WILLBBQ Portable Charcoal Grill Review: The Ultimate Kebab and Skewer Companion?

There’s a specific, almost primal satisfaction that comes from grilling over charcoal. It’s more than just cooking; it’s an event. For years, my trusty round kettle grill has been the centerpiece of countless backyard gatherings. It’s fantastic for burgers, steaks, and chicken thighs. But I always hit a wall when my craving shifted to something more specific: authentic, perfectly charred skewers. Whether it was lamb shashlik, Japanese yakitori, or spicy chicken satay, my round grill was always a clumsy tool for the job. Skewers would fall through the grates, the ends would burn while the middle remained undercooked, and I’d spend more time fighting the equipment than enjoying the process. I knew there had to be a better way—a tool designed not as a generalist, but as a specialist for the art of skewer grilling. That search led me to the WILLBBQ Portable Charcoal Grill, a product that promised to solve this very specific frustration.

What to Consider Before Buying a Portable Charcoal Grill

A portable charcoal grill is more than just a piece of outdoor cooking equipment; it’s a key solution for unlocking authentic, smoky flavor anywhere you go. From camping trips and beach picnics to tailgating parties and intimate backyard gatherings, these grills solve the problem of being tied to a large, stationary setup. Their primary benefit is bringing the rich taste of charcoal-grilled food to any location, offering a level of flavor that gas and electric grills often struggle to replicate. The ideal customer for this type of product is someone who values portability, simplicity, and the unique taste of charcoal cooking. They are often outdoor enthusiasts, apartment dwellers with limited space, or culinary adventurers who specialize in cuisines like kebabs and skewers, which thrive on this style of grill. However, this type of grill might not be suitable for those who need to cook for very large crowds consistently or who prioritize the convenience of instant heat-up and precise temperature control offered by gas grills. For those users, a larger barrel grill or a multi-burner gas unit might be a better investment.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: The term “portable” can mean different things. Consider the grill’s folded dimensions for storage and transport, as well as its assembled footprint. The WILLBBQ Portable Charcoal Grill, with its long, narrow trough design, is specifically shaped for skewers, which is a different spatial consideration than a traditional round or square grill. Ensure it fits in your car trunk and has a stable spot at your destination.
• Capacity/Performance: How many people are you typically cooking for? The cooking surface area will dictate this. For a skewer-style grill like this one, capacity is measured in the number of skewers you can lay side-by-side. Look for features that affect performance, such as ventilation controls, which are critical for managing charcoal temperature and ensuring an even, consistent burn.
• Materials & Durability: The longevity of a portable grill is directly tied to its construction materials. Thin, flimsy metal will warp under high heat and rust quickly. The WILLBBQ boasts an alloy steel body with a 2mm thick carbon plate, which is a significant step up from many budget-friendly competitors. A lacquered finish helps with weather resistance, but the core thickness of the metal is the most important factor for durability.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: The best portable grill is one you’ll actually use. Look for features that simplify the process, such as a foldable design that requires no assembly, integrated handles for easy carrying, and a simple way to dispose of ash. A grill that is a hassle to set up or clean will often end up collecting dust in the garage.

While the WILLBBQ Portable Charcoal Grill is an excellent choice for its specific niche, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models that excel in different areas, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

First Impressions: Built Like a Tank, Sets Up in a Flash

Pulling the WILLBBQ Portable Charcoal Grill from its box was a revelatory moment. Having tested numerous “portable” grills that felt like they were stamped from tin foil, the heft of this unit was immediately reassuring. At over 17 pounds, it has a substantial, commercial-grade feel. This isn’t your disposable, end-of-season-special grill; it’s built from thick zinc iron alloy and alloy steel. The most impressive part? There is virtually no assembly required. The legs are cleverly designed to fold flat against the body for transport and then snap securely into place for use. From boxed to ready-for-charcoal took less than 30 seconds. This is a massive advantage for anyone who wants to get grilling without fumbling with screws and instructions. The lacquered black finish is sleek, and the integrated side handles are robust and well-placed. The overall first impression is one of thoughtful, durable engineering designed for serious, repeated use. You can immediately see its full feature set and user reviews reflect this sentiment about its out-of-the-box quality.

Performance Deep Dive: Where the WILLBBQ Grill Truly Shines

A grill can look great, but its true worth is proven over the flames. We put the WILLBBQ Portable Charcoal Grill through a series of rigorous tests, cooking everything from delicate vegetable skewers to thick lamb kebabs and marinated Thai satay. It became immediately clear that this grill isn’t just a container for charcoal; it’s a finely-tuned instrument for a specific style of cooking, and it performs its intended job exceptionally well.

Unparalleled Portability and Zero-Effort Setup

The single greatest feature that elevates the user experience is the setup process—or rather, the lack thereof. Many users, including us, were delighted by this. As one happy griller noted, “I just unfold it – no need to assemble it beforehand! It’s perfect for any camping trip.” This is not an exaggeration. The foldable leg system is brilliantly simple and robust. The legs swing out and lock into place with a satisfying firmness, creating a surprisingly stable base. We tested this on both a paved patio and slightly uneven grass in a park, and the grill remained steady throughout. The manufacturer claims a load capacity of up to 150KG, and while we didn’t put a person on it, it certainly feels like it could handle a massive amount of food and charcoal without any hint of buckling. This rock-solid stability, combined with its 17.2-pound weight, hits the sweet spot between being light enough to carry from the car to the campsite and heavy enough to feel safe and durable. The side handles are not flimsy afterthoughts; they are thick metal, making it easy for one or two people to reposition the grill even when it’s warm (with proper hand protection, of course).

The Ultimate Platform for Authentic Skewer Grilling

This is where the WILLBBQ Portable Charcoal Grill truly distinguishes itself from the sea of kettle grills. Its form factor—long and narrow (31.6″ x 7.1″)—is its superpower. This “hibachi” or “yakitori” style design is purpose-built for skewer cooking. When you lay skewers across the trough, the handles and ends rest on the cool metal edges, while the food is perfectly suspended over the hot coals. This solves multiple problems at once. First, it prevents wooden skewers from burning up. Second, it allows for effortless turning; you just roll the skewer without needing tongs. Third, it promotes incredibly even cooking. As one user aptly put it, “Kebabs don’t catch fire easily, which in my opinion makes it superior to round grills.” We found this to be absolutely true. The narrow design minimizes the chance of flare-ups igniting the entire skewer. The air vents on both ends are crucial for performance. By opening or closing them, we could easily dial in the heat, going from a high-temperature sear for lamb to a more gentle heat for delicate shrimp. This level of control is essential for great barbecue, and it’s executed perfectly here, ensuring the charcoal burns efficiently and heat is distributed evenly along the entire length of the trough. This design is a feature that really sets it apart for anyone serious about making world-class kebabs.

Deceptive Durability and a Commercial-Grade Feel

In a market flooded with flimsy, short-lived portable grills, the WILLBBQ model stands out for its sheer robustness. Several users mentioned upgrading from cheaper, half-price alternatives and being immediately impressed by the difference. One said, “I am glad I got this one. This grill is built with higher quality thick materials.” Our testing confirms this. The 2mm thick carbon plate at the bottom of the trough is the key. This is the part that takes the most abuse from direct contact with burning charcoal, and its thickness ensures it won’t warp or burn through after a few sessions. The entire body feels solid and well-constructed. While a couple of users noted their grills arrived with minor cosmetic dents from shipping, they also confirmed it didn’t impact performance in any way. We did encounter one user review that mentioned peeling paint after the first use. In our testing, after several high-heat sessions, the finish remained intact, but it’s reasonable to expect that any painted surface directly over high-heat charcoal may show wear over time. This is a common trait among charcoal grills and we don’t see it as a major functional flaw, but rather a cosmetic reality of this type of cooking. The trade-off for this incredible durability is a slightly higher price point, but it represents a clear case of “you get what you pay for.” This is an investment in a piece of gear that feels like it will last for many seasons, not just one. For those looking to invest in a quality portable grill, the solid build is a primary selling point.

Thoughtful Design and Day-to-Day Practicality

Beyond the core functions, several smaller design choices make the WILLBBQ Portable Charcoal Grill a pleasure to use. The wire shelf underneath the main body was a surprise hit. It seems like a minor addition, but in practice, it’s incredibly useful. Multiple users raved about it, saying it’s “super convenient for keeping sauces and plates close by” or “great for holding tools.” During our tests, it became the go-to spot for our tray of uncooked skewers, tongs, and a basting brush, keeping the main prep table free and uncluttered. Cleaning is another area where the simple design wins. Once the charcoal has completely cooled, you can simply tip the unit to empty the ash. The smooth interior surfaces are easy to wipe down. The included grill grates are functional for cooking items directly, like steaks or vegetables, adding a layer of versatility. However, we did note one user report of an uneven, “rocking” grill rack. Our test unit’s rack sat perfectly flat, suggesting this may be a rare quality control issue rather than a widespread design flaw. The overall package is a testament to practical, user-focused design that simplifies the entire grilling process from setup to cleanup, making it more likely you’ll want to use it again and again.

What Other Users Are Saying

The sentiment across the board for the WILLBBQ Portable Charcoal Grill is overwhelmingly positive. A common thread is the praise for its “commercial quality” and “sturdy” feel, with many users explicitly contrasting it with flimsier models they’ve owned in the past. One reviewer summarized this perfectly: “The grill feels sturdy and well-built — definitely not cheap.” The ease of setup is another universally celebrated feature, with words like “simple,” “easy,” and “no-fuss” appearing frequently. Users who bought it specifically for Chinese-style lamb skewers, kebabs, or satay confirm that its size and shape are “perfect” for the task.

However, the feedback isn’t without its critiques, which provides a balanced picture. The most common negative point, mentioned by a user, was the paint peeling after the first high-heat use. While this is largely cosmetic, it’s something potential buyers should be aware of. Another isolated incident involved an uneven or “rocking” grill rack, which could be a safety concern. While our own testing didn’t replicate these issues, they highlight potential inconsistencies in manufacturing. Finally, a recurring wish among users is the lack of a lid, which would expand its cooking capabilities to include smoking and roasting. You can check the latest user feedback to see if these trends continue.

How Does the WILLBBQ Portable Charcoal Grill Compare to the Alternatives?

The WILLBBQ grill excels in its niche, but it exists in a crowded market. Understanding how it stacks up against different types of grills is key to making the right choice for your specific needs.

1. Weber Original Kettle 18-Inch Charcoal Grill

The Weber Kettle is an American icon, the undisputed king of backyard grilling. Its classic round design with a lid is incredibly versatile, perfect for direct grilling of burgers and steaks, but also for indirect cooking and smoking ribs or a whole chicken. The main difference lies in purpose. The Weber is a generalist, while the WILLBBQ is a specialist. If your primary grilling involves American BBQ staples and you value the ability to smoke and roast, the Weber Kettle is an unbeatable choice. However, for skewers, the Weber’s wide grates can be awkward. You would choose the WILLBBQ specifically when your focus is on kebabs, satay, and yakitori, and you value extreme portability and instant setup over cooking versatility.

2. Royal Gourmet CC1830FC Charcoal Grill Offset Smoker

Comparing the Royal Gourmet smoker to the WILLBBQ is like comparing a freight train to a sports car. The Royal Gourmet is a large, stationary unit designed for the serious barbecue enthusiast who wants to do it all: grill, smoke, and slow-cook large cuts of meat. Its offset firebox is a dedicated feature for true low-and-slow smoking. It offers a massive cooking area but completely sacrifices portability. A potential buyer would choose the Royal Gourmet for becoming their backyard’s primary cooking station for large parties and smoking projects. The WILLBBQ, in stark contrast, is for the griller on the go, the apartment dweller, or the person who wants a dedicated, high-performance tool for skewer-based meals without the commitment of a large-footprint smoker.

3. Captiva Designs Extra Large Charcoal BBQ Grill

The Captiva Designs grill is all about maximizing cooking space for large gatherings. With a massive 794 sq. in. cooking area, dual lifting charcoal trays, and foldable side tables, it’s built to feed a crowd. It’s a great option for those who host big family events and need the capacity to grill dozens of burgers or pieces of chicken at once. While it offers more features than a basic grill, it’s still fundamentally a traditional grilling platform and isn’t specialized for skewers in the way the WILLBBQ is. Its size also makes it far less portable. You would opt for the Captiva Designs grill if your main priority is sheer volume. The WILLBBQ is the superior choice for smaller, more specialized cooks, camping, and anyone who prizes authentic skewer grilling and easy transport above all else.

The Final Verdict: Is the WILLBBQ Portable Charcoal Grill Worth It?

After extensive hands-on testing and analysis of user feedback, our verdict is clear: the WILLBBQ Portable Charcoal Grill is an outstanding piece of equipment for its intended purpose. It is, without a doubt, one of the best portable grills on the market for anyone who loves cooking skewers, kebabs, satay, or any food that benefits from its long, narrow form factor. Its commercial-grade build quality, zero-assembly setup, and excellent heat control make it a joy to use. It’s the perfect companion for camping trips, picnics, tailgating, or simply for transforming a small patio into an authentic yakitori bar.

While it lacks the versatility of a lidded kettle grill and has minor cosmetic vulnerabilities like potential paint peeling, these are small trade-offs for its specialized excellence. It’s not trying to be the grill for everyone; it’s trying to be the best grill for a specific type of cooking, and it succeeds brilliantly. If you’ve ever been frustrated trying to cook skewers on a traditional round grill, this product will feel like a revelation. For its durability, portability, and flawless performance in its niche, we highly recommend it.

Ready to elevate your skewer game and take authentic charcoal flavor anywhere? You can check the latest price and availability for the WILLBBQ Portable Charcoal Grill here.