Kendane Barrel Charcoal Grill with Side Shelf Review: Our In-Depth Verdict After Backyard Testing

There’s a moment every summer when the desire for authentic, charcoal-grilled flavor becomes an undeniable craving. For our team, that moment came during a sprawling family get-together. We were juggling multiple small grills, trying to cook enough burgers, hot dogs, and chicken for a crowd. The experience was chaotic, with inconsistent heat, cramped cooking spaces, and a constant shuffle of food. It highlighted a common problem: finding a large-capacity charcoal grill that delivers on performance without demanding a professional-grade budget. The market is flooded with options, but many are either too small, too flimsy, or prohibitively expensive. Failing to find the right grill means another season of compromised backyard feasts and frustrating cooking experiences. We set out to find a solution—a grill that could be the centerpiece of any patio party, offering ample space, reliable heat control, and solid value.

What to Consider Before Buying a Barrel Charcoal Grill

A barrel charcoal grill is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for unlocking rich, smoky flavors that gas grills simply can’t replicate. It’s the heart of the backyard barbecue, a tool for creating memories as much as meals. The primary benefit lies in its simplicity and the direct control it offers over the fire, allowing for high-heat searing and low-and-slow cooking. For anyone who believes that the taste of real charcoal is non-negotiable, this type of grill is an essential piece of outdoor cooking equipment. It solves the problem of bland, one-dimensional grilling by infusing food with an authentic, rustic taste that is the hallmark of classic American barbecue.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone who hosts family gatherings, enjoys weekend cookouts, or is looking to step up their grilling game from a small, basic kettle model. They need a generous cooking surface to handle multiple items at once and appreciate features that provide better heat management, like adjustable charcoal trays. Conversely, this style of grill might not be suitable for those who live in apartments with strict fire regulations or for individuals who prioritize speed and convenience above all else, as charcoal grilling requires more time and attention than gas. For those users, a high-quality gas grill or a compact electric model might be a better fit. For those seeking maximum portability for camping, a smaller, dedicated tabletop grill would be a more practical choice. If you’re ready to embrace the art of charcoal grilling, you can check the latest price and availability of a great starting model.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: A barrel grill’s footprint is significant. Before purchasing, measure your patio, deck, or backyard space to ensure a comfortable fit, leaving adequate clearance around the unit for safety. Consider not only the main body but also the side shelves and lid clearance when opened. The Kendane’s 21.5″D x 33.6″W x 41.1″H dimensions offer a substantial presence without being overwhelmingly large for a standard patio.
• Capacity/Performance: The primary cooking surface area is your most important metric. 500 square inches, like the Kendane offers, is an excellent size for feeding a family or a small party, easily accommodating over a dozen burgers. Performance also hinges on heat control features. Look for adjustable charcoal trays, dampers, and a built-in thermometer, all of which are critical for moving between searing steaks and slowly cooking chicken.
• Materials & Durability: The longevity of your grill depends on its construction. Heavy-gauge steel is ideal, but for budget-friendly models, look for features like powder-coated or porcelain-enameled finishes to resist rust and high temperatures. Porcelain-enameled steel wire grates are a good middle-ground, offering durability and easier cleaning than simple chrome-plated grates.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: Think about the entire grilling process. Features like a side shelf for prep, a bottom rack for storage, and wheels for mobility dramatically improve the user experience. For maintenance, a removable ash pan is a huge plus, though not always present on budget models. Easy-to-clean grates and a durable finish will save you hours of scrubbing over the grill’s lifespan.

Understanding these factors will ensure you choose a grill that not only fits your space and budget but also enhances your entire outdoor cooking experience for years to come.

While the Kendane Barrel Charcoal Grill with Side Shelf 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: Unboxing and Assembling the Kendane Grill

Upon arrival, the box for the Kendane Barrel Charcoal Grill with Side Shelf was substantial but manageable. Unpacking the components, we were met with a collection of powder-coated steel parts, grates, and a bag of hardware. The initial feel of the metal is what you’d expect at this price point—it’s not the heavy-gauge steel of a premium, multi-thousand-dollar smoker, but it felt sturdy enough for its intended purpose. The black powder-coated finish was even and looked sleek. Several user reviews mentioned assembly was a breeze, with one noting their “16 year old nephew put it together.” Our experience aligned more with those who found the instructions a bit sparse. The diagrams were adequate, but a few steps required a bit of intuition. All told, it took us just under an hour to assemble, which is quite reasonable. One user noted a “pleasant surprise” of a side smoker, and indeed, what appears to be a firebox is attached. However, based on other feedback about flimsy flaps and peeling paint on this component, we approached it with cautious optimism. Fully assembled, the grill stands at a comfortable height, the side shelf feels practical, and the wheels make it easy to position on the patio. It presents a classic, functional aesthetic that promises good-old-fashioned charcoal grilling.

A Deep Dive into the Kendane Barrel Charcoal Grill’s Performance

A grill’s true worth is only revealed through fire, smoke, and food. We put the Kendane Barrel Charcoal Grill with Side Shelf through a series of rigorous tests, from high-heat searing of steaks to a lower, slower cook for a batch of chicken wings. We evaluated it on the core pillars of a great charcoal grill: assembly and build quality, cooking performance and heat management, and overall design and convenience. We wanted to see if its real-world performance lived up to the promise of its spec sheet.

Assembly and Build Quality: A Mix of Simplicity and Caveats

The journey with any grill begins with assembly, and the Kendane offered a mixed but ultimately successful experience. As noted, the instructions are primarily visual, which can be a double-edged sword. For those who are mechanically inclined, it’s a straightforward process, a sentiment echoed by users who found it “very easy to assemble.” However, we can also sympathize with the user who said the “instructions are not very helpful,” as a couple of steps involving bolt orientation weren’t perfectly clear. Our advice is to lay out all the parts and take your time. Don’t fully tighten the screws on the main barrel until all pieces are aligned to ensure a good seal, a crucial tip one user shared to prevent smoke leakage.

Once built, the grill’s alloy steel construction feels adequate. It’s important to set expectations: this is not a tank-like, welded-seam smoker. The metal is thinner, which is a common characteristic of grills in this budget category. Some users reported receiving units with minor dents, which is a potential risk with thinner materials during shipping. However, our unit arrived in good condition. The powder-coated finish is designed to be rust-resistant, but we strongly echo the user advice to perform a “burn off” before your first cook. This involves lighting a small amount of charcoal and letting the grill heat up for an hour or so to burn off any residual manufacturing oils and help cure the paint. Some users experienced paint peeling, particularly on the side firebox, after the first use. While this is disappointing, it’s not entirely uncommon on budget smokers and can be remedied with a can of high-temperature stove paint if it becomes an issue. The porcelain-enameled steel wire grates, however, are a definite high point, feeling solid and promising easier cleanup. The overall construction points to a grill that, with proper care, should provide several seasons of reliable use, and this level of build is a fair trade-off you can explore in more detail here.

Cooking Performance and Masterful Heat Management

This is where the Kendane Barrel Charcoal Grill with Side Shelf truly shines and exceeded our expectations. The heart of its performance is the combination of its large cooking area and its ingenious heat control system. The 500-square-inch primary grate is genuinely expansive. We easily fit 12 large burger patties with room to spare, confirming the manufacturer’s claim. The additional chrome-plated warming rack is perfect for toasting buns or keeping finished items ready to serve. This capacity alone makes it a fantastic upgrade for anyone used to a smaller kettle grill.

The star feature, without a doubt, is the 4-level height-adjustable charcoal pan. This is a feature often found on more expensive models and it’s a complete game-changer for charcoal grilling. By using the crank handle on the front, we could raise the entire bed of hot coals directly under the grates for a powerful, steakhouse-quality sear. We achieved beautiful crust and grill marks on thick ribeyes. Then, for more delicate items like chicken, we could lower the pan away from the food, creating a gentler, more indirect heat to cook it through without burning the outside. This level of precise temperature zoning is a feature that really sets it apart at this price point. The system is intuitive and responsive. This adjustability, combined with the adjustable chimney and side dampers for airflow control, gives the user a remarkable degree of command over the fire. The lid-mounted thermometer, while basic, provides a decent general reading of the ambient temperature inside the cook chamber, helping us dial in our desired cooking environment. As one happy user stated, “It cooked the meat perfectly,” and our testing fully supports that enthusiastic verdict.

Thoughtful Design and Everyday Convenience

Beyond its cooking prowess, the grill’s design incorporates several features that make it a pleasure to use. The most prominent is the large side table. During our tests, this became the command center for our entire operation. It provided ample space for a cutting board, seasonings, utensils, and a platter of uncooked meat. Not having to run back and forth to a separate table is a massive improvement to the grilling workflow. This feature alone elevates the experience, and you can see detailed images of the setup online.

Mobility and storage are also well-addressed. The two large, sturdy wheels allowed us to effortlessly move the grill from its storage spot against the house to the center of the patio. The opposite legs provide a stable base, so there was no wobbling or instability during use. The side handle, used for maneuvering the grill, is robust and well-placed. Below the main barrel, a wire bottom shelf provides a convenient spot to store a bag of charcoal, wood chips, or a chimney starter, keeping all your essentials within arm’s reach. These may seem like small details, but together they create a cohesive, user-friendly system that eliminates many of the common frustrations associated with backyard grilling. It’s a thoughtfully designed unit that understands what a griller actually needs during a cookout.

What Other Users Are Saying

Synthesizing the collective experience of numerous buyers provides a well-rounded picture of the Kendane Barrel Charcoal Grill with Side Shelf. The overwhelmingly positive sentiment centers on its incredible value. Phrases like “great buy,” “worth it,” and “incredible for the price” appear frequently. Many users, like one who said it’s a “Great first timer grill,” see it as an accessible entry point into serious charcoal grilling without a major financial commitment. The easy assembly is another common point of praise, with several people stating it was “very simple to put together.”

However, the feedback isn’t universally glowing, and the criticisms are just as telling. They paint a picture of inconsistent quality control, which is often the trade-off for a lower price. One user noted their grill arrived with a “broken weld” and another mentioned a “couple of dents.” The most consistent critique revolves around the attached side firebox, which some users view as a smoker. Reports of a “flimsy” flap that “does not fully close” and paint “peeling off after first use” on that specific component suggest it may be the grill’s weakest link. This feedback is crucial; it sets a realistic expectation that while the core grilling function is excellent for the price, some of the finer details and secondary features may have flaws.

How Does the Kendane Barrel Grill Compare to the Competition?

While the Kendane Barrel Charcoal Grill with Side Shelf carves out a strong niche as a large, budget-friendly option, it’s important to see how it stacks up against other popular models with different strengths.

1. Oklahoma Joe’s Rambler Tabletop Charcoal Grill

The Oklahoma Joe’s Rambler is a different beast entirely. It’s a heavy-duty, tabletop grill designed for portability and premium searing performance in a small package. Its thick-gauge steel construction and heavy cast-iron grates offer superior heat retention compared to the Kendane’s thinner metal. Someone might prefer the Rambler if they prioritize build quality and portability over sheer cooking area. It’s the perfect choice for campers, tailgaters, or those with a very small patio who want a robust, long-lasting grill for smaller meals.

2. Char-Griller Patio Pro Charcoal Grill E1515

The Char-Griller Patio Pro is a direct competitor in the small-to-medium barrel grill space. With 250 square inches of cooking space, it’s about half the size of the Kendane. However, it boasts cast iron cooking grates, a feature many enthusiasts swear by for their searing ability and durability. A user might opt for the Char-Griller if they don’t need the massive capacity of the Kendane and prefer the proven performance of cast iron grates in a more compact, space-saving design. It represents a middle ground in both size and material quality.

3. Lodge Sportsman’s Cast Iron Grill

The Lodge Sportsman’s Grill is a classic hibachi-style grill made entirely of pre-seasoned cast iron. It’s designed for direct-heat grilling and excels at producing an intense, focused sear. There is no lid, no warming rack, and no complex heat control—it’s just pure, primal fire and iron. A cook would choose the Lodge for its incredible durability, unmatched heat retention, and the unique flavor it imparts on foods like steaks, skewers, and burgers. It’s for the purist who values material and tradition over features and capacity.

Our Final Verdict on the Kendane Barrel Charcoal Grill with Side Shelf

After extensive testing, assembly, and analysis, we can confidently say that the Kendane Barrel Charcoal Grill with Side Shelf delivers exceptional value for a specific type of user. Its greatest strengths are its massive 500-square-inch cooking surface and its surprisingly effective 4-level adjustable charcoal pan, a combination that provides the space and control needed to host impressive backyard barbecues. The thoughtful additions of a large side shelf, storage rack, and wheels make it a practical and user-friendly centerpiece for any patio.

It is not without its compromises, which are to be expected at its accessible price point. The thinner gauge metal requires more careful handling, and potential inconsistencies in manufacturing mean you should inspect it carefully upon arrival. However, for those looking to graduate from a small kettle grill to a large-format unit without spending a fortune, these are reasonable trade-offs. If your priority is feeding a crowd with authentic charcoal flavor and you value functional design over premium materials, this grill is a fantastic choice. For anyone ready to take their backyard cooking to the next level on a budget, the Kendane Barrel Charcoal Grill with Side Shelf is a compelling and highly recommended option.