When you’re looking for a small charcoal grill, there are a few things to keep in mind.
First and foremost: what do you want it for? If you want something that can be used as an everyday grill and will last for years, then this list may not be right for you.
However, if all you need is something portable and easy-to-use for tailgating or camping trips then one of these five options should do the trick!
Another important factor when choosing a new grill is whether or not it has access panels on both sides (or even just one).
This will allow air flow through the firebox so that smoke doesn’t build up inside too quickly, causing flare-ups that could potentially damage your food or even start fires if left unattended long enough.
Best Small Charcoal Grills
- Weber Smokey Joe 14-inch Portable Grill
- Char-Griller E1515 Patio Pro Charcoal Grill
- Char-Broil TRU-Infrared Kettleman Charcoal Grill
Features of the Weber Smokey Joe 14-inch Portable Grill
The Weber Smokey Joe 14-inch Portable Grill is a small, portable charcoal grill that can be taken anywhere. It has a porcelain-enameled lid and bowl for easy cleanup, as well as rust-resistant aluminum legs.
Features of the Char-Griller E1515 Patio Pro Charcoal Grill
The Char-Griller E1515 Patio Pro Charcoal Grill is a great choice for anyone looking for a small grill that can cook for the whole family.
This grill has cast iron cooking grates, adjustable dampers and side shelf and side firebox.
The cast iron cooking grates are easy to clean and they will last you years without rusting or warping.
The adjustable dampers allow you to control the heat of your grill so you can cook everything from burgers to steaks without worrying about them burning on one side while being raw on another side.
The side shelf allows you to place food items on top of it while they are still cooking.
In order to keep them warm until it’s time for everyone at your party or family gathering eat together around one table instead of having multiple tables.
Set up around each other with different foods being cooked by different people at separate times because everyone wants theirs done differently!
Features of the Char-Broil TRU-Infrared Kettleman Charcoal Grill
- TRU-Infrared cooking system: This grill uses infrared technology to cook your food faster, more evenly and with less waste. The TRU-Infrared cooking system is made up of a porcelain-coated lid and bowl that reflect heat back onto the food you’re grilling.
- Porcelain-enameled cast iron cooking grids: These two removable grates are made from cast iron to ensure they stay sturdy while you’re cooking on them. They also come with air dampers so you can control how much heat gets into the grill itself and therefore how much smoke comes out of it!
- Portable design: The Char-Broil TRU-Infrared Kettleman Charcoal Grill isn’t just easy to assemble; it’s also easy for one person (or two people) to move around when necessary!
Pros and Cons of Small Charcoal Grills
Pros:
- More control over heat. Small charcoal grills are easier to regulate, so you can cook your food more precisely and get better results.
- More flavorful food. The higher heat of a small charcoal grill means that your meat will have a more pronounced smoky flavor than it would on a larger grill, which uses indirect heat that doesn’t burn as intensely or develop as much smoke flavor.
- Portability. If you’re looking for something you can take camping or tailgating with ease, this is an excellent option you’ll be able to transport it easily in the trunk of your car (or even on public transportation) without having to worry about whether there’s enough room for everything else!
- Less expensive than other types of grills (like propane), but still offers many benefits like portability and control over temperature
Best Practices for Using Small Charcoal Grills
- Choose the right charcoal.
- Use a chimney starter to light your coals, rather than lighter fluid or matches. The charcoal will burn more evenly, and you’ll avoid any unpleasant fumes or chemicals.
- Keep the lid open when lighting your coals this allows oxygen to flow through them and help them catch fire faster! Once they’re lit, close up that grill so those flames don’t escape into your face (or house).
- Use a thermometer to check internal temperatures throughout grilling time; if something isn’t cooking at the speed you want it to cook at, adjust accordingly by moving things around on top of different racks or turning off one side of your grill altogether for longer periods of time until everything reaches desired doneness levels before serving up delicious meals!
Tips for Cleaning and Maintaining Small Charcoal Grills
- Clean the grates after each use.
- Use a brush to clean the interior of your grill, and be sure to remove any food particles that may have fallen into the bottom of it.
- Cover your small charcoal grill when not in use to keep it from getting dirty or collecting dust, which can make cleaning even more difficult later on.
- Store your small charcoal grill in a dry place so that moisture doesn’t damage its components over time
Conclusion
Small charcoal grills are a great option for those who want to get into the world of outdoor cooking, but don’t have a lot of space or want to invest in a larger grill.
They’re also more portable than gas grills and offer more control over heat than their larger counterparts.
Smaller grills are perfect if you’re looking to do some simple grilling at home or on vacation without having to lug around an unwieldy piece of equipment and they can be had at prices that won’t break your bank account either!