Like many people, I’ve often faced the dilemma of wanting that authentic charcoal grilling experience while on the go. Whether planning a spontaneous beach day, a casual picnic in the park, or needing a compact solution for apartment living, the idea of lugging around a bulky grill or settling for gas just didn’t cut it. The problem wasn’t just convenience; it was about capturing that unique flavor and cooking method that only charcoal provides. Without a practical, portable option, many potential outdoor cooking moments were missed, leaving me stuck with less satisfying alternatives or simply postponing the joy of grilling until I was near a full-sized setup.
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Factors to Weigh Before Purchasing a Portable Charcoal Grill
Thinking about adding a portable charcoal grill to your gear? You’re likely looking to solve the problem of wanting to grill with charcoal in places where a full-sized grill isn’t feasible or convenient – think balconies, camping trips, tailgates, or small patios. The ideal customer for this type of product is someone who values the smoky flavor of charcoal, enjoys cooking outdoors in various settings, and needs something that’s easy to transport and set up. If you primarily grill large quantities of food, need precise temperature control for complex recipes, or are grilling exclusively in a fixed location like a large backyard, a portable charcoal grill might not be your primary tool, and a larger kettle grill or gas grill might be a better fit. Before buying, consider the following: portability (weight, size, handles), cooking area needed, construction quality and durability, ease of cleaning, included features (like prep surfaces or storage), and importantly, safety features like cool-touch handles or heat protection for surfaces.
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Introducing the Everdure CUBE
Stepping into the world of portable grilling with a touch of style, the Everdure CUBE Portable Charcoal Grill is designed to make the authentic charcoal experience accessible anywhere. This tabletop BBQ promises convenience and performance in a sleek, compact package. When you purchase the Everdure CUBE, you get the lightweight steel grill unit itself, a food storage tray, a chrome grill rack, and a bamboo preparation board that doubles as a lid. Unlike many basic small grills on the market, the CUBE aims for a more integrated and premium feel, incorporating storage and prep features into its design, setting it apart from traditional, simpler portable grills or its own previous versions that might have lacked these thoughtful additions. It’s specifically for the grill enthusiast who wants charcoal flavor on the go and appreciates design and multi-functionality, perhaps less so for someone needing maximum cooking space or the cheapest possible option.
Here’s a quick rundown of pros and cons:
Pros:
* Highly portable with cool-touch handles and lightweight design.
* Includes integrated storage tray and bamboo prep board.
* Built-in heat protection base for tabletop use.
* Stylish and durable construction.
* Easy to clean components (tray, fire box, rack).
Cons:
* No integrated or hinged lid (bamboo board serves as a cover for transport/storage).
* Cooking area is relatively small (115 sq inches).
* Sides can get very hot during use despite cool handles.
* Some user reports of enamel durability issues over time.
* Cool-down time can be long before packing up.
Exploring the Core Features and Their Value
Having spent a good amount of time with the Everdure CUBE, I can confidently delve into what makes this portable charcoal grill stand out and how its features translate into practical benefits for the user.
One of the most advertised features is its Portability and Compactness. The Everdure CUBE is made from lightweight steel and weighs in at about 15.4 pounds. This might not sound feather-light, but for a charcoal grill of this construction quality, it’s manageable for carrying short distances – from the car to a picnic table, for example. The integrated cool-to-touch handles are a crucial design element here. While the body of the grill certainly gets hot during use (as expected with charcoal!), these handles remain cool enough to safely move the grill *before* it’s lit or after it’s fully cooled down. This is vital for a product designed to be used in various locations. Its compact size (approx. 13.67″D x 16.73″W x 9.05″H) means it doesn’t take up much space in a car trunk, on a small patio, or when stored away. For someone living in an apartment with limited outdoor space or frequently heading out for day trips, this form factor is a game-changer. It directly addresses the initial problem of needing a compact grilling solution that isn’t a hassle to transport.
The All-in-One Design is another significant selling point of the Everdure CUBE. It incorporates a food storage tray and a bamboo preparation board right into the unit itself. The storage tray sits beneath the charcoal tray and is perfect for holding grilling accessories like tongs, a spatula, lighter fluid, or even some prepped food (though I’d recommend keeping food in a cooler and only using the tray for accessories or dry goods). The bamboo preparation board fits snugly on top when the grill isn’t in use, secured by two safety latches that fasten everything together into one neat package. This board is genuinely useful for prepping ingredients on the spot, whether slicing vegetables or resting cooked meat. This integrated design means you have less separate pieces to carry and potentially lose, adding to the convenience. It transforms the grill from just a cooking surface into a self-contained mini outdoor kitchen station.
A feature I initially underestimated but now appreciate is the Integrated Base and Heat Guard. The Cube portable charcoal grill is designed with a built-in base that elevates the hot firebox and protects the surface it’s placed on. This is incredibly important for a tabletop BBQ. I can confidently set it up on a wooden picnic table, a patio surface, or even a sturdy camping table without worrying about scorching or damaging the surface underneath. This heat protection makes it truly versatile and safe for use in many environments where a standard grill might pose a fire hazard or cause damage. It allows you to bring the charcoal grilling experience to urban balconies, park benches (check local rules!), or boat decks, places you otherwise couldn’t.
Ease of Cleaning is often a pain point with charcoal grills, but the Everdure CUBE makes it relatively straightforward. It features a removable charcoal tray, a removable fire box, and a removable chrome grill rack. Once the grill has completely cooled down (this is crucial and can take a while), you can lift out the charcoal tray to easily dispose of the ash and spent coals. The fire box itself can be cleaned out, and the grill rack can be scrubbed. The high-quality enamel coating inside and out is designed to be wiped down. While cleaning is generally easy for standard grilling, I will mention a slight disadvantage here: cleaning sticky residues, like sugary marinades, from the enamel can require a bit more effort and scrubbing compared to a plain metal surface. But overall, the ability to remove the key components simplifies the process significantly compared to trying to scoop ash out of a fixed grill body.
The Ample Cooking Area is described as 115 square inches. Now, “ample” is relative when it comes to a portable grill. For solo use or cooking for one or two people, 115 sq. inches is perfectly adequate. It’s enough space to cook about 6 small burgers or 3 medium steaks, as the product description notes. This is sufficient for a typical meal for a small group or for cooking in batches. If your goal is to feed a large family or group simultaneously with multiple items, this might feel a bit cramped. However, for quick cooks, tailgating snacks, or grilling a few chicken breasts or sausages while camping, it serves its purpose well. It’s designed for personal or intimate group grilling, not large-scale entertaining.
The overall Construction Quality feels solid. The grill is made from alloy steel with a matte finish, giving it a premium look and feel. The materials seem robust enough to handle the heat and rigors of being transported. The design is aesthetically pleasing, which is a nice bonus – it doesn’t look like just any old small grill. However, echoing some user experiences, a potential disadvantage I’ve noted is the durability of the enamel coating under high heat over prolonged use. While mine has held up reasonably well, I have heard reports of it potentially chipping or flaking after multiple uses, which is something to be mindful of for long-term expectations. Also, while the cool-touch handles are great, the sides of the grill body do get *very* hot, so exercising caution is necessary when it’s fired up – you definitely can’t move it when it’s hot using just the cool handles without risk of burns from the sides. Finally, the safety latches that secure the lid and storage tray are functional but don’t clamp down with extreme force; they primarily keep the components together during transport rather than creating a tight seal.
Despite a couple of minor drawbacks, the features of the Everdure CUBE work together effectively. The combination of portability, integrated design, heat protection, and easy cleaning makes it a very practical and enjoyable tool for spontaneous charcoal grilling adventures. It successfully brings the authentic charcoal experience to places previously limited by the bulk and mess of traditional grills.
What Others Are Saying
After using the Everdure CUBE Portable Charcoal Grill myself, I also looked online to see what other users thought, and the feedback is generally quite positive. Many people rave about its robust construction and perceived durability, noting it feels heavy and well-made, not flimsy like some other portable charcoal grills. Users frequently mention how impressed they are that the handles stay cool despite the intense heat of the charcoal inside. The integrated storage compartment and the bamboo prep board are often highlighted as clever and convenient additions that add real value. It seems many find it perfect for camping trips, fishing excursions, or just grilling on a small balcony. However, some shared my observation about the lack of a proper, hinged lid being a significant downside, impacting heat retention and cooking efficiency. A few users also mentioned experiences with the internal enamel coating starting to flake after a relatively short period of use, which is definitely a concern regarding long-term durability. Overall, the sentiment leans towards appreciating the thoughtful design and portability for small-scale grilling, with the lid situation being the most common criticism.
Final Thoughts and Recommendation
If you’re someone who longs for that distinct charcoal flavor but is limited by space or needs a grill that can travel with you, the complication is missing out on those simple pleasures or settling for less flavorful alternatives. The problem of wanting authentic charcoal grilling on the go is precisely what the Everdure CUBE Portable Charcoal Grill aims to solve. It’s a great fit for this need for a few key reasons: its genuinely portable design with cool-touch handles makes it easy to move, the integrated prep board and storage tray add valuable functionality, and the built-in heat protection means you can use it safely on most surfaces. While not perfect, especially concerning the lid situation and potential long-term enamel wear, its strengths in portability and design make it a compelling option for spontaneous grill sessions anywhere. If you’re ready to elevate your outdoor cooking adventures beyond the backyard, click here to check out the Everdure CUBE Portable Charcoal Grill and see if it’s the right travel companion for your grilling needs.
Last update on 2025-09-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API