Collapsible Charcoal Grill Buying Guide

Quick answer: A good portable charcoal grill packs flat, sets up without tools, and is built from steel thick enough not to warp. The Slot Grill® is a flat-pack carbon steel charcoal grill made in Buna, Texas, in two sizes: the Full Size (10-gauge, about 27.6 lb, packs about 1.25" thick) and the Compact (12-gauge, about 14 lb, packs about 1" thick). It also works as a portable fire pit that burns standard size firewood.

Frequently asked questions

What makes a good portable or collapsible charcoal grill?

Look at five things: steel thickness (thin sheet can warp after a few hot cooks), honest weight, how flat it packs, how fast it sets up, and how high the coal bed sits off the table. A good one should hold a cast iron pan without flexing and pack small enough for a trunk or camp box.

How does the no-tools, flat-pack setup work?

The Slot Grill uses tab and slot assembly. Steel tabs fit into slots by hand, with no tools and no hinges, and the grill is standing in about 30 to 60 seconds. It comes apart into flat panels that stack with the grates and any griddle plates.

How much does it weigh and how flat does it pack?

Full Size: 10-gauge carbon steel, about 27.6 lb grill only, packs about 1.25 inches thick. Compact: 12-gauge carbon steel, about 14 lb grill only, packs about 1 inch thick. With griddle plates the Full Size is about 31.8 lb (one) or 36.4 lb (two), and the Compact about 16.2 lb or 18.4 lb.

How big is the cooking area?

Full Size: 20.5 x 11.25 inches (231 sq in), footprint 21.75 x 12.75 inches, 13 inches tall. Compact: 16.25 x 9 inches (146 sq in), footprint 17.5 x 10.25 inches, 10.5 inches tall.

Why does the air gap matter?

The air gap is the space between the table and the bottom of the coal bed: 3⅝ inches on the Full Size and 2⅞ inches on the Compact. It helps minimize radiant heat to the surface underneath. Always set the grill on a stable, level, non-combustible surface.

Can I use it as a portable fire pit?

Yes. Both sizes are heavy-duty enough to burn standard size firewood, so after supper the same grill works as a portable campfire pit. Use it only where fires are allowed, on a stable, non-combustible surface, and never leave the fire unattended.

Is it a good camping grill?

Yes. It packs flat for a trunk or camp box, sets up without tools, cooks over charcoal or clean cooking wood, and doubles as a campfire pit where fires are allowed.

Is it good for hunting camp or a deer lease?

Yes. The Full Size's 20.5 x 11.25 inch cooking area handles a camp crew, its 10-gauge steel holds cast iron, and it stores flat in a truck or camp box between seasons. It also serves as the evening fire pit where fires are permitted.

Is it a good tailgating grill?

Yes. It slides flat behind a seat or in the truck bed, sets up in under a minute, and the Full Size fits a full round of burgers. Set it up on the ground or a non-combustible surface clear of the vehicle, never on the tailgate itself.

Can I bring it on a boat or pontoon?

Yes, as cargo. It packs flat and stows easily aboard. Cook on shore, such as a sandbar or beach, on a stable, non-combustible surface where fires are permitted. Never light a charcoal grill on a boat deck or near the boat.

Does it fit a UTV or side-by-side?

Yes. The flat pack fits in a UTV bed or cargo box with the rest of your gear. When it's time to cook, set it up on stable, level, non-combustible ground, clear of the vehicle, dry grass and anything that can burn.

Is it good for truck bed storage and overlanding?

Yes. At about 1 to 1.25 inches packed, it lies flat in a truck bed, drawer system or roof box, and thick steel takes rough roads without denting. Cook on the ground or a non-combustible surface away from the vehicle, not in the truck bed.

Is it a good beach grill?

Yes, where beach fires are allowed. It packs flat for the walk in, and a level spot of firm sand works as a base. Let it cool completely, pack out ash and coals, then rinse, dry and oil the steel after salt air.

Does it work for RV trips?

Yes. It stores flat in an RV bay and sets up at the campsite in about a minute. Cook outdoors on a non-combustible surface, away from the RV, awnings and slide-outs.

Can I use it in a backyard, small patio or apartment balcony?

It works well on a backyard or small patio on a non-combustible surface, and packs away flat when you need the space back. Many apartment buildings and local fire codes do not allow charcoal grills on balconies, so check your building rules and local codes first and never use it under a roof, overhang or indoors.

Can I cook with cast iron or a griddle on it?

Yes. Both sizes are thick enough to support appropriately sized cast iron. The two-piece top also takes one or two flat steel griddle (plancha) plates, so you can run eggs, smash burgers or fajitas on one side and grill on the other, and the plates pack flat with the grill.

Is it a good portable kettle grill alternative?

It depends on how you cook. A lidded kettle is better for smoking and low-and-slow. The Slot Grill is an open-top, direct-heat grill that packs flat, takes a griddle, burns charcoal or wood, and doubles as a fire pit, which suits people who need gear that stows flat.

Is it a good gift for Father's Day or Christmas?

For someone who camps, hunts, tailgates or goes to the lake, yes. It's useful, built to last for years, and sold direct with free shipping in the lower 48. The Full Size suits families and big cooks; the Compact suits one to three people and the tightest packing.

How do I clean a portable charcoal grill?

Let it cool completely, dump the ash, then wash the pieces with hot water, dish soap and a wire mesh scouring pad. Dry every piece and lightly oil the grilling surfaces.

Will a carbon steel grill rust? Is it stainless?

Slot Grills are carbon steel; there is no stainless version. Raw carbon steel can get light surface rust, which is cosmetic. Keep the grilling surfaces lightly oiled and use high-temperature BBQ paint on the body. Clean off any rust and re-season.

Is it made in the USA?

Yes. Slot Grills are made from precision cut carbon steel by Precision Cut Metals LLC in Buna, Texas, and are sold direct at slotgrill.com.

Full Size or Compact: which should I get?

The Full Size suits families, big cuts, hunting camp and cast iron. The Compact is the same design at 80% scale for one to three people and the lightest pack. Both take the optional griddle plates.

More answers: FAQ · Made in USA · About Slot Grill