There’s something uniquely satisfying about cooking over real charcoal. The smoky flavor, the primal connection to fire, and the simple joy of gathering around a grill are hallmarks of a perfect backyard BBQ. For those with limited space or a need for portability, a 14-inch charcoal grill offers the perfect balance of cooking capacity and compact convenience. These grills are ideal for small patios, balconies, camping trips, and tailgating parties.
Finding the right compact grill can elevate your outdoor cooking experience without overwhelming your storage space. This roundup highlights ten excellent 14-inch models, each with unique features to suit different needs. From legendary brand reliability to innovative portable designs, you are sure to find the perfect companion for your next grilling adventure.
The Best 14-Inch Charcoal Grills for Your Next Cookout
- Weber Smokey Joe Portable Charcoal Grill for Outdoor Cooking and Travel
- Cuisinart 14″ Portable Charcoal Grill, Tabletop Outdoor Small Grill with Locking Lid
- Outsunny 14″ Portable Charcoal Grill, Tabletop Outdoor Small Grill with Heat Preservation Net
- HaSteeL 14 Inch Charcoal Grill, Small Black Enamel Outdoor BBQ Grill
- 14inch Portable Charcoal Grill with Warming Rack, Small bbq Charcoal Grill Tabletop
- guogiyala 14inch Charcoal Grill – portable grill with 3-point locking lid
- Charcoal Grill with 2 Grilling Racks, Joyfair 14 inch Small Portable BBQ Grill
- Royal Gourmet CC1830W 30-Inch Charcoal Grill with Offset Smoker
- Kamado Joe Classic Joe Series II 18-inch Ceramic Charcoal Grill and Smoker
- Weber 14401001 Original Kettle Premium 22-Inch Charcoal Grill
Weber Smokey Joe Portable Charcoal Grill for Outdoor Cooking and Travel
The Weber Smokey Joe is a classic in the world of portable grilling, known for its dependable performance and durable construction. Its porcelain-enameled lid and bowl are built to withstand high temperatures, resist rust, and retain heat effectively for consistent cooking results. The plated steel cooking grate is resilient and designed for frequent use.
Precise temperature control is achieved through a rust-resistant aluminum damper, allowing you to regulate airflow with ease. This grill embodies the quality and reliability that Weber is famous for, making it a trusted choice for picnics, camping, and small backyard gatherings. Its simple, effective design has stood the test of time.
Cuisinart 14″ Portable Charcoal Grill
Weighing a mere 4 pounds, the Cuisinart portable grill is a champion of lightweight design. It features a 196-square-inch chrome-plated cooking grate that resists rust and simplifies cleanup after your meal. The locking lid ensures secure and easy transport, making it a hassle-free companion for your travels.
This grill is equipped with adjustable dual vents that provide precise temperature management. Whether you need high heat for searing or lower temperatures for slower cooking, this feature gives you the control you need. Its combination of low weight and functional design makes it perfect for camping, tailgating, and apartment balconies.
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Outsunny 14″ Portable Charcoal Grill
The Outsunny grill offers a spacious 223-square-inch grilling area, comfortably handling meals for a small group. A key feature is its integrated heat preservation net, which acts as a warming rack to keep your food hot until you are ready to serve. The vent system allows for temperature adjustment without lifting the lid, helping to maintain a consistent cooking environment.
Portability is a major strength, with foldable legs and a carrying handle that make transportation straightforward. When folded, it compacts down to a manageable size for storage in a car trunk. This grill is a solid option for those who need a bit more cooking space and value the convenience of a built-in warmer.
HaSteeL 14 Inch Charcoal Grill
Constructed from 0.8mm thick steel iron, the HaSteeL grill promises stability and long-term durability. Both the lid and fire bowl feature a glossy black enamel finish that is resistant to high temperatures up to 400°F, and it is also wear-proof, rust-free, and easy to clean. This build quality ensures the grill can handle regular use.
It includes a dual venting system for excellent temperature control and a deep, rolling ash tray to collect debris neatly. Safety and food safety are considered with a heat-resistant PP plastic handle and a chrome-plated grill grate that is safe for direct food contact. It’s a well-rounded grill built with attention to material quality.
14inch Portable Charcoal Grill with Warming Rack
This grill is designed with the on-the-go user in mind, featuring a lightweight build and an easy-carry top handle. Its compact form factor is intended to fit easily into car trunks and tight storage spaces, making it an excellent choice for picnics, camping, and spontaneous cookouts. You get authentic charcoal flavor without the burden of a large, heavy grill.
The foldable legs are a key feature for effortless setup and compact storage, which is ideal for RVs and small patios. Additionally, the built-in warming rack is a practical addition, providing a place to keep cooked food hot while you finish grilling other items. This adds functionality and helps manage the serving process more smoothly.
guogiyala 14inch Charcoal Grill
The guogiyala grill uses a high-quality steel main structure with cast iron components to create a durable and stable cooking platform. This construction prevents shaking or deformation during use, providing a solid foundation for your grilling. A thick enamel coating on the lid and bowl can withstand temperatures up to 500°C, preventing peeling and rust.
Weighing only 4.4 pounds, it remains highly portable and compact for easy storage in a backpack or car trunk. The lid features a 3-point locking mechanism for secure travel, and the dual ventilation system offers precise control over your cooking temperature. It’s a modern portable grill that doesn’t compromise on build quality.
Joyfair 14 inch Small Portable BBQ Grill
Joyfair’s offering includes two chrome-plated stainless steel grilling racks, providing 150 square inches of cooking space and a convenient spare for easy cleaning or replacement. The enamel-coated lid and firebox are built to withstand high temperatures up to 1400°F without peeling, ensuring longevity. The 0.5mm thick iron steel contributes to a solid and sturdy feel.
A double venting system, consisting of an air vent and an ash control vent, improves airflow and allows for fine-tuned temperature management. This feature helps keep the charcoal burning consistently for a better grilling experience. The inclusion of two racks is a significant benefit for managing different foods or simplifying cleanup.
Royal Gourmet CC1830W 30-Inch Charcoal Grill with Offset Smoker
While larger than a standard 14-inch grill, the Royal Gourmet model is included for those who need maximum capacity and versatility. It boasts an XXL cooking area with 443 square inches of primary grilling space, a 184-square-inch warming rack, and a separate 184-square-inch offset smoker. This allows you to grill and smoke simultaneously.
The side fire box lets you infuse authentic smoky flavor into foods cooking in the main chamber. For better heat control, it features a 2-level height-adjustable charcoal pan that can hold up to 4.4 lbs of coal. This is an ideal choice for backyard enthusiasts who want the features of a full-sized grill and smoker in one unit.
Kamado Joe Classic Joe Series II 18-inch Ceramic Charcoal Grill and Smoker
The Kamado Joe Classic II is a premium ceramic grill that excels in heat retention and versatility. Its 18-inch cooking surface is supported by the “Divide & Conquer” flexible cooking system, a multi-level, half-moon design that allows you to cook different foods at different temperatures simultaneously. This provides incredible flexibility for your cooking projects.
It includes a Kontrol Tower top vent for precise airflow management, enabling you to maintain temperatures from a low 225°F for smoking all the way up to 750°F for searing. The grill comes with a sturdy cart featuring locking casters for easy mobility. This is a high-performance option for the serious outdoor cook.
Weber Original Kettle Premium 22-Inch Charcoal Grill
As another larger-format alternative, the Weber Original Kettle is the iconic charcoal grill that set the standard for backyard BBQ. The 22-inch diameter provides ample space for cooking for a family or a small party. Its one-touch cleaning system simplifies ash cleanup, making maintenance quick and easy.
It features a porcelain-enameled lid and bowl for durability and heat retention, along with a rust-resistant aluminum damper for precise temperature control. The included lid holder and built-in thermometer add to its user-friendly design. For those who have the space and need a larger capacity, this grill offers proven performance and legendary Weber reliability.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best 14-inch Charcoal Grill
Choosing the right 14-inch charcoal grill can feel a bit overwhelming with all the options out there. I’ve been through it myself, and I find that focusing on a few key features makes the decision much easier. Since these grills are compact by nature, every design choice matters for your cooking experience.
First, consider the material and build quality. A grill with thin metal will not hold heat well and will rust out quickly. Look for models made from durable materials like porcelain-enameled steel or cast iron. Porcelain-enameled steel is great for resisting rust and is generally easier to clean, while cast iron is a champion at retaining and distributing heat evenly. The thickness of the metal, often referred to as gauge, is also important. A lower gauge number means thicker, more robust steel.
Next, think about the cooking grate. This is the surface your food actually touches. Chrome-plated grates are common in budget-friendly models but can wear down over time. I strongly prefer cast iron or steel grates, especially if they are porcelain-coated. They hold heat better, give superior sear marks, and are much more durable. The design of the grate itself can also be a factor; some are hinged to allow you to add more charcoal mid-cook without moving your food.
Ventilation is the secret to temperature control on a charcoal grill. You need at least two adjustable vents—one on the bottom and one on the lid. The bottom vent draws air in to fuel the fire, while the top vent creates a draft that pulls heat and smoke through the cooking chamber. More precise vents give you more control, allowing you to set up your 14-inch charcoal grill for both high-heat searing and low-and-slow cooking. A grill with poor vents will be frustrating to manage.
Finally, look at the overall design and extra features. Does it have a lid? A lid is essential for roasting and smoking. How stable is the base? The last thing you want is a wobbly grill full of hot coals. Are there side tables or hooks for tools? While not essential, these little additions can make your grilling session much more convenient. By weighing these factors—material, grates, vents, and design—against your budget and how you plan to use it, you can find the perfect 14-inch charcoal grill for your backyard BBQs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people can I cook for on a 14-inch grill?
A 14-inch grill is ideal for small gatherings, typically serving 2 to 4 people comfortably. You can usually fit about 4 to 6 burgers or a couple of steaks and some vegetables on the grate at one time. It’s not the grill for a huge party, but it’s absolutely perfect for an intimate family dinner or a casual cookout with a few friends. Its compact size makes it a champion for efficiency and quick meals.
Are these small grills only good for basic grilling?
Not at all! While they excel at direct-heat grilling like burgers and hot dogs, a 14-inch charcoal grill with a good lid and adjustable vents is surprisingly versatile. You can use the two-zone cooking method (piling coals on one side) to sear and then finish food with indirect heat. You can also use it for smoking by adding a small packet of wood chips to the coals and maintaining a low temperature. I’ve even roasted whole chickens and baked potatoes in mine.
What is the best way to clean a small charcoal grill?
Cleaning is straightforward. Once the grill has completely cooled, I remove the ashes from the bottom. For the cooking grates, the best time to clean them is right after cooking while they are still warm. A stiff wire brush makes quick work of any stuck-on food. For a deeper clean, you can scrub the grates with a ball of aluminum foil or use a mixture of water and baking soda. Keeping the vents clear of ash is also important for maintaining good airflow.
How long does it take for a 14-inch grill to heat up?
One of the big advantages of a smaller grill is its speed. Using a chimney starter, you can have a 14-inch charcoal grill ready for high-heat cooking in about 15-20 minutes. The small volume means it heats up much faster than a large kettle grill. This makes it a fantastic option for spontaneous weeknight dinners when you don’t want to wait a long time to start cooking.
Can I take a 14-inch charcoal grill camping or to the beach?
Yes, many models are designed with portability in mind. Look for grills with lightweight materials and features like folding legs or a carrying handle. However, you must always check the local regulations for the area you plan to visit. Many parks and beaches have specific rules about open flames and grilling. A 14-inch charcoal grill is a great companion for a tailgate or a campsite, provided you use it safely and responsibly.