I have hauled charcoal grills to beaches, ballparks, river bends, and apartment patios over the past few summers. The right portable grill makes you the most popular person at the tailgate. The wrong one ends up rusting in your garage.
Here are the five I keep coming back to, and what each does best.
Quick comparison
| Model | Cook Area | Weight | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weber Smokey Joe 14 in | 147 sq in | 9.5 lb | Best overall portable |
| Weber Jumbo Joe 18 in | 240 sq in | 14 lb | Larger groups |
| Lodge Sportsman’s Grill | 196 sq in | 24 lb | Cast iron lovers |
| PK Grills PKGO | 204 sq in | 21 lb | Two zone cooking |
| Kingsford Portable Tabletop | 154 sq in | 7 lb | Budget pick |
Weber Smokey Joe 14-Inch
This is the portable charcoal grill I have owned the longest, going on six years. The porcelain enameled bowl and lid shrug off rain and rust. A full chimney of briquettes gives me 45 minutes of solid grilling, enough for burgers and dogs for four people. I love that the lid clips to the bowl for transport so coals do not spill. For solo travel and small groups this is the one.
Weber Jumbo Joe 18-Inch
When my smaller Smokey Joe is not enough, I pack the Jumbo Joe. The 18 inch grate fits 10 burgers easily and the deeper bowl lets me set up a true two zone fire with coals on one side. Same porcelain construction, same Tuck N Carry lid lock, just bigger. The trade off is that it does not pack as small for backpacking. For car camping with four or more people, this is my pick.
Lodge Sportsman’s Grill
If you camp out of a truck and weight does not matter, the Lodge cast iron grill is built like an anvil. The hibachi style design has two adjustable cooking grates and twin sliding draft doors. Sears are excellent because cast iron holds heat. It rusts if you do not season it like a skillet, and at 24 pounds you are not carrying it far. For tailgates and base camps it is a great choice.
PK Grills PKGO
The PKGO is the portable version of the classic PK Grill, with a cast aluminum body that will outlast you. Four vents give real control over temperature for indirect cooking, something most portable grills cannot do. I grilled chicken thighs and a small pork tenderloin on it at a campground and they came off restaurant quality. Pricier than the Webers but the cooking ability is in another tier.
Kingsford Portable Tabletop Grill
For this is the grill I lend to friends. The chrome plated grate and steel body will not last as long as the Weber but they get you through a season of beach trips just fine. Light enough to one hand carry from your car. Use a foil liner in the bowl to extend its life. Treat it as a 2 to 3 year tool, not a forever buy.
How to choose
If you only buy one, the Weber Smokey Joe is the safest pick. It is light, durable, and the lid actually works. Size up to the Jumbo Joe if you cook for more than three people. Pick the PK Grills PKGO if temperature control matters, and the Lodge if you camp from a truck and want a heirloom tool. The Kingsford is a starter grill, not a forever grill.
Frequently asked questions
How long does charcoal last in a portable grill?+
A full chimney of lump charcoal runs about 45 to 60 minutes of cooking time in most portable grills. Briquettes burn longer but light slower.
Can I fly with a portable charcoal grill?+
Yes if you check it. TSA does not allow charcoal in carry on or checked bags, so buy fuel at your destination.