Cuisinart CCG190RB Grill Review
Our verdict
The Cuisinart CCG190RB is a 14-inch portable charcoal grill priced at just $39.99, and with over 20,900 reviews averaging 4.3 stars, it has earned one of the most substantial track records of any compact grill on the market. It is the go-to option for anyone who wants reliable charcoal flavor in a lightweight, take-anywhere package.
Check price on AmazonBest for
Campers, tailgaters, picnickers, apartment dwellers, and anyone who wants a proven, inexpensive charcoal grill they can throw in the car and cook with almost anywhere.
Skip if
You cook for more than 2 to 3 people at once, need a larger cooking surface, or want a grill that can double as a backyard centerpiece.
- Fuel Charcoal
- Burners 1
- Cooking area 196 Sq In
- Material Alloy Steel
- Install Freestanding
- Color Portable Charcoal Grill, 14" (Red)
- Priced 90% below the category median ($381.99 across 260 tracked models)
- Burners of 1 - fewer than 79% of the 261 models we track
- Weight of 2.0 lb - lighter than 98% of the 261 models we track
Pros
- 20,900-plus reviews at 4.3 stars, exceptional track record for the price
- Only 2 pounds, genuinely portable for camping and tailgating
- 196 sq in works well for 1 to 2 people or small batches
- Under $40 makes it nearly risk-free as a purchase
- Simple design means very little to break or replace
Cons
- 196 sq in is too small for cooking for 4 or more at once
- Alloy steel will rust if left exposed to weather without a cover
- No ash catcher or venting system as sophisticated as larger models
- Charcoal fuel requires lighting time and more cleanup than gas
Our scorecard
-
Owner rating4.3/5
4.3 average across 20,900 owner ratings
-
Popularity5.0/5
20,900 owner reviews, more than most models here
The overall score is owner satisfaction weighted by how many reviews back it, so a high rating from few reviews counts for less. The bars below show where this model stands against the other grills, grill parts and burners, smokers and smoking gear, grill tools, outdoor griddles, outdoor kitchen appliances and grill covers we track in this category on price, popularity and size. Context, not marks against it, and our read of the data, not a lab test.
Overview
At 2 pounds and 14.6 by 14 by 15 inches, the Cuisinart CCG190RB is one of the lightest charcoal grills you will find with a legitimate track record behind it. The 196 sq in cooking area is tight but workable for 2 people or a small batch of burgers, sausages, or kebabs. The red color option stands out on a tailgate or campsite, and Cuisinart's brand recognition in the kitchen appliance space carries over with consistent quality control.
The 20,900-plus reviews make this one of the most reviewed grills at any price on the market. A 4.3-star average across that volume is a strong signal that the product does what it promises consistently. Buyers are clearly using this as a travel and portable grill, not a backyard workhorse, and within that use case the satisfaction rate is high.
At $39.99, the CCG190RB is essentially an impulse buy for anyone who grills at all. The alloy steel construction and single-burner charcoal format are simple by design, which is part of why it holds up so well over time. No complex ignition systems or burner tubes to maintain. You light charcoal, you cook, you clean the single grate. That simplicity is a genuine feature.
Specifications
| Fuel | Charcoal |
|---|---|
| Burners | 1 |
| Cooking area | 196 Sq In |
| Material | Alloy Steel |
| Install | Freestanding |
| Color | Portable Charcoal Grill, 14" (Red) |
| Dimensions | 14.6 X 14 X 15 In |
| Weight | 2.0 lb |
Performance notes
Charcoal fuel, single cooking zone, 196 sq in cooking area. Alloy steel body, freestanding, 14.6 by 14 by 15 inches, 2 pounds. The compact size limits you to cooking small batches, typically 4 to 6 burgers at once. Charcoal in a 14-inch grill heats up quickly due to the small air volume and can run hot, so airflow management with the vent controls is important to avoid burning food. Refer to USDA safe cooking temperatures when determining doneness for any meat cooked on this or any grill.
What buyers say
Over 20,900 reviews averaging 4.3 stars is an exceptionally strong signal. At that volume, a 4.3-star average reflects a product that consistently delivers on its promise. Common themes in high-volume positive reviews for compact charcoal grills typically center on portability, ease of use, and value. The 0.7-star gap from perfect likely reflects limitations inherent to the small size, not defects. No purchases were tracked last month.
More from Cuisinart
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Frequently asked questions
How much charcoal does the Cuisinart CCG190RB need for a cook?
A 14-inch grill like the CCG190RB typically requires about half a chimney of charcoal briquettes, roughly 25 to 30 briquettes, to reach grilling temperature. That is enough for a 30 to 45 minute cook. For longer cooks, you can add a few fresh coals to the edges once the initial load starts to die down.
Can the CCG190RB handle a full chicken or large cuts?
The 196 sq in cooking area is too small for a whole chicken or large roasts. It handles burgers, hot dogs, chicken thighs, sausages, and smaller cuts well. For larger cuts, you would need to cut them down or use a bigger grill. A spatchcocked chicken half might fit, but airflow for indirect cooking at this size is limited.
Is the Cuisinart CCG190RB good for apartment balconies?
Before using any charcoal grill on a balcony or in an enclosed area, check your building's rules and local ordinances, as many prohibit open-flame grilling on apartment balconies due to fire and smoke concerns. The CCG190RB produces real charcoal smoke, which may affect neighbors in close quarters. Always grill outdoors in a well-ventilated space away from structures.