Review of WILLBBQ Charcoal Grill WB801813 Portable Outdoor Cooking for Backyard and Camping

Description

Initial Impressions and Build Quality

Testing the WILLBBQ WB-GRILL, I was immediately struck by its sturdy construction and polished design. The alloy steel frame feels incredibly durable, with a certain heft that inspires confidence without being cumbersome. The foldable stand, capable of holding up to 150KG, is a standout feature. I’ve used grills before that seemed wobbly or unstable, but this one stayed rock-solid, even when loaded with food. The handles on both sides made it surprisingly easy to move, even when I shifted between my backyard and a friend’s patio.

Its dimensions (31.6″x7.1″x5.1″) make it compact enough for portability but still spacious enough for cooking a variety of items. The polished finish gives it a sleek look, though I did notice that smudges can show up more easily on the shiny surface.

Cooking Performance and Ventilation Design

What really impressed me was the ventilation system. The air vents on both ends allow for precise temperature control. I tested it with skewers and steaks, and the heat distribution was incredibly even. The charcoal burned efficiently, thanks to the vents, which ensured proper airflow. I didn’t have to keep adding more charcoal like I’ve had to with some other grills.

Grilling Malaysian Satay and lamb kebabs on this charcoal grill was an absolute treat. The meat cooked evenly, with a delicious smoky flavor that only a well-designed grill can deliver. The heating element, while simple, does its job effectively, ensuring a consistent temperature across the 1440-square-centimeter cooking surface.

Ease of Use and Assembly

Unlike some grills that come with a nightmare of instructions, the WILLBBQ WB-GRILL arrives pre-assembled, requiring only minimal setup. I had it ready to go in minutes, which was a relief. The user manual is straightforward, though honestly, I didn’t even need it. Cleaning is also a breeze. After a family barbecue, I was able to disassemble the parts and wipe them down with minimal effort. No weird nooks or crannies where grease can hide—a huge plus point for me.

Key Benefits

• Portable and foldable, making it easy to transport between different locations.
• The sturdy alloy steel construction ensures durability and long-term use.
• Excellent ventilation design for precise temperature control and even cooking.
• Minimal assembly required, coupled with the ease of cleaning, simplifies the entire grilling experience.

Critiques

While I was mostly satisfied, there are a few areas for improvement:

• The polished surface, while attractive, is a bit of a fingerprint magnet.
• At 17.2 pounds, it’s portable but still on the heavier side compared to some other compact grills.
• The single rack design limits the ability to cook different items simultaneously if you’re hosting a bigger gathering.

Product Comparisons

When comparing this to other portable charcoal grills, such as the Weber Smokey Joe or the Char-Griller E06614 Akorn Jr., I found that each has its own strengths. For example, the Smokey Joe is lighter and easier to carry, but it lacks the sturdiness and airflow control of the WILLBBQ WB-GRILL. On the other hand, the Char-Griller offers a slightly larger cooking surface but is more cumbersome to clean and assemble.

Where this grill really shines is in its foldable design and overall durability. Many competitors don’t balance portability and robustness as well. However, if you’re looking for extra features like a lid or dual racks, you might need to explore other options.

Price Performance

In terms of cost efficiency, this grill delivers solid value for its price point. While it doesn’t come with extra bells and whistles like built-in thermometers or side tables, it excels in the essentials. The durable materials, effective ventilation, and portable design make it a worthwhile investment. If you’re someone who loves outdoor cooking but doesn’t want to deal with overly complicated setups, this grill hits the sweet spot.

That said, it’s not the cheapest option out there. For those on a tight budget, simpler models might suffice, but you’d be compromising on the build quality and cooking performance. In my experience, spending a bit more for a grill like this pays off in the long run, especially if you’re planning to use it regularly.

Additional information