As someone who cherishes the authentic taste of charcoal-grilled food, I found myself often frustrated by the limitations of my stationary grill. Whether heading to a park for a picnic, tailgating at a game, or simply needing more flexibility on my patio, I yearned for a practical portable charcoal grill solution. Missing out on that smoky flavor in various settings felt like a real culinary limitation. Solving this problem wasn’t just about convenience; it was about expanding the possibilities for enjoying one of my favorite ways to cook, otherwise, I’d be stuck with less flavorful alternatives or the hassle of not grilling at all away from home.
Before you commit to purchasing a portable grill, it’s wise to pause and consider a few factors to ensure you get the right fit for your needs. People typically seek out grills in this category because they need the ability to move their cooking setup easily, whether due to limited space, a desire for outdoor adventures, or simply wanting the flexibility to reposition their grill as needed. The ideal customer for a portable grill is someone who values convenience, doesn’t necessarily need to cook for very large crowds consistently, and perhaps lives in an apartment, enjoys camping or tailgating, or has a small yard or patio. If you’re planning to host massive backyard BBQs for dozens of people every weekend, a larger, stationary grill is likely a better investment. Similarly, if you’re completely new to grilling or prefer the simplicity of gas or electric, a charcoal grill might not be the best starting point, as charcoal requires more hands-on temperature management. Key things to think about before buying include the grill’s size and weight (can you actually lift and move it easily?), the cooking surface area (is it big enough for what you plan to cook?), the type of fuel (charcoal offers flavor but requires more work), ease of assembly and cleaning, and specific portability features like wheels or folding legs.
- PORTABLE CHARCOAL GRILL - Barrel style charcoal BBQ grill built for grilling at home and on the go
- LARGE GRILLING AREA -Large 320 Sq. In. Cooking Area and Stainless Steel Thermometer to Easily Monitor Grill Temperature
- BARBECUE GRILL FEATURES - Cast Iron Cooking Grates for Even Heating and Premium Flavor workstation with BBQ tool storage hooks, Folding Construction, Locking Leg and Lid Design, Integrated Handle, and...
Meet the Grill: The Char-Griller King-Griller Gambler
Enter the Char-Griller E1816 King-Griller Gambler Portable Charcoal Grill in Black. This grill positions itself as a solution for getting that authentic charcoal flavor, usually associated with larger, barrel-style grills, in a package designed for mobility. It promises the ability to grill both at home and on the go without sacrificing cooking performance. When you purchase the Char-Griller King-Griller Gambler, you typically get the main grill body, cast iron cooking grates, an easy dump ash pan, a side shelf that also acts as a workstation with tool storage hooks, a grill grate lifter, a stainless steel thermometer, and the lid. While I don’t have specific comparison points to market leaders or previous versions readily available, this grill aims to bridge the gap between traditional barrel grills and truly portable units. It’s ideal for anyone who loves charcoal grilling and needs a grill that can be easily moved or stored away, whether it’s for a small patio, a camping trip, or tailgating. It might not be the best choice for someone who wants zero assembly hassle or expects industrial-level sturdiness right out of the box without any potential for minor user adjustments.
Here’s a quick look at its pros and cons:
Pros:
* Authentic charcoal flavor thanks to cast iron grates and barrel design.
* Designed for portability with wheels, folding legs, and an integrated handle.
* Offers a decent cooking area (320 sq. in.) for its portable class.
* Built-in thermometer for monitoring internal grill temperature.
* Includes an easy-to-use ash pan for quicker cleanup.
* Side shelf/workstation with tool hooks adds convenience.
Cons:
* Some reports of the leg support bracket being flimsy, potentially requiring reinforcement.
* Assembly can be a bit tricky or require some force/tools.
* Ash cleanup, while aided by the pan, isn’t always perfect with some ash missing the tray.
* Potential for paint peeling after some use.
* Non-adjustable charcoal grate height means temperature control relies heavily on damper use and fuel placement.
- 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.
What Makes It Work: Features and Benefits Explored
Having spent a good amount of time using the Char-Griller King-Griller Gambler portable charcoal grill, I can delve into the features that define its performance and utility. The promise of authentic charcoal flavor combined with portability is a tall order, and this grill tackles it with a few key design choices.
Portable Design and Construction
One of the primary selling points of the King-Griller Gambler is its portability, and the features supporting this are crucial. The grill is equipped with two wheels and an integrated handle. This makes it surprisingly easy to tilt and roll, even over grass or uneven surfaces, as noted by some users. It folds down using a mechanism for the legs, which lock into place when set up and also latch when folded. The idea here is maximum convenience for transport and storage. The benefit is clear: you’re not limited to grilling only in one spot. You can easily move it from a shed or garage onto your patio, pack it into a truck for a camping trip, or wheel it across a park to your desired grilling spot. While the stated weight is around 45 lbs, the wheels and folding design significantly reduce the effort required to move it, truly delivering on the “portable” aspect. However, it’s important to handle the folding mechanism correctly, as some users found it a bit tricky initially.
Barrel Style and Cooking Area
The barrel shape isn’t just for looks; it’s a classic design for charcoal grills that offers advantages. It allows for good airflow and convection inside the cooking chamber, which is excellent for roasting or even smoking foods using indirect heat. The overall cooking surface area is specified at 320 square inches. For a portable grill, this is quite generous. To put it in perspective, that’s enough space to comfortably cook around 10-12 burgers, or a couple of steaks and some sausages, or even a small brisket or pork shoulder using indirect heat. The benefit here is versatility – you’re not just limited to hot dogs and burgers. You can cook for a small family or group of friends effectively. The barrel design, combined with proper damper control, really lets you explore different grilling techniques, from high-heat searing to low-and-slow smoking.
Cast Iron Cooking Grates
For any charcoal grill enthusiast, the cooking grates are paramount, and the Char-Griller E1816 comes standard with cast iron cooking grates. This is a significant plus, especially for a portable unit which might cut corners elsewhere. Cast iron retains heat exceptionally well and distributes it evenly across the surface. This is key for achieving beautiful sear marks and ensuring consistent cooking. Compared to thinner wire grates often found on budget or portable grills, cast iron grates provide superior heat retention, which translates directly to better cooking performance, particularly for searing meats. They also contribute to that desirable “charcoal flavor” by providing a hot surface for drippings to vaporize. Proper seasoning and maintenance are necessary to prevent rust, but the cooking results are well worth the effort.
Temperature Monitoring and Control
Controlling temperature is fundamental to successful grilling, especially with charcoal. The King-Griller Gambler includes a stainless steel thermometer mounted on the lid, allowing you to monitor the temperature inside the grill without lifting the lid and losing heat. This is a basic but essential feature. Airflow is controlled via dampers, typically located on the side and/or the lid. Adjusting these dampers allows you to regulate the amount of oxygen reaching the charcoal, which in turn controls the heat. More air equals hotter temperatures; less air cools it down. The benefit is having the ability to cook different types of food at their ideal temperatures or manage heat zones. One thing to note with this specific grill is that the charcoal grate height isn’t adjustable. This means you rely solely on the dampers and how you arrange your charcoal (e.g., direct vs. indirect heat zones) to manage temperatures across the cooking surface. It might take a little practice if you’re used to grills with adjustable charcoal grates, but it’s certainly manageable with a bit of learning.
Ash Management System
Cleaning up ash after grilling is often the least favorite part of the process. The King-Griller Gambler attempts to simplify this with an “Easy Dump Ash Pan.” This is a tray located beneath the charcoal grate designed to catch the ash. Once the grill is cool, you can remove the pan and dispose of the ash. This is definitely easier than scraping ash out of the bottom of a kettle-style grill or a deeper barrel. While one user mentioned that some ash still manages to miss the pan, requiring tilting the grill to fully clear it, the pan still captures the bulk of the ash, significantly reducing the mess and time spent on cleanup. The benefit is a quicker, less dusty post-grilling experience, which is particularly appreciated when you’re on the go.
Workstation and Tool Storage
Convenience features, while not directly impacting the cook, enhance the overall grilling experience. The Char-Griller King-Griller Gambler includes a side shelf. This shelf provides a handy space for resting platters, utensils, rubs, or sauces while you’re cooking. It also features integrated hooks for hanging your BBQ tools, keeping them within easy reach. This side shelf folds down for storage, further contributing to the grill’s compact nature when not in use. The benefit is having a functional workspace right where you need it, reducing trips back and forth and keeping your essential grilling tools organized and accessible.
Overall Construction and Potential Durability Notes
The grill is built with heavy-duty steel construction, giving it a solid feel for its size and price point. However, it’s important to address the durability concerns raised by some users, particularly regarding the leg support bracket. A few reviewers experienced the grill collapsing due to the thin metal of this bracket. This is a notable disadvantage. While some users found ingenious ways to reinforce it (like adding a thicker metal bracket), it suggests a potential weak point in the design as manufactured. The paint finish was also mentioned as potentially peeling after a couple of uses. While the overall materials feel substantial for a portable charcoal grill, these specific points highlight that while capable, it may require a bit more care or potential DIY reinforcement than a higher-end, stationary grill. If you’re handy or willing to make a minor modification if needed, the core cooking performance outweighs this potential issue for many.
What Others Are Saying
Looking around online, I found that many users are quite pleased with their Char-Griller King-Griller Gambler grills. People appreciate its portability, noting how easily it rolls and folds up, making it great for taking to parks or campsites. The cooking results often get positive mentions, with users highlighting how well it cooks everything from steaks to sausages, attributing the performance partly to the heavy cast iron grates. While assembly can sometimes pose a slight challenge for some, and a few reports mention concerns about the sturdiness of the leg locking mechanism or paint durability after extended use, many users find the size and cooking capability to be exactly what they needed in a portable format. The general consensus is that it’s a capable grill that delivers good charcoal flavor, especially considering its design for mobility.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, the problem this grill effectively solves is the desire for authentic charcoal grilling in diverse locations or in space-constrained environments. Not being able to grill away from home or having a bulky grill cluttering a small area can significantly limit your cooking enjoyment. The Char-Griller E1816 King-Griller Gambler is a great fit for solving this because it combines a flavor-enhancing barrel design and quality cast iron grates with genuine portability features like wheels and folding legs. Despite a potential minor structural issue that some users encountered, its core performance and convenience make it a compelling option for anyone who loves charcoal and needs flexibility. If you’re ready to experience the joy of charcoal grilling wherever you go, click here to check out the Char-Griller King-Griller Gambler portable charcoal grill.
Last update on 2025-09-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API