Finding the perfect compact grill for your patio can elevate your outdoor cooking experience without monopolizing your space. A 14-inch charcoal grill offers the ideal balance of portability and performance, providing enough cooking area for a small family meal while being easy to store and transport. These grills bring the authentic, smoky flavor of charcoal grilling right to your backyard, balcony, or favorite campsite.
With so many models available, selecting the right one depends on your specific needs, whether it’s superior heat retention, effortless portability, or advanced temperature control. This roundup simplifies your search by highlighting the best 14-inch charcoal grills on the market. We have evaluated key features like construction, ventilation systems, and added conveniences to help you find the perfect match for your next grilling adventure.
The Best 14-Inch Charcoal Grills for 2025
- Gas One 14-inch Portable Barbecue Grill
- Cuisinart 14″ Portable Charcoal Grill
- Outsunny 14″ Portable Charcoal Grill
- HaSteeL 14 Inch Charcoal Grill
- 14inch Portable Charcoal Grill with Warming Rack
- guogiyala 14inch Charcoal Grill
- Joyfair 14 inch Small Portable BBQ Grill
- Weber Smokey Joe Premium 14-Inch Portable Grill
- Lodge Sportsman’s Cast Iron Pro Grill
- Char-Griller E1224 Smokin’ Pro Grill
Gas One 14-inch Portable Barbecue Grill
The Gas One grill is engineered for the griller who values heat control and secure transport. Its standout feature is the 3-point locking lid, which effectively seals in heat for uniform cooking, much like an oven, and ensures the lid stays firmly in place when you’re on the move. This makes it an excellent option for those who frequently grill away from home.
With a 150-square inch cooking surface, it provides ample space for a few steaks or a batch of vegetables. The dual venting system is crucial for maintaining a consistent temperature, giving you command over the fire for perfectly cooked meals every time. Its robust construction promises even heat distribution across the entire cooking grate.
Cuisinart 14″ Portable Charcoal Grill
For those who prioritize lightweight portability without sacrificing cooking space, the Cuisinart is a top contender. Weighing a mere 4 pounds, it is incredibly easy to carry to the park, campsite, or tailgate party. Despite its light weight, it offers a generous 196 sq. in. chrome-plated cooking grate that resists rust and simplifies cleanup.
This grill provides professional-level temperature management through its adjustable dual vents. This allows you to easily shift from high-heat searing to low-and-slow cooking, offering versatility in your outdoor cooking. Its simple, effective design from a trusted brand makes it a reliable choice for quick and easy grilling sessions.
Outsunny 14″ Portable Charcoal Grill
The Outsunny grill stands out with its large 223 sq. in. grilling area, making it capable of handling meals for three to four people. It’s designed for functionality, featuring a built-in warming rack to keep your finished food hot while you continue grilling. The integrated vent system lets you manage the internal temperature without lifting the lid and losing valuable heat.
Portability is a key strength, with foldable legs and a carry handle that make transportation and storage straightforward. When folded, it compacts to a manageable size for your car trunk or storage closet. Weighing 8 pounds, it strikes a good balance between sturdiness and convenience for various outdoor occasions.
HaSteeL 14 Inch Charcoal Grill
Durability is the hallmark of the HaSteeL grill. Constructed from 0.8mm thick steel iron and finished with a glossy black enamel coating, this grill is built to resist high temperatures, wear, and rust. The enamel finish is free from harmful substances, making it a safe choice for cooking and an easy one for cleaning.
It features a highly effective double ventilating system for precise control over your fire and cooking temperature. A deep, rolling ash tray is included to neatly collect coal ash, preventing messes around your patio or campsite. Additional safety and quality features include a heat-resistant PP plastic handle and a sturdy, chrome-plated grill grate that sits firmly in place.
14inch Portable Charcoal Grill with Warming Rack
This grill is designed for the ultimate on-the-go experience. Its lightweight build and top carry handle make it exceptionally easy to transport, while the foldable legs ensure it takes up minimal space in your car or storage area. It’s an ideal solution for those with limited space, such as apartment balconies or RVs.
A significant advantage is the built-in warming rack, which adds functionality to your grilling session. You can keep burgers, buns, and sides warm and ready to serve without overcooking them. This feature effectively increases your cooking space and helps you manage the timing of your meal with ease.
guogiyala 14inch Charcoal Grill
The guogiyala grill combines a robust build with impressive portability. The main structure uses high-quality stainless steel for longevity, ensuring the grill remains stable and doesn’t deform during use. Despite its sturdy construction, it is remarkably lightweight at just 4.4 pounds and folds into a compact cube for simple storage.
Both the lid and bowl are protected by a thick enamel coating that can withstand temperatures up to 500°C. This coating prevents peeling and rust, is non-toxic, and makes cleanup straightforward. With a 0.55mm lid thickness, this grill is designed for long-term performance and reliability on all your adventures.
Joyfair 14 inch Small Portable BBQ Grill
Joyfair offers great value by including two stainless steel grilling racks with its grill. This means you have a spare rack ready to go, eliminating downtime for cleaning during a party. The racks are chrome-plated and feature thickened wires to support heavy foods without bending.
The enamel-coated lid and firebox are built to endure high heat without peeling, thanks to a solid 0.5mm thick iron steel structure. Temperature control is managed by a dual ventilation system, consisting of an air vent and an ash control vent, allowing you to maintain the perfect cooking temperature for your food.
Weber Smokey Joe Premium 14-Inch Portable Grill
As a product from a legendary grilling brand, the Weber Smokey Joe is synonymous with reliability and quality. Its lightweight design and integrated carry handle make it a classic choice for picnics, tailgating, and beach trips. You can count on its performance to deliver a genuine grilling experience anywhere.
This compact grill is perfectly sized to cook up to five burgers at once, making it great for small gatherings. Weber’s reputation for durable construction and simple, effective design means this grill is built to last for many seasons, providing consistent results with the authentic flavor only charcoal can provide.
Lodge Sportsman’s Cast Iron Pro Grill
For grilling purists who appreciate exceptional heat retention, the Lodge Sportsman’s Pro is a unique, four-piece cast iron grill. Cast iron excels at maintaining and distributing high, even heat, which is ideal for achieving perfect sear marks on your food. The entire unit is pre-seasoned with natural vegetable oil, providing a natural, easy-release finish.
Its design includes dual air vents for heat control and a removable grill grate that makes assembly and cleanup surprisingly simple for a cast iron product. Crafted in the USA, this grill is a durable, heirloom-quality piece that is perfect for those who value performance and tradition in their outdoor cooking.
Char-Griller E1224 Smokin’ Pro Grill
The Char-Griller Smokin’ Pro offers a more substantial grilling experience while remaining within a manageable size. It features a larger 266 square inch cooking surface, giving you more room to cook for a group. This model often includes a side fire box, opening up possibilities for true smoking and indirect cooking, which is rare for grills in this category.
Built with a classic kettle design and robust materials, it is a fantastic option for patio use where you want more capacity and versatility without the footprint of a full-sized grill. It’s an excellent bridge between portability and the features of a permanent backyard setup.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best 14-inch Charcoal Grill for Your Patio
When I’m looking for a new 14-inch charcoal grill, the first thing I consider is what I’ll actually use it for. These smaller grills are perfect for my patio because they don’t take up much space, but they’re still big enough to cook for a couple of people or just for myself. The key is to find one that fits my specific style of cooking and my budget.
Material and construction are huge for me. I want a grill that will last more than one season. I look for grills with a porcelain-enameled bowl and lid because they resist rust and are easier to clean. Thicker steel is also a good sign; it holds heat better, which leads to more consistent cooking temperatures. A cheap, thin-metal grill might save me money upfront, but it will warp and rust quickly, making it a waste of cash in the long run.
Next, I check out the ventilation system. A good charcoal grill needs adjustable vents on the bottom and a damper on the lid. This is my primary tool for controlling the temperature. When I want a hot, fast sear on a steak, I open the vents wide. For low-and-slow cooking, like a small roast, I close them down to restrict the oxygen and lower the heat. A grill without proper vents is frustrating and limits what I can make.
I also pay close attention to the grates. Porcelain-enameled steel grates are common and work just fine, but if I can find a 14-inch charcoal grill with cast iron grates, I get excited. Cast iron gets incredibly hot and gives those perfect, restaurant-quality sear marks. They do require a bit more maintenance to keep them seasoned, but the cooking performance is worth it for me.
Portability is another factor. Even though it’s for my patio, I might want to take it to a friend’s place or on a camping trip. I look for features like sturdy, locking lids and integrated carrying handles. Some models even have folding legs, which makes storage a breeze. The weight of the grill matters too; a heavier grill is often more durable, but a lighter one is easier to move around.
Finally, I think about the extras. Does it have a built-in thermometer? This is a simple feature that saves me from constantly lifting the lid and losing heat. Are there side tables or hooks for my grilling tools? A charcoal ash catcher makes cleanup less of a chore. While these aren’t deal-breakers, they definitely improve my overall grilling experience. By weighing all these factors, I can find the perfect 14-inch charcoal grill that will serve me well for years.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people can I cook for on a 14-inch grill?
A 14-inch grill is ideal for small gatherings or everyday meals. I can comfortably fit about four to six burgers or a couple of steaks on the cooking grate at one time. It’s perfect for cooking for one to four people. If I’m doing indirect heat for something like a small whole chicken or a roast, the real estate gets tighter, so I plan for smaller cuts of meat. It’s not the grill for a big backyard party, but it’s a champion for intimate patio dinners.
Are these small grills difficult to control the temperature on?
Not at all! Temperature control on a small charcoal grill works on the same principles as a large one: you manage the airflow. The key is a good lid with a top vent and lower intake vents. By adjusting these, I can go from a blazing hot sear to a gentle, low-temperature smoke. Because the cooking chamber is smaller, it can heat up and cool down a bit faster than a massive kettle grill, so I just keep a slightly closer eye on it. With a little practice, it becomes second nature.
What type of charcoal should I use?
I have a choice between lump charcoal and briquettes. Lump charcoal is pure, burned wood; it lights fast, burns hotter, and gives a clean, smoky flavor. Briquettes are compressed sawdust and additives; they burn more evenly and for a longer, more consistent time. For quick weeknight grilling, I often use briquettes. When I want to get a really high heat for searing or add a specific wood flavor (like hickory or mesquite lump), I go for lump charcoal. It’s all about personal preference for the 10 best 14-inch charcoal grills | 2025 for your patio.
How do I clean a small charcoal grill?
Cleaning is straightforward. After I’m done cooking and the grill has completely cooled, I remove the ash from the bottom bowl. Many models have an ash catcher pan that makes this simple. For the cooking grates, I use a stiff wire brush while the grates are still warm (but not scorching hot) from the last cook. This knocks off most of the residue. Every few uses, I’ll give the inside of the bowl a quick scrape. Keeping it clean prevents old ash from blocking the vents and helps the grill last longer.
Can I do low-and-slow smoking on a grill this size?
Yes, you absolutely can. The technique is called indirect grilling. I pile the lit charcoal on one side of the grill and place the meat on the opposite side, away from the direct heat. I then put the lid on and use the vents to bring the temperature down to the 225-275°F range. I’ve successfully smoked ribs, pork shoulder, and even a small brisket on my 14-inch grill. It requires more attention than a dedicated smoker because you’ll need to add fresh charcoal and wood chunks more frequently, but it’s entirely possible and a lot of fun.