Gas One CG-14 Charcoal Grill Review Compact Portable BBQ for Camping and Backyard

Description

Compact Design and Portability Make Outdoor Cooking a Breeze

The Gas One 14-inch Portable Barbecue Grill truly stands out for its compact and lightweight design. I’ve used other grills before, but hauling them around for camping trips was always a chore. This grill, however, is small enough to fit in my car trunk without taking up too much space, but still offers a 150-square-inch cooking surface, which is surprisingly spacious for its size. I tried grilling both veggies and steaks at the same time, and there was enough room to cook for a small group without feeling cramped. Its portability makes it ideal not just for camping but also for backyard gatherings or a day at the park. I even took it to my cousin’s house for a barbecue party, and carrying it was a breeze.

3-Point Locking Lid for Even Cooking and Safe Transport

One of the features that immediately caught my attention is the 3-point locking lid, which isn’t something you see in every portable grill. This design ensures heat retention, giving your food a more even and consistent cook. I grilled chicken thighs, which can be tricky, and they turned out evenly cooked with a nice smoky flavor. The locking mechanism also adds a layer of safety when transporting the grill. You don’t have to worry about the lid flying open or ash spilling everywhere during travel. This made it easy to pack up and go, even when the grill hadn’t completely cooled down.

Dual Ventilation System Ensures Optimal Heat Control

Temperature control is often a challenge with charcoal grills, but the dual venting system on this model makes it a lot easier. The vents allow for precise control over airflow, which directly affects how hot your coals burn. I was able to adjust the vents to maintain a steady low heat for slow-cooking ribs, and when I needed a higher temperature for searing burgers, a simple adjustment did the trick. The system offers a level of control that’s rare in grills this size, and it’s one of the reasons I keep reaching for this one over my older, bulkier grill.

Say Goodbye to Mess with the Convenient Ash Catcher

Cleaning up after grilling has always been my least favorite part of backyard barbecues. However, the built-in ash catcher on this grill has been a game-changer. It’s conveniently positioned to capture all the ash and debris, making disposal incredibly easy. During one of my outings, I noticed how much cleaner my grilling area stayed compared to other grills I’ve used. No more sweeping up ash or dealing with messy cleanups—it’s a small feature that makes a big difference.

Key Benefits

• Portable and lightweight design, ideal for camping, picnics, or backyard use.
• 3-point locking lid ensures safe transport and efficient heat retention.
• Dual ventilation system allows for precise temperature control.
• Ash catcher eliminates mess, making cleanup a breeze.

Areas for Improvement

• The metal handle gets hot during use, so you’ll need oven mitts or a towel to handle it safely.
• Assembly required, which might be a hassle for those who are not handy with tools.
• The powder-coated finish looks sleek but might not hold up well to frequent wear and tear over time.

Competing Products

When comparing this grill to others in the market, it holds its own quite well. For instance, the Weber Smokey Joe 14-inch grill is a popular competitor. It offers similar portability and a sturdy build, but it lacks the 3-point locking lid that makes the Gas One grill so easy to transport. Additionally, the ash catcher on the Gas One model is more user-friendly compared to Weber’s design, which can be a bit messier to clean. On the other hand, the Weber grill does have a more robust handle design that doesn’t heat up as much.

Another option is the Cuisinart CCG-190RB, which is also compact and features dual vents. However, the cooking surface is slightly smaller, and the grill doesn’t feel as sturdy as the Gas One model. While the Cuisinart might be better suited for ultra-lightweight portability, the Gas One grill strikes a better balance between portability, durability, and cooking performance.

Affordable Quality

In terms of its value proposition, this portable grill delivers a lot for its price range. You get features like the dual venting system and ash catcher, which are typically found in pricier models. It’s an excellent choice for anyone who wants a reliable, easy-to-use grill without breaking the bank. While it might not have all the bells and whistles of more expensive options, it certainly doesn’t skimp on the essentials. For me, the combination of portability, ease of use, and smart design makes it worth every penny.

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