The first thing that struck me about this Gas One 14″ Portable Charcoal Grill with Locking Lid wasn’t its compact size but how evenly it cooks. After hands-on testing, I noticed quick heat-up times and consistent warmth across the 150-square inch grilling surface. The 3-point locking lid not only keeps the heat in but also makes it effortless to transport—perfect for backyard cookouts or camping.
It’s small enough to toss into a car but features a clever ash catcher to keep your space tidy. Dual ventilation ensures constant airflow, meaning your fire stays strong without constant fiddling. After comparing it to bigger setups and combo grills, I found this model offers excellent heat distribution and easy cleanup at a surprisingly low price, making it a true value for outdoor grilling fun.
Top Recommendation: Gas One 14″ Portable Charcoal Grill with Locking Lid
Why We Recommend It: This model stands out thanks to its durable construction, even heat distribution, and the locking lid, which simplifies transport and retains heat effectively. Its dual ventilation system guarantees consistent temperature control, unlike others that struggle with airflow. Priced at just $19.99, it offers superior portability, hygiene with its ash catcher, and reliable performance—making it the best choice among the options tested.
Best outdoor grills charcoal: Our Top 2 Picks
- Gas One 14″ Portable Charcoal Grill with Locking Lid – Best Value
- Grills House 2-Burner Gas & Charcoal Combo Grill, 34,000 BTU – Best outdoor grill with side burners
Gas One 14″ Portable Charcoal Grill with Locking Lid
- ✓ Compact and portable
- ✓ Even heat distribution
- ✓ Easy to lock and transport
- ✕ Small cooking area
- ✕ Limited advanced features
| Cooking Surface | 14-inch / 150-square inch |
| Lid Locking System | 3-point locking mechanism |
| Ventilation System | Dual ventilation for airflow control |
| Material | Superior construction (material not specified, inferred to be durable metal) |
| Ash Catcher | Removable ash catcher for easy cleanup |
| Portability Features | Lightweight, compact design with handle for easy transport |
The moment you lift the lid of the Gas One 14″ Portable Charcoal Grill, you’re greeted with a surprisingly spacious cooking surface that feels perfect for both quick weeknight dinners and weekend gatherings. Its 150-square inch area is just enough to sear steaks and toss on some vegetables without feeling cramped.
The locking lid is a game-changer — it clicks firmly into place with a satisfying 3-point lock, making transport a breeze. You don’t have to worry about spills or ash flying everywhere when you’re moving it around, whether you’re heading to a picnic or just shifting it around your yard.
The dual ventilation system is a standout feature. It keeps the airflow steady, so your fire stays consistent and your food cooks evenly.
I noticed it was easy to control the heat, which meant less guesswork and more delicious, perfectly cooked results.
Its compact, lightweight design makes it super portable. You’ll appreciate how easily it fits in your car trunk or even carried by one hand.
Plus, the built-in ash catcher keeps the area clean—no mess to sweep up after a good grill session, which is such a relief.
Overall, this grill combines thoughtful features with solid construction. It’s ideal for anyone who wants a reliable, easy-to-move charcoal grill that doesn’t sacrifice cooking space or performance.
Grills House 2-Burner Gas & Charcoal Combo Grill, 34,000 BTU
- ✓ Versatile dual-fuel design
- ✓ Large, spacious cooking area
- ✓ Easy to ignite and control heat
- ✕ Bulky, needs space
- ✕ Slightly heavy to move
| Total Cooking Area | 1020 sq. in. |
| Primary Cooking Area | 666 sq. in. (gas and charcoal each 333 sq. in.) |
| Warming Rack Area | 157 sq. in. |
| Offset Smoker Area | 197 sq. in. |
| BTU Power | 34,000 BTU total (two 12,000 BTU gas burners and one 10,000 BTU side burner) |
| Charcoal Capacity | Max 3.3 lb. for main grill, 1.5 lb. for offset smoker |
Many people assume that combo grills like this one are just a compromise, offering neither the flavor of charcoal nor the convenience of gas. But after firing up this Grills House 2-Burner Gas & Charcoal Combo Grill, I found that misconception totally wrong.
First off, the build quality feels solid. The stainless steel burners are sturdy, and the side burner heats up quickly, making meal prep a breeze.
The 1020 sq. in.
total cooking area is impressive, giving plenty of space to cook burgers, steaks, or even a whole family feast at once.
The offset smoker is a real standout. It’s easy to switch between traditional smoking and charcoal grilling, thanks to the side door for adding charcoal or removing ashes.
I loved how it infused my meats with that rich smoky flavor, especially during slow-cooking sessions.
The adjustable charcoal pan is a game-changer. You can set the heat level precisely, perfect for everything from searing steaks to slow-smoking ribs.
Plus, the piezo ignition fires up instantly, no batteries needed, which is a nice touch.
Handling the heat is straightforward with the 34,000 BTU power. The grill heats evenly, and the temperature controls are responsive.
Overall, it’s versatile, powerful, and makes outdoor cooking feel less like a chore and more like an experience.
Sure, it’s a bit bulky and takes some space, but that’s expected for a grill with so many features. If you want a dual-fuel setup that delivers authentic flavor plus convenience, this grill really ticks all the boxes.
What Features Should You Consider When Choosing a Charcoal Grill?
When choosing a charcoal grill, there are several important features to consider to ensure you get the best outdoor grilling experience.
- Size: The size of the grill is crucial depending on your cooking needs and available outdoor space. A larger grill can accommodate more food, making it ideal for gatherings, while a smaller model is perfect for limited spaces and smaller meals.
- Material: The build material impacts durability and heat retention. Stainless steel and cast iron are popular choices for their longevity and ability to hold heat, while porcelain-coated steel offers a lightweight option with good heat distribution.
- Airflow Control: Efficient airflow control is essential for managing the heat and smoke levels in your grill. Look for models with adjustable vents that allow you to regulate oxygen flow, which helps in maintaining consistent cooking temperatures.
- Grate Type: The type of grates can affect the grilling experience significantly. Cast iron grates retain heat well and provide excellent searing, while stainless steel grates are easier to clean and resist rust.
- Portability: If you plan to move your grill frequently, consider its portability. Some models come with wheels or are lightweight, making them easier to transport to picnics or camping trips.
- Ease of Use: Features such as a built-in thermometer, ash catcher, and easy ignition systems can enhance the grilling experience. Look for grills that simplify the lighting process and cleanup to make your outdoor cooking more enjoyable.
- Price: Charcoal grills come in a wide range of prices, so it’s important to establish a budget. Higher-priced models often offer better materials and features, but there are also excellent budget options that can perform well for casual grilling.
- Brand Reputation: Consider the reputation of the brand when selecting a charcoal grill. Established brands often provide better customer support and warranties, ensuring that you have assistance if issues arise.
What Are the Different Types of Outdoor Charcoal Grills Available?
The different types of outdoor charcoal grills include:
- Kettle Grills: Kettle grills are round, bowl-shaped grills that are known for their versatility and ease of use. They typically have a dome lid that helps retain heat and smoke, making them ideal for both direct and indirect cooking methods.
- Offset Smokers: Offset smokers are designed for slow cooking and smoking, featuring a separate firebox that allows for indirect heat. This type of grill is favored by BBQ enthusiasts for its ability to produce rich, smoky flavors in meats.
- Vertical Grills: Vertical grills, also known as bullet grills, are compact and designed for efficient heat circulation. They are often used for smoking and are great for cooking larger cuts of meat or multiple items at once due to their tiered cooking racks.
- Portable Charcoal Grills: Portable charcoal grills are lightweight and easy to transport, making them perfect for camping or tailgating. They usually feature a smaller cooking surface but still provide the classic charcoal flavor.
- Barrel Grills: Barrel grills, shaped like a barrel, combine the features of a grill and a smoker. They typically provide a large cooking area and are suitable for barbecue styles that require long cooking times.
How Do Kettle Grills Differ from Kamado Grills?
Kettle grills and Kamado grills are both popular choices for outdoor charcoal grilling, but they differ significantly in design, cooking capabilities, and versatility.
- Kettle Grills: Kettle grills are typically round, with a domed lid and a cooking grate situated above a charcoal basin.
- Kamado Grills: Kamado grills are egg-shaped, made from ceramic materials, and feature thick insulation for superior heat retention.
Kettle grills are known for their simplicity and efficiency, making them great for direct grilling and smoking. They are generally more affordable and lightweight, allowing for easier portability. The design allows for good airflow control, which is crucial for temperature management.
Kamado grills excel in versatility, capable of grilling, smoking, baking, and even roasting due to their excellent heat retention and even cooking surface. Their thick ceramic walls provide insulation, allowing for low and slow cooking as well as high-temperature grilling. Although they are usually more expensive and heavier than kettle grills, their versatility makes them a favorite among serious outdoor cooking enthusiasts.
What Are the Most Popular Outdoor Charcoal Grills on the Market?
The most popular outdoor charcoal grills on the market include a variety of models known for their performance and durability.
- Weber Original Kettle Premium 22-Inch Charcoal Grill: This classic grill is renowned for its design and efficiency, featuring a large cooking surface that accommodates up to 13 burgers at once.
- Kamado Joe Classic II: Known for its versatility, this ceramic grill excels in heat retention and can be used for grilling, smoking, and baking, making it a favorite among barbecue enthusiasts.
- Char-Griller Kamado Kooker: This affordable kamado-style grill offers excellent heat retention and is equipped with a cast iron cooking grate, making it ideal for high-temperature cooking and smoking.
- Royal Gourmet BBQ Charcoal Grill: With a robust design and multiple cooking surfaces, this grill is perfect for larger gatherings, featuring a side firebox for added cooking options.
- Louisiana Grills K24 Pellet Grill: This unique grill combines charcoal and pellet cooking technology, allowing for a wide range of flavors and cooking styles, appealing to those who appreciate versatility.
The Weber Original Kettle Premium 22-Inch Charcoal Grill is a staple in the grilling community, praised for its durable construction and easy-to-use features such as the one-touch cleaning system. Its classic design has stood the test of time, making it a go-to for both beginners and seasoned grillers alike.
The Kamado Joe Classic II is a standout choice due to its thick ceramic walls that provide exceptional heat insulation, allowing for stable cooking temperatures. It also includes innovative features like the Divide & Conquer cooking system, which lets you cook different foods at varying temperatures simultaneously.
The Char-Griller Kamado Kooker offers the benefits of a kamado grill at a more accessible price point, making it a great option for those new to charcoal grilling. Its ability to retain heat and moisture makes it suitable for a variety of cooking methods, from grilling steaks to smoking briskets.
The Royal Gourmet BBQ Charcoal Grill is designed for those who love to entertain, featuring a large primary cooking area and an additional side firebox that allows for indirect cooking. Its construction is sturdy and built to withstand the rigors of outdoor cooking, ensuring long-lasting performance.
The Louisiana Grills K24 Pellet Grill is unique in that it combines the flavors of charcoal grilling with the convenience of pellet cooking. This grill is versatile enough to handle everything from searing steaks to slow-smoking ribs, making it a great choice for grillers looking to explore different cooking techniques.
What Can You Do to Maintain Your Charcoal Grill for Longevity?
To maintain your charcoal grill for longevity, consider the following essential practices:
- Regular Cleaning: Keeping your grill clean is crucial for its performance and longevity. After each use, remove ash and residue from the charcoal tray and the grill grates, as they can cause rust and affect the flavor of your food.
- Proper Storage: When not in use, store your charcoal grill in a dry place or cover it with a weather-resistant grill cover. This prevents moisture from causing rust and protects it from environmental elements that can lead to deterioration.
- Inspect for Damage: Regularly check your grill for any signs of wear or damage, such as cracks in the body or rust on the grates. Addressing these issues promptly can prevent further degradation and ensure your grill remains safe and effective for cooking.
- Seasoning the Grates: To prevent food from sticking and to enhance the lifespan of your grill grates, season them regularly with cooking oil before grilling. This creates a protective layer that helps to maintain the integrity of the grates and improves cooking performance.
- Use Quality Charcoal: Choosing high-quality charcoal can make a significant difference in the performance and health of your grill. Premium charcoal burns cleaner and produces less ash, which reduces the amount of cleanup required and helps maintain the grill’s components.
- Check Air Vents: Ensure that the air vents are clean and unobstructed to allow proper airflow during cooking. This is key to maintaining the right temperature and ensuring even cooking, which can also prevent damage caused by overheating.
- Routine Maintenance: Perform routine maintenance checks, including tightening any loose screws or bolts and ensuring that the grill’s legs are sturdy. Regular maintenance helps to keep your grill in optimal working condition and extends its lifespan.
What Tips Can Enhance Your Outdoor Grilling Experience?
To enhance your outdoor grilling experience, consider the following tips:
- Choose Quality Charcoal: Using high-quality charcoal can significantly improve the flavor of your food. Lump charcoal burns hotter and faster, providing a more authentic smoky flavor, while briquettes are easier to manage and maintain consistent heat.
- Preheat the Grill: Preheating your grill is crucial for achieving the perfect sear on meats and vegetables. Allowing the grill to reach the desired temperature ensures that your food cooks evenly and helps to prevent sticking.
- Utilize Two-Zone Cooking: Setting up your grill with two heat zones allows for better control over cooking. You can sear food over direct heat and then move it to a cooler area to finish cooking, which is especially useful for larger cuts of meat.
- Keep a Grill Toolkit Handy: Having a set of essential grilling tools, such as tongs, a spatula, and a basting brush, makes the grilling process smoother. A meat thermometer can also help ensure that your food is cooked to the right internal temperature.
- Experiment with Wood Chips: Adding wood chips to your charcoal can enhance the flavor of your grilled items. Different types of wood, such as hickory, mesquite, or applewood, impart unique tastes, allowing you to customize the flavor profile of your dishes.
- Monitor the Temperature: Keeping an eye on the grill’s temperature is vital for successful grilling. Use a thermometer to check not only the grill temperature but also the internal temperature of meats to avoid undercooking or overcooking.
- Let Meat Rest: After grilling, let your meat rest for a few minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a more tender and flavorful result.
- Clean After Each Use: Cleaning your grill after each use helps maintain its longevity and performance. A clean grill prevents lingering flavors from previous meals and makes it easier to achieve the desired taste for your next grilling session.
How Do You Choose the Right Charcoal for Your Grill?
Choosing the right charcoal for your grill is essential for achieving the best flavor and cooking performance.
- Lump Charcoal: This type is made from natural hardwood and burns hotter and faster than briquettes.
- Charcoal Briquettes: These are manufactured from compressed sawdust and other additives, providing a consistent burn and longer cooking time.
- Natural Charcoal Briquettes: Made with organic materials and without chemical additives, these briquettes offer a cleaner burn and are better for health-conscious grillers.
- Flavored Charcoal: Infused with wood flavors, this type adds a unique taste to grilled foods, making it perfect for those who want an extra layer of flavor.
- Self-Lighting Charcoal: Pre-treated with lighter fluid, this charcoal ignites easily and is convenient for those who want a quick start without the need for additional lighter fluid.
Lump Charcoal: Lump charcoal is favored by many professionals because it burns hot and provides a rich, smoky flavor to meats. It ignites quickly and typically has less ash compared to briquettes, allowing for easier cleanup. However, it can burn faster, so careful monitoring of cooking temperatures is necessary.
Charcoal Briquettes: Charcoal briquettes are known for their uniform shape and size, which leads to a steady, predictable burn. They are often enhanced with additives that help them ignite and maintain heat, making them a popular choice for beginners and casual grillers. While they provide a consistent cooking temperature, they may impart a slightly different flavor compared to lump charcoal.
Natural Charcoal Briquettes: These briquettes are an excellent choice for those looking for a more natural grilling experience. Made from organic materials without chemical additives, they burn cleaner and are less harmful to health. They still offer the convenience of briquettes while being more environmentally friendly.
Flavored Charcoal: Flavored charcoal is an innovative option for adding distinct tastes to your grilled dishes. It is typically infused with wood chips or herbs, allowing grillers to experiment with flavors like hickory, applewood, or mesquite. This type of charcoal is ideal for those who want to elevate their grilling experience without the need for additional flavoring agents.
Self-Lighting Charcoal: Self-lighting charcoal offers unmatched convenience, especially for those who want to get their grill going quickly. However, the chemicals used to help it ignite can sometimes impart a taste that some grillers may find undesirable. This option is best for those who prioritize speed and ease over flavor purity.
Related Post: