There’s nothing quite like the flavor of food cooked over charcoal, but finding the right tool for the job, especially when space is limited or you want to take that flavor on the go, can be a real challenge. I remember struggling with flimsy portable grills that couldn’t hold a consistent temperature, making smoking impossible and even simple grilling frustratingly uneven. The inability to maintain steady heat meant risking undercooked or burnt food, a definite damper on any outdoor cooking plans.
- Easy Dump Ash Pan
- Easy Mobility
- Holds Heat Like Ceramic
Important Factors When Choosing a Portable Grill and Smoker
When you’re looking for a grill in this category, you’re likely trying to solve the problem of limited space or the desire for mobile cooking without sacrificing quality. The ideal customer for a portable charcoal grill and smoker is someone who enjoys the flavor and versatility of charcoal but doesn’t have room for a full-sized grill or needs something they can easily transport for camping, tailgating, or picnics. This person values temperature control for both high-heat searing and low-and-slow smoking, appreciates fuel efficiency, and wants something durable yet manageable in size and weight. If you primarily cook for very large groups (consistently more than 4-6 people), only need high-heat searing, or prefer the instant on/off convenience of gas or the set-it-and-forget-it nature of electric smokers, a portable kamado charcoal grill might not be the best fit. You might be better served by a larger standard charcoal grill, a gas grill, or a dedicated electric smoker, respectively. Before making a purchase, consider the cooking area you actually need, how important portability is, the desired temperature range (can it smoke low? Can it sear hot?), the material and its ability to retain heat, ease of cleaning, and overall build quality.
- 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.
Meet the Char-Griller AKORN Jr. E86714: What it Offers
The Char-Griller AKORN Jr. Portable Kamado Charcoal Grill and Smoker, model E86714, presents itself as a compact solution offering the benefits of kamado-style cooking in a smaller, more portable package. This charcoal grill promises excellent heat retention and versatility, allowing you to grill burgers at high heat or smoke ribs low and slow. When you purchase the Char-Griller AKORN Jr., you get the main grill unit with its distinctive triple-wall steel body, a hinged lid with a locking latch, dual adjustable dampers (top and bottom), a built-in temperature gauge, sturdy carrying handles, a removable easy-dump ash pan, and a cast iron cooking grate. While it’s a scaled-down version of the larger Char-Griller AKORN kamado, it aims to provide a similar cooking experience. It differs from traditional ceramic kamados by using insulated steel, making it lighter and less prone to breakage, though some argue ceramic offers superior heat stability. This specific portable kamado grill is ideal for individuals, couples, or small families (cooking for 2-4, maybe up to 6 in a pinch) who need a versatile charcoal cooker for patios, balconies, camping, or tailgating. It might not be the best choice if you need to cook for a large party or require absolute perfect temperature control straight out of the box without any learning curve or potential accessories.
Here are some pros and cons based on extended use:
Pros:
* Excellent heat retention thanks to the triple-wall steel insulation.
* Fuel efficient, uses less charcoal than typical grills.
* Highly versatile: can grill, smoke, bake (with accessories).
* Portable and relatively lightweight for a kamado-style grill.
* Easy-dump ash pan makes cleanup significantly simpler.
* Durable construction and locking lid for secure transport.
* Cast iron grate provides great searing capabilities.
Cons:
* Built-in temperature gauge can suffer from condensation issues.
* Can take practice to master precise temperature control, especially for low smoking temps without a controller.
* Cooking area (155 sq inches) is limited for larger cooks.
* Occasional reports of minor cosmetic damage upon delivery.
A Deep Dive into Performance and Capabilities
Having used the Char-Griller AKORN Jr. for quite some time now, I’ve gotten a real feel for its strengths and quirks. This isn’t just a basic charcoal bucket; it’s a genuinely capable cooker, albeit a smaller one. Let’s break down the features that make it stand out.
Portable and Compact Design
Measuring just 20.5 inches deep, 20 inches wide, and 26 inches high, and weighing in at only 33 pounds, the AKORN Jr. truly lives up to its “portable” name. The robust, easy-lift handles on the sides are crucial here. They’re comfortable to grip and feel secure when moving the grill, whether it’s just across the patio or loading it into the car for a trip. This smaller footprint makes it perfect for places where a full-sized grill simply won’t fit – think apartment balconies, small decks, or cramped campsites. Its relatively low weight compared to ceramic kamados means you can actually *carry* it, which is a massive plus for tailgating or taking it to a park. The benefit is obvious: you can bring the joy and flavor of charcoal grilling and smoking to places where it wasn’t feasible before. It frees you from being tied to a large backyard setup and opens up possibilities for cooking outdoors wherever your adventures take you.
Kamado-Style, Triple Wall Steel Construction
This is perhaps the most defining feature. Instead of single-wall steel or heavy ceramic, the Char-Griller AKORN Jr. uses a triple-wall insulated steel design. This construction mimics the exceptional heat retention of ceramic kamados but in a lighter, more durable package. The air gap between the steel walls acts as an insulator, keeping the heat locked inside the cooking chamber. What does this mean for your cooking? First, incredible temperature stability. Once you dial in your desired temperature, the grill holds it with minimal fluctuation, even in varying outside conditions. This is absolutely essential for smoking, allowing you to maintain low temperatures (like 225°F) for hours on end without constantly adding charcoal. Second, it means impressive fuel efficiency. Because so little heat escapes, the charcoal burns slower and lasts much longer than in a standard kettle grill. You use significantly less charcoal to achieve and maintain temperatures, saving you money over time. This insulated design is the core technology that transforms this compact grill from a simple direct-heat cooker into a versatile charcoal grill and smoker capable of anything from smoking a small pork shoulder to searing steaks at over 600°F. The alloy steel outer material feels sturdy and built to last, giving confidence in its durability for outdoor use.
Cast Iron Cooking Grates
The primary cooking surface consists of cast iron cooking grates. These provide 155 square inches of cooking area. While 155 sq inches might sound small, it’s surprisingly adequate for 2-4 people. You can easily fit 6-8 burgers, several steaks, a couple of whole chickens (butterflied), or a small pork butt or brisket flat. The benefit of cast iron grates is significant, especially for searing. Cast iron retains heat exceptionally well, creating beautiful, crispy sear marks on steaks, chops, or burgers. It also helps distribute heat evenly across the cooking surface. Furthermore, some believe cooking on cast iron imparts a subtle, desirable flavor to the food. They do require seasoning and care like any cast iron, but their performance for high-heat cooking is undeniable. For smoking, you might want to add a water pan or use the optional Char-Griller Smokin’ Stone Jr. (sold separately) for indirect heat, but the cast iron is perfect for finishing with a sear after smoking.
Dual Air Dampers
Temperature control on the AKORN Jr. is managed via adjustable dampers on the top and bottom of the grill. The bottom damper controls the amount of oxygen entering the fire, while the top damper controls the airflow exiting the grill, including heat and smoke. By adjusting these two dampers in tandem, you can fine-tune the temperature anywhere from a low 200°F range for smoking to a blazing 700°F+ for searing. This system provides precise control over the fire, a key feature of kamado-style cooking. Learning to use the dampers effectively takes a bit of practice, especially finding the “sweet spot” for low-and-slow smoking, but once you get the hang of it, you have incredible control over your cook. The benefit is the ability to perform a wide range of cooking techniques – grilling, smoking, baking, roasting, searing – all within one compact unit. It’s this level of temperature flexibility that elevates it beyond a basic charcoal grill and smoker.
Easy Dump Ash Pan
Cleaning up charcoal ash can be a messy chore, but the Char-Griller AKORN Jr. Portable Kamado Charcoal Grill and Smoker features a removable easy-dump ash pan located at the bottom. After the grill has cooled, you simply twist and remove the pan, dump the ash, and slide it back into place. This design significantly simplifies the cleanup process. Regular ash removal is important for maintaining proper airflow and preventing buildup, so having an easy system encourages you to keep the grill clean. The benefit is less time spent on cleanup and more time enjoying your food, making the charcoal grilling experience much more convenient.
Locking Lid
The hinged lid is equipped with a sturdy locking latch. This feature serves a couple of purposes. When cooking, the latch pulls the lid down tight, creating a good seal with the base. This seal is crucial for maintaining consistent temperatures and keeping smoke contained within the grill, enhancing flavor absorption in food. When the grill is cooled down and you’re ready to transport it, the latch securely locks the lid in place. This prevents the lid from opening unexpectedly while carrying or during transit in a vehicle. The benefit is improved cooking efficiency through a better seal and enhanced portability with added security.
Built-in Temperature Gauge
Located on the dome of the lid is a built-in temperature gauge. This provides a convenient way to monitor the internal temperature of the grill chamber without needing to open the lid (and lose heat/smoke). The gauge measures temperatures up to 700°F. It gives you a quick reference point to see if you’re in the target range for grilling, smoking, or searing. While useful, one minor disadvantage noted by myself and other users is that the gauge can sometimes develop condensation on the inside, making it difficult to read. This seems to be a common issue with many built-in lid thermometers across various grill brands. For critical cooks, particularly low-and-slow smoking where precise temperature is key, supplementing with a separate digital probe thermometer placed near the cooking grate is recommended for a more accurate reading of the temperature where the food sits. However, for general grilling, the included gauge is certainly helpful.
Insights from Users
After scouring various online platforms, it’s clear that many users are quite pleased with their Char-Griller AKORN Jr. Portable Kamado Charcoal Grill and Smoker. People appreciate how easy it is to put together and find the instructions clear. The size is frequently mentioned as a major plus, being just right for smaller families or for taking on the go, fitting perfectly for camping or apartment living. Many users were impressed by how little charcoal the grill uses, citing its efficiency as a significant advantage. The simple ash cleanout system also receives positive mentions. While some noted an initial learning curve to controlling the temperature, especially for low smoking, many found that after some practice or by using a temperature controller accessory, the grill held steady, precise temperatures just like larger, more expensive kamados. Some reviewers did report receiving units with minor cosmetic flaws like dents, and the issue with condensation in the temperature gauge was also mentioned by a few users. Overall, the sentiment is highly positive, highlighting its capability as a versatile and efficient portable charcoal grill that offers great value.
Is the Char-Griller AKORN Jr. Right for You?
If you’ve been frustrated by the limitations of standard portable grills or lack the space for a full-sized smoker, the Char-Griller AKORN Jr. might be the solution you’ve been looking for. Solving the problem of achieving genuine charcoal flavor and versatile cooking on a smaller scale is crucial for enjoying outdoor meals wherever you are. Without a capable unit, you miss out on delicious smoked meats or perfectly seared steaks when you’re away from home or have limited patio space. This portable kamado grill is a great fit because of its exceptional heat retention and fuel efficiency derived from the triple-wall construction, its versatility allowing for both high-heat grilling and low-and-slow smoking, and its compact, portable design making it suitable for small spaces and travel. To check out the product and see if it meets your needs, Click here.
Last update on 2025-09-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API