Choosing the right portable charcoal grill can be a daunting task, with numerous options flooding the market. This review compares three popular contenders: the Weber Jumbo Joe, the SNS Travel Kettle, and the Char-Griller Akorn Jr. All three are marketed as portable grills suitable for various cooking styles, but each boasts unique features and design elements that impact performance, portability, and ease of use. This comparative analysis will delve into the strengths and weaknesses of each grill, considering factors like size, weight, temperature control, ash management, and ease of cleaning, helping you make an informed decision based on your individual needs and preferences.We'll explore the nuances of each grill's design, examining their portability, ease of use, and cooking capabilities. From the classic Weber Jumbo Joe's robust build to the SNS Travel Kettle's innovative features and the Char-Griller Akorn Jr's impressive temperature control, we'll analyze their performance in high-heat searing and low-and-slow cooking methods. Ultimately, this review aims to provide a comprehensive comparison, enabling you to select the portable charcoal grill that best fits your cooking style and budget.
Pros And Cons
- Portable (due to lid bail)
- Includes temperature gauge
- Improved vents for easier cleanout and better oxygen flow
- Ash cleanout system
- Larger charcoal grate (compared to Weber Jumbo Joe and Char-Griller)
- Heavier-duty construction (aluminum)
- Portable (due to latches)
- Hinged lid
- Double-wall construction
- Includes probe port
- Ash pan easily removes for cleaning
- Smaller grate size (14 inches)
- Painted finish (less durable than porcelain-coated enamel)
- Requires additional accessories for low and slow cooking (e.g., smoking stone)
- Portable (due to lid bail)
- 18-inch grate size
- Basic unit
- Requires modifications for improved functionality (handle, temperature gauge, ash cleanout)
Read more: 10 Best Commercial Charcoal Grills: A Buyer's Guide
Size and Portability
The three grills – Weber Jumbo Joe, SNS Travel Kettle, and Char-Griller Akorn Jr – are all marketed as portable charcoal grills. The Weber and SNS models have approximately 18-inch cooking grates, while the Akorn Jr is slightly smaller at 14 inches. However, all three remain competitive in the 'medium-sized portable' category.
Portability is primarily defined by the grill's ability to be easily transported. Features like lid bails (Weber and SNS) and convenient side handles (Akorn Jr) enable safe and secure carrying. This ensures the grills can be moved without compromising safety or causing discomfort.
Exterior Features and Price
The Weber Jumbo Joe, being the oldest model of the three, often requires modifications for improved usability. Common upgrades include adding a heat shield handle, a temperature gauge, and a more functional bottom vent.
The SNS Travel Kettle boasts features like a built-in temperature gauge, cool-touch top vent, and an innovative bottom vent design that promotes better airflow and easier ash removal. The Char-Griller Akorn Jr distinguishes itself with a double-walled construction, a hinged lid, and a latching mechanism for enhanced portability and heat retention.
Internal Features and Accessories
The SNS Travel Kettle is often paired with slow and sear charcoal baskets and various stainless steel or cast iron griddles, expanding its cooking versatility. This allows for efficient charcoal management and different cooking styles.
The Char-Griller Akorn Jr benefits from the addition of a heat-diffusing cooking stone, ideal for low and slow cooking methods. While primarily designed for smaller cuts of meat, users report success with dishes like pork tenderloin and turkey rolls.
Ash Management and Weight
Each grill offers a unique ash management system. The Weber Jumbo Joe and SNS Travel Kettle utilize a traditional ash catcher system. The Akorn Jr features a removable ash pan, simplifying the cleaning process despite the potential for air leaks.
Weight is a crucial factor for portability. The Akorn Jr is the lightest at approximately 17.8 lbs, followed by the SNS Travel Kettle (around 18 lbs), and the Weber Jumbo Joe being the heaviest at about 33 lbs (without additional accessories).
Cooking Performance and Overall Value
All three grills perform well, achieving high temperatures suitable for searing and lower temperatures for low and slow cooking. The Char-Griller Akorn Jr, with its double-walled insulation, excels at temperature control for low and slow cooking but has less cooking space.
The SNS Travel Kettle, with its larger cooking surface, is a strong contender for high-heat cooking and searing. The Weber Jumbo Joe remains a reliable performer, especially with modifications to enhance its features.
Conclusion
While each grill offers unique advantages, the Char-Griller Akorn Jr ultimately provides the best cooking performance and temperature control, particularly for low and slow cooking. Its double-walled construction and cast iron grate contribute to superior heat retention.
However, considering price and overall portability, the Weber Jumbo Joe is a compelling option, especially with minor modifications. The SNS Travel Kettle provides a good balance but is slightly less impressive in the temperature control department for extended low and slow sessions.