A Firestarter for the Restless
The Made In Grill isn’t content to anchor itself to a backyard slab of concrete. Hand-welded in Texas, forged from carbon steel and 304 stainless, it’s a 35-pound passport to wherever the map goes white—tailgates, rooftops, remote riverbanks. Every rivet and weld whispers the same invitation: take the flame further.
Heat, Tamed and Unleashed
Beneath its compact 20-inch frame lies a two-level firebed that drops or rises on command. Slide the coals low for a patient, indirect slow-down, or crank them high when only blistering intensity will do. Few portable rigs offer this degree of direct-versus-indirect precision; even fewer do it with a patent-pending system robust enough to shrug off binchotan’s glow.
Convertible Cooktop Engineering
At first glance the stainless grate looks ordinary—until it retracts. One fluid motion clears the deck for a griddle, turning the Made In Grill into a flattop powerhouse. No wobbly add-ons, no compromises; just a slick, slide-away mechanism that expands your fire-based repertoire without letting small items disappear into the abyss.
Built to Roam, Built to Last
The 12-inch-tall chassis stuffs neatly into a hatchback yet stands up to serious punishment. Stay Cool™ hollow handles wrapped in silicone make hot relocations painless, while a removable ash tray snaps out for no-fuss cleanup. Lightweight carbon steel keeps pack-in weight sane; stainless accents fend off rust and regret.
Specs at a Glance
- Dimensions: 20″ W × 11″ D × 12″ H
- Cooking Surface: 19.6″ × 10.5″
- Weight: 35 lbs
- Fuels: Charcoal, hardwood, or binchotan
- Key Features: Retractable grate, dual-height firebed, removable ash tray, silicone-wrapped handles
Why It Belongs in Your Kit
The Made In Grill distills restaurant-grade control into a footprint small enough for condo balconies yet tough enough for off-grid sabbaticals. Its convertible grate unlocks versatility, its dual-level firebed grants authority over every ember, and its bomb-proof construction laughs at the miles ahead. If your compass spins toward wild horizons but you refuse to compromise on performance, this is the heat source that keeps pace.
Pros
- Exceptional Heat Control: The Made In Grill’s dual-level firebed offers genuine mastery over direct and indirect heat zones, allowing you to fine-tune your setup for everything from searing to slow-cooking—rare versatility in a portable grill.
- Convertible Grate System: Its patent-pending retractable stainless steel grate is engineered for rapid switching between classic grilling and griddle cooking, expanding your menu and eliminating the frustration of food falling through the cracks.
- Robust Construction: Hand-welded in Texas, the hybrid carbon steel and 304 stainless steel body guarantees superior durability, rust resistance, and professional-grade heat retention, even when subjected to heavy use or extreme conditions.
- Portability with Purpose: At 35 pounds and with compact dimensions, the grill remains lightweight enough to carry, while Stay Cool™ silicone-wrapped handles ensure transport is easy and safe, even when the grill is hot.
- Versatile Fuel Compatibility: The grill accommodates charcoal, hardwood, or binchotan, appealing to purists and experimentalists alike who want to harness different fuel types for unique flavors and experiences.
- Effortless Cleanup: The removable stainless steel ash tray and overall smart design make post-cookout cleanup fast and painless, a blessing for those who value efficiency after the fire goes out.
- Professional-Level Performance Anywhere: Its compact, rugged design is equally at home on a city balcony, remote campsite, or tailgate, bringing high-end performance to unconventional locations.
Cons
- Premium Price Point: At $499, the Made In Grill sits in the upper echelon of portable grills, potentially pricing out budget-conscious buyers.
- Limited Cooking Space: The 19.6″ x 10.5″ cooking surface may be restrictive for larger groups, making it better suited for smaller gatherings or dedicated enthusiasts rather than large parties.
- Outdoor Use Only: Strictly designed for outdoor use, this grill isn’t an option for those hoping to use it in enclosed or indoor settings, which may limit its flexibility for some users.
- Weight Considerations: While portable, the 35-pound heft—though lighter than some—might still be cumbersome for long treks or minimalist campers who prioritize ultralight gear.
- Requires Manual Adjustment: The hands-on nature of firebed and grate adjustments means a learning curve for those used to set-it-and-forget-it systems or fully automated grills.
Verdict
The Made In Grill is a weapon for those who view cooking as an adventure—blending professional-grade heat control, hand-built durability, and innovative design into a portable form factor that dares you to take your skills off the beaten path. It isn’t the cheapest or the largest, and it demands an operator who appreciates hands-on control and rugged build quality. But if you crave a reliable, high-performance grill with true versatility and uncompromising construction—ready for the patio, tailgate, or wild horizon—the Made In Grill isn’t just a tool. It’s an invitation to chase the next fire, wherever that may lead.
$499
If you crave adventure without the baggage, the Everdure CUBE Portable Charcoal Grill stands ready as a compelling alternative to the Made In Grill, packing remarkable versatility and true portability at a fraction of the price. Lightweight yet rugged, the CUBE distills the spirit of spontaneous outdoor living into a compact 9-inch-high steel frame that slips easily into any trunk, canoe, or crowded picnic bench. Its award-winning design is more than skin-deep—cool-touch handles, a removable charcoal tray, and a porcelain enamelled firebox make setup and cleanup a breeze, while the ingenious bamboo storage tray and preparation board keep tools and ingredients organized no matter how far you roam. Whether you’re flipping burgers at the beach, tailgating with friends, or simply chasing sunsets on a whim, the CUBE’s affordable $151.99 price tag puts creative, charcoal-grilled flavor within reach—no overthinking, just pure, portable freedom. For explorers and urban nomads who value simplicity and flexibility without sacrificing real grilling performance, the CUBE is proof that small can be mighty.
