control | 560 square inches | N/A | DigitalFan |
| Kamado Joe KJ23RH Classic I Charcoal Grill, 18 Inch, Blaze Red | 4.8/5 | $820.00 | Built-In Thermometer | N/A | Painted | Built-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.
Amit Gupta is the founder of National Planning Cycles, a company that helps startups, individuals, and small businesses with their financial planning. He has a vast amount of experience in the finance sector, having managed Google Play accounts for some of the world’s most successful unicorns. Amit is an expert in his field, and he uses his knowledge to help others achieve their individual goals.