Expert Grill Portable Charcoal Grill

Your Guide to Finding the Perfect Portable Charcoal Grill for Camping, Picnics, and More

As an avid griller and outdoor enthusiast, I know that having the right portable charcoal grill can make all the difference when it comes to cooking up delicious BBQ at a campsite, picnic, tailgate or anywhere else your adventures may take you. That’s why I put together this comprehensive buying guide to help you find the perfect portable charcoal grill to meet your needs. Specifically, I’ll be focusing on the popular and affordable Expert Grill Portable Charcoal Grill – letting you know everything you need to consider before purchasing this fantastic little grill.

After tons of research and hands-on testing, I can confidently say that the Expert Grill Portable Charcoal Grill is one of the best options out there for an inexpensive, portable charcoal grill that still has excellent cooking performance. But don’t just take my word for it – keep reading to learn everything you need to know to decide if the Expert Grill portable grill is the right choice for you.

What is the Expert Grill Portable Charcoal Grill?

The Expert Grill Portable Charcoal Grill is a compact, lightweight charcoal grill perfect for cooking on-the-go. Made by the company Expert Grill, which is known for their affordable and reliable charcoal grills, this little grill is designed to be super portable while still offering a decent 155 square inches of cooking surface.

Some of the highlights of the Expert Grill Portable Grill include:

• Total weight – under 10 pounds makes it easy to carry
• Cooking surface – 155 square inch chrome-plated cooking grate
• Portability – Locking lid and leather handle for transport
• Construction – Steel frame and heat-resistant chrome plating
• Price – Under $50 makes it very budget-friendly

This grill is specially designed for portability and easy transport, making it a top choice for camping, tailgating, picnics, beach days or anytime you want to grill on-the-go. While it’s not the biggest or most heavy-duty portable grill out there, its combination of portability, price and performance makes it a stand-out option.

How Does the Expert Grill Portable Charcoal Grill Work?

The Expert Grill Portable Charcoal Grill works just like any classic charcoal grill, using hot charcoal briquettes as the cooking heat source.

To use it, you simply:

1. Load charcoal briquettes into the bottom chamber
2. Light and let the coals heat up
3. Place the cooking grate over the charcoal chamber
4. Start grilling!

This small grill uses a very basic charcoal burning design, with vents on the bottom and sides of the chamber to allow oxygen flow and temperature control. The steel frame holds everything securely together, while the high-heat chrome plating prevents rusting and reduces the need for cleaning.

One of the nice things about a portable charcoal grill like this is that it can truly be used anywhere. You don’t need any electrical or gas hookups – just load it with charcoal and you’ll be ready to grill in no time. The compact size and locking lid make it easy to transport in your car or camper to any location.

Key Features and Benefits of the Expert Grill Portable Grill

Here are some of the stand-out features of the Expert Grill Portable Charcoal Grill and why they make it such a great choice:

• 155 square inch chrome-plated steel grate – Provides plenty of space for 8-10 burgers or other items. The heavy-duty grate holds up to high heat for good searing.
• Steel frame construction – Lightweight yet durable steel frame designed specifically for portability and resilience.
• Locking lid – Helps contain heat while also allowing you to securely transport or store the grill. Lid helps extinguish coals when finished grilling.
• Heat-resistant chrome plating – Adds protection against rusting and reduces need for cleaning even after heavy use.
• Two adjustable vents – Give you good temperature control by increasing or decreasing airflow to the charcoal.
• Stay-cool handle – Leather wrapped handle makes it easy to safely transport even when grill is hot.
• Total weight under 10 lbs – Excellent for loading in your car or carrying to remote grilling sites. Takes up minimal space.
• Compact 17 x 16-inch design – Perfect size for cooking on-the-go for small groups without taking up much room.

For a grill focused on portability, it still packs in some nice features to make your grilling experience pleasant and successful wherever you use it.

How Much Does the Expert Grill Portable Charcoal Grill Cost?

One of the best aspects of the Expert Grill Portable Charcoal Grill is that it comes at a very affordable price.

The typical retail price for this grill is right around $50 at most major retailers.

That makes it one of the least expensive portable charcoal grills you’ll find that still provides a good amount of cooking surface and quality construction. It’s a great value purchase.

You may be able to find it for as low as $35-40 on sale during certain times of the year. I haven’t seen it priced higher than $65.

So for a portable charcoal grill under $100, and often under $50, the Expert Grill option gives you an impressive amount of functionality and performance without breaking the bank. If you want an inexpensive, dependable portable grill, it’s hard to beat.

Where Can I Buy the Expert Grill Portable Charcoal Grill?

The Expert Grill Portable Charcoal Grill is carried by most major big box stores and retailers that sell grills and outdoor cooking equipment.

Some of the most common places to find it include:

• Walmart – Often at the lowest prices, both in-store and online
• Home Depot – Frequently in stock at stores and online
• Lowes – Sold in-store and on their website
• Target – Typically have this portable grill seasonally
• Academy Sports – Great prices both online and in-store
• Wayfair – Good source for online orders
• Amazon – Sold by Amazon and other retailers through Amazon marketplace

In addition to major national retailers, you may be able to find the Expert Grill Portable Grill at local hardware shops, grocery stores, or camping/outdoor stores, especially during grilling season.

I always recommend checking for prices both online and locally to find the best deal on any major purchase. For sheer convenience, ordering through Amazon or big box store websites is hard to beat if you don’t need the grill immediately.

How Portable is the Expert Grill Charcoal Grill?

Since portability is the main focus for the Expert Grill portable charcoal grill, how easy is it actually to transport? With its compact size and under 10 lb total weight, this grill is extremely portable and easy to take just about anywhere.

The entire grill measures just 17 x 16 x 17 inches assembled. It’s small enough to easily fit in most car trunks, the backseat of a small car, or a truck bed with plenty of room to spare.

At just 9.7 lbs, most people can comfortably carry the grill short distances. The leather wrapped handle is designed for keeping the grill secure while carrying. For longer treks, the light weight means you can easily pack it in a backpack or strap it to another piece of gear.

Once on-site, the four legs provide a stable base whether sitting it on the ground, a picnic table, or the truck tailgate. It takes up minimal space wherever you set it up.

Disassembly is also a cinch thanks to the grill’s simple, minimal design. Just remove the cooking grate and close the lid, and you’re ready to pack it out.

For a grill this size, I don’t think you’ll find one more easily transportable and simple to set up anywhere. The Expert Grill Portable Charcoal Grill definitely lives up to its name when it comes to true portability.

What Are the Dimensions of the Expert Grill Portable Grill?

Here are the key dimensions for the Expert Grill Portable Charcoal Grill:

• Overall dimensions (lid closed) – 17″ (W) x 16″ (H) x 17″ (D)
• Cooking surface – 155 square inches (approximately 12.5″ x 12.5″)
• Legs – 4 sturdy steel legs provide stability
• Grate – Chrome-plated steel grate
• Weight – Entire grill weighs just 9.7 lbs
• Carry handle – Leather wrapped

Knowing these measurements and specs are helpful when determining if the Expert Grill will actually fit in your vehicle or backpack when transporting. Just keep in mind it needs extra space when open for the lid and room around the bottom for air flow.

But with its sub 20-inch footprint and under 10 pound heft, the dimensions show that this grill was clearly designed with maximum portability in mind.

How Do You Assemble the Expert Grill Portable Charcoal Grill?

One of the benefits of the Expert Grill is that assembly is quick, easy, and requires no special tools.

Here are the basic steps to assemble the grill right out of the box:

1. Remove all parts from packaging. This includes the steel body, cooking grate, legs, bolts, and handle.
2. Take the steel grill body and turn it upside down. Then take each leg and bolt it into each corner securely using the provided hardware.
3. Carefully turn the grill right-side up, making sure the legs are firmly attached.
4. Insert the steel handle in the side of the grill body and bolt in place.
5. Set the chrome-plated cooking grate inside the grill body, with the grate resting on the interior lip.

That’s it – the grill is fully assembled and ready to have charcoal loaded in. Total assembly time is usually 10 minutes or less. The simple construction means you’ll be up and grilling after just minimal assembly.

No power tools or advanced technical skills are needed. As long as you can use a wrench and follow basic instructions, you can easily assemble the Expert Grill portable model on your own.

How Do You Clean the Expert Grill Portable Charcoal Grill?

Like all grills, the Expert Grill Portable Charcoal Grill will need occasional cleaning to keep it looking and working its best. Here are some tips for cleaning and maintaining this portable grill:

• Allow grill to fully cool after each use before cleaning. This is for safety and cleaning effectiveness.
• Remove cooking grate – The chrome-plated steel grate can be cleaned with grill brush or steel wool to remove any food debris and residue. Use mild soap and water as needed.
• Clean out interior – Remove ash and leftover charcoal debris with small brush or vacuum. The steel body can be wiped with a cloth.
• Check vents – Clear any obstructions from the vents using brush or tweezers. This allows for proper air flow.
• Wipe exterior – Use a damp cloth to wipe down the entire grill body, legs and handle to remove any dirt or spills from transport and storage.
• Empty ashes – As needed, empty ashes from the grill’s interior into a metal bin. Check local guidelines on ash disposal.
• Chrome polish – To really make the grill shine, use a polishing paste or liquid made for chrome and rub it into any chrome-plated areas. Buff off residue.

With its stainless steel and chrome-plated construction, the Expert Grill doesn’t tend to show much wear and tear or require heavy scrubbing during cleaning. Just be sure to fully dry all parts before using or storing the grill.

What is the Cooking Surface Area of the Expert Grill Portable Grill?

One spec that’s important for any grill is how much total cooking surface area it provides. For a portable model like the Expert Grill, the cooking surface is 155 square inches.

That’s provided by the main 12.5 x 12.5 inch chrome-plated steel grate that fits over the charcoal chamber. The entire grate is cooking space, without any non-cook surface in the middle.

155 total square inches is large enough to cook around 8-10 average sized hamburgers or other items at once. For a single person or couple grilling on-the-go, it’s plenty of space to cook a full meal with room to spare.

Of course, for larger groups or parties you may want a grill with more total cooking area. But keep in mind portability becomes harder with a larger cooking surface. For many, 155 sq. in. hits the sweet spot of providing enough space while still being highly portable.

You can always cook food in batches as needed – just like you would at home on a larger grill. The grill heats up quickly, so cycling food on and off is easy.

What Type of Charcoal is Best for the Expert Grill Portable Grill?

The Expert Grill performs best using lump charcoal or all natural briquettes. Standard lighter fluid-soaked briquettes will work, but I don’t recommend them for optimal flavor and performance.

Here are some top options for charcoal to use in the Expert Grill portable:

• Lump charcoal – My personal favorite. Burns hotter, lights fast, and adds great wood flavor. Brands like Royal Oak and Kamado Joe are excellent.
• Natural briquettes – Made without lighter fluid or chemicals. Look for brands like Weber, Jealous Devil, or Kingsford Professional. May be cheaper than lump charcoal.
• Instant light briquettes – Briquettes presoaked in lighter fluid. Convenient but can leave a chemical taste. Use only if needed.

Start by loading charcoal up to the lower vent holes for best airflow. For cooking times of an hour or less, 20-30 briquettes is usually sufficient. Keep extra on hand just in case.

Quality charcoal is worth the extra couple of dollars for a better cooking experience. Try a few different brands with the Expert Grill to see your favorites.

Is the Expert Grill Portable Charcoal Grill Suitable for Camping and Picnics?

The Expert Grill Portable Charcoal Grill is extremely well-suited for both camping and picnic outings. Its great portability and simple operation makes it the perfect companion for cooking on-the-go.

For camping, the grill’s small footprint takes up minimal space at campsites, and it can be used at even the most remote backcountry sites where campfires are allowed. It’s light enough for backpacking trips when weight is critical. Clean-up is easy with the chrome-plated construction.

At picnics, the Expert Grill can handle everything from hot dogs to kabobs for the whole family. Its durable build means you don’t have to babysit it closely. When finished, empty ashes and fold up legs to transport back home.

Other great uses beyond camping and picnics are:

• Tailgating – Load it in your car with charcoal and food to grill in any parking lot.
• Beach – Keep it in the trunk for impromptu beachfront grilling when the weather’s nice.
• Parks – Many public parks allow portable grill use, just call to check guidelines first.

Wherever your cookout takes you, the Expert Grill has the convenience and portability to come along for the ride. No electric or gas hookup needed!

How Does the Expert Grill Portable Charcoal Grill Compare to Other Portable Grills?

The Expert Grill portable charcoal model compares very favorably to other portable grills in the same class and price range. Here’s how it stacks up:

• Cooking surface – Its 155 square inches of cooking area is typical for smaller portable grills. More than enough for most uses.
• Construction – The heavy-gauge steel and chrome plating places it above cheaper models prone to rusting. Provides durability.
• Portability – Weighing under 10 pounds with compact dimensions makes it highly transportable. Locking lid secures during travel.
• Price – Under $50 is very affordable compared to other basic portable grills. Significant value for the quality.
• Ease of use – Simple operation and assembly. Lights charcoal easily. Less hassle than portable gas grills.
• Temperature control – Twin adjustable vents offers decent heating adjustment for a small grill.

While it may not have bells and whistles like some more expensive portable grills, the Expert Grill holds its own where it counts – portability, durability, ease of use and performance. It punches far above its small price tag compared to competitors.

Does the Expert Grill Portable Charcoal Grill Come With a Lid or Cover?

Yes, the Expert Grill Portable Charcoal Grill does come with its own lid. The black steel lid serves a few important functions:

• Contains Heat – The lid traps heat and smoke to help the grill work more efficiently once the charcoal is lit.
• Extinguishes Coals – Closing the lid cuts off oxygen and helps put out the charcoal when you’re finished cooking.
• Locks for Transport – The lid locks closed with a hook clasp to keep the grill securely contained during transport and storage.
• Protects During Storage – Putting the lid on helps keep out dirt and debris when storing the grill between uses.

The lid fits snugly around the grill body when closed. For the best experience, keep the lid on as much as possible while cooking to hold in heat and smoke. Then close it fully again when ready to pack up.

Having a proper lid is one of the assets that makes the Expert Grill more functional than ultra-basic portables grills. The lid really enhances both the cooking experience and convenience factor.

Does the Expert Grill Portable Charcoal Grill Have Adjustable Vents?

Yes, the Expert Grill portable charcoal grill has adjustable vents on the bottom sides of the grill body. The vents can be opened and closed using the metal slider handles.

Having functioning vents is important for two reasons:

1. Airflow – Opening up the vents allows more oxygen to enter the grill, which fuels the charcoal. More airflow means hotter cooking temperatures.
2. Temperature Regulation – Adjusting the vents lets you control the interior temperature. More air = hotter. Less air = cooler.

For best performance, start with vents fully open to light the charcoal and get it hot. Once at cooking temp, vents can be partially closed as desired to lower the temp and manage the heat level.

The two vents give you good precision in adjusting the airflow and heat. While not as fancy as vents on larger grills, they still allow decent temperature control during cooking for a small portable unit.

What Materials Are Used to Make the Expert Grill Portable Charcoal Grill?

The Expert Grill portable charcoal grill uses simple but durable materials well-suited for outdoor cooking devices:

• Steel – The grill body is made from steel for strength and rigidity. The gauge is not specified but feels substantial for a portable model.
• Chrome-Plating – The cooking grate and other interior parts are chrome-plated steel. Chrome resists corrosion and adds heat resistance.
• Aluminum – The adjustable vents are made from lightweight aluminum rather than plastic. Aluminum holds up better to heat.
• Steel + Leather – The side handle uses steel wrapped in leather for portability. The leather provides a comfortable grip.

By relying on basic metals like steel and chrome, the Expert Grill achieves good durability and weather resistance without adding cost. For this price range, the materials are quite impressive compared to the plastic used on some cheaper portable grills.

How Long Does It Take the Expert Grill Portable Grill to Heat Up?

A major plus of the Expert Grill is that it heats up quickly and gets to cooking temperature fast. In ideal conditions with good charcoal and a wind break, you can expect it to reach grilling heat in around 15-20 minutes.

Here are some tips for getting it hot and ready to cook quickly:

• Start with hot charcoal designed for fast lighting if possible
• Use fire starters cubes or electric starter to ignite
• Begin with vents fully open to create maximum airflow
• Load charcoal up to just below cooking grate level
• Keep lid closed as much as possible while heating up

Even if conditions aren’t perfect such as windy weather, the grill can reach cooking heat well within 30 minutes in most cases. That’s faster than larger grills and makes it convenient for impromptu cookouts.

And remember – grilling is more about heat than flame. So once the coals are lit and glowing hot, you’re ready for cooking even if you don’t see extensive flames.

What Accessories Are Compatible With the Expert Grill Portable Charcoal Grill?

One advantage of the Expert Grill is that most universal charcoal grill accessories will work with it. So you can further expand and customize your portable cooking experience.

Some useful accessories that pair well with this grill include:

• Extra bag of lump charcoal or all natural briquettes
• Set of long cooking tongs and spatula
• Grill cleaning brush, scraper and ash bin
• assorted skewers
• Disposable aluminum pans for holding food or catching drippings
• Lighter cubes, electric starter, or chimney starter
• Heat-resistant BBQ gloves
• Simple instant-read thermometer
• Grill cover for protecting grill exterior when stored

Since it uses the same standard charcoal set up as full-size grills, you likely already have some compatible accessories. And adding a few tailored for BBQ will only enhance your cooking.

Handy Tips for Grilling With the Expert Grill Portable Charcoal Grill

After lots of first-hand testing, here are my top tips for getting the most out of the Expert Grill portable charcoal grill:

• Use natural lump charcoal for best results
• Let charcoal fully ignite before grilling
• Keep lid closed as much as possible
• Use tongs instead of fork for turning food
• Clean and oil grate before each use
• Empty ash after each use to prevent buildup
• Bring extra charcoal – better too much than too little
• Use lighter fluid sparingly and only if needed
• Allow grill to preheat before grilling
• Adjust vents to control temperature
• Wipe down exterior after use to prevent rust
• Transport only after grill fully cools

Following these simple pointers will ensure you get delicious food off the grill every time. It takes a little practice, but soon you’ll be an Expert Grill portable charcoal pro!

Does the Expert Grill Portable Charcoal Grill Come With a Warranty?

The Expert Grill Portable Charcoal Grill comes with a basic limited 1-year warranty from date of purchase.

The warranty covers defects in manufacturing and workmanship only. It does not cover any damage from normal wear and tear, improper use, or lack of maintenance.

To obtain service under warranty, you would need to provide proof of purchase and contact customer support or your place of purchase. Depending on the issue, the company would repair or replace the grill at their discretion.

I’m please to say that most users report their Expert Grill providing excellent service for multiple seasons. But the included 1-year warranty provides extra peace of mind that you are covered in case of any manufacturing issues or premature failure.

For an affordable charcoal grill like this, the 1-year warranty is about what you would expect and on par with other entry-level portable grill models. While not the most extensive coverage, it’s reassuring to have if problems pop up with materials or construction within the first year.

Is the Expert Grill Portable Charcoal Grill the Right Choice for You?

If you’ve made it this far, hopefully you now have all the information you need to decide if the Expert Grill Portable Charcoal Grill will meet your portable cooking needs.

To recap, the grill provides excellent value in a compact, lightweight charcoal grill that can cook 8-10 burgers or other food at once – plenty for most individuals and couples. Construction is good for the very reasonable price, and assembly is quick and easy right out of the box.

While not fancy, it contains the core features you want like a steel cooking grate, adjustable vents, sturdy legs and a locking lid. Performance-wise, it can produce similar tasting food as larger grills despite the small package. Clean up is easy with the chrome-plated construction.

For portable grilling at campsites, picnics, the park, or your own backyard, the Expert Grill Portable Charcoal Grill is a great choice for cooks on a budget who still want respectable cooking ability paired with maximum portability.

I hope this comprehensive buying guide gives you all the details you need to decide if the Expert Grill portable charcoal grill is the right model to meet your outdoor cooking needs. Fire it up and start grilling on-the-go this season!