Cuisinart CCG-190 Portable Charcoal Grill Review (2026)

Name: Cuisinart CCG-190 Portable Charcoal Grill
Brand: Cuisinart
Price: 45.00 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 8.0 (1 reviews)

The CCG-190 keeps things simple: a round charcoal grill with a lid, vents for airflow control, and a carry handle, at a price that makes it an easy add to any camping kit. At 12 lbs it's genuinely portable in a way heavier gas grills aren't, and the porcelain-enameled grate cleans up reasonably well after use. It won't compete with premium options on cooking area or features, but for weekend car camping or tailgating on a budget, it delivers real charcoal-grilled flavor without a big investment.

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$45 retail

8.0

/10

TrailCraft Score

What Works

$45 is one of the most accessible entry points into charcoal grilling
12 lbs makes it genuinely easy to pack and carry
Adjustable vents give reasonable temperature control
Porcelain-enameled grate cleans up well after use

Limitations

145 sq in cooking area is modest, limiting group size
Charcoal requires more setup time and cleanup than gas
No temperature gauge included for precise monitoring
Basic construction won't hold up to years of heavy daily use

Specifications

Weight12 lbs

Cooking Area145 sq in

FuelCharcoal briquettes or lump charcoal

Dimensions16.75 x 16 x 12.5 in

Height12.5 in

Warranty3-year limited

OriginMade in China

Score Breakdown

Cooking Performance

8.2

Build Quality

8.1

Portability

9.6

Value for Money

9.4

Brand & Warranty

8.1

What Sets It Apart

At 12 lbs it's genuinely portable in a way heavier gas grills aren't, and the porcelain-enameled grate cleans up reasonably well after use. It won't compete with premium options on cooking area or features, but for weekend car camping or tailgating on a budget, it delivers real charcoal-grilled flavor without a big investment.

12 lbs, $45 — a genuinely portable charcoal grill that fits in a trunk with room to spare

Who This Is For

The Cuisinart CCG-190 Portable Charcoal Grill is right for outdoor cooks whose priorities match its design: built around budget charcoal grill, at 12 lbs and $45.

A note on pricing and links: Prices listed are current as of July 2026 and may change. Some links on this page are affiliate links — if you buy through them, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It does not change my ranking.

How It Compares

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Common Questions

Is the CCG-190 good for a small family cookout?

For 2-4 people cooking simple items like burgers or hot dogs, yes. For larger groups or elaborate multi-item cookouts, the 145 sq in cooking area becomes a real constraint.

How long does charcoal take to get ready on this grill?

Similar to any charcoal grill, expect roughly 15-20 minutes for charcoal to ash over and reach cooking temperature, which is longer than a gas grill's near-instant readiness.

Does it include a temperature gauge?

No — the CCG-190 relies on vent adjustment and charcoal placement rather than a built-in thermometer, so more experienced charcoal grilling technique helps get consistent results.