VIVOHOME Oval Cast Iron Grill with Grates & Griddle Review: The Heavy-Duty Hero for Two?

There’s a unique frustration that comes with portable grilling. We’ve all been there: you pack the car for a weekend camping trip or a day at the beach, excited for the smoky aroma of charcoal-grilled burgers. But the grill you brought is a flimsy, thin-walled metal box that leaks heat like a sieve. The charcoal flares up uncontrollably, charring the outside of your food while leaving the inside undercooked. You spend more time fighting the grill than enjoying the experience. For years, I believed that true, high-heat searing performance—the kind that creates a deeply flavorful crust on a steak—was the exclusive domain of heavy, stationary backyard grills. The compromise for portability always seemed to be a significant drop in cooking quality. This is the problem we set out to solve: finding a portable grill that doesn’t compromise on the fundamental magic of cast iron cooking. The search led us directly to the VIVOHOME Oval Cast Iron Grill with Grates & Griddle, a product that promises the heat retention of a classic skillet in a design you can take on the road.

What to Consider Before Buying a Portable Charcoal Grill

A portable charcoal grill is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for unlocking culinary freedom beyond your backyard. It’s about bringing the authentic, smoky flavor of charcoal to tailgates, campsites, and small patios where a full-sized grill is impractical. The main benefit is the combination of genuine charcoal flavor, which gas grills struggle to replicate, with the flexibility to cook almost anywhere. It solves the problem of being limited to cold sandwiches or processed snacks when you’re away from home, transforming any outdoor gathering into a memorable meal.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone who values cooking performance and flavor above all else, even when away from their main kitchen. This includes RV travelers, car campers, apartment dwellers with small balconies, and tailgating enthusiasts. They understand that a little extra weight or a more involved process can yield vastly superior results. Conversely, this type of grill might not be suitable for those who prioritize ultra-lightweight portability, such as backpackers, or those who want a “set it and forget it” cooking experience. For them, a folding campfire grate or a portable pellet grill might be a better, though fundamentally different, alternative.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: Portability is relative. A grill’s footprint and weight determine where it can realistically go. Consider not just the cooking surface area, but the overall dimensions for transport and storage. A 30-pound cast iron grill is portable for a car, but not for a hike. Measure your vehicle’s trunk space or RV storage compartment before you buy.
• Capacity/Performance: How many people are you typically cooking for? Many portable grills, especially high-performance ones, are designed for two to four people at most. Performance is tied to heat retention and airflow control. Look for features like adjustable vents or dampers that allow you to manage the charcoal’s temperature for different cooking styles, from searing to slow-roasting.
• Materials & Durability: This is arguably the most critical factor. Thin, stamped steel is lightweight but warps easily and sheds heat. Stainless steel offers better durability and rust resistance. Cast iron, the material used in the VIVOHOME grill, is the king of heat retention and even cooking, but it’s heavy and requires regular maintenance (seasoning) to prevent rust.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: Consider the entire process from setup to cleanup. How easy is it to add charcoal during cooking? Is there an ash catcher for simple disposal? For cast iron models, are you prepared for the ritual of cleaning and oiling after each use to maintain the non-stick surface and prevent corrosion? This long-term care is essential for the longevity of the product.

While the VIVOHOME Oval Cast Iron Grill with Grates & Griddle is an excellent choice for a specific type of user, 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: Unboxing a 29-Pound Beast

From the moment the delivery driver handed over the box, it was clear this was no ordinary portable grill. The sheer weight—a substantial 29.1 pounds—speaks volumes about its construction. Unboxing the VIVOHOME Oval Cast Iron Grill with Grates & Griddle is a satisfyingly hefty experience. There’s no flimsy plastic or thin sheet metal here; every major component is thick, powder-coated cast iron. Assembly is refreshingly simple, requiring just a few minutes to attach the base and handles. The spring-wrapped metal handles feel secure, a necessary feature for managing the grill’s weight, especially when hot.

What immediately stood out was the thoughtful inclusion of a complete accessory package. You don’t just get the grill; VIVOHOME includes a pair of silicone gloves, a fire poker, and a surprisingly robust UV-resistant nylon cover. This is a significant value-add, as these are often separate purchases. The interchangeable cooking surfaces—two half-moon grates and a solid griddle plate—fit snugly into the main body. The tool used to lift and swap these surfaces cleverly doubles as a bottle opener, a small but appreciated touch. Right out of the box, it feels less like a portable afterthought and more like a dedicated, serious cooking instrument, something you can see in the detailed product photos online.

Performance Deep Dive: Where Cast Iron Reigns Supreme

A grill’s worth is proven over the flame, and this is where our extensive testing of the VIVOHOME Oval Cast Iron Grill with Grates & Griddle began. We didn’t just cook one meal; we put it through a weekend of varied culinary challenges, from high-heat searing to low-and-slow cooking, to see if its performance matched its formidable build. We tested its grates with thick-cut ribeyes, its griddle with a full breakfast spread, and its heat control with delicate vegetables. The results were consistently impressive, confirming that this grill is a specialized tool for those who refuse to compromise on flavor, even when away from home.

Unparalleled Heat Retention & Searing Power

The single greatest advantage of this grill is its material. Anyone who has cooked in a cast iron skillet understands its ability to absorb, retain, and radiate heat evenly, and the VIVOHOME grill translates this perfectly to an outdoor charcoal environment. After lighting a chimney of lump charcoal and letting the grill preheat for about 15 minutes, the cast iron body and grates were intensely hot. We placed two 1.5-inch thick ribeye steaks on the grates, and the immediate, aggressive sizzle was music to our ears. The result was a deep, mahogany-colored crust—a perfect Maillard reaction—that is simply unattainable on thin steel grills that lose heat the moment food is placed on them. There were no hot spots or weak zones; the entire surface cooked with uniform intensity. This aligns perfectly with feedback from users who note that “nothing beats the taste of a good sear” from cast iron. This is the core reason to choose this grill; it delivers steakhouse-quality results in a compact form factor. We also found that once it’s hot, it stays hot, meaning you use less charcoal over a longer cook time compared to less efficient designs. The ability to create such a powerful sear is a feature that truly sets it apart from the vast majority of portable grills on the market.

Precision Heat Management: The Dual-Door System

Most portable grills offer rudimentary heat control, often just a single rotating vent on the lid. The VIVOHOME Oval Cast Iron Grill with Grates & Griddle employs a far more sophisticated dual-door system that grants the user incredible control over the fire. The main front door allows you to add or rearrange charcoal mid-cook without having to remove the hot grates and your food—a massive design advantage. During a longer cook of chicken thighs, we were able to easily add a few more coals to maintain temperature, a task that is messy and dangerous on other grills. The second, smaller vented door on the side is the primary airflow intake. By sliding it open or closed, we could precisely manipulate the oxygen supply to the coals. We could choke the airflow for a lower, smoky temperature perfect for vegetables, or open it wide to create a roaring furnace for searing. This level of control is rare in the portable category and allows for genuine two-zone cooking, even on a small surface. By banking the coals to one side and adjusting the vent, we could create a direct high-heat zone and an indirect lower-heat zone simultaneously.

Versatility in a Compact Package: Grates, Griddle, and Portability

The true genius of the VIVOHOME design lies in its modular cooking surfaces. The package includes two half-moon grill grates and one solid cast iron griddle plate. This allows for three distinct setups: a full grill, a full griddle, or a half-and-half combination. We tested all three. The half-grill, half-griddle setup was our favorite, allowing us to sear asparagus on the grates while simultaneously sautéing mushrooms and onions on the flat-top. The next morning, we removed the grates entirely and used the full griddle surface for a classic campfire breakfast of bacon, eggs, and pancakes. The griddle plate performed flawlessly, developing a beautiful non-stick patina after just one seasoning. The clever bottle-opener/grate-lifter tool made swapping the hot surfaces safe and easy. As one user aptly noted, this is a “two person grill only.” Its cooking surface is not meant for a party, but for a couple or a solo culinary enthusiast, its versatility is unmatched. We found it to be the perfect companion for our RV, just as that user predicted. Its weight is a factor, but the secure spring handles make carrying it from the vehicle to the picnic table manageable. It’s the definition of “car portable,” and the full list of included components makes it an all-in-one cooking solution.

Living with Cast Iron: Assembly, Maintenance, and Durability

Owning a cast iron grill is a commitment, but a rewarding one. As mentioned, assembly is trivial. The real work begins after the cooking is done. Like any cast iron cookware, the VIVOHOME grill requires seasoning to protect it from rust and build up a non-stick surface. After each use, we scraped the surfaces clean, washed them with hot water (no soap), dried them thoroughly over the residual heat of the coals, and wiped a thin layer of high-smoke-point oil (like avocado or grapeseed oil) over all interior surfaces. This 5-minute ritual is non-negotiable. As one user correctly pointed out, if you neglect it, “it will rust.” However, that same user also noted the beauty of cast iron: even if rust appears, “it can be scrubbed like new and then oiled to keep it nice.” This inherent resilience means that with proper care, this grill isn’t a disposable piece of gear; it’s an heirloom that could last for decades. The included nylon cover is essential for protecting your seasoned investment from the elements between uses. While we experienced no issues, we did see one user report their grill arrived cracked. This is a potential risk when shipping heavy, brittle materials, so it’s wise to inspect it carefully upon arrival and buy from a retailer with a reliable return policy. Overall, the long-term durability you gain is well worth the maintenance routine, a factor that makes this grill a compelling investment. You can check the latest price and availability to see if it fits your budget.

What Other Users Are Saying

Our positive experience with the VIVOHOME Oval Cast Iron Grill with Grates & Griddle is strongly echoed in the feedback from the community. One user succinctly captured its essence, calling it a “Great, heavy, sound quality product” before correctly identifying its niche: “It is a two person grill only. This is NOT a party grill.” They purchased it for RV travels, confirming our assessment that it’s a perfect fit for that lifestyle. Another user provided an excellent mini-guide on cast iron care, celebrating the “unbeatable taste of a good sear” while emphasizing the critical need for proper seasoning with high-smoke-point oil to prevent rust.

However, the feedback isn’t universally perfect. One user had the unfortunate experience of receiving a unit that “came broken, cracked.” While they reported a prompt and satisfactory resolution, it serves as a valid reminder that shipping a 29-pound cast iron item carries inherent risks. This highlights the importance of inspecting the product immediately upon delivery. These real-world experiences confirm our findings: it’s a high-performance, heavy-duty grill for one or two people, but one that requires care in both maintenance and handling.

How Does the VIVOHOME Grill Compare to the Alternatives?

The VIVOHOME Oval Cast Iron Grill with Grates & Griddle occupies a unique space in the market, but it’s important to see how it stacks up against other popular options. Depending on your priorities—be it cooking surface, weight, or fuel type—one of these alternatives might be a better fit for your specific needs.

1. Weber Jumbo Joe 18 Inch Charcoal Grill

The Weber Jumbo Joe is a true classic and a benchmark in portable charcoal grilling. Its main advantage is a significantly larger 18-inch diameter cooking surface, making it far better suited for cooking for a small group of four to five people. It’s also considerably lighter than the VIVOHOME, making it easier to carry longer distances. However, it’s made from porcelain-enameled steel, and while durable, it simply cannot match the searing heat and thermal retention of the VIVOHOME’s heavy cast iron. If you need to cook for more than two people and prioritize a larger cooking area and lower weight over ultimate searing power, the Jumbo Joe is an outstanding and proven choice.

2. Odoland Portable Folding Camping Grill

The Odoland grill represents the opposite end of the portability spectrum. This grill is designed for ultimate portability, folding down into a remarkably compact and lightweight package that’s suitable for backpacking or situations where every ounce matters. It’s constructed from stainless steel and is essentially a raised platform for holding charcoal and a simple grate. While it gets the job done for grilling hot dogs or burgers, it offers minimal heat control and retention. Choose the Odoland grill if your number one priority is minimizing weight and packed size. For those who are car camping or grilling on a patio, the VIVOHOME’s vastly superior cooking performance is well worth the extra weight and bulk.

3. PIT BOSS PB440FB1 Pellet Grill

The Pit Boss pellet grill is a different beast entirely. It’s an electric-powered grill that uses wood pellets as fuel, offering incredible convenience and the ability to smoke foods as well as grill them. You simply set the desired temperature, and the grill’s auger and controller maintain it for you. This is the choice for someone who wants “set it and forget it” convenience and smoky flavor without the hands-on management of a charcoal fire. However, it’s much larger, heavier, requires electricity to operate, and is more of a “patio” or “tailgating” grill than a truly portable one. The VIVOHOME is for the purist who loves the ritual and hands-on control of charcoal cooking.

Our Final Verdict on the VIVOHOME Oval Cast Iron Grill with Grates & Griddle

After rigorous testing, we can say with confidence that the VIVOHOME Oval Cast Iron Grill with Grates & Griddle is a phenomenal piece of cooking equipment, but it is not for everyone. This is not the grill you buy for large family gatherings or for backpacking trips. This is a specialized instrument for the discerning individual or couple who refuses to sacrifice cooking quality for portability. Its heavy-duty cast iron construction delivers searing power and heat retention that rivals full-size backyard grills, producing results that flimsy steel portables can only dream of. The versatile grate and griddle system, combined with the precise dual-door heat control, makes it a true multi-purpose outdoor cooker.

If you are an RV traveler, a balcony chef, or a car camper who understands and appreciates the art of cooking with cast iron and prioritizes flavor above all else, this grill is an absolute triumph. The weight is a testament to its quality, and the required maintenance is a small price to pay for decades of delicious meals. For its intended user, it offers unmatched performance and value. If you’re ready to elevate your outdoor cooking and achieve that perfect sear wherever you go, we wholeheartedly recommend you take a closer look at the VIVOHOME Oval Cast Iron Grill with Grates & Griddle today.