By Miles SinclairUpdated November 2026
Shoppers searching for a smokey joe gas grill usually want a compact unit that heats quickly, fits a small patio or balcony, and can travel to a campsite or tailgate without much fuss. The selection criteria used here are portability, cooking area, fuel flexibility, build quality and the kind of owner feedback that tends to show up again and again, such as heat consistency and ease of cleaning. Each pick below is a real Amazon listing, and the order reflects how well each one matches those criteria.
Our top picks at a glance
- 1
TOP CHOICEBest overallOklahoma Joe's Canyon Combo Dual Fuel 3-Burner Propane Gas and Charcoal Smoker and GrillView on Amazon - 2
TOP CHOICEBest for portable charcoal cookingWeber Smokey Joe 14-Inch Portable Charcoal GrillView on Amazon - 3
TOP CHOICEBest for dual fuel versatilityZH3005Y 2-Burner Gas and Charcoal Combo GrillView on Amazon - 4
Best for offset smokingOklahoma Joe's Highland Offset Charcoal Smoker and GrillView on Amazon - 5
Best budget pickCuisinart 14 In. Portable Charcoal Grill CCG-190RBView on Amazon - 6
Best for classic kettle cookingWeber Original Kettle Charcoal Grill, 22-InchView on Amazon - 7
Best for camping and tailgatingWeber Go-Anywhere Portable Charcoal GrillView on Amazon
Our Top Picks
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best for | Key feature |
|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma Joe’s Canyon Combo Dual Fuel 3-Burner Propane Gas and Charcoal Smoker and Grill | Large dual-fuel cooking | 1031 sq. in. cooking area with propane and charcoal options |
| Weber Smokey Joe 14-Inch Portable Charcoal Grill | Portable charcoal cooking | Tuck-N-Carry lid lock and porcelain-enameled finish |
| ZH3005Y 2-Burner Gas and Charcoal Combo Grill | Dual fuel versatility | 34,000 BTU with side burner and 1020 sq. in. cooking area |
| Oklahoma Joe’s Highland Offset Charcoal Smoker and Grill | Offset smoking | 900 sq. in. offset firebox design |
| Cuisinart 14 In. Portable Charcoal Grill CCG-190RB | Budget portable grilling | Dual air vent system and three lid locks |
| Weber Original Kettle Charcoal Grill, 22-Inch | Classic kettle cooking | One-Touch cleaning system and precise dampers |
| Weber Go-Anywhere Portable Charcoal Grill | Camping and tailgating | Two-piece cooking grate and precise airflow dampers |
Weber Smokey Joe 14-Inch Portable Charcoal Grill
Lightweight, Portable Kettle BBQ Grill for Outdoor Cooking with Tuck‑N‑Carry® Lid Lock, Durable Porcelain‑Enameled Finish Weber® Smokey Joe 14-Inch Portable Charcoal Grill, Black
Best for: Portable charcoal cooking for one or two people
This is the namesake grill for the smokey joe category. It suits anyone who wants a small, lightweight kettle that can move between a patio, a park and the back of a car.
Key specs
- 14-inch porcelain-enameled kettle
- Tuck-N-Carry lid lock for transport
- Charcoal fuel
Pros
- Very portable and easy to carry
- Porcelain-enameled finish resists everyday wear
- Simple design with few parts to maintain
Cons
- Limited cooking surface for larger groups
- Charcoal requires more cleanup than gas
Bottom line: A strong choice for solo cooks, couples and anyone who values a simple, durable portable grill over gas convenience.
Oklahoma Joe’s Canyon Combo Dual Fuel 3-Burner Propane Gas and Charcoal Smoker and Grill
Oklahoma Joe's Canyon Combo Dual Fuel 3-Burner Propane Gas and Charcoal Smoker and Grill with 1031 sq. in. Cooking Area in Black
Best for: Large dual-fuel cooking with the option to switch between gas and charcoal
This unit fits backyard cooks who want more capacity than a true smokey joe size but still want the compact footprint and flexibility of a combo grill.
Key specs
- 1031 sq. in. total cooking area
- Propane and charcoal dual-fuel design
- Three-burner gas configuration
Pros
- Switch between propane and charcoal depending on the cook
- Generous cooking area for a combo unit
- Good fit for smoking and direct grilling in one unit
Cons
- Heavier and bulkier than true portable models
- More parts to clean and maintain
Bottom line: Best for households that cook for groups and want both gas convenience and charcoal flavor in one footprint.
ZH3005Y 2-Burner Gas and Charcoal Combo Grill
Dual Fuel & Side Burner, 34,000 BTU, 1020 Sq. In. Cooking Area, Porcelain-Enameled Finish, Backyard BBQ & Camping, Black ZH3005Y 2-Burner Gas and Charcoal Combo Grill
Best for: Dual-fuel versatility in a moderate footprint
Suited to cooks who want a side burner for sauces or sides and the option to run either propane or charcoal, especially for backyard and camping use.
Key specs
- 34,000 BTU total burner output
- 1020 sq. in. cooking area
- Side burner and porcelain-enameled finish
Pros
- Side burner adds real prep capacity
- Dual fuel gives flexibility for different cooks
- Porcelain-enameled finish suits outdoor use
Cons
- Combo designs can be harder to clean than single-fuel grills
- Less compact than the smallest portable kettles
Bottom line: A practical pick for backyard cooks who want more burner options and fuel choice without moving to a full-size cart grill.
Oklahoma Joe’s Highland Offset Charcoal Smoker and Grill
Oklahoma Joe's Highland Offset Charcoal Smoker and Grill with 900 sq. in. Cooking Area in Black
Best for: Offset smoking on a compact charcoal unit
Fits cooks who want to learn offset smoking techniques, such as brisket and ribs, without committing to a large, heavy smoker.
Key specs
- 900 sq. in. cooking area
- Offset firebox design
- Charcoal fuel
Pros
- Offset design encourages low-and-slow smoking
- Cooking area suits a family-sized rack of ribs or small brisket
- Charcoal flavor is strong and familiar to pitmasters
Cons
- Requires more attention to temperature control than gas
- Larger footprint than a true portable grill
Bottom line: Best for smoke-focused cooks who want an affordable entry into offset cooking on a smaller scale.
Cuisinart 14 In. Portable Charcoal Grill CCG-190RB
Dual air vent system, 3 lid locks for one-handed carrying, 196 sq. in., chrome-plated grate Cuisinart 14 In. Portable Charcoal Grill, BBQ and Camping Grill, CCG-190RB
Best for: Budget-friendly portable grilling for camping and small patios
A good match for first-time grill buyers and campers who want a compact, no-frills charcoal grill with multiple lid locks for one-handed carrying.
Key specs
- 14-inch portable charcoal grill
- 196 sq. in. cooking area
- Dual air vent system and three lid locks
Pros
- Lightweight and easy to transport
- Dual vents offer reasonable heat control
- Budget-friendly entry point
Cons
- Small cooking surface limits group cooking
- Lighter build may show wear faster than premium kettles
Bottom line: Ideal for campers and budget-minded cooks who want a simple portable charcoal grill.
Weber Original Kettle Charcoal Grill, 22-Inch
WeberClassic Outdoor BBQ Grill with One‑Touch™ Cleaning System & Precise Temperature Control Dampers Original Kettle Charcoal Grill, 22-Inch, Black
Best for: Classic kettle cooking with a larger grate than a smokey joe
Suits cooks who want the traditional kettle layout with more room for direct grilling, indirect cooking and larger cuts, while staying with a single-piece charcoal design.
Key specs
- 22-inch kettle diameter
- One-Touch cleaning system
- Precise temperature control dampers
Pros
- Well-established kettle design with broad owner familiarity
- One-Touch system simplifies ash cleanup
- Good heat control for indirect and direct cooking
Cons
- Not portable in the same way as smaller kettles
- Requires a dedicated patio or yard spot
Bottom line: Best for households that want a larger kettle and are willing to trade portability for cooking space.
Weber Go-Anywhere Portable Charcoal Grill
WeberLightweight Portable BBQ Grill for Camping, Tailgating & Outdoor Cooking with 2‑Piece Cooking Grate & Precise Airflow Dampers Go‑Anywhere Portable Charcoal Grill
Best for: Camping, tailgating and outdoor cooking away from home
A strong option for people who need a grill that packs down easily and handles uneven ground, with a two-piece grate for flexible loading.
Key specs
- Two-piece cooking grate
- Precise airflow dampers
- Lightweight portable design
Pros
- Lightweight and built for travel
- Two-piece grate makes loading and cleaning easier
- Airflow dampers offer solid temperature control
Cons
- Limited cooking surface for large groups
- Charcoal fuel adds ash cleanup on trips
Bottom line: Best for campers and tailgaters who want a well-known brand in a compact, travel-friendly kettle.
Buying Guide
Fuel type: gas, charcoal or dual fuel
Gas grills heat up in minutes and offer simple temperature control with a knob. Charcoal delivers stronger smoke flavor but takes longer to start and produces more ash. Dual-fuel units give flexibility at the cost of extra parts and cleaning.
Good picks for this: Oklahoma Joe’s Canyon Combo Dual Fuel 3-Burner Propane Gas and Charcoal Smoker and Grill, ZH3005Y 2-Burner Gas and Charcoal Combo Grill
Cooking area and capacity
Measure how many people you usually cook for. A 14-inch kettle typically handles a small batch of burgers or chicken thighs, while larger combo units can hold more food across multiple zones.
Good picks for this: Weber Smokey Joe 14-Inch Portable Charcoal Grill, Oklahoma Joe’s Highland Offset Charcoal Smoker and Grill
Portability and weight
If the grill will travel, look for a lid lock, carry handles and a total weight you can lift comfortably. Check whether the grate and ash pan can be removed for transport.
Good picks for this: Weber Go-Anywhere Portable Charcoal Grill, Cuisinart 14 In. Portable Charcoal Grill CCG-190RB
Heat control and airflow
Adjustable vents or dampers let you dial in temperature on charcoal units. On gas grills, look for consistent burner output and a lid that holds heat.
Good picks for this: Weber Original Kettle Charcoal Grill, 22-Inch, Cuisinart 14 In. Portable Charcoal Grill CCG-190RB
Build quality and finish
Porcelain-enameled steel resists rust and is easier to wipe clean. Thin sheet metal can warp over time, especially when exposed to rain or frequent heating cycles.
Good picks for this: Weber Smokey Joe 14-Inch Portable Charcoal Grill, ZH3005Y 2-Burner Gas and Charcoal Combo Grill
Cleaning and maintenance
Ash removal, grease management and grate cleaning are the main chores. Systems that simplify ash collection save time, and two-piece grates make scrubbing easier.
Good picks for this: Weber Original Kettle Charcoal Grill, 22-Inch, Weber Go-Anywhere Portable Charcoal Grill
Intended use
Match the grill to your main activity. Patio grilling, camping, smoking and tailgating each favor different features.
Good picks for this: Oklahoma Joe’s Highland Offset Charcoal Smoker and Grill, Weber Go-Anywhere Portable Charcoal Grill
FAQ
What is a smokey joe gas grill?
The term is often used loosely. Weber’s Smokey Joe is a small charcoal kettle, while many shoppers search for the phrase when looking for a compact gas or dual-fuel grill. Check the listing to confirm the fuel type before buying.
Is a small grill enough for a family?
It depends on portions. A 14-inch grill can cook for two or three people comfortably. For larger families, a combo unit or larger kettle is a better fit.
Can I use charcoal in a dual-fuel grill?
Yes, dual-fuel units are designed to run either propane or charcoal. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for each fuel and do not mix them in the firebox.
How do I clean a small charcoal grill?
Let the grill cool fully, empty the ash into a metal container, and scrub the grate after each use. Check the owner’s manual for the recommended cleaning schedule.
Are portable grills safe to use on a balcony?
Many apartment and condo rules prohibit open flames on balconies. Check local fire codes and building rules first. Never use a grill indoors or in an enclosed space because of carbon monoxide risk.
What size grill do I need for camping?
A 14-inch portable charcoal grill is a common choice for camping because it packs down easily and covers basic meals for two to four people.
Conclusion
For portable charcoal cooking, the Weber Smokey Joe and Weber Go-Anywhere are natural fits. Shoppers who want gas and charcoal in one unit should look at the Oklahoma Joe’s Canyon Combo or the ZH3005Y combo grill. Offset smoking fans will find the Highland useful, while the Cuisinart CCG-190RB suits budget buyers. The Weber Original Kettle is the pick for larger classic cooking.
Sources
- Safety guidance on outdoor grill and propane use (energy.gov)
- Consumer product safety information for outdoor cooking equipment (cpsc.gov)
- Fire safety standards and guidance for outdoor cooking (nfpa.org)
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About Miles Sinclair
Miles Sinclair is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our BBQ & grilling guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.
