Weber Smokey Joe 14 inch Portable Grill Review: The Ultimate On-the-Go Charcoal Companion?

There’s a certain magic to cooking over live fire, a primal satisfaction that gas grills, for all their convenience, can never quite replicate. For years, my full-sized 22-inch Weber Kettle has been the undisputed king of my patio, churning out everything from slow-smoked ribs to perfectly seared steaks. But it’s an anchor, a permanent fixture. The problem arises when the craving for that authentic charcoal flavor strikes elsewhere—at a tailgate, a remote campsite, or a sunny picnic in the park. Lugging a full-size grill is out of the question, and disposable foil grills are wasteful, flimsy, and offer zero temperature control. This is the dilemma we faced: how to get the genuine Weber grilling experience—the thick steel, the predictable heat, the iconic kettle shape—in a package that could be tossed in the trunk without a second thought. The search for the perfect portable charcoal grill had begun.

What to Consider Before Buying a Portable Charcoal Grill

A portable charcoal grill is more than just a smaller cooking device; it’s a key solution for unlocking culinary adventures anywhere you go. It’s about bringing the rich, smoky flavor of charcoal to places where a large, stationary grill is impractical. The main benefits are obvious: portability for camping, tailgating, and beach trips; a smaller footprint for apartment balconies or compact patios; and reduced charcoal consumption for smaller meals, making it more economical for a couple or small family. It’s the freedom to have a proper cookout, not just a sad campfire hotdog on a stick, wherever your journey takes you.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone who values the authentic taste of charcoal and leads an active lifestyle. They might be apartment dwellers with limited outdoor space, avid campers who refuse to compromise on meal quality, or dedicated tailgaters who are the heroes of the pre-game party. It’s also perfect for those who have a larger grill at home but want a smaller, more efficient option for quick weekday dinners for two. Conversely, this type of grill might not be suitable for those who regularly cook for large crowds (more than 6-8 people) or who prioritize the set-it-and-forget-it convenience of gas or electric grills. If you need to feed an army or demand push-button simplicity, you might consider a larger kettle or a gas alternative.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: Portability is key. Look at the grill’s assembled dimensions (D x W x H) and its weight. The Weber Smokey Joe 14 inch Portable Grill, for example, comes in at a tidy 14.5″ x 14.2″ x 17″ and weighs under 10 pounds. This makes it compact enough for a small car trunk while still providing a stable base for cooking. Consider where you’ll store it and how you’ll transport it.
• Capacity/Performance: Cooking surface area, measured in square inches, dictates how much food you can cook at once. The 147 square inches on the Smokey Joe is advertised to fit up to six burgers, a claim we put to the test. Beyond raw space, performance hinges on heat retention and airflow control, which are managed by dampers or vents. Effective dampers are the difference between a grill and a simple fire pit.
• Materials & Durability: This is where premium brands often justify their cost. Look for porcelain-enameled steel for the lid and bowl, as this finish resists rust, cracking, and high temperatures far better than simple painted steel. Grates should be plated steel at a minimum, which retains heat well. Cheaper grills may use thinner gauge metal that can warp and rust quickly, leading to a much shorter lifespan.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: Assembly should be straightforward. On the go, features like lid locks for secure transport are invaluable. For cleanup, look for an integrated ash catcher, which simplifies the process of disposing of spent charcoal and keeps your grilling area tidy. A grill that’s a chore to clean is a grill that won’t get used often.

While the Weber Smokey Joe 14 inch Portable Grill is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

First Impressions: Classic Weber Quality in a Compact Package

Unboxing the Weber Smokey Joe 14 inch Portable Grill felt familiar and reassuring. The heft of the porcelain-enameled lid and bowl immediately signaled the quality we’ve come to expect from the brand. This particular model, a limited-edition version, features a stunning Mocha finish—a glossy, milk-chocolate brown that stands out beautifully from the sea of standard black grills. Assembly was a breeze, taking less than 15 minutes with just a single screwdriver. The process involves attaching the three alloy steel legs and the plastic handle. Most users report a similarly simple setup, though a few have noted rare manufacturing defects like missing leg holes, so it’s wise to inspect all parts upon arrival. Once assembled, the grill feels sturdy and stable on its tripod base. The plated-steel cooking grate fits snugly inside, and the aluminum dampers move smoothly. It’s a miniaturized version of its iconic larger sibling, promising the same legendary performance in a pint-sized package.

In-Depth Performance Analysis of the Weber Smokey Joe 14 inch Portable Grill

A grill’s true worth is proven over hot coals, not on a spec sheet. We spent several weeks putting the Weber Smokey Joe 14 inch Portable Grill through its paces, from backyard burger nights to a weekend camping trip, to see if its performance lives up to its pedigree. We tested its capacity, heat control, fuel efficiency, and overall usability in real-world scenarios.

Design, Build Quality, and Portability

The first thing that stands out is the material quality. The porcelain-enameled lid and bowl are the heart and soul of any Weber kettle, and that commitment to quality is not diminished in this smaller model. This isn’t flimsy, painted metal that will scratch and rust after one season. During our testing, the Mocha finish resisted the intense heat without any discoloration and cleaned up easily with a simple wipe-down. This durability is backed by a 10-year warranty on the lid and bowl, a testament to Weber’s confidence in their product. Its 9.43-pound weight makes it effortlessly portable. We could easily carry it one-handed down to the lakeshore for a picnic, a task that would be impossible with a larger grill. As one user aptly put it, it’s “perfect for placing in my car or home anywhere.” While the included components are just the grill and the cooking grate, the simplicity is part of its charm. However, some long-time Weber users have noted changes over the years. One reviewer, comparing it to their 27-year-old model, felt the new legs were made of a lighter gauge wire. While we found them perfectly stable for the grill’s size and weight, it’s a point of feedback from those with a long history with the brand.

Cooking Performance and Heat Control

With 147 square inches of cooking space, the Weber Smokey Joe 14 inch Portable Grill punches well above its weight class. We comfortably fit six 1/3-pound burger patties on the grate, confirming Weber’s capacity claims. For a family of four, it’s more than adequate, capable of handling three t-bone steaks or a half-dozen sausages with ease. The deep bowl and domed lid create a fantastic convection environment, ensuring even cooking from all sides. On a single, small chimney of charcoal, we were able to grill for over an hour, a finding echoed by a camper who cooked five rounds of bacon for a dozen people on just one load of coals. This fuel efficiency is a major plus for travel.

Heat control, however, is a point of contention and where user experience varies. The design places the air vents on the side of the bowl, above the charcoal grate, with another adjustable damper on the lid. This is a departure from larger kettles that have bottom vents for direct airflow to the coals. We found that for general grilling of burgers, chicken, and sausages, the temperature was consistent and easy to manage. However, achieving a ripping-hot sear for a thick steak proved challenging. Several users have reported the same issue, with one going so far as to drill extra holes in the bottom of the bowl to improve airflow, which they reported solved the problem. While we don’t recommend modifying your grill, it highlights a potential performance ceiling for those who demand high-heat searing. For most portable grilling tasks, however, the heat is ample and, thanks to the thick enameled steel, incredibly stable once you get it dialed in.

Ease of Use, Cleanup, and Noteworthy Quirks

From setup to cleanup, the Smokey Joe is designed for convenience. The integrated ash catcher is a simple but effective plate at the bottom that prevents hot embers from scarring your patio or campsite. After cooking, you simply close the vents to extinguish the coals, and once cool, the ash can be dumped easily. However, a few design quirks became apparent during our extended use. The most common complaint, which we also experienced, involves the cooking grate. After a few high-heat sessions, the plated-steel grate seems to contract slightly, making its fit inside the bowl less secure. If not placed carefully, it can shift and potentially fall into the coals when flipping a heavy item. It’s a manageable issue but an annoying one that could be solved with a slightly wider grate or more pronounced support tabs inside the bowl.

Another point of friction mentioned by users is the top vent. It’s fastened with a pop rivet, meaning its tension isn’t adjustable, and the metal tab can get scorching hot, requiring a glove or tool to adjust mid-cook. While some models may come with a lid-locking mechanism (often called the Tuck-N-Carry), the base model does not, which can make transport a bit trickier if you’re not careful. Despite these minor issues, the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive. It’s a simple, reliable tool that delivers on its promise of authentic charcoal grilling on the go, a feature that makes it an indispensable piece of gear for us now.

What Other Users Are Saying

Across the board, the sentiment for the Weber Smokey Joe 14 inch Portable Grill is largely positive, with users praising its build quality and portability. One owner summed it up perfectly: “This grill is exceptionally high-quality, a significant step up from the less expensive options I’ve tried. I’m so pleased with my purchase.” Many, like us, bought it as a supplement to a larger grill. “We purchased as a supplement to larger Weber for travel and it worked great!” says one happy customer, highlighting its role as the perfect travel companion.

However, the feedback isn’t without criticism, which often centers on specific design choices. The most prevalent negative point relates to the cooking grate. A frustrated user noted, “It doesn’t fit the bowl. It slips around and wont stay in place,” a sentiment we found to be valid under certain conditions. Another significant critique targets the airflow design. As one user who ultimately modified their grill explained, “The designer of this grill… should be fired. The grill doesn’t get hot enough to sear steaks or burgers.” This feedback is crucial for potential buyers who prioritize high-temperature searing, as the out-of-the-box experience may be better suited for moderate-heat grilling.

How Does the Weber Smokey Joe 14 inch Portable Grill Compare to the Alternatives?

The Weber Smokey Joe 14 inch Portable Grill occupies a specific niche, but it’s important to understand the broader landscape of charcoal cooking. Here’s how it stacks up against three distinct alternatives.

1. Royal Gourmet CC1830SC Charcoal Grill Offset Smoker

Comparing the Smokey Joe to the Royal Gourmet is like comparing a sports car to a cargo van; they are built for entirely different purposes. The Royal Gourmet is a large, stationary backyard grill with a massive 811 square inches of cooking space and an offset smoker box for true low-and-slow barbecue. It’s designed for hosting large parties and smoking briskets for hours. Someone would choose this over the Smokey Joe if their primary goal is backyard entertaining and smoking large cuts of meat. It completely sacrifices portability for capacity and versatility, making it the antithesis of the grab-and-go Weber.

2. Weber Performer 22-Inch Charcoal Grill

The Weber Performer is essentially the Smokey Joe’s bigger, more feature-rich brother. It takes the classic 22-inch Weber kettle and mounts it in a sturdy cart with a side table for prep space, a lid holder, and often a gas-ignition system. It represents the pinnacle of backyard charcoal grilling convenience. A buyer would opt for the Performer if they want a permanent, all-in-one charcoal grilling station for their patio. While it shares the same core cooking principles as the Smokey Joe, its size, weight, and price point place it firmly in the home-use category, whereas the Smokey Joe is built for adventure.

3. Char-Griller AKORN Kamado Charcoal Grill and Smoker 445 Sq. In.

The Char-Griller AKORN is a kamado-style grill, known for its thick, insulated walls that provide unparalleled heat retention and fuel efficiency. This design allows it to excel at a wide range of cooking temperatures, from low-and-slow smoking to high-heat searing for pizza. A griller would choose the AKORN for its versatility and its ability to hold steady temperatures for very long periods. However, it’s significantly heavier, bulkier, and more expensive than the Smokey Joe. It offers superior performance but at the complete cost of the portability that is the Smokey Joe’s defining feature.

Our Final Verdict: Is the Weber Smokey Joe 14 inch Portable Grill Worth It?

After extensive testing, we can confidently say that the Weber Smokey Joe 14 inch Portable Grill is a spectacular piece of equipment that masterfully shrinks a legendary grilling experience into a travel-friendly format. Its construction is top-notch, its heat retention is superb for its size, and its efficiency with charcoal is impressive. It’s the perfect solution for apartment dwellers, campers, tailgaters, and anyone looking for a small-scale grill without compromising on the authentic charcoal flavor.

While it has its quirks—namely the occasionally ill-fitting grate and a design that favors moderate heat over intense searing—these are minor trade-offs for its incredible convenience and portability. It may not be the right tool for searing massive steaks or feeding a crowd of twenty, but for its intended purpose, it is nearly flawless. If you’re seeking the freedom to enjoy genuine charcoal grilling wherever you roam, this grill isn’t just a good choice; it’s arguably the standard by which all others are measured. We wholeheartedly recommend it as an essential addition to any outdoor enthusiast’s gear collection. To see the beautiful Mocha finish for yourself and check the latest pricing, you can find all the details for the Weber Smokey Joe 14 inch Portable Grill online.