Weber Go Anywhere Charcoal Review — Hands on Testing Results

This review reports my findings after owning and using the Weber Go-Anywhere charcoal grill for many years. Having personally tested and used this grill extensively, I will offer insights into its performance, ease of use, and how it compares to the promise of portable grilling.

I have put this grill through its paces, taking it camping, fishing, and cooking everything from burgers and hot dogs to chickens and smoked camembert. I have tried every feature 100 times over and am here to report my findings.

The quest for a truly portable charcoal grill that doesn’t sacrifice quality and performance for compactness and convenience is a common challenge. Well, I’m here to tell you that the Go-Anywhere is your answer and delivers an authentic grilling experience wherever you go.

So Is this really the “go anywhere” grill you’ve been looking for? Let’s find out.

Ratings and Final Verdict

The Weber Go-Anywhere charcoal grill stands out as a top choice for those who love to grill on the go and who do not want to give up authentic charcoal flavor to do so.

Its compact and lightweight design doesn’t compromise quality, offering a durable porcelain-coated steel build built to last. It’s easy to clean, maintain, and transport, making it ideal for tailgating, camping, or beach days.

While small, it’s mighty, providing enough space to cook for a couple or a small group with ease.

Thanks to multiple vents, the grill can create different heat zones, offers excellent temperature control, and makes it versatile for various cooking needs.

However, it’s not without its drawbacks. The absence of a built-in thermometer, limited space under the lid for larger cuts, and the potential for the base to get hot on certain surfaces are points to consider.

Overall, the Weber Go-Anywhere offers great value and performance, making it a solid choice for outdoor cooking adventures.

Who Should Buy This Product

The Weber Go-Anywhere charcoal grill is perfect for people who love the authentic taste of charcoal-grilled food but are tight on space or frequently on the move.

Its lightweight and durable construction means it can withstand the rigors of travel, so whether you’re tailgating, camping, or simply enjoying a picnic, this grill’s compact design, ease of use, and ability to create different heat zones make it a versatile choice for cooking a variety of foods.

On the flip side, the Weber Go-Anywhere charcoal grill might not be the best fit for those who frequently host large gatherings or need to cook for a crowd. Its compact size, while perfect for portability, limits the amount of food you can grill at one time.

Also, if you’re looking to cook large or tall cuts of meat, such as whole large chickens or standing rib roasts, the space between the grate and lid will not accommodate your needs.

Additionally, if you’re a fan of long, slow smoking sessions, this grill’s small charcoal capacity and lack of room for larger items like briskets make it less than ideal.

So, a full-size grill might be a more suitable choice for those who prioritize cooking space and versatility for larger meals over portability.

Weber Go-Anywhere Charcoal Grill

Take authentic charcoal grilling on the road with the portable Weber Go-Anywhere. Compact and versatile, it offers the perfect balance of convenience and quality for all your outdoor grilling needs. Small enough to pack away easily yet large enough to set up dual cooking zones, combined with dual upper and lower vents for consistent temperature control, this grill works wonderfully and will last a lifetime.

Check Price at Amazon

Check Price at Weber

Check Price at BBQGuys

Our Ratings Explained

Here are the ratings and explanations for each factor of the Weber Go-Anywhere charcoal grill, which I used to arrive at the scores I assigned.

Performance and Versatility

I found the Weber Go-Anywhere grill is compact yet has an impressive ability to create different heat zones for versatile cooking, from grilling burgers to smoke roasting with ease.

The dual vents allow for excellent temperature control, making it more than just a simple grill.

However, its small size limits the amount of food that can be cooked at once, and the lack of a built-in thermometer means you’ll need to rely on experience or an external thermometer for precise cooking temperatures.

Score: 8/10.

Ease of Use

This grill scores high for ease of use thanks to its straightforward design, familiar charcoal grilling process, ease of cleaning, and more.

The only minor drawback is the need for an external thermometer to monitor the cooking temperature closely.

Score: 9/10.

Build Quality

Weber’s reputation for build quality is evident in the Go-Anywhere grill’s construction.

The porcelain-coated steel and heavy-gauge steel charcoal grate contribute to its durability and longevity.  It’s designed to withstand the rigors of travel and outdoor cooking, though care must be taken when placing it on certain surfaces due to the base’s heat.

Score: 9/10.

Size and Portability

The grill excels in portability with its compact design, fold-up legs, and Tuck-N-Carry lid lock, making it easy to transport and store. Because it’s rectangular, it fits and packs perfectly in the back of most cars, making it an ideal choice for camping, tailgating, and beach outings. There is also a carry bag available if you want one. I have bought it, use it often, and it works well.

Score: 10/10.

Temperature Control and Range

I find the multiple top and bottom vents offer good control over the grill’s temperature, allowing me to do both high-heat grilling and lower-temperature cooking. However, the absence of a built-in thermometer and the challenge of maintaining long, low, and slow cooking temperatures slightly limit its score.

Score: 8/10.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Maintenance is straightforward, with an easy-to-clean cooking grate and a simple ‘turn it upside down and pour it out’ ash removal process. And the durable construction means it will last for years with proper care, though regular cleaning is necessary to prevent vent clogging and maintain performance.

Score: 9/10.

Value for Money

Considering its durability, portability, and grilling quality, the Weber Go-Anywhere grill offers excellent value for money. It’s a solid investment for those who love to grill on the go. However, its lack of a thermometer and small size may require supplementary equipment, particularly for larger gatherings.

Score: 9/10.

General Overview

The Weber Go-Anywhere charcoal grill is a compact, portable solution for barbecue enthusiasts who don’t want to leave their grilling experience behind when they hit the road.

This grill aims to offer an authentic, controllable charcoal grilling experience in a barbecue small enough to fit in the trunk of any car or even a motorcycle trailer.

Functionally, it operates exactly the same as any charcoal grill, just on a smaller scale. Its key features include a lightweight design, good build quality from porcelain-coated steel, two top and bottom vents for ultimate temperature control, and a cooking area that’s surprisingly spacious for its size. And the grill’s rectangular shape allows for different heat zones, adding to its versatility.

It’s not meant to feed an army, but you could easily cook the meat course and vegetables for two people at a time or enough hot dogs to feed a small group.

Weber, who are nothing if not experts on BBQ, have taken on the problem of grilling away from home and come up with this excellent tiny, fold-up grill — The Weber Go Anywhere.

What’s in the Box?

Being a charcoal grill, there’s not much required! No electronics, and no gas regulators. All you get is:

• Barbecue lid
• Firebox
• Cooking grate
• Charcoal grate
• 2 legs
• 2 lower vent covers
• A handle
• Assembly instructions and owner’s manual

Features and Manufacturer’s Specifications

As far as features go, there’s not much to tell. This isn’t a fancy grill with a lot of extras. However, it is a well-thought-out portable charcoal grill that manages to do a little more than you’d expect.

For example, there is not one, but two vents with dampers on the lid. You might think that’s overkill on a tiny grill, but it allows excellent control over the temperature, helps direct heat and smoke flow where you want it, and even allows the setting up of indirect / two-zone grilling! Amazing for such a compact unit.

Under the lid, you’ll find the single, plated steel cooking grate. It’s a good, medium-weight cooking surface that’s quite acceptable for light-duty grilling.

The charcoal grate is made from heavy-gauge steel and adds a bit of heft to the grill. There’s also a ‘base-plate’ that sits under the charcoal grate, which keeps the coals and ash away from the bottom of the grill.

This will ensure the porcelain coating has a far longer life.

As to the lid itself, there’s a handy hook built-in, so you can hang it off the side of the firebox when you don’t need it.

Down in the firebox, you’ll find a series of vents running along each of the two long sides. A long vent cover on each side allows you to control the air intake with a surprising amount of accuracy for a small grill.

You can have both vents fully open for a roaring fire, only one for a medium fire, or choke one or both down to fractions of being open to keep the heat really low, allowing you to smoke roast with relative ease. If you’re used to controlling temps on a charcoal grill with vents, it will come naturally.

With these vents positioned below the charcoal grate, you’ll be able to adjust your temperature just like you do on a full-size grill.

Of course, the name of the game here is portability.

With that in mind, Weber has designed the plated steel legs to fold up and over the lid, locking the whole thing together for easy transportation. It’s a pretty slick feature.

When it’s time to pick it up and go, fold the legs to lock it all up and carry it away with the lid handle.

Those legs also manage to hold the GA high enough off the surface it sits on to prevent any chance of burning. You can certainly use it on wooden or metal surfaces … I have and do … though I wouldn’t risk it on plastic. This is part of the reason it features highly in my roundup of the best tabletop grills.

The primary purpose of the Go-Anywhere is basic grilling. Caught a fish up at the lake? Slap it on. Brought some burgers to the tailgate party? There’s room for up to six. It’s also ideal for on-the-go grilling of steaks, chops, hot dogs, sausages, and vegetables. There’s enough room under the lid for chicken pieces, but never a whole chicken. Maybe a Cornish hen would fit.

Thanks to all 4 vents, 2 bottom and two on the lid (yes, we’re happy about those!), you can do a bit of smoke roasting, too, for anything you don’t want to just sear and eat.

What you can’t do, however, at least not without a LOT of effort is any long, low n slow smoking. It’s just too small to load with enough charcoal to cook anything that long, and there isn’t room for briskets and the usual smoking suspects.

You can find videos of people smoking on this grill, but keeping your temperature stable through many reloadings of charcoal is just too much hassle for me. In my opinion, it’s not really worth the effort for the tiny bit of food you can smoke.

Specs

• Dimensions (H, W, D): 14.5” x 21” x 12.2”
• Primary cooking area: 160 sq. In.
• Nylon handles
• Aluminum dampers
• Plated steel cooking grate
• Heavy-gauge steel charcoal grate
• Porcelain-enameled lid and base
• Plated steel legs

Why Trust Us and This Review

Owning and using the Weber Go-Anywhere Charcoal Grill for over 5 years has given me first-hand experience of its performance, which I can confidently compare against the vast range of other grills I’ve experimented with over decades. This first-hand experience forms the backbone of my review, ensuring it’s rooted in practical, real-world use.

Also, my background in BBQ and grilling since 2005 and product testing and review writing for this website since 2017 have equipped me with the knowledge to assess and appreciate the subtleties that make or break a grilling product.

Weber Go-Anywhere Charcoal Grill

Take authentic charcoal grilling on the road with the portable Weber Go-Anywhere. Compact and versatile, it offers the perfect balance of convenience and quality for all your outdoor grilling needs. Small enough to pack away easily yet large enough to set up dual cooking zones, combined with dual upper and lower vents for consistent temperature control, this grill works wonderfully and will last a lifetime.

Check Price at Amazon

Check Price at Weber

Check Price at BBQGuys

Test Results and Review

I didn’t recently acquire this grill and set it up for various tests, I’ve actually owned and used it for years. I’ve tested cooking different foods on calm, sunny days and wet and windy days. It’s my number 1 favorite travel grill that has traveled with me dozens of times. So I know what it can and can not do.

Here is everything I’ve learned.

First Impressions

When I first got my hands on the Weber Go-Anywhere Charcoal Grill, I was immediately struck by its compact size yet sturdy feel. I already owned two full-size weber charcoal grills, and the Go-Anywhere had the same familiar shiny black porcelain-enamel coating that I already know is durable and will last.

I instantly felt the grill’s design was smart and practical, with features like the foldable legs that double as a lock for the lid, making it easy to carry and set up anywhere.

Firing it up for the first time, I appreciated how straightforward it was. The air vents are easy to adjust, giving me good control over the temperature. And the shape and length I could see were sufficient for setting up two-zone cooking.

Initially, I felt like the legs were a bit thin and wiry and could have been made of thicker material. But other than this, I was pleased with the build quality and how it looks overall.

Overall Ease of Use

If you’re familiar with charcoal grilling, there will be zero learning curve since the Go-Anywhere offers nothing new, and all the familiar temperature control by the top and bottom vents. You won’t need much charcoal, so it won’t take long to light, and set up is very easy.

Even for a total newbie to charcoal, this grill is very easy to manage. Perhaps even easier than a full-size grill, since there’s not much to contend with. It really is a perfect introductory grill, since it has all the full-size features. But if you do need some guidance, I have a detailed guide on how to use a charcoal grill.

I’ve yet to mention — although it’s probably obvious — with the legs folded, it’s a nice square item that packs neatly into a roof box or trunk of an average car. Rounded grills are somewhat harder to pack.

Oh, and there’s a handy carry bag available, but it is an optional extra (of course, I bought one, I felt it necessary.)

Maintenance and Cleaning

Taking care of the Weber Go-Anywhere is not much different from with any charcoal grill.

Scrape off food debris from the cooking grate with a good grill brush (we always recommend avoiding metal bristles for safety and the protection of the grates.) Plus, you can take it out and wash it with warm water and gentle dish soap, if necessary. The exterior can also be wiped clean with warm, soapy water and a brush or cloth, or of course a special purpose grill cleaner.

As with any charcoal grill, you have to remove the unused and partially used charcoal after each use, and any ash accumulation. Failing to do so could clog the lower air vents eventually and make it very difficult to get a fire going. Make sure everything is cooled off completely before you go to empty the firebox. There’s no ash removal system; just tip it over and dump it out, preferably into a metal ashcan.

Over time, you’ll notice a build-up of carbon inside the grill, mostly under the lid. This is caused by oxidized grease and smoke vapors, and it’s totally expected on all charcoal grills. Don’t scrape at it too hard, because you want to leave a bit of seasoning, but you can gently brush off the flakes and scoop them out, so they don’t end up in your food.

Design and Build Quality

After years of producing great grills of every kind, Weber has earned a reputation for quality. The Go-Anywhere supports that reputation.

Weighing about 14 pounds, it’s light enough to tote just about anyplace you’d care to go, but it’s still solidly built; no flimsy metal or cheap parts here! Expect to get years of use out of this grill.

This isn’t a flashy grill, but it is expertly designed to be a true portable that grills efficiently. From the time you find it flipped over in the trunk but still locked closed, to the time you cook a pair of perfect steaks with beautiful char lines, you’ll marvel at the ingenuity of the Weber designers.

Reviews From Around the Web

Warranty and Support

Weber is pretty confident in the quality of this little grill. So much so, that the firebox and lit come with a 10-year warranty against rust-through and burn through.

The handle is covered for 5 years, not counting cosmetic issues like fading and discoloring. Everything else (dampers, grate, legs, etc.) is warrantied for 2-years.

On the Weber website (say that 5 times fast!) you’ll find access to plenty of on-demand support. You can browse searchable FAQs to help troubleshoot the most common issues or download a manual and schematics. Broke off a handle or misplaced the grate? Order new ones online directly from Weber.

Additionally, you can submit a query via an online form, send an email, or call them toll-free any day of the week.

For an alternative approach to finding help with your grill, try getting social; Weber is active on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and Pinterest. There are some helpful videos available, and a very enthusiastic community of Weber owners whose brains you can pick.

Summary of Our Findings

Here’s where the gloves come off, and things get personal. Find out what I really think about the Weber Go-Anywhere Charcoal Grill!

What We Like

This little grill boasts many of the same features as the full-size barbecues that have made Weber famous. Good quality materials and solid construction make it a pleasure to use repeatedly.

It’s tough to imagine how you could design a better portable grill. The combination legs/lid locks are a brilliant bit of engineering. Combine that with the three handles, and transporting the Go-Anywhere couldn’t be easier.

Despite the temptation to write this off as a grill for burgers and dogs, the twin dampers in the lid make it possible to cook at lower temperatures and allow smoke to flow over whatever’s on the grate. That means you can get full flavor out of the Weber Go-Anywhere, and not just fast food.

As you can see in the image above and at the top of this page, I manage to smoke roast foods on it, maintaining a steady temperature.

What you see there are two smoke roasted, garlic and rosemary oil coated Camembert cheeses that we had on a camping trip. I managed to set up a two-zone cook, so the cheese was roasted indirectly, and added some applewood to add a touch of smoke. Lid on, I used the vents to perfectly control the temperature.

It was damn good 😉

What Could be Improved?

There isn’t much room under the lid, so don’t even think about roasts or whole chickens. But, that’s ok — the reason you want one is for camping and tailgating food, not huge family meals.

The plated-steel grate won’t cook as nicely as a cast iron grid, but I understand sacrifices have to be made to keep the weight down, or suddenly it’s not so portable.

Will I get Value for Money?

Barbecuing away from home is all about compromise; you have to give up some of the features you get on a full-size grill for the convenience of portability.

The Weber Go-Anywhere Charcoal Grill keeps that compromise to a minimum. You give up some size, yes — that’s a given. But you don’t give up the ability to have a real charcoal grilling experience.

It’s solidly built, will last for years and mine that I’ve had for nearly 3 years now looks as good as new still. Admittedly, this is with perhaps 25 to 30 uses per year only, but it’s traveled thousands of miles in that time, and has been a joy to use campsites and fishing trips.

If you love to grill away from home, you’ll get your money’s worth many times over in the time you’ll own this little beauty.

I love it so much I feature it heavily on this site, in a list of my favorite charcoal grills, and of course as a recommendation in my roundup of the best grills for camping.

Do We Recommend this Product?

Absolutely! This isn’t just a good portable grill; it’s a good grill, period.

Sometimes I’ll pull it out at home if I’m just grilling for myself or my family of 4, particularly as a small grill to do sides with larger meats on one of my full-sized grills.

Sometimes for small foods, you don’t want to mess around with a lot of charcoal on a big grill, so for smaller grilling needs the go-anywhere is perfect, it’s small but mighty.

This is a fun and fabulous little cooker that truly does go anywhere, and I highly recommend it. Two thumbs up!

Weber Go-Anywhere Charcoal Grill

Take authentic charcoal grilling on the road with the portable Weber Go-Anywhere. Compact and versatile, it offers the perfect balance of convenience and quality for all your outdoor grilling needs. Small enough to pack away easily yet large enough to set up dual cooking zones, combined with dual upper and lower vents for consistent temperature control, this grill works wonderfully and will last a lifetime.

Check Price at Amazon

Check Price at Weber

Check Price at BBQGuys

Alternative Products

If the Weber Go-Anywhere isn’t quite ticking all the boxes for you, check out these hand-picked alternatives.

Weber Smokey Joe Premium Charcoal Grill

The Smokey Joe Premium excels in portability and ease of use, thanks to its lightweight design and the Tuck-N-Carry lid lock feature, which makes it easy to carry and serves as a lid holder to avoid placing the lid on the ground. This feature directly addresses one of the drawbacks of the Go-Anywhere, which is its handles can get hot, making it challenging to move the grill without waiting for it to cool down.

In terms of performance and versatility, both grills offer excellent heat retention and control. And the build quality of both grills is commendable, with durable materials that withstand high temperatures and resist rusting, peeling, or cracking. However, the Smokey Joe’s easy-to-clean, plated steel cooking grate and heavy-duty fuel grate give it an edge in durability and maintenance ease.

The Smokey Joe also stands out in smoking efficiency and flavor, with its bowl-shaped design allowing for excellent airflow and temperature control, which are crucial for smoking meats and achieving that perfect barbecue flavor.

Value for money is a significant consideration, and here, the Smokey Joe just about wins, coming in at a price point that is generally lower than the Go-Anywhere, making it an excellent choice for those looking for a high-quality, portable grill without breaking the bank.

In summary, while both products have their merits, the Smokey Joe Premium Charcoal Grill 14” offers several advantages over the Weber Go-Anywhere, particularly in terms of ease of use, and value for money.

Chargiller Side Fire Box/Table Top Grill Charcoal Grill

For those seeking an alternative to the Weber Go-Anywhere that might offer a bit more versatility and ease of use, the Char-Griller Table Top Grill with Metal Handle presents itself as a compelling option.

Ease of use is a factor where the Char-Griller shines. It includes an EasyDump™ Ash Pan, making cleanup a breeze and allowing for quick disposal of ashes to get back to grilling with minimal downtime. This feature, coupled with dual adjustable dampers, facilitates precise temperature control for grilling and smoking, a step up from Weber’s more basic vent system, which some users find hard to adjust and can lead to hotter handles during use.

In terms of build quality, both grills are robust and designed to last, but the Char-Griller’s heavy-duty steel construction and powder-coated finish give it a slight edge in durability and resistance to the elements. Size and portability are comparable, with both grills being easy to transport and set up. However, the Char-Griller offers a larger cooking space of 250 square inches, providing more room to cook for larger groups.

The Char-Griller is slightly more expensive than the Weber Go-Anywhere, but the price difference is justified by its enhanced features and functionality.

In summary, while the Weber Go-Anywhere Charcoal Grill is a solid choice for straightforward grilling, the Char-Griller Table Top Grill with Metal Handle offers a more versatile and user-friendly experience for those who love to grill and smoke. Its larger cooking area, ease of cleaning, and temperature control capabilities make it a good alternative option.

Conclusion

The Weber Go-Anywhere Charcoal Grill proves itself to be more than just a portable grill; it’s a testament to Weber’s commitment to quality and functionality in a compact form. Perfect for tailgates, camping, or a spontaneous beach BBQ, it’s the grill that lives up to its name.

While it shines for quick outings and small-scale grilling, those looking to host larger barbecues might find its size limiting. However, its construction and the ability to create varied heat zones make it a versatile choice for those who need an authentic charcoal flavor in a portable package.

Thank you for making it to the end of my Weber Go Anywhere Charcoal Grill review. Do you have any questions or tips for users to add to what’s above? If so, please do leave a comment below, I will make sure to answer every comment.

Happy grilling!