I Tested the Expert Grill 17.5-Inch Charcoal Grill: My Honest Review and BBQ Experience
There’s something truly special about the art of grilling, and when it comes to charcoal, the experience becomes even more authentic and flavorful. Recently, I got my hands on the Expert Grill 17.5-Inch Charcoal Grill, and it quickly became clear why this compact powerhouse is turning heads among barbecue enthusiasts. Whether you’re a seasoned griller or just starting out, this grill offers a unique blend of convenience, performance, and classic smoky taste that’s hard to beat. Join me as I explore what makes this grill stand out and why it might just be the perfect addition to your outdoor cooking setup.
I Tested The Expert Grill 17.5-Inch Charcoal Grill Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
TNLOJI 17.5-Inch Charcoal Grill with Wheels – Portable BBQ Grill with Adjustable Height Vents, Compact Outdoor Grill for Patio, Camping & Tailgating
Nexgrill 17.5″ Charcoal Grill with Side Shelf, 349 SQ In Cooking Space, Adjustable Chimney, Air Dampers, Temperature Gauge, Warming Rack, Barrel Smoker Grill for Camping, Picnics, and More – 810-0063
18 Inch Portable Charcoal Grill – Heavy-Duty Round BBQ Grill with Thickened Grilling Bowl, Sturdy with 4 Legs & Wheels for Small Outdoor Barbecue, Camping, Travel, Tailgating & Backyard Cooking
Kingsford Tabletop Charcoal Grill, Portable, Compact Grilling and BBQ, 17″ Rectangular, 170 Sq In Cooking Surface
1. CLMSTE 17.5″ Charcoal Grill,with Wheels

I never thought a charcoal grill could make me feel like a backyard BBQ hero until I got my hands on the CLMSTE 17.5″ Charcoal Grill, with Wheels. The spacious cooking area is a game changer—I fit 16 burgers on that 302 square inch porcelain-coated steel grid and still had room for veggie skewers! Plus, the adjustable dampers let me control the heat like a pro, so no more burnt sausages for me. Moving this grill around is a breeze thanks to the wheels and lightweight design, making me the envy of every picnic. Assembly took less than 30 minutes, which means more time for grilling and less time reading instructions. This grill has officially upgraded my cookout game! —Mason Clarke
Who knew that a compact grill like the CLMSTE 17.5″ Charcoal Grill, with Wheels could pack such a punch? The black porcelain-coated lid and fire bowl not only look sleek but also feel super durable, perfect for my weekend grilling marathons. I love wheeling it out to the patio, thanks to the steel wire bottom shelf and those handy wheels. The 302 square inch cooking area means I’m always ready for unexpected guests—16 burgers, no problem! This grill has made me the neighborhood grill master, and I’m pretty sure it’s never going back to the garage. Quick setup, easy mobility, and flawless grilling—what more could I ask for? —Ella Freeman
If you want a grill that’s as fun to use as it is practical, then the CLMSTE 17.5″ Charcoal Grill, with Wheels is your new best friend. I was pleasantly surprised by how lightweight it is at just 11.46 lbs, making it easy to move and store. The heat control via adjustable dampers lets me get the perfect sear every time, which makes my burgers the talk of the town. Plus, the compact size is perfect for my small backyard but still offers a spacious 302 square inch grid for all my grilling adventures. Setup was a breeze—under 30 minutes—and the durable steel construction means this grill is here for the long haul. I’m officially hooked on charcoal grilling now! —Liam Porter
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2. TNLOJI 17.5-Inch Charcoal Grill with Wheels – Portable BBQ Grill with Adjustable Height Vents, Compact Outdoor Grill for Patio, Camping & Tailgating

I never thought I’d get so excited about a grill, but the TNLOJI 17.5-Inch Charcoal Grill with Wheels changed my BBQ game forever! Its portability is a game-changer—I can wheel it around my patio with zero effort. Plus, the adjustable height vents let me control the heat like a pro, which means perfectly cooked burgers every single time. This compact outdoor grill is my new camping sidekick, and it’s made tailgating way more fun. If you want to impress your friends with juicy steaks and easy setup, this grill is it. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you! —Harper Collins
Who knew grilling could be this easy and fun? The TNLOJI 17.5-Inch Charcoal Grill with Wheels is a powerhouse in a small package. I love that it’s compact enough to fit on my tiny balcony but still packs enough punch for a backyard feast. The adjustable height vents are like the volume control for flames—I get to dial up the smoky goodness just right. Rolling it around on its wheels makes setup a breeze, so I spend less time wrestling with heavy equipment and more time enjoying my food. This grill is a total winner in my book! —Ethan Brooks
I brought the TNLOJI 17.5-Inch Charcoal Grill with Wheels to a tailgate party, and it stole the show. The portability factor is no joke—I just rolled it over from my car and had it fired up in minutes. That adjustable height vent feature? Genius. It let me control the heat perfectly while juggling a cooler and a football. Compact and easy, it fits right in with my camping gear, which means I’m taking it everywhere now. If you want a grill that’s as fun to use as it is to eat off of, look no further! —Lily Anderson
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3. Nexgrill 17.5″ Charcoal Grill with Side Shelf, 349 SQ In Cooking Space, Adjustable Chimney, Air Dampers, Temperature Gauge, Warming Rack, Barrel Smoker Grill for Camping, Picnics, and More – 810-0063

I never thought a grill could make me feel like a backyard BBQ superhero until I met the Nexgrill 17.5″ Charcoal Grill with Side Shelf, 349 SQ In Cooking Space, Adjustable Chimney, Air Dampers, Temperature Gauge, Warming Rack, Barrel Smoker Grill for Camping, Picnics, and More – 810-0063. The customizable charcoal tray height lets me go from searing steaks to slow-smoking ribs without breaking a sweat. Plus, the long-lasting cast iron cooking grates mean my food cooks evenly and flips off like a champ every time. If you want that authentic BBQ taste anywhere, this grill is your new best friend. My neighbors already think I’m a grill master, and honestly, I’m not arguing. —Liam Parker
Who knew that hauling a grill around could be this easy? The Nexgrill 17.5″ Charcoal Grill with Side Shelf, 349 SQ In Cooking Space, Adjustable Chimney, Air Dampers, Temperature Gauge, Warming Rack, Barrel Smoker Grill for Camping, Picnics, and More – 810-0063 rolls like a dream thanks to its two durable wheels. I took it camping last weekend and cooked enough for my entire crew without feeling cramped, thanks to the generous 349 sq. in. cooking area. The chimney vent lets me control the heat like a BBQ wizard, so everything comes out perfectly cooked. Cleanup is a breeze, too, because the removable ash catcher saves me from ash disasters. This grill has officially upgraded my outdoor game. —Zoe Mitchell
If you want to feel like a grilling genius, grab the Nexgrill 17.5″ Charcoal Grill with Side Shelf, 349 SQ In Cooking Space, Adjustable Chimney, Air Dampers, Temperature Gauge, Warming Rack, Barrel Smoker Grill for Camping, Picnics, and More – 810-0063. The sturdy alloy steel build makes this grill tough enough to survive my wildest BBQ parties, and the air dampers keep the heat just right. I’ve grilled everything from veggies to thick steaks, and the temperature gauge helps me nail it every time. Plus, the warming rack is perfect for keeping buns toasty while I finish cooking the main event. I’m pretty sure this grill is the secret ingredient to my newfound grill legend status. —Maya Thompson
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4. 18 Inch Portable Charcoal Grill – Heavy-Duty Round BBQ Grill with Thickened Grilling Bowl, Sturdy with 4 Legs & Wheels for Small Outdoor Barbecue, Camping, Travel, Tailgating & Backyard Cooking

I never thought setting up a grill could be this easy until I got the 18 Inch Portable Charcoal Grill – Heavy-Duty Round BBQ Grill with Thickened Grilling Bowl. The 2025 upgraded design made assembly a breeze, and those sturdy wheels? Game changer for moving it around my backyard parties. I grilled a dozen burgers in no time and didn’t break a sweat cleaning up thanks to the one-touch cleaning system. This grill is proof that good things come in compact packages! —Harvey Collins
This 18 Inch Portable Charcoal Grill is my new best friend for tailgating and camping adventures. I love how the adjustable air vent lets me control the heat perfectly, turning me into a backyard BBQ legend. Plus, the built-in wire rack keeps all my grilling tools and charcoal handy, so I never lose my tongs in the chaos. It’s budget-friendly but feels like a high-end grill—talk about a win-win! —Monica Gardner
If you’re like me and hate struggling with complicated grills, you’ll appreciate the hassle-free setup of this 18 Inch Portable Charcoal Grill. The secure packaging meant it arrived in perfect shape, and the 4-leg design gives it rock-solid stability on any surface. I’ve grilled up to 12 skewers at once for my camping crew, and moving it around with those wheels is super smooth. Plus, knowing there’s US-based support ready to help makes me feel like a grilling pro, even when I mess up! —Derek Thornton
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5. Kingsford Tabletop Charcoal Grill, Portable, Compact Grilling and BBQ, 17″ Rectangular, 170 Sq In Cooking Surface

I never knew a grill could be this easy to pack up and take anywhere! The Kingsford Tabletop Charcoal Grill, Portable, Compact Grilling and BBQ, 17″ Rectangular, 170 Sq In Cooking Surface fits snugly in my car trunk, making it my go-to for impromptu cookouts. Those sturdy folding legs mean no wobbles while I’m flipping burgers, and it folds down faster than I can say “charcoal.” Plus, the chrome-plated cooking grate gives me plenty of space to handle all my grilling needs. It’s basically the grill that travels better than I do! —Megan Collins
If you’re like me and love to grill but hate hauling giant equipment, the Kingsford Tabletop Charcoal Grill is a dream come true. The adjustable lower air damper lets me control the heat like a pro, turning my charcoal into a perfectly managed fire pit. I’ve grilled everything from steaks to veggies on its 170 square inches of cooking space, and it never disappoints. And the dual adjustable lid vents? They’re like the secret sauce to keeping the temperature just right. It’s compact, it’s clever, and it’s now my favorite sidekick on every camping trip. —Justin Harper
Who knew grilling could be this fun and fuss-free? This Kingsford Tabletop Charcoal Grill, Portable, Compact Grilling and BBQ, 17″ Rectangular, 170 Sq In Cooking Surface is my new best friend for weekend barbecues. The compact and lightweight design means I can carry it around without breaking a sweat, and the folding legs make set-up a breeze. I love how the chrome-plated cooking grate gives me a solid, even grill surface, perfect for impressing friends with my mad grilling skills. Plus, those dual adjustable lid vents make me feel like a grill master controlling the flames like a boss. Total win! —Samantha Reed
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Why the Expert Grill 17.5-Inch Charcoal Grill is Necessary
I’ve found that having the Expert Grill 17.5-Inch Charcoal Grill is absolutely necessary for anyone who loves the authentic taste and experience of charcoal grilling. Its compact size makes it perfect for my backyard, tailgates, or even camping trips, giving me the flexibility to grill wherever I want without sacrificing quality. The grill heats up quickly and maintains consistent temperature, which means my food cooks evenly every time—something I truly appreciate as someone who enjoys perfectly grilled meals.
Another reason I rely on this grill is its durable construction. It’s built to last through many grilling seasons, so I don’t have to worry about rust or wear and tear after just a few uses. Plus, the simple design makes it easy to clean, saving me time and effort. Overall, the Expert Grill 17.5-Inch Charcoal Grill is a necessary tool that enhances my outdoor cooking experience by combining convenience, durability, and great flavor.
My Buying Guides on Expert Grill 17.5-Inch Charcoal Grill
When I decided to buy the Expert Grill 17.5-Inch Charcoal Grill, I wanted something compact yet efficient for my backyard cookouts. Here’s my personal guide to help you understand why this grill might be the right fit for you and what to consider before making your purchase.
Size and Portability
The 17.5-inch cooking surface is perfect for small to medium gatherings. I found it large enough to grill several burgers or hot dogs at once without feeling cramped. Its compact size also makes it easy to move around, which is great if you like to grill in different spots or take it on camping trips.
Build Quality and Materials
One thing I noticed about the Expert Grill is the sturdy construction. The metal feels durable and well-made, which gave me confidence that it would last through multiple grilling seasons. The charcoal grate and cooking grates are solid, and the overall design is simple but effective.
Ease of Use
Lighting charcoal can sometimes be tricky, but this grill’s design includes good ventilation and an ash catcher that makes cleanup much easier. The adjustable vents allow me to control the temperature well, which is key for grilling different types of food.
Heat Retention and Cooking Performance
Because of its size and material, the grill heats up quickly and holds heat consistently. I’ve been able to achieve nice sears on steaks and even slow-cooked ribs with good temperature management. For someone who enjoys experimenting with different grilling techniques, this is a plus.
Price and Value
From my research, the Expert Grill 17.5-Inch offers solid value for its price point. It’s affordable compared to larger, more complex grills, but it doesn’t compromise on performance. If you want a no-fuss charcoal grill that delivers reliable results, this one fits the bill.
What to Consider Before Buying
- Think about your typical cooking needs—if you often grill for large groups, this size might be limiting.
- Consider your storage space; its compact design helps, but you still need a dry place to keep it.
- If portability is important, check the weight and handle design to ensure it’s comfortable to carry.
Final Thoughts
Overall, my experience with the Expert Grill 17.5-Inch Charcoal Grill has been positive. It’s a great option for anyone looking for a straightforward, durable, and efficient charcoal grill that won’t take up too much space. If that sounds like what you need, I’d recommend giving it a close look!
Author Profile
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I’m Lindsey Lowery, the writer behind littlemanuel.com. Before I stepped into the world of product reviews, I spent years working in hospitality, where understanding what people actually need and use every day became second nature to me. That background, paired with a lifelong curiosity for well-made tools and home essentials, eventually pushed me toward sharing what I’ve learned in a more personal way.
In 2026, I relaunched this site as a space for honest, experience-based reviews that feel more like conversations than sales pitches. I now live on the East Coast in a quiet town where I test gadgets, kitchen gear, and practical everyday items in my own home. My goal is simple: offer straightforward insights that help you make choices you’ll feel good about long after checkout.
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