Charcoal grilling is an exciting yet challenging task for RV hobbyists. From lighting to regulating airflow and controlling the temperature, each step presents a unique test for the griller. For which the result is rewarding, that is a great barbecue flavor. But before you ignite your charcoal, make sure to grab the best RV charcoal grill.
There are thousands of charcoal grills available in the market with variable sizes, features and built quality. We have reviewed six best RV charcoal grills for their features and customer reviews. After a detailed analysis we can conclude that if you want a most durable charcoal grill, the “Weber’s 121020 GO Anywhere Charcoal Grill” is surely a better choice.
How We Decided
--We researched every product, we review with our own.
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Research Sources
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Research Duration
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Expert's Opinions
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Customers Reviews
01. Cuisinart CCG 190 RB Portable Charcoal Grill, 14-Inch, Red,14.5” x 14.5” x 15”
Salient Feature
- Brand: Cuisinart
- Size: 14”
- Grate size: 150 square inch
- Material: Steel
- Color: Red
- Weight: 2 pounds
- Dimensions: 14.5 x 14.5 x 15 inches
This Cuisinart portable grill is designed for barbecue grilling “on the go”. You can take it anywhere as its compact design fits almost the smallest RVs. The grill is compact and lightweight. It has a tight-fitting lid with three lid locks which makes it easy to carry it anywhere without hassle.
The large 14” grate gives 150 square inches cooking space, which can easily accommodate 4-6 burgers. It is perfecto small families who love camping, tailgating or just living on an RV. It can be used in patios, balconies and decks.
It features a dual venting system for better temperature regulation so that you can cook at an optimum speed. It has an enamel coated firebox for safety and an ash catching mechanism for mess-free grilling.Pros
Cons
02. Weber 121020 Go-Anywhere Charcoal Grill, Black, 14.5” H x 21”W x 12.25” L
Salient Feature
- Brand: Weber
- Size: 15”
- Grate size: 160 square inch
- Material: Porcelain-coated cast iron
- Color: Black
- Weight: 14.5 pounds
- Dimensions: 12.2 x 21 x 14.5 inches
This Weber Go-Anywhere is a compact rectangular-shaped grill that can be easily accommodated in an RV or car. The lid locks and carrying handles make it easy to carry around without creating a mess. We can easily set it up anywhere.
With a 160 square inch large cooking surface, it can grill up to 6 burgers together. It features dampers which enable you to control the temperature for the desired level of cooking.
The lid and base are coated with porcelain. The grill retains its original color and do not chip off, rust off or discolor even after multiple uses. The steel grate is triple coated with nickel to ensure easy cleaning and long-lasting corrosion resistance.
Temperature is regulated through 8 vents, of these six are in the charcoal chamber, and two are in the lid.Pros
Cons
03. Portable Charcoal Grill with Lid Folding Tabletop BBQ Grill for Outdoor Cooking Camping Picnic Patio
Salient Feature
- Brand: Comsenz
- Size: -
- Grate size: 39.4 x 13.2 inch
- Material: Stainless steel and steel
- Color: Stainless steel
- Weight: 13.47 pounds
- Dimensions: 39.37 x 13.19 x 27.56 inches
This portable charcoal grill comes in a stainless steel body that is easy to fold. It comes with a storage bag and handles, for easy portability. You can conveniently assemble it anywhere in a few seconds.
It comes with two vents which regulate the charcoal temperatures. It features three shelves where you can keep the sauces and other foods. Its unique rectangular shape not only gives larger grilling capacity, but it also looks elegant and classy for the silver stainless steel color.
The grill also lets you enjoy fried food as it comes with a non-stick frying pan which can be conveniently placed on the grill. It has a removable net which you can wash separately when required.
It has a large rectangular grilling space that measures 39.4 x 13.2 inches. It can accommodate family-sized meals which can suffice a group or family of 5-6 people.Pros
Cons
04. Weber 40020 Smokey Joe Premium 14-Inch Portable Grill
Salient Feature
- Brand: Weber
- Size: 14”
- Grate size: 150 square inch
- Material: Metal
- Color: Black
- Weight: 9.8 pounds
- Dimensions: 15.4 x 15.6 x 9.2 inches
This lightweight and compact Weber Smokey Joe is your ultimate RV companion. The ergonomic handle makes it convenient to carry it almost anywhere.
The cooking area can hold five burgers at a time. Designed for RV living, this grill is designed to make your camping, tailgating and BBQ memorable.
It features dampers for convenient temperature control, and you can cook three chicken breasts or four burgers. This smart Smoky Joe will add elegance and class to your backyard.
It features rust-resistant aluminum dampers and a steel grill which will not rust or discolor. The lid and bowl are porcelain enameled, and they do not rust or discolor even with constant exposure to heat and moisture.
It has three aluminum legs, and the ash catcher is also made of Aluminum. These high-quality materials make your griller look new every time you clean it.Pros
Cons
05. BEAU JARDIN Portable Charcoal Grill for Outdoor 18 Inch Outdoor Picnic Patio Backyard Camping Tailgating
Salient Feature
- Brand: BEAU JARDIN
- Size: 18”
- Grate size: 255 square inch
- Material: Steel
- Color: Black
- Weight: 15.47 pounds
- Dimensions: 18 x 18 x 28 inches
If you are an RV hobbyist or a travel barbecue lover, this BEAU JARDIN Portable grill will not make you regret your buying decision. With two ergonomic handles and sturdy wheels, you can take this prime quality grill anywhere.
It features a premium aluminum air vent damper which controls the temperature effectively. The bowl and lid are enamel coated to retain the heat during grilling. The lid has an inside hook hanger, so you do not need to put it on the ground.
The steel grate is resistant to the high heat produced by the burning charcoal. One-touch cleaning system includes an ash collector bin and the ash leak under the bowl.
It is easy to use and set-up. Enjoy fun-filled grilling activity without any hassle and cherish the delicious smoky flavor of your meats.Pros
Cons
06. Cusinart CCG-100 Portable, 17.7” L x 18.5” W x 15.4” H, GrateLifter Charcoal Grill
Salient Feature
- Brand: Cuisinart
- Size: 17”
- Grate size: 240 square inch
- Material: Steel
- Color: Green
- Weight: 2.2 pounds
- Dimensions: 17.7 x 18.5 x 15.4 inches
Designed for ultra-portability, this Cuisinart CCG-100 is the right choice for RV living. It has a porcelain coated grill grate with a cooking surface of 240 square inches. It is enough to prepare a meal for a family.
It features a unique Grate Lifter system that can adjust the distance between food and charcoal for better temperature management. Another temperature control feature is the precision airflow system. It also has a lid-mounted thermometer for accurate temperature measurement.
A large ash collection bin rapidly collects all the ash to prevent it from accumulating on the food and charcoal. This charcoal grill is ideal for RV living, camping, tailgating and beach picnics.
Pros
Cons
How To Choose the Best RV Charcoal Grill?
Searching for the best RV charcoal grill can be confusing. Before you purchase a charcoal grill, there are certain features that you should check to avoid inconvenience. Our buying guide will help you in making a wise decision.
Temperature Control:
It is easier to keep the cooking temperatures under control while cooking indoors. Outdoor cooking is something entirely different. RV life brings the thrill of outdoor cooking along with its greatest challenge – Temperature Control.
Controlling temperature when using a charcoal grill outdoors can become convenient if your grill is equipped with useful temperature control features.
Dampers:
Two dampers are an essential feature in charcoal grills. Inlet damper allows the necessary amount of oxygen to enter the grill and stop this oxygen supply when no more heat is required.
The exhaust damper lets the gases and smoke escape the grill. They are also called vents.
Adjustable Distance:
The distance between the coal and the meat has a significant impact on cooking speed and resultant taste of meat. The grills with adjustable charcoal trays let you control the cooking time and temperature according to the type of meat and your cooking requirements.
Digital Thermometers:
Digital thermometers which indicate accurate temperatures are also essential to successful grilling. Without a precise thermometer, you may end up with undercooked or overcooked meats. These thermometers are placed on the lid.
2-Zone Cooking:
It is a delicate grilling technique which produces juicy and delicious meats. If your griller allows for 2-zone cooking, this is a great bonus point. In this technique, you have to move the meat in a colder area on the cooking surface and let it roast in indirect heat. It is done after the meat gets brown from the outside but still needs to be cooked from inside.
Charcoal Window:
Easy access to the charcoal tray makes grilling more convenient. A small window near the charcoal tray enables you to move it when required. You can also add more briquettes when necessary.
Ash Removal Features:
The grills which do not remove ash promptly reduce your cooking performance. The accumulated ash covers the burning coals resulting in an insulating effect which makes them emit less heat. Effective ash collectors are a feature you must look for before buying your charcoal grill.
Grill Grates:
Consider the quality of material with which the grates are made. It is where reputable brands are the right choice. Cheaply finished grates may lose their quality with time. Cast iron grates are also not a top priority choice as they are susceptible to rusting. Stainless steel is a good choice. If you are more than a couple, look for grates larger than 350 square inches.Which Is Safer Charcoal Or Gas Grill?
Do you feel sick right after attending a BBQ? There may be several reasons for this ill-feeling. Health hazards are more significant with charcoal grilling, whereas fire safety hazards are recorded more in gas grills.
Inhalation of toxic compounds:
Burning coals emit strong gases, and if you are not in a well-ventilated area, you may inhale too much of them. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are produced when the meat drippings touch the burning coal. They can be absorbed in the meat as well.
Coal dust and limestone particles on the surface of charcoal can also cause headache when they turn into smoke. The best way to prevent these symptoms is to choose a well-ventilated area and to maintain a proper distance from the smoke. Such emissions are lower in gas and propane grills as compared to charcoal grills.
Ingestion of Toxic Chemicals:
Heterocyclic Amines (HCAs) are formed in meat as a result of a chemical reaction when certain amino acids are heated. Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) are formed when meat drippings fall on burning charcoal. Both are potential carcinogens as they can interfere with your DNA. Gas grills are safer than charcoal grills as they do not produce PAHs.
Food Borne Illness:
A tailgating, camping or a barbecue may turn into a nightmare if you get food poisoning after that. When steaks and burgers turn brown from outside, they are considered as cooked.
Unfortunately, due to inappropriate cooking temperatures, if they are not adequately cooked from inside, they can cause severe abdominal pain, diarrhoea and vomiting. It is because harmful bacteria mostly E.coli can survive in undercooked raw meats resulting in severe illness.
This danger is greater with charcoal grills as it is challenging to maintain appropriate cooking temperature for a long time. It becomes too high or too low if you do not know how to handle the charcoal.
House Fires and Burning Incidents:
According to a study, every five out of six home fires were caused by the gas grills. (source:www.nfpa.org) with the main reason being leakage and breaking. Gas grills per year cause 10,000 to 12,000 house fires. Nearly 20,000 patients end up in the ER due to grills related injuries and burns. Gas grills are responsible for more fires and burning incidents than the charcoal grills.Why Does Charcoal BBQ Tastes Better?
Food enthusiasts claim that the food grilled on charcoal tastes superior to that of any other fuel source. You may have noticed that all the roadside restaurants use charcoal grills for cooking food.
Charcoal grilling tops when rated on the taste parameters such as juiciness, moisture, aroma and tenderness. But above all everyone loves the smoky flavor of charcoal-grilled meats.
When charcoal is burned, it emits intense heat which is not produced by gas-fueled burners. As a result of this extreme heat, drippings from food fall on the coals.
These drippings are a mixture of proteins, sugars and fats. When they touch the burning charcoal they vaporize and their fumes again touch the meat to impart a unique smoky taste.
The longer the food remains on the grill, the more flavorful it becomes. The quality of charcoal you are using also determines the flavor profile of the food. Good quality briquettes emit less smoke and cook more flavorful meats.Can I Burn Charcoal Indoors?
Though using charcoal grills indoor is not prohibited, it possesses great risks if not used with caution.Charcoal releases carbon monoxide gas when burnt. Therefore, it is better to place the grill in a well-ventilated area.
The carbon monoxide can accumulate indoors, and if inhaled, it produces symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning. It can produce symptoms like headache, shortness of breath, dizziness, vomiting, nausea, tiredness, confusion, and in extreme cases, it may cause death.
How To Store These Grills After Use?
Once the summer gets over, you will store your grill in a way that it remains in good condition and safe from damage. Definitely, you are going to take it out again when spring arrives. Until then, the grill has to be at a safe place.
Follow these steps to find your grill in an excellent working condition the next time you take it out.
- Clean the grates before they completely cool down. Once cold and dry, the particles from food become hard and stick on it.
- Remove the ash when it is freezing.
- If required scrub with a stiff brush.
- Wash with soapy water and dry thoroughly.
- Cover all surfaces with cooking oil spray.
- Gently rub both exterior and interior surfaces using a paper towel.
- With the helpof wrenches and a screwdriver fix any loose bolts in the grill.
- Check your grill carefully and if you find any broken parts, manage to replace them during winters.
- Cover it with a grill cover.
- Store in a cool, dry place.
How To Take Care Of A Charcoal Grill:
Taking good care of your charcoal grill will not only increase its life, but it will also improve its functionality. Here is a
Cleaning the Grate:
It is better to clean the grate while it is still warm before all the food on it solidifies. You can use a stiff brush or a metal ball for scrubbing the grate.
Removing the Ashes:
Once the grill cools down, carefully remove all the ash from it. If not removed, ashes can corrode the bottom of the grill. Pack them in an aluminum foil and throw in a metallic garbage bin.
Covering the Grill:
If your manufacturer has not provided a cover, spend some money to buy the correct size cover for your grill.
Seasonal Cleaning:
Twice in the year, give a deep cleaning to your grill to remove any gunk sticking to it. Scrub the interior and then wash the exterior, including the lid with warm soapy water. Use a 2-in-1 Oven Rack and Grill Cleaner from Carbone or any other brand.Conclusion
Charcoal grills are for people who not only love the smoky taste of the food, but they also love the entire charcoal grilling process. Charcoal grilling takes more time and effort, but the grilled product is deliciously smoky.
Charcoal grills are the first preference of RV hobbyists who love the smoky flavor of charcoal-grilled food. With little or no assembling required, you can just pack up your charcoal grill and take it on your RV tour.
To buy the best RV charcoal grill, consider the reliability of the brand first. Other features you should look for will include portability, temperature control mechanisms and ease of cleaning.
FAQs
Can you use lump charcoal in a Weber grill?
Lump charcoal has an irregular shape which causes it to heat up and cool down quickly. It is difficult to handle in ordinary grills. Weber grills feature “dampers” which give ultimate temperature control. You can use both lump charcoal and briquettes in Weber charcoal grills depending on your preference.
Are Weber charcoal grills worth the money?
Weber charcoal grills seem expensive. It is because they use high-quality material and quality controlled manufacturing process. It makes their grills function best and last for years. Weber charcoal grills are resistant to rusting and feature efficient dampers for temperature control.
Do I close the lid after lighting charcoal?
No, you have to keep-off the lid once you light the charcoal. Covering the charcoal will cut off the oxygen supply, and the fire will extinguish. If there are winds, then cover the lid in a way that it allows two to four inches space so that some air can reach the coal. While cooking if you cover the caps and let the vents control the air regulation.
How long do you let the charcoal burn before grilling?
Let the charcoal burn until they start producing ash. Burn them on high heat for ten minutes and then use medium heat for at least 20 more minutes. The coal-burning process takes time, and coal needs to be shuffled continuously to give equal heat distribution.
Is charcoal grilling healthy?
Charcoal grilling produces toxic chemicals like Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) when meat drippings touch the burning coal. The fumes and smoke are absorbed back in the meat. Frequent consumption of charcoal-grilled meats can cause cancers as PAHs are potential carcinogens.
What are the best charcoal grills?
BEAU JARDIN Portable charcoal grill offers the best grilling and portability features, and you can take it anywhere by its strong wheels and ergonomic handle. Its one-touch ash cleaning system allows hassle-free cleaning. The grates and grill are both made from high-quality material. The company has an excellent customer care service in case you have any problem.
What is the best portable charcoal grills?
Cuisinart CCG100 is an ultra-portable premium quality charcoal grill. So, these grills are known for their durability and excellent grilling features. Cuisinart CCG100 features a unique Grate Lifter mechanism which allows you to move or add charcoal when required. It is lightweight and easy to set anywhere. Just throw it in your RV and enjoy your trip.