For anyone who loves grilling but is limited by space or the need for portability, understanding the options available is crucial. I remember struggling with this exact problem, wanting to enjoy a backyard BBQ or take a grill camping, but constantly feeling held back by bulky, inconvenient setups. Not having a suitable grill meant missing out on spontaneous cookouts, delicious outdoor meals, and the simple joy of grilling in different locations. The complications of not solving this included settling for less enjoyable cooking methods or simply foregoing outdoor cooking altogether, which was a real disappointment. Having the right portable grill would have opened up so many possibilities.
If you’re exploring the world of portable barbecue grills, chances are you’re looking to solve a common problem: the desire to grill delicious food outside without the commitment or space required for a full-sized grill. These compact cooking companions are perfect for individuals or small families who live in apartments or condos with limited patio space, tailgaters, campers, boaters, or anyone who wants the flexibility to grill in various locations.
However, a portable grill isn’t for everyone. If you regularly host large gatherings and need to cook for many people at once, a small portable charcoal grill will likely be too small. Similarly, if you’re looking for the convenience of instant on/off temperature control, a charcoal model might not be the best fit compared to a propane grill. Those who prioritize complex smoking techniques might need a more specialized unit, although some portable charcoal grills offer decent heat retention.
Before you invest, think about:
* Size: How many people will you typically be cooking for? How much space do you have for cooking and storage? The Gas One – 14-inch Portable Barbecue Grill is ideal for 1-4 people.
* Portability: How easy is it to move? Does it have features like a locking lid or carrying handles? What does it weigh?
* Fuel Type: Do you prefer the flavor and process of charcoal, or the speed and ease of gas?
* Durability and Construction: What materials is it made from? Will it hold up to transport and outdoor conditions?
* Heat Control: Does it have vents to control airflow and temperature? How well does it retain heat?
* Ease of Cleaning: Does it have an ash catcher or removable parts for simple cleanup?
* Assembly: How complicated is the initial setup?
- Superior Construction - The Gas On barbecue grill charcoal features a 14-inch / 150-square inch cooking surface which is spacious enough to prepare steaks or vegetables but compact at the same time to...
- 3-Point Locking Lid - Our bbq grill charcoal is equipped with a special lid designed with a 3-point locking system that helps trap the heat and cook your food uniformly like in a smoker or oven. Also,...
- Excellent Ventilation - This charcoal grill portable features a dual ventilation system whose role is to provide a constant air flow to keep the fire going and ensure optimal temperature for perfect...
Introducing the Gas One 14-inch Portable Grill
The Gas One – 14-inch Portable Barbecue Grill is a compact and lightweight charcoal grill designed for grilling on the go or in small spaces. It promises uniform cooking and easy transport, making spontaneous cookouts a breeze. When you purchase it, you get the main grill body, a lid with a 3-point locking system, a cooking grate, a warming rack, and an ash catcher.
This specific portable charcoal grill is definitely geared towards the casual griller, apartment dweller, camper, or tailgater. It’s not meant to replace a full-sized backyard kettle grill, nor is it ideal for smoking large cuts of meat, though its locking lid does offer some heat retention capabilities. It’s for someone who values convenience, portability, and the classic flavor of charcoal-grilled food for smaller meals.
Here’s a quick look at the pros and cons based on my experience:
Pros:
* Extremely portable and lightweight
* Compact size fits in small spaces
* 3-point locking lid is great for transport and heat retention
* Dual venting system allows for decent temperature control
* Ash catcher helps with cleanup
* Includes a handy warming rack
Cons:
* Assembly can be a bit fiddly, particularly with the legs and vents
* Some components, like the legs or leg threads, might feel less robust
* 150 sq inches is quite small if cooking for more than 3-4 people
* Powder coating finish might show wear over time, especially with heat cycles
- 811 Square Inches: Includes 443 sq. in. porcelain-enameled steel wire cooking grates, 184 sq. in. chrome-plated warming rack and 184 sq. in. offset smoker
- This Weber kettle grill has space to hold up to 13 burgers made with a Weber burger press; The durable-plated steel cooking grate, crafted from premium steel, offers a resilient surface that stands up...
- Main Smoking Area: 443 sq. in. porcelain-enameled steel wire cooking grates with 184 sq. in. chrome-plated steel wire warming rack offer enough space to cook large cuts of meat.
Features & Benefits Explored
Having used the Gas One – 14-inch Portable Barbecue Grill for a while now, I can honestly say it’s become a go-to for quick, small-batch grilling sessions. Let’s dive into what makes this little barbecue grill tick and how its features translate into real-world benefits.
Compact 14-inch / 150 sq inch Cooking Surface
Don’t let the 14-inch size fool you; for a small grill, it feels surprisingly spacious for its intended purpose. The 150 square inches of cooking area is ample for throwing on a couple of steaks, a few burgers, or a mix of chicken pieces and vegetables. What’s really beneficial about this compact size is how it promotes even heat distribution. Unlike larger, sprawling grills where you can have significant hot and cold spots, the heat in this Gas One portable grill tends to be more uniform across the grate. This means less shuffling food around and more consistent cooking results. It’s perfect for when you just want to grill for one or two people without firing up a massive grill, saving charcoal and time.
The Game-Changing 3-Point Locking Lid
This feature is, in my opinion, one of the standouts. The lid isn’t just a simple cover; it has a clever 3-point locking system. When you clamp it down, it secures the lid firmly to the base. This is incredibly beneficial for two main reasons. First, it helps trap heat inside, creating an environment akin to a small oven or smoker. This is fantastic for cooking thicker cuts of meat through evenly or even attempting some basic smoking techniques if you’re adventurous. It helps maintain a consistent temperature, crucial for quality cooking. Second, and equally important, this locking system makes the barbecue grill incredibly easy and safe to transport. You can pick it up by the handle with confidence, knowing the lid won’t accidentally pop off, potentially sending hot grates or coals tumbling. It’s a simple feature that significantly enhances both cooking performance and portability.
Excellent Dual Venting System
Effective temperature control is key to good grilling, even on a small charcoal unit. The Gas One – 14-inch Portable Barbecue Grill features a dual venting system – one on the lid and one on the base. By adjusting the size of the openings on these vents, you can control the airflow to the charcoal. More airflow means hotter coals and a higher temperature; less airflow dampens the coals and lowers the temperature. This system allows you to maintain a more consistent cooking temperature and provides flexibility, whether you’re searing quickly or cooking something low and slow (relatively speaking for a grill this size). Getting the hang of adjusting both vents takes a little practice, but it’s essential for mastering temperature control and ensuring your fire stays lit without burning your food. The user reviews mentioning confusion about washer placement on the vents during assembly highlight that while effective, setting them up might require a close look at the instructions.
Truly Compact and Portable Design
As the name suggests, portability is a core promise, and this small charcoal grill delivers. Weighing in at only 4 pounds and measuring just 14.5″ D x 14.5″ W x 15″ H, it’s genuinely lightweight and easy to carry. The size means it fits comfortably in the trunk of a car, on a small balcony, or packed away for a camping trip. The built-in handle and the locking lid feature mentioned earlier work together to make moving the grill, even when it’s just cooled down, safe and convenient. This portability is the primary benefit for many users – it frees you from being tied to a fixed location for your grilling fun. It’s the reason I first considered this Gas One grill and it’s lived up to that expectation.
Say Goodbye to Mess with the Ash Catcher
Cleaning up charcoal ash can be a messy business, but the inclusion of a dedicated ash catcher under the main charcoal grate significantly simplifies this. As the charcoal burns, the ash falls through the grate into the catcher below. This prevents ash from accumulating around the grilling area or scattering onto your deck, patio, or the ground at your campsite. Once the grill has cooled down completely, you can simply detach the ash catcher and dispose of the contents. It’s a practical feature that makes the post-grill cleanup much less of a chore and helps keep your grilling area tidy. While not completely eliminating mess (some ash will inevitably escape), it makes a substantial difference compared to grills without one.
Bonus: The Warming Rack
A thoughtful addition to this portable barbecue grill is the small warming rack. Situated just above the main cooking grate, it provides a small elevated space to keep cooked food warm without continuing to cook it directly over the heat. This is particularly useful when you’re cooking different items that finish at varying times. You can move finished burgers or hot dogs up to the warming rack while you finish grilling vegetables or other items below. It maximizes the utility of the compact cooking space and helps ensure everything is ready to serve at the same time, hot and fresh.
Construction and Durability
The grill is primarily made of metal with a powder-coated finish, contributing to its lightweight nature. While the overall structure is sturdy enough for typical use, some user feedback points to the legs or the threads for attaching them potentially being a weak point or requiring careful handling during assembly and use. This isn’t uncommon in portable grills designed to be lightweight, but it’s something to be mindful of. The powder coating holds up reasonably well against heat and the elements, though like any finish, it might show signs of wear or discoloration over extended use or exposure. For the price point and portability, the construction feels adequate, though perhaps not built for rough handling compared to heavier, more expensive grills. Assembly is required, but it’s generally straightforward, aside from potentially figuring out the correct washer placement for the vents as noted by some users.
Overall, the combination of a compact cooking area with uniform heat, a secure locking lid, functional vents, true portability, and convenient cleanup features makes the Gas One portable barbecue grill a very capable little unit for its intended purpose. It delivers classic charcoal flavor in a package you can take almost anywhere.
What Other Users Are Saying
After spending time with this Gas One – 14-inch Portable Barbecue Grill, I looked online to see how others felt about it. The general sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, especially considering the price and size. Many users echoed my thoughts on its perfect size for small spaces and portability, finding it ideal for apartments, camping, or spontaneous grilling. People were happy with how well it cooked steaks, fish, and other small items. A few reviews mentioned minor assembly challenges, particularly with the legs or securing some components, and one person noted receiving a unit with missing parts, requiring them to improvise. However, the overall consensus from numerous buyers is that this charcoal grill offers great value and performance for its compact form factor.
Final Thoughts on Solving Your Grilling Needs
Not being able to grill due to space limitations or lack of portability can really put a damper on enjoying outdoor cooking. It means missing out on flavorful meals and the simple pleasure of a backyard (or balcony, or campsite) BBQ. The Gas One – 14-inch Portable Barbecue Grill is a fantastic solution to this problem. Its compact size makes it perfect for small areas, its incredible portability means you can take it almost anywhere, and features like the locking lid and dual vents give you surprising control for a grill of this type. If you’re looking for a convenient, effective way to get that classic charcoal flavor without needing a large grill or dedicated space, this is definitely worth considering. Click here to check it out !
Last update on 2025-08-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API