Best Portable Charcoal Grill

What do you look for in the best portable charcoal grill, and what's the grill that has it all?  I did the work so you don't have to.

Sponsored by Fire & Flavor.  All opinions are my own.

Best Portable Charcoal Grill

I came to grilling late in life.

The first time I fired up a grill, I was just shy of my fortieth birthday.  I enjoyed the rich flavor produced by our charcoal grill, but I couldn't help wondering if there wasn't an easier way to produce that flavor.  Something that was a snap to light, and wasn't cumbersome to set up, take down, and clean.

My search quickly led me to portable charcoal grills.  As I studied the various models, I had to wonder: are portable BBQs any good?  The answer is yes, they can be—if you get the right one!

So, what should you look for in a portable grill?  And what is the best portable charcoal grill?

What to Look for in a Portable Grill

• Portability
• Ease of setup
• Quick and easy lighting
• Consistent temperature
• Dishwasher-safe cleanup

After researching, I came to the conclusion that I had the right grill in my back pocket, so to speak, all along.

What Is the Best Portable Charcoal Grill?

Those of you who've followed my blog for some time know that I love to use Fire & Flavor spice rubs, cedar planks, cedar wraps, turkey brine kits, and lump charcoal.  I should've guessed they'd have a top-notch grill, too!

The Fire & Flavor HERO® Grill System is a complete grilling kit that meets all of my requirements.

• Sleek carrying case that holds everything you need
• Simple design with just two sturdy legs to fold down
• Easy-to-light charcoal pods that quickly heat up to the proper temperature
• Holds plenty: 12 hot dogs, or 6 burgers, or 8 wings, or 6 kabobs 
• And you can pop the grill in the dishwasher when you're done!

What I like most about it is that it's so easy to use.  Even non-grillers can easily fire up the HERO® Grill System and become a griller in no time at all.

Don't believe me?  Let me walk you through how to use it.

How to Use It

Step 1

Unpack the grill from its carrying case, unfold the legs, and place it on a non-combustible outdoor surface (like a picnic table, a hard cooler, a boat deck, or a truck tailgate, for example).

Step 2

Light the corner charcoals, immediately insert the pod into the grill, and then wait for the grill temperature to read 400°F on the included thermometer (about 10 minutes).

Step 3

Add food and grill to desired temperature.

Step 4

Extinguish with water (mind the steam).  When the grill is cool, wipe away excess grease.  Dispose of cooled charcoal pod, or replace lid to pack out.  Place grill in dishwasher, or hand wash if desired.  Store in carrying bag.

Watch the video to see the grill in action.

Recipes for Your Portable Charcoal Grill

• Grilled Mexican Street Corn (pictured above)
• Whiskey Glazed Surf & Turf
• Tailgate Andouille Hot Dogs
• Grilled Whole Rainbow Trout
• Chicken Wings with White BBQ Sauce
• The Ultimate Burger with Smoked Cheddar
• Grilled Shrimp Tacos
• Camp Cinnamon Toast with Berries & Sausage
• Grilled S'mores

Get more portable charcoal grill recipes here!

Where to Get the HERO® Grill System

Get the HERO® Grill System 3 Charcoal Pod Bonus Pack, and you'll start with 3 pods already included!