Cuisinart CCG190RB vs Elite Gourmet EMG6505G
Both the Cuisinart CCG190RB and the Elite Gourmet EMG6505G come in at $39.99, making this a straight-up matchup between charcoal and electric at the same price point. The Cuisinart is a compact 14-inch portable charcoal grill made from alloy steel, with 196 square inches of cooking area and a freestanding design that weighs just 2 pounds. The Elite Gourmet runs on electricity, is built with stainless steel, and measures 12 x 9.17 x 11.1 inches, making it one of the smallest countertop options available. Deciding between them comes down to one question: do you want real charcoal flavor outdoors, or fast, smoke-free electric cooking indoors or on a balcony?
Quick winner
The Elite Gourmet EMG6505G edges ahead on rating (4.5 vs 4.3) and is the clear pick for indoor or no-open-flame situations, while the Cuisinart CCG190RB wins for anyone who wants authentic charcoal taste and has outdoor space to use it.
Key differences, measured
- The Elite Gourmet EMG6505G is 648 lb heavier (650.0 lb vs 2.0 lb).
- Amazon buyers rate the Elite Gourmet EMG6505G 0.2 stars higher across 33,647 combined reviews.
Side-by-side specs
| Spec | Cuisinart CCG190RB Grill | Elite Gourmet EMG6505G Grill |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $39.99 | $39.99 |
| Rating | ||
| Fuel | Charcoal | Electric |
| Material | Alloy Steel | Stainless Steel |
| Color | Portable Charcoal Grill, 14" (Red) | Stainless Steel |
| Dimensions | 14.6 X 14 X 15 In | 12 X 9.17 X 11.1 In |
| Weight | 2.0 lb | 650.0 lb |
The two contenders
Cuisinart CCG190RB Grill
The Cuisinart CCG190RB is a 14-inch charcoal grill designed for portability and backyard or tailgate use. It burns charcoal, so you get genuine smoke flavor that electric grills simply cannot replicate. The 196-square-inch cooking surface is enough for four burgers or a few chicken thighs at a time. At just 2 pounds, it is easy to toss in a bag or trunk, and over 20,900 reviewers have rated it a 4.3 out of 5, giving it one of the largest feedback bases in this price tier.
Buy this if: ['Backyard grillers and tailgaters who want authentic charcoal flavor from a lightweight, take-anywhere grill.', 'Campers or picnickers who have outdoor space and are fine managing charcoal and ash cleanup.', 'Budget buyers who prioritize cooking surface area and the widest possible review base for confidence at this price.']
Check price on AmazonElite Gourmet EMG6505G Grill
The Elite Gourmet EMG6505G is a compact electric grill built around a stainless steel body and a footprint of roughly 12 by 9 inches. Because it runs on electricity, it produces no open flame and no charcoal ash, which makes it practical for apartments, dorm rooms, or any setting where open-fire grilling is not allowed. Its 4.5-star rating across nearly 12,750 reviews reflects strong satisfaction for the price. The tradeoff is that electric grills do not produce the same charcoal or smoke flavor, so results taste closer to a stovetop grill pan than a backyard cookout.
Buy this if: ['Apartment or balcony dwellers where open-flame or charcoal grills are prohibited.', 'Anyone who wants a quick weeknight grill option with no charcoal prep, no ash, and easy cleanup.', 'Buyers who place the most weight on star rating and want a higher-rated option at the same $39.99 price.']
Check price on AmazonFrequently asked questions
Which grill is better for an apartment or condo?
The Elite Gourmet EMG6505G is the better fit for apartments or condos. It is electric, produces no open flame, and generates far less smoke than a charcoal grill. Many apartment buildings and condos prohibit charcoal grilling on balconies, so the Cuisinart CCG190RB may not even be an option in those settings.
Does the Cuisinart CCG190RB really weigh only 2 pounds?
Yes, the listed weight is 2 pounds, which is what makes it so portable for tailgating and camping. The alloy steel construction keeps the body light while still holding up to typical backyard use. Just note that at this weight, it is a smaller, single-session portable grill rather than a high-capacity backyard workhorse.
Can I cook a whole chicken on either of these grills?
The Cuisinart CCG190RB gives you 196 square inches of cooking area, which is enough for smaller cuts like thighs, drumsticks, or a spatchcocked small bird with some planning. The Elite Gourmet EMG6505G has a significantly smaller footprint at 12 by 9.17 inches, so it is better suited for a few pieces of chicken at a time rather than a whole bird. For a full chicken cook, neither is ideal, but the Cuisinart gives you more room to work with.
Are both grills the same price?
At the time of writing, both list at $39.99, which makes the choice purely about fuel type and use case rather than budget. The Cuisinart has more reviews (over 20,900 vs about 12,750), but the Elite Gourmet carries a slightly higher average rating (4.5 vs 4.3). You are not paying more for either advantage.