Looking Beyond the Trygoal Portable Charcoal Grills? 6 Alternatives Worth a Look

How each alternative compares

Odoland 12-Inch Folding Charcoal Grill and Fire Pit

The Odoland 12-Inch Folding Charcoal Grill and Fire Pit weighs just 5.25 pounds, making it significantly lighter than the Trygoal at 12 pounds. Its compact dimensions of 11.8 inches by 11.8 inches by 8.3 inches offer a much smaller footprint than the Trygoal’s 19-inch width. You get a carry bag for transport, which the Trygoal relies on disassembly for. However, the Odoland sacrifices cooking capacity and vertical design. It is better suited for solo campers or small groups who prioritize minimal weight and easy storage over the dual-layer cooking space and larger fuel capacity of the Trygoal.

Minxchen 17-Inch Portable Charcoal Grill

The Minxchen 17-Inch Portable Charcoal Grill is a foldable unit designed for easy cleanup and portability. While specific dimensions in the data show a collapsed size, it is marketed as a no-assembly solution, unlike the Trygoal which requires setup. The Minxchen focuses on compactness and simplicity for small groups. It gives up the vertical barrel design and dual-layer cooking grids found in the Trygoal. You should choose the Minxchen if you want a grill that folds down for easy storage without the complexity of assembling a barrel structure. It is ideal for those who value quick setup and teardown over the specialized smoking and searing capabilities of a vertical charcoal grill.

Royal Gourmet CC1830 30-Inch Barrel Charcoal Grill

The Royal Gourmet CC1830 is a 30-inch barrel charcoal grill that offers a much larger cooking surface than the Trygoal. It includes a side shelf for prep space, a feature the Trygoal lacks. Weighing 16 pounds, it is slightly heavier than the Trygoal but still portable for backyard use. This grill is designed for backyard cooking rather than trunk storage. You get traditional barrel design and manual heat control. It is better for cooks who want a larger horizontal grilling area and dedicated prep space. The Trygoal is better for those needing vertical cooking efficiency and easier transport into a car trunk.

BIG HORN Portable Santa Maria Charcoal Grill

The BIG HORN Portable Santa Maria Charcoal Grill is larger, measuring 45.3 inches wide and 33.9 inches long. It features height-adjustable control and rotating grates for precise heat management. This offers multi-zone grilling flexibility that the fixed vertical Trygoal cannot match. It is heavier and bulkier, making it less suitable for trunk storage. You gain versatile cooking options and precise temperature control. It is best for backyard cooks or campers with space who value heat adjustment over compact portability. The Trygoal remains the choice for those prioritizing a small footprint and vertical cooking efficiency for small groups.

Innochef 37.6-Inch Folding Charcoal Grill

The Innochef 37.6-Inch Folding Charcoal Grill features a spacious ceramic grate and side tables for organized cooking. It weighs significantly more than the Trygoal and offers a large footprint when set up. It includes a carry bag for transport. The Innochef provides ample space for backyard cooking and camping. It gives up the compact vertical design of the Trygoal. You get a traditional grilling experience with convenient side tables. This grill suits buyers who value easy cleanup and ample cooking space over the Trygoal’s space-saving vertical design. It is better for those who do not need to store the grill in a small car trunk.

Kendane 550 sq in Barrel Charcoal Grill with Offset Smoker

The Kendane 550 sq in Barrel Charcoal Grill with Offset Smoker is a large unit measuring 41 inches wide and 40 inches high. It includes a dedicated offset smoker for authentic smoke flavor. Weighing 36 pounds, it is much heavier than the Trygoal. It offers a large cooking area and smoker functionality. The Kendane is designed for users with room for its size. It gives up the portability and compact design of the Trygoal. You gain serious smoking capabilities and a large grilling surface. This grill is best for backyard cooks who need a dedicated smoker and do not require a portable unit for camping or trunk storage.

Quick picks

Our 7 picks

1 Best overall

Trygoal Vertical Barrel Charcoal Grill

Best for: small spaces and vertical cooking

Fuel Type

Charcoal

Placement

Outdoor

Application

Backyard

Form Factor

Portable

Features

Thermometer

Style

Barrel

View on Amazon: Trygoal Vertical Barrel Charcoal Grill Affiliate link

This Trygoal portable charcoal grill uses a vertical barrel design measuring 19 inches wide, 16 inches deep, and 31 inches high. It weighs 12 pounds and features a two-layer cooking setup with dual chrome-plated grids. The unit includes a built-in thermometer and top vent for temperature control. It disassembles for trunk storage, making it suitable for backyard use or camping trips where space is limited.

Pros

• Vertical barrel design saves horizontal space
• Two chrome-plated cooking grids for simultaneous cooking
• Built-in thermometer and top vent for heat control
• Disassembles for easy trunk storage
• Weighs only 12 pounds

Cons

• Smaller footprint than standard horizontal grills
• Single cooking zone with stacked layers
• No side table or offset smoker attachment

Good fit if

• You need a grill that fits in a car trunk
• You want to smoke or grill in a small backyard
• You prefer vertical cooking for space efficiency

Skip if

• You require a large horizontal cooking surface
• You want to grill for more than four people at once
• You need an offset smoker for low-and-slow cooking

Verdict: Trygoal Vertical Barrel Charcoal Grill is a space-saving option for small patios or camping trips. It suits you if you prioritize portability and vertical cooking over large horizontal grilling area.

2 Also great

Odoland 12-Inch Folding Charcoal Grill and Fire Pit

Best for: lightweight camping and small group cooking

Fuel Type

Wood, charcoal

Form Factor

Portable folding

Primary Material

Iron

Placement

Outdoor

Application

Camping, Backyard

Included Accessories

Carry Bag

View on Amazon: Odoland 12-Inch Folding Charcoal Grill and Fire Pit Affiliate link

The Odoland grill is a compact, portable folding charcoal unit designed for camping and backyard use. Weighing 5.25 pounds, it folds to a small footprint for easy storage in the included carry bag. It supports both charcoal and wood fuel. The heavy-duty iron construction resists high temperatures. It includes a stainless steel grate suitable for small batches of food or skewers.

Pros

• Weighs only 5.25 pounds for easy portability
• Folds compactly to fit in the included carry bag
• Dual-fuel capability for charcoal or wood burning
• Heavy-duty iron construction resists high heat

Cons

• Small cooking surface limits batch size
• No adjustable air vents for temperature control
• Basic iron build may require seasoning

Good fit if

• You need a lightweight grill for backpacking or car camping
• You prioritize easy storage and quick setup
• You cook small portions for one or two people

Skip if

• You require a large cooking area for groups
• You prefer precise temperature control with adjustable vents
• You want a permanent backyard installation

Verdict: The Odoland Portable Folding Charcoal Grill is a compact, lightweight option for solo campers or small groups who value portability over cooking capacity. It fits your needs if you prioritize easy transport and simple assembly for outdoor meals.

3 Best budget

Minxchen 17-Inch Portable Charcoal Grill

Best for: compact portable charcoal cooking

Fuel Type

Charcoal

Form Factor

Tabletop

Primary Material

Stainless steel

Placement

Outdoor

Application

Backyard

Dimensions

1.97 × 1.97 × 1.97 inches

View on Amazon: Minxchen 17-Inch Portable Charcoal Grill Affiliate link

This tabletop charcoal grill features a 17.3 by 11.4-inch stainless steel cooking surface. It folds flat for easy transport and requires no assembly. Five side vents allow you to adjust airflow for better heat control. The split design and food-grade grid make cleaning simple. It is a compact option for small outdoor spaces or camping trips.

Pros

• 17.3 by 11.4-inch stainless steel cooking area
• Foldable design with no assembly required
• Five side vents for airflow control
• Split design for easy cleaning

Cons

• Tabletop form factor limits capacity
• Stainless steel construction adds weight
• No side table included

Good fit if

• You need a grill that folds flat
• You cook for one or two people
• You want a rust-resistant surface

Skip if

• You need to cook for large groups
• You prefer gas or electric heat
• You require a built-in side shelf

Verdict: Minxchen Foldable 17-inch Charcoal Grill is a compact, no-assembly solution for small groups. It fits buyers who prioritize portability and easy cleanup over large cooking capacity.

4 Also great

Royal Gourmet CC1830 30-Inch Barrel Charcoal Grill

Best for: Backyard charcoal cooking with side prep space

Fuel Type

Charcoal

Cooking Area

627 sq. in.

Placement

Outdoor

Application

Backyard

Features

Side Shelf

Style

Barrel

View on Amazon: Royal Gourmet CC1830 30-Inch Barrel Charcoal Grill Affiliate link

The Royal Gourmet CC1830 is a 30-inch barrel charcoal grill offering 627 square inches of total cooking space. It features a 443 square inch main grate and an 184 square inch warming rack. The design includes a side table for prep space and a 2-level adjustable fire pan. A lid-mounted thermometer helps you monitor heat. This unit weighs 16 pounds and is built for outdoor backyard use.

Pros

• 627 square inches of total cooking area
• Includes a side shelf for food prep
• 2-level adjustable fire pan for heat control
• Lid-mounted thermometer for temperature monitoring

Cons

• No remote control or Bluetooth connectivity
• Manual heat adjustment only
• Requires assembly before first use

Good fit if

• You need extra warming rack space
• You want a side table for prep
• You prefer barrel-style charcoal grills

Skip if

• You require digital temperature controls
• You need a compact travel grill
• You prefer gas or electric fuel

Verdict: Royal Gourmet CC1830 Barrel Grill fits backyard cooks who want a large charcoal cooking surface with a dedicated side table. It suits those who value manual heat control and a traditional barrel design over digital features.

5 Best premium

BIG HORN Portable Santa Maria Charcoal Grill

Best for: precise heat control and multi-zone grilling

Fuel Type

Charcoal, hardwood

Form Factor

Portable

Application

Camping, Backyard

Dimensions

33.9 × 45.3 × 26.4 inches

View on Amazon: BIG HORN Portable Santa Maria Charcoal Grill Affiliate link

This portable Argentinian parrilla uses a vertical lift system to adjust cooking height for precise temperature control. It features a 3-tier layout with 360° rotating grates and dual solid wood side tables. Measuring 45.3 by 33.9 by 26.4 inches, it supports charcoal and hardwood. The design allows for multi-zone grilling and easy setup without tools.

Pros

• Vertical lift system adjusts heat by raising or lowering the grate
• 3-tier cooking system includes two independent 360° rotating upper grates
• Dual solid wood side tables provide integrated prep space
• Tool-free modular assembly for quick setup and breakdown

Cons

• Larger footprint at 45.3 inches wide compared to compact competitors
• No ash collection system mentioned in specifications
• Open fire bowl requires careful monitoring of fuel levels

Good fit if

• You want precise heat control without relying on vents
• You need to cook large batches using multiple zones
• You prefer authentic wood fire flavor from hardwood

Skip if

• You require a compact grill under 30 inches wide
• You need electric ignition or digital temperature displays
• You prefer a closed kettle style over an open grate

Verdict: BIG HORN Santa Maria Grill offers unique height-adjustable control and rotating grates for versatile outdoor cooking. It suits cooks who value precise temperature management and multi-zone flexibility over compact portability.

6 Best tailgating

Innochef 37.6-Inch Folding Charcoal Grill

Best for: backyard cooking and camping with side tables

Fuel Type

Charcoal

Cooking Area

330 sq. in.

Primary Material

Stainless steel

Application

Camping, Backyard, Tailgating

Form Factor

Portable

Included Accessories

Carry Bag

View on Amazon: Innochef 37.6-Inch Folding Charcoal Grill Affiliate link

The Innochef CB18003P is a portable charcoal grill featuring a 330-square-inch ceramic grate. Its stainless steel body folds for compact storage in a car trunk or garage. Dual side tables offer prep space and tool storage. The slide-out ash pan simplifies cleanup. This setup suits backyard gatherings or camping trips where you need a sturdy, easy-to-clean cooking surface.

Pros

• 330-square-inch ceramic cooking grate
• Foldable design with carry bag
• Dual 2-in-1 side tables
• Slide-out ash pan

Cons

• Folds to a long 57-inch length
• No temperature control gauge
• Heavy 24-pound stainless steel body

Good fit if

• You need a large cooking area for family meals
• You want easy cleanup with a slide-out ash pan
• You have space to store a long folded grill

Skip if

• You prioritize compact width for tight car trunks
• You need precise temperature control
• You prefer a lightweight portable unit

Verdict: Innochef Foldable Ceramic Charcoal Grill offers a spacious ceramic grate and convenient side tables for organized cooking. It fits buyers who value easy cleanup and ample space over compact storage dimensions.

7 Best offset smoker

Kendane 550 sq in Barrel Charcoal Grill with Offset Smoker

Best for: Users needing a large cooking area with smoker

Fuel Type

Charcoal

Cooking Area

550 sq. in.

Placement

Outdoor

Application

Backyard

Features

Offset Smoker

Style

Barrel

View on Amazon: Kendane 550 sq in Barrel Charcoal Grill with Offset Smoker Affiliate link

The Kendane barrel charcoal grill offers 550 square inches of cooking space, fitting up to 18 burgers. It features a 41-inch width and an attached offset smoker firebox for versatile cooking. The unit includes a front prep table and a bottom storage shelf. Weighing 36 pounds, it moves on two wheels. The adjustable charcoal pan and chimney allow for precise heat control during outdoor cooking.

Pros

• 550 square inches of main cooking area
• Integrated offset smoker firebox
• Front prep table and bottom storage shelf
• Adjustable charcoal pan for heat control

Cons

• 41-inch width requires significant footprint space
• 36-pound weight limits portability compared to foldable models
• No side table for additional prep space

Good fit if

• You need an offset smoker for low-and-slow cooking
• You want a large cooking surface for gatherings
• You have space for a 41-inch wide grill

Skip if

• You need a compact, foldable design for camping
• You require a side table for extra workspace
• You prioritize lightweight portability for transport

Verdict: Kendane Barrel Grill with Offset Smoker fits users who need a dedicated smoker and ample grilling space. It suits those with room for its 41-inch width and who do not require a side table.

Specifications side by side

Frequently asked questions

See also

• best portable charcoal grills
• best portable electric grills