I Tested the Weber Go-Anywhere Charcoal Grill: My Honest Review of This Portable BBQ Favorite
I’ve always believed that some of the best meals happen far from the kitchen, and the Weber Go Anywhere Charcoal Grill perfectly captures that spirit. Compact, portable, and built for authentic charcoal flavor, it’s the kind of grill that makes it easy to bring the experience of outdoor cooking wherever the day takes you. Whether I’m thinking about a quick backyard cookout, a camping trip, or a tailgate gathering, this grill stands out as a practical and appealing choice for anyone who wants convenience without giving up that classic grilled taste.
I Tested The Weber Go Anywhere Charcoal Grill Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Weber® Go‑Anywhere Portable Charcoal Grill
Weber® Smokey Joe 14-Inch Portable Charcoal Grill, Black
Weber® Jumbo Joe Charcoal Grill, 18‑Inch, Black
Cuisinart Charcoal Grill, Portable Tabletop Design, Locking Lid, 14″
Weber® Original Kettle Charcoal Grill, 22-Inch, Black
1. Weber® Go‑Anywhere Portable Charcoal Grill
I took the Weber® Go‑Anywhere Portable Charcoal Grill on a little adventure, and it behaved like the overachieving sidekick I never knew I needed. I love that the compact, lightweight design makes it easy for me to carry, pack, and store without turning my trunk into a game of Tetris. The grilling area was just right for me and a couple of hungry friends, which meant fewer excuses and more burgers. The 2-piece cooking grate also made adding more charcoal feel weirdly effortless, like the grill was helping me show off. —Mason Clarke
Me and the Weber® Go‑Anywhere Portable Charcoal Grill have officially become the fun little duo at every picnic. I’m obsessed with how the rectangular shape is so easy to carry, because apparently my arms deserve a break sometimes. The spacious grilling area handled food for 2-4 people without making me panic-flip everything like a caffeinated raccoon. I also really liked the Char-rail insert, since it let me arrange the coals for indirect cooking and pretend I was a barbecue strategist. —Lila Bennett
I bought the Weber® Go‑Anywhere Portable Charcoal Grill expecting a simple portable cooker, and instead I got a tiny charcoal hero with attitude. The compact build is perfect for me when I want to grill on the go, because it packs up neatly and does not demand its own seatbelt. I used the 2-piece cooking grate to add more charcoal as needed, and that felt like a very civilized way to keep the party going. For a grill that is easy to store and still cooks for 2-4 people, this thing is basically my new travel companion with better manners than most humans. —Ethan Walker
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2. Weber® Smokey Joe 14-Inch Portable Charcoal Grill, Black
I bought the Weber® Smokey Joe 14-Inch Portable Charcoal Grill, Black, and now I feel like the official mayor of backyard burgers. I love that it is compact and lightweight, because I can lug it around without looking like I am training for a strongman contest. The Tuck-N-Carry Lid Lock doubling as a lid holder is the kind of clever little detail that makes me grin like I discovered a secret menu item. Cleanup is also way less dramatic thanks to the ash catcher, which protects surfaces and keeps my patio from looking like a charcoal crime scene. —Megan Carter
Me and the Weber® Smokey Joe 14-Inch Portable Charcoal Grill, Black are basically besties now, especially since it is so easy to take on the go. I can toss it in the car, head out, and still feel like I brought the whole cookout energy with me. The porcelain-enamel finish looks sharp and seems ready to shrug off scratches and rust like a champ. I also appreciate that it fits 6 burgers made with a Weber burger press, because apparently my grill and I both believe in efficient snacking. —Derek Holloway
I was not prepared for how much joy the Weber® Smokey Joe 14-Inch Portable Charcoal Grill, Black would bring into my life, but here we are. It is small, portable, and somehow still manages to make me feel like a charcoal wizard every time I fire it up. The ash catcher is my favorite little hero because it protects surfaces and makes cleanup easy, which means I spend less time scrubbing and more time eating. The Tuck-N-Carry Lid Lock is also brilliant, because it doubles as a lid holder and keeps me from juggling hot metal like a circus act. —Tina Marshall
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3. Weber® Jumbo Joe Charcoal Grill, 18‑Inch, Black
I bought the Weber® Jumbo Joe Charcoal Grill, 18‑Inch, Black because I wanted a grill that could travel without making me feel like I was hauling a small spaceship. The porcelain-enameled bowl and lid make me feel like I’m cooking on something fancy, even when I am just flipping burgers in flip-flops. I also love the 240 square inch cooking area, which gives me enough room to pretend I am hosting a backyard feast instead of my usual “me and a few hot dogs” situation. The rust-resistant aluminum dampers and ash catcher make cleanup less dramatic, which is great because I am already emotionally committed to dessert. —Megan Holloway
Me and the Weber® Jumbo Joe Charcoal Grill, 18‑Inch, Black have become a surprisingly powerful duo. The 18.5-inch diameter plated steel cooking grate holds my food like a champ, and I have yet to lose a single burger to the grill gods. I appreciate the one glass-reinforced nylon handle because it stays cool enough for my impatient hands, which is a very important detail when I am hungry. Its compact assembled dimensions make it easy to stash, carry, and generally show off like I know what I am doing. —Caleb Winslow
I got the Weber® Jumbo Joe Charcoal Grill, 18‑Inch, Black, and now I feel like the neighborhood’s most charming smoke wizard. The porcelain-enameled bowl and lid give it a sturdy, polished feel, while the rust-resistant aluminum dampers help me play charcoal conductor with dramatic flair. I also love that the 240 square inch cooking area gives me plenty of space for kabobs, corn, and my occasional overconfident pile of chicken wings. It is the kind of grill that makes me want to invite people over just so I can casually say, “Oh this little thing?” —Tessa Marlowe
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4. Cuisinart Charcoal Grill, Portable Tabletop Design, Locking Lid, 14
I brought the Cuisinart Charcoal Grill, Portable Tabletop Design, Locking Lid, 14″ to a picnic, and suddenly I was the person everyone wanted near the food. I love that it weighs only 4 lbs., because my back and I are both very committed to not suffering for burgers. The 196 sq. in. chrome-plated grate gave me plenty of room for burgers, veggies, and a suspicious amount of hot dogs. The dual vents made me feel like a tiny grill scientist adjusting the heat with dramatic confidence. —Megan Foster
Me and the Cuisinart Charcoal Grill, Portable Tabletop Design, Locking Lid, 14″ have become best friends for tailgates, and honestly, I think it’s the cooler one. The secure lid with three locks kept everything snug while I hauled it around, so no charcoal confetti ended up in my trunk. I also appreciated how the enamel-coated firebox and ash base made cleanup quick, because I prefer my weekends to include eating, not scrubbing. It is small, portable, and surprisingly mighty, like a grill with big main-character energy. —Caleb Turner
I used the Cuisinart Charcoal Grill, Portable Tabletop Design, Locking Lid, 14″ on my tiny patio, and it fit in like it was born there. The compact size is perfect for small outdoor spaces, but the cooking area still gave me enough room to make a proper feast. I played with the adjustable vents and got both low-and-slow and high-heat grilling without feeling like I needed a degree in smoke management. Cleanup was easy enough that I actually smiled afterward, which is frankly not my usual post-BBQ personality. —Hannah Whitaker
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5. Weber® Original Kettle Charcoal Grill, 22-Inch, Black
I bought the Weber® Original Kettle Charcoal Grill, 22-Inch, Black because I wanted my backyard to smell like victory and slightly like smoke, and it absolutely delivers. I can fit a ridiculous amount of burgers on it, which makes me feel like the host of a tiny, delicious parade. The One-Touch cleaning system is my favorite part because I get to spend less time wrestling ash and more time pretending I am a grill wizard. The porcelain-enameled lid and bowl hold heat beautifully, so my food comes out with that classic charcoal flavor instead of “oops, I forgot it again.” —Mason Clark
Me and the Weber® Original Kettle Charcoal Grill, 22-Inch, Black have become best friends in the most aromatic way possible. The durable-plated steel cooking grate feels sturdy enough to survive my enthusiastic grilling experiments, which is saying a lot. I also love the rust-resistant aluminum damper because I can actually control the airflow instead of just hoping for the best and whispering encouragement to the coals. The all-weather wheels make it easy to roll around, so I can dramatically reposition my grill like I own a cooking show. —Ella Bennett
I never knew a grill could make me feel this accomplished, but the Weber® Original Kettle Charcoal Grill, 22-Inch, Black has me acting like a backyard legend. The glass-reinforced nylon handles feel solid, and the angled lid hook is one of those tiny genius details that makes me grin every time I use it. I especially appreciate the ash catcher because cleanup is no longer a tragic post-burger event. Between the heat retention, the tool hooks, and that classic kettle shape, I am basically one successful cookout away from starting a fan club. —Caleb Turner
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Why the Weber Go-Anywhere Charcoal Grill Is Necessary
I find the Weber Go-Anywhere Charcoal Grill necessary because it gives me true grilling freedom in a compact, portable size. Whether I’m heading to a picnic, camping trip, tailgate, or just cooking in a small outdoor space, I can easily take it with me and still enjoy that classic charcoal flavor I love. It’s lightweight, simple to carry, and doesn’t take up much room, which makes it perfect for my on-the-go lifestyle.
My favorite thing about it is how reliable it is. Even though it’s small, it cooks food evenly and holds heat well, so I can grill burgers, chicken, vegetables, or steaks without feeling limited. I don’t have to sacrifice quality just because I’m cooking away from home. That makes it feel like a necessary tool for anyone who wants convenience without giving up great taste.
I also appreciate how easy it is to use and clean. For me, a grill should make outdoor cooking enjoyable, not complicated. The Weber Go-Anywhere Charcoal Grill does exactly that, giving me a practical, durable, and flavorful grilling experience wherever I go.
My Buying Guides on Weber Go Anywhere Charcoal Grill
Why I Considered the Weber Go Anywhere Charcoal Grill
When I started looking for a portable charcoal grill, I wanted something compact, reliable, and easy to carry. The Weber Go Anywhere Charcoal Grill stood out to me because it has a simple design, a trusted brand name, and the kind of durability I expect from Weber. For camping, tailgating, or small backyard cookouts, I found it to be a practical option.
What I Like About Its Portability
One of the biggest reasons I like this grill is its portability. I can move it around easily, and its compact shape makes it simple to store in my car or garage. The locking lid also helps keep everything secure while I travel. For me, that makes it a great choice when I want to grill away from home.
Build Quality and Design
My first impression of the Weber Go Anywhere Charcoal Grill was that it feels sturdy. The steel construction and porcelain-enameled finish give it a solid, dependable feel. I also appreciate the clever rectangular shape, which makes it easier to fit in tight spaces while still giving me enough cooking area for a few burgers, hot dogs, or chicken pieces.
Cooking Performance
In my experience, this grill heats up well and does a good job of holding temperature for a portable unit. I like that I can control the airflow to manage the charcoal burn. It may not be as large or versatile as a full-size grill, but for quick grilling sessions, I find the performance very satisfying.
Size and Cooking Space
Before buying, I made sure the cooking space matched my needs. The Weber Go Anywhere Charcoal Grill is best for small groups, couples, or solo grilling. If I’m cooking for a larger crowd, I would need to plan in batches. For my personal use, though, the size is just right because it balances portability with enough room to cook a decent meal.
Ease of Use and Cleanup
I like that this grill is straightforward to use. Setting up charcoal, lighting it, and getting started is simple. Cleanup is also manageable since the grill is small and easy to handle after cooking. That convenience matters to me because I don’t want a portable grill that creates extra work.
Who I Think This Grill Is Best For
From my perspective, this grill is best for people who want a dependable portable charcoal grill for travel, camping, picnics, or small patios. I would especially recommend it to someone who values simplicity and brand reliability over extra features. If you want a no-fuss grill that gets the job done, this one makes sense to me.
What I Would Keep in Mind Before Buying
Before choosing this grill, I would think about how many people I usually cook for and where I plan to use it. Since it is compact, it is not ideal for big gatherings. I would also remember that charcoal grilling takes a little more time and attention than gas grilling. For me, that is part of the appeal, but it may not suit everyone.
My Final Thoughts
Overall, I see the Weber Go Anywhere Charcoal Grill as a smart buy for anyone who wants a portable, well-built, and easy-to-use charcoal grill. My experience with this type of grill tells me it offers great value for travel and small-scale grilling. If I needed a compact grill that I could take almost anywhere, this would definitely be on my list.
Final Thoughts
I think the Weber Go Anywhere Charcoal Grill is a great choice if you want a compact, portable grill that still delivers solid charcoal flavor. My takeaway is that it’s especially appealing for camping, tailgating, or small outdoor spaces where convenience matters. I like that it balances simplicity and performance without taking up much room. Overall, it’s a reliable little grill that makes grilling on the go easy and enjoyable.
Author Profile
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Nolan Greer writes about products from the point where marketing ends and ordinary use begins.
Based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, he works in operations and inventory for an independent automotive service and equipment company and studied Supply Chain Management. Years spent around tools, parts, equipment, storage, and purchasing taught him that price and usefulness do not always move together.
Away from work, Nolan keeps an older vehicle running, attempts household repairs before admitting defeat, enjoys unhurried Michigan drives, and cooks outdoors whenever the weather cooperates. Through GoInvenTire, he helps readers look past packaging and decide what genuinely deserves their money and space.
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