Best Charcoal Grills For Power Outages (2023)

Power outages can strike at any time, leaving you without electricity and potentially disrupting your daily routine. This makes it challenging to cook and enjoy meals with your family. Fortunately, charcoal grills provide a reliable solution for whipping up tasty dishes even when the power is out. These grills are essential for emergency preparedness, ensuring that you have a practical and convenient method of cooking during blackouts.

Charcoal grills are known for the smoky and mouthwatering flavors they add to the food. They are portable, allowing you to cook up a storm even in your backyard or during outdoor camping trips. Choosing the right charcoal grill for power outages is critical as the best ones are easy to set up, use, and clean.

When looking for the perfect grill, pay close attention to factors such as material, size, portability, and the ease of controlling temperature. A good quality material, like cast iron or stainless steel, ensures durability. Size and portability matter if you need to move the grill around or have limited storage space. Effective control of temperature ensures even cooking and fuel efficiency. Keeping these considerations in mind, we’ve gathered the top charcoal grills for power outages that strike the perfect balance of convenience and performance.

Table of Contents

Best Charcoal Grills for Power Outages

You’re gonna love our top picks of the best charcoal grills to save the day during power outages. Check out the list below and get grillin’ when the lights go out!

Cuisinart CCG190RB Portable Charcoal Grill

This grill is perfect for those who need a compact and portable solution during power outages and outdoor adventures.

Pros

Spacious 196-square-inch cooking surface
Efficient dual venting system for temperature control
Secure lid locks for safe and easy transportation

Cons

Limited charcoal capacity
Not ideal for large gatherings
No additional features or accessories

When the power goes out, you’re gonna want a reliable and easy-to-use grill for your outdoor cooking needs. Well, check out the Cuisinart CCG190RB Portable Charcoal Grill. This little red grill packs a punch with a decent 196-square-inch cooking surface, allowing you to cook quite a bit of grub in just one go.

The dual venting system is a real game-changer, as it gives you more control over the temperature and charcoal management, making sure your food gets cooked just the way you like it. Plus, the three secure lid locks make it a breeze to transport the grill wherever you need it – from your patio to the campground.

But let’s be real; this grill isn’t made for big BBQ parties or large family gatherings. Its limited charcoal capacity means you might struggle to maintain heat for longer cooking sessions. However, the Cuisinart CCG190RB Portable Charcoal Grill excels in providing a compact and portable solution for those unexpected power outages or small outdoor get-togethers. So, if you’re looking for a straightforward and easy-to-use grill that you can take just about anywhere, this one’s definitely worth considering.

Weber Original Kettle 22-Inch Charcoal Grill

This Weber Original Kettle Grill is perfect for power outages and outdoor fun.

Pros

Durable porcelain-enameled lid and bowl
Precise temperature control with dampers
One-touch cleaning system and removable ash catcher

Cons

Not ideal for large gatherings
Requires some assembly
Not eligible for international shipping

When you’re facing a power outage, you want a reliable charcoal grill like the Weber Original Kettle 22-Inch Charcoal Grill. Its durability and heat retention capabilities, thanks to the porcelain-enameled lid and bowl, let you know your grill has your back during emergencies.

You don’t need to be an expert griller to appreciate the precise temperature control of this Weber grill. The dampers make it so easy to adjust the temperature inside, you’ll be cooking up a storm in no time. Plus, the One-Touch cleaning system and removable ash catcher help you with hassle-free cleanup after a long day of grilling.

Although it can hold up to 13 burgers made with a Weber burger press, this grill might not be ideal for larger groups. But it’s perfect for a medium-sized family or small group.

Mueller Portable Charcoal Grill and Smoker

The Mueller Portable Charcoal Grill and Smoker is a must-have for power outages, offering a compact and foldable design for easy travel and setup.

Pros

Unique folding design for easy setup and saving space
Large cooking area suitable for a party of four or more
Sturdy stainless steel construction with dishwasher-safe grill plate

Cons

The grill net may warp after the first use
Charcoal may be too close to the food due to shallow depth
Lack of accessories or additional features

During power outages, you need a reliable and easy-to-use charcoal grill like the Mueller Portable Charcoal Grill and Smoker. With its unique folding design, you’ll forget about screws and tools – simply unfold the legs on both sides, and you’re ready to start grilling. The large cooking area of over 166 sq. inches allows you to grill for a party of four or more, evenly distributing heat for an efficient cooking experience.

Constructed with food-grade stainless steel, the Mueller grill is not only durable but also rust-resistant, ensuring you can use it for many grilling sessions to come. The grill plate can even be cleaned in the dishwasher, making cleanup a breeze. The heat-resistant frame features side air vents to ensure your charcoal burns better, providing a great grilling experience during outages.

However, there are some drawbacks to the Mueller grill. Some users reported the grill net warping after the first use, and due to the shallowness of the grill, the charcoal may be too close to the food. Additionally, the grill doesn’t come with extra accessories or features.

Overall, the Mueller Portable Charcoal Grill and Smoker is a great option for power outages, offering portability and durability for your outdoor cooking needs.

Weber Jumbo Joe Charcoal Grill 18 Inch Black

For a reliable and portable grill during power outages, look no further than the Weber Jumbo Joe.

Pros

Portable and lightweight
Large grilling area for up to eight burgers
Durable porcelain-enameled lid and bowl

Cons

Ash tray design can be inconvenient
No one-touch cleaning system
Not eligible for international shipping

The Weber Jumbo Joe is perfect for those occasions when the power goes out and you still want to enjoy a delicious grilled meal. Its compact size and convenient carry handle make it easy to transport, so you can take it on weekend getaways or spontaneous beach outings. Plus, it’s large enough to hold up to eight burgers made with a Weber burger press.

This charcoal grill is built to last, with the porcelain-enameled lid and bowl retaining heat effectively and resisting rust and peeling. However, handling the ash tray could be more user-friendly, as it requires unscrewing a wing nut at the bottom.

Temperature control within the Jumbo Joe is a breeze, thanks to the dampers that let you easily adjust the heat. Unfortunately, unlike some other Weber grills, this model does not include a one-touch cleaning system – a feature that would significantly improve its ease of use.

Regardless of these minor setbacks, the Weber Jumbo Joe is a fantastic option for power outages and portable grilling. Its durability, reliability, and large grilling area make it a popular choice for those in need of a high-quality charcoal grill.

Royal Gourmet CC1830 30 Barrel Charcoal Grill

The perfect companion for those unexpected power outages, offering ample cooking space and reliable temperature control.

Pros

Generous 627 sq. in. cooking area
Fine-tuned heat control with air vent and smoke stack
Easy-to-adjust fire pan holds up to 6 lbs. of coal

Cons

Assembly can be challenging, especially the lid
Plastic wheels feel cheap
Thermometer gauge may fluctuate

The Royal Gourmet CC1830, with its spacious 443 sq. in. porcelain-enameled steel wire cooking grates, combined with a 184 sq. in. chrome-plated steel wire warming rack, offers plenty of room to grill up a storm during a power outage. Especially when it came to large slabs of meat, this grill is a champ.

The heat control on this grill is pretty spot-on, thanks to the side air vent and adjustable smoke stack. You can easily control the temperature by closing the vent and tweaking the smoke stack, ensuring your food is cooked perfectly.

The 2-level height-adjustable fire pan made it easy to switch things up while cooking and it held up to 6 lbs. of coal – which means you don’t need to keep refilling it throughout the cooking session.

Users note the lid-mounted thermometer gauge sometimes shows fluctuations in the temperature, but with practice, you’ll learn how to compensate for any discrepancies.

Buying Guide

Choosing the right charcoal grill for power outages is essential for ensuring you’re prepared for any situation. In this buying guide, we’ll cover key features to look for when selecting the best product for your needs. Remember, the goal is to be ready for emergencies, so keep the following points in mind.

Size and Portability

When it comes to charcoal grills, size does matter. You want a grill that’s compact and easily portable, making it simple to store and transport during a power outage. Consider the size of the cooking area as well as the overall dimensions of the grill. Smaller grills are generally easier to move and store, but make sure it’s large enough to cook a sufficient amount of food for your household.

Build Quality and Durability

During a power outage, the grill you choose must be reliable and built to withstand outdoor conditions. Look for grills made from high-quality materials like stainless steel or cast iron. These materials are known for their durability and long-lasting performance. Pay attention to the thickness of the material, as thicker metals will generally provide better heat retention and even cooking.

Temperature Control

When grilling with charcoal, temperature control isn’t as precise as with gas grills, but it’s still an important factor to consider. Look for grills that offer adjustable air vents or dampers to control oxygen flow, which allows you to regulate the heat. This can be especially helpful when cooking different types of foods that require varying cooking times and temperatures.

Easy Cleanup

Power outages can be stressful, so reducing the amount of cleanup required after cooking is important. Choose a grill with easy-to-clean features like removable ash trays or charcoal pans. These design elements make it easier to empty and clean the grill when you’re finished.

Safety Features and Extras

Consider any additional features that may make your grilling experience even better during a power outage. Safety features like a locking lid and stable legs can help prevent accidents. If you’re planning to cook in low-light conditions, consider a grill with an integrated light source or an attachable one.

By keeping these factors in mind when choosing a charcoal grill for power outages, you’ll be well-equipped to handle emergency situations and enjoy delicious grilled meals when it matters most.