I have been searching for a truly small portable charcoal grill for a long time. Cast iron hibachis looked good, but I did not need their heavy weight. Plus, hibachis are EXPENSIVE!
I also wanted something that would not take up much physical space and that I could pack away in my RV without dirt and ash getting on everything.
Then one day while browsing at the Dollar Store (where nothing is a dollar anymore), I happened upon this portable mini grill that comes in its own carrying case. It also has a built-in cooler in its carrying bag.
I’m not sure how useful the small insulated bag cooler is, but the small grill intrigued me. I picked it up for $14 at the “dollar” store.
(As a side note, prices change at Amazon all the time. As I write this, the grill is priced at $29 with a 30% off coupon. I still would be happy with it had I paid that much, but check your Dollar Store first.)
Keep in mind this grill is small. It will not serve you well if you are cooking for a family. But for one or two people, it’s perfectly adequate.
That said, the first time I used mine my fridge was out. I had to cook and use a bunch of food or lose it. Despite its diminutive size, I was able to cook three small and one medium-sized steaks, two large hamburgers, four Italian sausages, plus a grill wok filled with onions and Brussels sprouts. I was cutting it close towards the end and did not quite make it to s’mores, but I was able to cook everything else in a single batch of lighted charcoal.
What I especially like about the mini portable grill
- The carrying case makes it easy to pack and store and keeps everything neat and in one place.
- It does not take up much space.
- It’s lightweight.
What can be improved about the mini portable grill
As long as you have realistic expectations that this is a small, lightweight, inexpensive grill, it functions perfectly well. That said:
- It would be nice if it had a lid; however, I improvised and used the cover that goes with my wok.
Check out the Mini Portable Grill here on Amazon.
##RVT1112
I wanted a small charcoal grill for our 21′ TT. My issue was I didn’t want to put a smelly grill inside the camper. While I didn’t buy from Amazon, here is what we bought. I bought a length of pre-drilled angle iron (lightweight steel), a few bolts and a couple 4″ square (vs “U”) bolts to fashion a frame on the rear tube bumper. Some black spray paint and you’d never know it wasn’t a factory accessory. I cut down an inexpensive ratcheting nylon strap to secure it and a combination bicycle lock. The grill has put on about 10,000 miles so far. Easy to use, easy to store-after cooling, and while fresh charcoal enclosed in a trash bag goes in the bay, cold ash stink and dust do not.
Looks like a smart choice. We’re still using my 40 year old mini 14″ (?) Webber grill. Invert the lid into the grill body with the racks inside of the lid for compact storage inside a plastic tub to keep the storage bay clean.
mini portable gas grills don’t always put out enough heat for grilling in cold weather or strong winds, and they use the expensive 1pound propane canisters. I found a portable high powered stainless steel grill that plugs into the RV propane plumbing. the lid has latches to keep grilling tools, hose, and everything secure inside. While the grill has folding legs for table top I use a Coleman folding aluminum stove stand to set the grill on. A reinforced zipper bag from Amazon stores the grill and keeps odors inside the bag. The whole thing weighs only 8 pounds and fits nicely in the basement.
For charcoal I use a collapsible 12”x8”x3” grill made for motorcycle saddle bags. Look on eBay.
Thank you, Cheri! 🙂 Safe travels! 🙂