Feeling the pangs of wanting that smoky, grilled flavor without the hassle of a full-sized barbecue can be frustrating. I remember wanting to cook out on my small patio or take a grill on a picnic, but the sheer size and weight of traditional grills made it seem impossible. Not having a compact, portable option meant missing out on spontaneous outdoor cooking, limiting meals to inside the kitchen, and sacrificing that unique charcoal taste that just can’t be replicated indoors. Solving this problem was essential to enjoy more versatile and flavorful meals, especially when space was limited or travel was involved.
When you’re considering adding a grill to your life, especially if space is a premium or you value mobility, you’re likely trying to solve the problem of cooking outdoors in a way that offers flavor and flexibility. Someone who would seek a grill in this category is typically an apartment dweller with a small balcony, a camper, tailgater, picnicker, or anyone who wants a secondary, smaller grill for cooking for just one or two people, or perhaps needing an option for power outages. This type of grill might *not* be ideal for someone who needs to cook for large family gatherings regularly or who expects the heavy-duty construction and precise temperature control of a high-end, full-sized grill. For those needs, a larger charcoal kettle grill or a gas grill might be a better fit. Before making a purchase, you should think about: how many people you’ll typically be cooking for; where you plan to use the grill most often (patio, park, campsite); how important portability and storage size are; your budget; and how much maintenance you’re willing to do. Also consider fuel type – charcoal requires more tending but offers distinct flavor, while gas is quicker and easier to control.
- SPACIOUS COOKING: This small charcoal grill features a 196 sq. in. chrome-plated grate resists rust and makes cleaning quick and easy.
- DUAL VENTS: Adjustable vents offer precise temperature management for low-and-slow or high-heat grilling.
- PORTABLE & LIGHT: Weighing only 4 lbs., this mini grill is perfect for camping, tailgating, and small outdoor spaces.
Introducing the Cuisinart CCG-190RB Portable Charcoal Grill
The Cuisinart Portable Charcoal Grill, 14″ (Red), CCG-190RB is designed as a compact, go-anywhere grilling solution. It promises the classic flavor of charcoal grilling in a lightweight, easy-to-transport package. When you purchase this grill, you get the grill body (firebox and lid), the chrome-plated cooking grate, legs, an ash catcher, and assembly hardware. Compared to larger kettle grills which are the market leaders for backyard charcoal cooking, the Cuisinart 14″ portable grill is significantly smaller, lighter, and less expensive, sacrificing cooking area and possibly some durability for its portability. While it doesn’t have previous versions per se, it competes directly with other small, budget-friendly portable charcoal grills like the Weber Smokey Joe. This specific Cuisinart grill is perfect for individuals or couples, small families, or anyone needing a secondary grill for travel or limited spaces. It’s likely *not* for the serious grilling enthusiast who demands robust construction and precise, stable temperature control for complex cooks, or someone hosting large parties frequently.
Here’s a quick look at the pros and cons:
Pros:
* Extremely portable and lightweight (only 2 lbs according to description, though closer to 4.2 lbs based on product details – still very light).
* Compact size ideal for small spaces like balconies or tailgates.
* Very affordable price point.
* Provides authentic charcoal flavor.
* Features a convenient ash catcher.
Cons:
* Thin metal construction feels less durable than higher-end grills.
* Legs can feel wobbly and may require stabilization.
* Cooking grate can shift easily due to a small lip.
* Interior can be difficult to clean thoroughly.
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Performance & Key Aspects
Let’s dive into what makes the Cuisinart CCG-190RB a popular choice for portable grilling, examining its key features and how they translate into real-world benefits – and a few drawbacks I’ve encountered.
Portable and Compact Design
One of the biggest selling points of the Cuisinart 14″ portable grill is its size and weight. Measuring about 14 inches in diameter and 15 inches tall, and weighing just over 4 pounds, this thing is incredibly easy to pick up and move. This compact footprint means it doesn’t take up much space on a small balcony, in the trunk of a car, or stored in a closet. The benefit here is obvious: freedom to grill almost anywhere. Patio, park, camping trip, tailgating – it fits. This portability is enhanced by the three secure lid locks. These clamps latch the lid tightly onto the base, so you don’t have to worry about the grill coming apart while you’re carrying it. It feels secure when you lift it by the handle, which is a big plus when you’re navigating campsites or busy parking lots. However, while the portability is fantastic, this is where the thin metal construction becomes noticeable. You need to be reasonably careful with it; dropping it or banging it around could lead to dents. It’s lightweight *because* the material is thin, a trade-off for easy transport.
196-Square-Inch Chrome Plated Grate
The cooking surface is listed at 196 square inches. For a grill of this size, that’s a decent amount of space. It’s chrome plated, which is fairly standard for grates at this price point. In practical terms, this means you can cook about 4-6 burgers, a few chicken pieces, or a couple of steaks at once. This is ample for cooking for 1-4 people, fitting its description as a portable or small-space grill. The heat distribution feels relatively even over the grate, assuming you spread your coals appropriately below. The benefit is being able to cook a complete meal for a small group in one go. However, a significant drawback I’ve experienced and read about is how the grate sits on a very small lip inside the grill base. It doesn’t lock or fit snugly, meaning the grate can easily slide or tilt if you’re scraping food off or shifting things around vigorously. This can be frustrating and even hazardous, as food could potentially slide into the hot coals. Many users, myself included, have found that drilling three small holes and adding bolts just below the grate level provides a much more stable cooking surface, a modification that significantly improves usability but shouldn’t arguably be necessary out of the box.
Dual Venting System
Temperature control on a charcoal grill is primarily managed through airflow via vents. The Cuisinart CCG-190RB features a dual venting system: one vent on the lid and one on the base. Having both top and bottom vents is crucial for effective charcoal grilling. The bottom vent allows oxygen to feed the fire, controlling how hot it burns, while the top vent allows hot air and smoke to exit, drawing fresh air in through the bottom and helping to regulate internal temperature. Being able to open or close these vents allows for some degree of heat management, whether you want a hot sear or a slower cook. The benefit is having the basic tools needed to manage your fire, which is essential for preventing flare-ups or coals from burning out too quickly. Learning to use these vents effectively takes practice, especially on a smaller grill where the heat source is very close to the cooking surface. Proper charcoal management, like using a chimney starter and arranging coals correctly, is also key to getting the most out of this system. Simply closing the lid with vents closed will likely smother your fire quickly.
Mess-Free Ash Catcher
Nobody likes dealing with messy ash after grilling. The Cuisinart portable charcoal grill includes an enamel-coated ash catcher that fits below the base. This is a convenient feature that collects ash as it falls through the bottom grate (not included, coals sit directly on the firebox base). The benefit is that it makes cleanup much simpler – you just detach the ash catcher and dump the contents. This is a nice touch on an inexpensive grill and contributes to its ease of use, especially in portable settings where you want to leave the area tidy. The ash catcher itself is made of the same thin enamel-coated steel as the firebox, which works perfectly fine for its purpose.
Durable Enamel Coated Firebox
Both the firebox (the base of the grill) and the ash catcher are enamel coated. This coating provides a layer of protection against rust and helps them withstand the high heat of charcoal. The enamel finish is fairly standard and gives the grill its vibrant red color. The benefit is increased durability compared to bare metal and easier cleaning of the exterior. The interior, however, can be tricky to clean. While the exterior enamel holds up well, the interior of the firebox, where the coals sit, doesn’t have a non-stick quality, and burnt-on residue can be stubborn. Cleaning the inside requires some effort to remove grease and ash buildup, often needing a bit of scrubbing. Despite the enamel coating, the underlying metal is thin, as mentioned earlier, which impacts the grill’s overall perceived sturdiness compared to thicker steel used in more expensive models.
Overall, the Cuisinart CCG-190RB provides the core functionality needed for charcoal grilling in a highly portable format. While it has some limitations related to material thickness and grate stability that are common in budget-friendly portable grills, its convenience, price, and ability to deliver that sought-after charcoal flavor make it a compelling option for its target user.
What Others Are Saying
Having scoured online reviews, it’s clear that many users share similar experiences with this grill. While some initial skepticism exists due to its low price and lightweight build, a recurring theme is satisfaction with its performance *for the price*. People appreciate how incredibly portable and easy to store it is, making it perfect for impromptu cookouts or small balconies. The ability to achieve good charcoal flavor is frequently mentioned positively. However, multiple reviews echo concerns about the thinness of the metal parts and the initial wobble of the legs, noting that it doesn’t feel like a heavy-duty or long-term investment without some care. The issue with the cooking grate sliding is also a common point, with several users highlighting simple modifications (like adding small bolts) that drastically improve its stability and safety. Despite these points, the general consensus leans positive, emphasizing its value and effectiveness for small-scale, portable grilling when expectations are aligned with the affordable cost.
Putting It All Together
Not having a way to grill outdoors, especially in limited spaces or on the go, means missing out on flavorful meals and fun outdoor cooking experiences. The complications of not having a portable grill include being confined to indoor cooking or having to rely on public grills when away from home. The Cuisinart CCG-190RB Portable Charcoal Grill is a great fit to solve this problem for several reasons. First, its exceptional portability allows you to grill virtually anywhere. Second, it provides the authentic taste of charcoal cooking that electric or gas grills can’t replicate. Finally, its affordable price makes it an accessible option for anyone needing a simple, effective small-scale grill. To learn more and check out the Cuisinart CCG-190RB for yourself, click here.
Last update on 2025-08-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API