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Two of the cheapest portable charcoal grills worth owning. The Weber Smokey Joe is a tiny 14-inch kettle that's been a tailgating staple for 40 years. The Marsh Allen Hibachi is a cast iron Japanese-style grill that punches way above its $50 price for steakhouse-level searing. Different tools, similar budgets — here's which one belongs in your car.
Quick Verdict
Buy the Weber Smokey Joe ($60) for foolproof portable grilling with a lid for indirect cooking. Buy the Marsh Allen Hibachi ($55) if you want the best steak sear under $100 and don't need a lid.
The Contenders
Weber Smokey Joe
$60
Tailgaters and apartment cooks who want a forgiving, lidded portable grill that handles burgers, dogs, and small indirect cooks
Check PriceMarsh Allen Hibachi
$55
Steak lovers and small-space grillers who want maximum sear performance from cast iron in a tiny footprint
Check PriceCategory Breakdown
Searing Power
Winner: Marsh AllenMarsh Allen wins decisively. Heavy cast iron grates retain heat and create steakhouse-quality crust on ribeyes and tuna steaks. The Smokey Joe's chrome-plated wire grates can't match cast iron for sear marks or heat retention. For pure steak performance, Hibachi wins.
Versatility
Winner: Smokey JoeSmokey Joe wins. The lid enables indirect cooking — you can roast a chicken, smoke a small pork shoulder, or keep food warm. The Hibachi has no lid, so it's pure direct grilling. For cooks who want one grill that does more, Smokey Joe is more versatile.
Portability
Winner: Smokey JoeSmokey Joe wins. 8 lbs vs Hibachi's 14 lbs — the cast iron is heavy. Smokey Joe's lid latches for transport and the round shape fits anywhere. Both are 'portable' but Smokey Joe is meaningfully easier to actually carry.
Cooking Area
Winner: Marsh AllenSmokey Joe has 147 sq in vs Hibachi's 210 sq in (split across two grates). Hibachi technically holds more food and the two adjustable grates allow independent temp zones. For couples cooking different proteins, Hibachi is the better tool.
Build & Longevity
Winner: Marsh AllenMarsh Allen wins. Cast iron lasts forever if you season and store it dry. Smokey Joe's porcelain-enameled steel is durable but eventually shows rust at chips after 5-10 years. For pure lifespan, the Hibachi wins.
Final Verdict
Smokey Joe is the more versatile, more portable grill thanks to the lid. Marsh Allen Hibachi is the better pure-sear cooker thanks to cast iron. For most people the Smokey Joe is the right answer — but if you only cook steaks and burgers and want the best sear under $100, the Hibachi is a quiet legend.
Buying Advice
These are cheap enough to own both — Smokey Joe for tailgates and camping, Hibachi for steak nights on a small balcony. If forced to pick one, get the [Smokey Joe](/review/weber-smokey-joe) for its versatility. For the [Marsh Allen Hibachi](/review/marsh-allen-hibachi) deep-dive, see our full review. Both crush their price points.
