Masterbuilt Portable Grill Review: Easy Charcoal Grilling
Introduction
Tired of inconsistent charcoal grilling? Struggling to control temperature and battling flare-ups? Weekend barbecues shouldn’t be a stressful ordeal. The Masterbuilt Portable Charcoal Grill and Smoker offers a solution: delivering authentic charcoal flavor with the predictable control of a gas grill, all wrapped in a conveniently portable design. This unit tackles the common frustrations of traditional charcoal grilling – the guesswork, the uneven heat, and the laborious adjustments – allowing you to focus on enjoying the company and the delicious food.
Overview
The Masterbuilt Portable Charcoal Grill and Smoker is a thoughtfully designed unit for the grillers who crave that smoky charcoal taste but desire the ease and consistency traditionally associated with gas or electric models. It’s built around a robust metal frame featuring a collapsible cart for exceptional portability, perfect for tailgates, camping trips, or smaller patios. Its core innovation is the ‘SteadyTemp’ analog temperature control, a feature that largely automates the coal management process. This grill is an ideal choice for beginner to intermediate outdoor cooks who want to experience genuine charcoal flavor without the learning curve and constant adjustments typical of traditional charcoal grills, and who want something easy to move.
Features
Charcoal MiniHopper: The integrated Charcoal MiniHopper holds up to 1.5 lbs of briquettes or 1 lb of lump charcoal, providing up to 4 hours of continuous grilling or smoking. This reduces the need for frequent refills, allowing you to maintain a consistent temperature and focus on the cooking process. This translates into less babysitting and more time enjoying your company.
SteadyTemp Analog Temperature Control: This innovative system utilizes a dial to adjust the desired temperature range (250-500°F). The grill’s internal ventilation system automatically regulates airflow to maintain the selected temperature, minimizing temperature fluctuations and simplifying the grilling process. It’s a game-changer for those intimidated by traditional charcoal grills, effectively removing much of the guesswork.
Quick Collapse Cart: The foldable and removable cart dramatically enhances portability. When collapsed, the grill becomes significantly more compact and easier to transport and store, making it perfect for tailgating, camping, or limited patio spaces. The sturdy construction ensures stability when set up for grilling.
Lockable Lid: A clever lockable lid prevents ash spillage during transport. This is a crucial feature for maintaining cleanliness and convenience when moving the grill after a smoking or grilling session, especially when you’re on the go.
Benefits
Consistent Heat & Flavor: The SteadyTemp control guarantees consistent cooking temperatures, resulting in evenly cooked food with the authentic smoky flavor of charcoal. Say goodbye to hot spots and undercooked corners!
Effortless Portability: The collapsible cart and lightweight design make this grill incredibly easy to transport, bringing delicious charcoal flavor to any outdoor setting, from the backyard to the campsite.
Simplified Grilling Experience: No more constant coal adjustments! The intuitive analog control system simplifies the grilling process, making it accessible to beginners and freeing up time for socializing.
Reduced Maintenance: The Charcoal MiniHopper minimizes coal refills, and the lockable lid prevents ash spills, reducing cleanup time and hassle.
Extended Cooking Time: The MiniHopper’s capacity provides hours of cooking time on a single load of charcoal, ensuring you can prepare large meals or extended smoking sessions without interruption.
Usages
Perfect for Weeknight Grilling: The compact size and quick setup make this grill ideal for weeknight dinners – fire it up and grill burgers or chicken in minutes.
Tailgating & Camping Adventures: The portability and lockable lid make this grill the ultimate tailgating and camping companion, allowing you to enjoy charcoal-grilled favorites wherever you go.
Small Backyard BBQ’s: The grill’s compact footprint and ease of use make it ideal for smaller backyard gatherings or patios with limited space.
Smoking Ribs or Chicken: While it’s not a dedicated smoker, the ability to maintain lower temperatures (down to 250°F) with the SteadyTemp system allows for decent smoking of ribs or chicken, adding a delicious smoky flavor.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Easy to use and control
- Portable and convenient
- Authentic charcoal flavor
- Relatively inexpensive
- Quick setup and cleanup
Cons
- Temperature control isn’t as precise as a gas grill
- Smaller cooking area
- Requires charcoal refills
- Not as durable as high-end grills
- Limited smoking capability compared to dedicated smokers
FAQs
What type of charcoal can I use?: This grill is compatible with both charcoal briquettes and lump charcoal. We recommend using smaller pieces for optimal airflow and efficiency.
How easy is it to clean?: The grill features a removable ash pan for easy ash disposal. Regular cleaning of the grates with a grill brush is recommended to maintain performance.
How well does it retain heat?: The lockable lid helps retain heat and moisture during cooking. However, it’s important to note that charcoal grills naturally experience temperature fluctuations. The SteadyTemp system helps to mitigate this.
What is the cooking capacity?: With 200 square inches of cooking space, this grill is suitable for cooking for 2-4 people. It’s ideal for smaller families or gatherings.
Does it come with a warranty?: Yes, the Masterbuilt Portable Charcoal Grill and Smoker comes with a 1-year warranty against manufacturing defects.
Product Specifications
| dimensions | 18.7″D x 44.5″W x 36.1″H |
| weight | 52 pounds |
| cooking area | 200 square inches |
| fuel type | Charcoal |
| temperature range | 250-500°F |
| material type | Metal (powder coated) |
| grate material | Metal |
| ignition system | Manual |
| warranty | 1 Year |
| cleaning requirements | Regular brush cleaning, removable ash pan |
Ratings
| overall | 4.2 |
| ease of use | 4.5 |
| flavor | 4.0 |
| portability | 4.7 |
| durability | 3.8 |
Recommendation
This Masterbuilt Portable Charcoal Grill and Smoker is a fantastic option for beginner grillers or those who want to enjoy charcoal flavor without the hassle. Its portability makes it ideal for tailgating and camping. If you’re new to grilling and seeking a simple, affordable, and portable solution, this is a top contender. It’s a great alternative to more expensive gas or electric grills, allowing you to enjoy authentic charcoal flavor with a degree of convenience.
Compared to full-sized charcoal grills, this unit offers a significantly reduced footprint and simplified operation. While it doesn’t offer the same level of smoking capabilities as a dedicated smoker, the SteadyTemp control provides enough temperature consistency for basic smoking tasks. For barbecue enthusiasts looking for a versatile and portable option, this Masterbuilt grill strikes a great balance of performance and convenience.
Conclusion
The Masterbuilt Portable Charcoal Grill and Smoker delivers on its promise of simplified charcoal grilling. It’s a convenient and portable solution for those who want to experience the authentic flavor of charcoal without the complexities of traditional charcoal grills. While it might not be a replacement for a high-end smoker, it’s an excellent choice for backyard barbecues, tailgating, and camping adventures. Its ease of use, portability, and affordability make it a winning combination for many outdoor cooking enthusiasts.
