How does the Uten Portable Charcoal Grill compare for camping and outdoor fun? Review!

Description

Ease of Use

Testing the Uten Charcoal Grill (Item model number: Uten-BBQ-X1780) for the first time was a breeze, as it required no assembly. I unfolded the legs, placed the charcoal mesh, added the charcoal, installed the grilling rack, and was ready to cook in minutes. Its simplicity is ideal for anyone who doesn’t want to spend hours wrestling with setup instructions. The lightweight design (only about 3 pounds!) made it effortless to carry to my backyard, and I can see this being a perfect companion for picnics or camping trips. My nephew, who’s new to grilling, even managed to set it up without any guidance, which says a lot about how user-friendly it is.

Grilling Performance

This grill’s performance didn’t disappoint for its size. I tested it by cooking burgers, hot dogs, and even some vegetable skewers, and everything came out evenly cooked. The 17-inch grilling surface is surprisingly spacious, accommodating enough food for a small group of four to five people. However, I noticed that the sides heat up a little more than the center, so I had to shuffle the food around occasionally. The vents on both sides of the grill, designed for better airflow, played a big role in ensuring the charcoal burned consistently. It’s not built for large-scale grilling, but for casual gatherings, it does the trick.

Cleaning

Cleaning this grill is both a blessing and a slight curse. The removable grilling rack and carbon grooves make washing off the grease and burnt bits straightforward. A damp cloth and mild soap were enough to restore its original look. However, since the grill is made from stainless steel and iron, I noticed some rust forming on the charcoal tray after a few uses, especially if I didn’t dry it thoroughly after cleaning. This is something to keep in mind if you plan to use it often. My sister borrowed it for a beach cookout and left it in her car overnight, which led to even more rust on the base.

Temperature Control

The five vents on either side of this grill truly shine when it comes to temperature control. Adjusting the airflow was easy, and I could get the charcoal to burn hotter or cooler depending on what I was cooking. I grilled some thick steak cuts and managed to get a good sear without overcooking the inside. That said, keeping a consistent temperature for longer cooking sessions was slightly challenging, as the compact size of the grill means the charcoal burns out quicker than with larger models.

Durability

Durability is where this grill shows its limitations. While the stainless steel and iron frame feel sturdy during use, the grill rack and bottom tray started warping slightly after just a few cooking sessions. My coworker, who also owns this grill, mentioned that his warped so much he had trouble sliding the grill rack in and out. Additionally, the painted finish on the charcoal tray began chipping after a few uses, exposing the material to rust. It’s clear this isn’t a product meant for heavy, long-term use, but for occasional outings, it holds up decently.

Warranty

The one-year warranty provided by Uten offers some peace of mind, though it’s fairly standard for products like this. I haven’t had to use it yet, but given the minor durability issues, it’s good to know there’s a backup plan in case something goes wrong. If you notice the paint chipping or any issues with the frame early on, it might be worth reaching out to the manufacturer.

Portability & Storage

The portability of this grill is arguably its standout feature. Once folded, it becomes compact enough to slide under a car seat or tuck away in a small storage cabinet. Its triangular leg structure, when unfolded, adds stability during use. I took it on a family camping trip, and carrying it from the car to the campsite was a breeze. My dad, who’s not a fan of lugging heavy equipment, gave it a thumbs up for how easy it was to transport. However, the grill rack sliding mechanism could use some improvement, as it tends to get stuck when trying to store it post-use.

Features

This grill comes with several thoughtful features that cater to its target audience of casual grillers. The foldable, compact design is a major plus, as is the inclusion of five vents for better airflow control. The stainless steel material is rust-resistant to some extent but does require careful maintenance to avoid long-term damage. It’s worth mentioning that the grilling surface is just large enough to cater to a group of 3-7 people, which makes it ideal for small gatherings. However, it lacks advanced features like a built-in thermometer, which would have been a nice touch for temperature monitoring.

Highlights

• Compact and foldable design makes it perfect for travel and storage.
• User-friendly setup with no tools required.
• Vents on both sides for effective temperature control.
• Lightweight yet stable construction.

Critiques

• Charcoal tray and grill rack prone to rust and warping after repeated use.
• Paint chipping on the charcoal tray releases potentially harmful fumes during initial uses.
• Temperature consistency can be an issue for longer cooking sessions.

Competitive Options

Compared to other portable charcoal grills, the Uten Charcoal Grill holds its own in terms of portability and ease of use. For example, the Weber Go-Anywhere Charcoal Grill offers slightly more durability and an enclosed cooking area for better heat management, but it’s heavier and less compact. On the other hand, the Cuisinart CCG-190RB Portable Charcoal Grill is similarly lightweight but lacks the sturdy leg structure that the Uten model provides. If you prioritize portability above all else, this grill is hard to beat, though it falls short in longevity when compared to its competitors.

Affordable Quality

Considering its price point, this grill delivers decent value for the features it offers. It’s a smart choice for those who need a lightweight, portable grill for occasional use rather than heavy-duty cooking. While it’s not the most durable option on the market, its ease of use and compact design make it a worthwhile purchase for picnics, camping, or backyard gatherings on a budget.

Additional information