Customer Reviews

Weber 616002 Char Q Portable Charcoal Grill

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I was a little unsure if this type of grill would work with charcoal, but it does. The spacing between the grill and the charcoal is a little close for my liking. You have to keep a close eye on the food so that it will not burn. The food taste great because of that charcoal flavor that a propane grill just would not give. Now the problem, it makes a mess. Cleaning the bottom of the grill is a pain. You can not clean it a 100%. It leaves a little bit of the burn charcoal at the bottom. Also, the handles are a little "weak" for the weight of the grill in my opinion. Don't get me wrong I do enjoy the grill, but I wish it didn't have the problems that it has for the price that it cost.

I've been using a round Weber for years, and it was finally wearing out, so I decided to try this new model. It is excellent, with strong design and construction, easy to use lid and vents, and one of the most effective grill plates I've ever encountered. I've never been a big fan of propane grills or monster-sized charcoal cook-a-ramas. This is just what I need to do perfect steaks and fish for six people.

The only drawback, which doesn't affect the unit itself, is that the Weber stand accessory is not well designed. Just plan to put this on a sturdy table.

My husband was looking for the perfect charcoal, table-top grill -- and we found it! The only design flaw is that you have to light the charcoal, then put the cooking grates on, so it can be challenging. Other than that, we are really happy with this portable grill.

The Weber Q serves the purpose for which I bought it. Rather than pull out the large Weber and wrestle with the cover, I now save it for company. The Weber Q is just perfect for a dinner for two. Actually, you could feed four easily. The small cover (additional) goes on quickly and easily and clean up is a breeze. The only reason I didn't give it five stars is that the coals are a bit closer to the grate than I would like. I am quickly learning how to adjust my grilling to this problem. Hello indirect grilling. I would certainly buy this product again.

Over $200 for a grill, cart, and cover? That's more than I've ever spent for a grill in over 5 decades of life. But I was also tired of rusty $20 hibachis and other unsatisfactory grilling solutions, and my ancient, huge Patio Classic oval was not only too big for an empty-nester Florida couple but was starting to rust.

I set out my requirements:

1) Hibachi-style "close to the coals" fast grilling.
2) Cover for indirect cooking (ribs, roasts, poultry, etc.)
3) No-rust finish, and non-stick grill surface
4) Grill that fits in our kitchen sink
5) Not too big for our small patio


The Weber CharQ is the only grill I've found that meets all these specs. I've had it for around two years, and it looks and cooks like new. Totally easy to clean if you know what you're doing, uses little charcoal for basic grilling (I start about 12 natural-wood briquets in my little chimney with 2 sheets of newspaper; ready to cook in 10 minutes) great temp. control (both bottom and top vents) for long-cook BBQ & smoking.

The CB and Landmann grills are okay, but friends have them and they seem to start rusting if you leave them out all the time. If you want a small grill, and you are going to use it once in a while on a tabletop and clean it and put it away after every use, you can get one of them and you'll be happy. But for major use, like our grill gets here in The Land of Stupid Plants (aka "Flora "duh"), if you want a perfect grill you're just gonna have to break down and spring for the Weber Q and the better cart for it.

The vinyl cover? My wife wanted it, but we never really use it. What's the point with a "weatherproof" grill. It might be of value for people who live someplace it snows. Here, not so much.

The Weber Char Q is a well designed high performance charcoal grill. The accessories available product line makes this aluminum griller a very versatile performer. Adding the stationary cart, the handle light and a full-size cover makes this an excellent replacement for your main back yard grill. The ability to remove it from the cart and use it as a mobile table top grill allows it to go anywhere you may need it.
Unfortunately Weber does not make a Table Kit for the Char Q model. This accessory is only available for the propane models. You will need a side table for tools and dishes.
Easy to empty the ashes and clean the grates. An excellent value and an excellent performer.

Light, portable, ergonomic, has some nice features like the wholes on top that can be open or closed, and the bottom tray for easier ash removal. I wish the tray that holds charcoal was deeper - this is practically my only complaint about the grill.