The Weber Go-Anywhere is a compact, portable charcoal grill designed for convenience and performance on the go. Its sturdy steel construction, porcelain-enameled lid and base, and ample cooking surface make it ideal for camping, tailgating, and small outdoor spaces. Despite its size, it delivers Weber’s trusted grilling quality anywhere.
The Weber Go-Anywhere
Men have cooked over fire since we first learned to make it. Good cooking has always traveled with us. Weber knows this. Since 1952, they’ve built grills for men who demand quality. The Go-Anywhere is their answer to a question: How to make a portable grill that still cooks like hell?
The Rectangle That Works
They broke the round shape. Made it rectangular. Smart move. It fits in your trunk. Fits in tight spaces. Measures 11.5″ high, 19.5″ wide, 15″ deep. Campers know the difference this makes.
The legs pivot. They hold the grill up when cooking. They lock the lid when moving. No ash spills in your car. The handle sits centered. One hand carries it. Twelve pounds. Not light, not heavy. Just right.
Built To Last
It costs between seventy and ninety-five dollars. You get more than you pay for. The porcelain-enameled lid and base fight rust. Fight salt air at the beach. The chrome cooking grate doesn’t warp under fire.
Weber backs it: ten years against rust, five on plastic parts, two on everything else. Men who bought theirs eight years ago still cook on them. One man dropped his on the concrete from three feet up. The grill didn’t care. Kept working.
It Cooks True
Small grills usually cook small. This one doesn’t. Control the vents and you’ll get temperatures between 225 and 450 degrees. Push it and you’ll hit 600 for a good sear. The dual dampers—top and sides—give you control.
You get 160 square inches of cooking space. Enough for four people if you’re smart about it. The rectangle wastes no space. The charcoal basin runs deep. You won’t need to refuel mid-cook like with cheaper grills.
Cook how you want:
- Direct heat for steaks
- Hot and cool zones side by side
- Basic smoking with wood chips
- Finishing steaks after slow-cooking
Take it to the beach. Take it camping. Take it, tailgating. It goes anywhere. It works everywhere. The Weber Go-Anywhere doesn’t lie about its name
Competitive Landscape: How Does It Compare?
| Feature / Grill | Weber Go-Anywhere | Weber Smokey Joe | Weber Jumbo Joe | Matador | Traditional Hibachi |
| Design | Rectangular, locking lid | Compact kettle | Larger kettle | Similar portable size | Open, no lid |
| Cooking Area | 160 sq in | Slightly larger than Go-Anywhere | 240 sq in | Similar to Go-Anywhere | Small, varies |
| Portability | High (locking lid, compact shape) | High | Moderate (bulkier & heavier) | Comparable but less durable | High but no lid for transport |
| Storage Efficiency | Very efficient rectangle | Less efficient due to the round shape | Less efficient, bulkier | Similar to Go-Anywhere | No lid, awkward to store |
| Airflow / Cooking Style | Good airflow with lid and vents | Better airflow and indirect cooking | Good airflow, but a bigger size | Less precise temperature control | Excellent direct high heat |
| Construction Quality | High, durable | High | High | Lower than Go-Anywhere | Variable, often cheaper |
| Temperature Control | Precise vents & enclosed cooking | Good vents, good for indirect cooking | Good vents on a bigger scale | Less consistent | Limited due to no lid |
| Weight & Bulk | Lightweight and compact | Lightweight | Heaviest, less portable | Lightweight but less sturdy | Lightweight but no lid |
| Best Use Case | Maximum portability & easy transport | Slightly more cooking space, indirect grilling | Larger groups need more cooking area | Budget portable option | High heat direct grilling |
| Unique Advantage | Locking lid system for mobile cooking | Traditional kettle design & indirect cooking capabilities | Bigger capacity for larger meals | Lower price, portable convenience | High heat and simplicity |
The Gas Version
Weber makes a gas version. Same rectangular shape. Same portability. Different fuel.
The gas grill lights faster. No charcoal to manage. The temperature stays even. Good for quick meals or when charcoal won’t work. You lose the smoke flavor. That matters to some men. Not to others.
It costs more than the charcoal model. Not much more. The build quality is identical. The ignition works every time. The burner lasts for years. The propane canisters are easy to find.
Men who choose gas value speed and consistency over flavor. A fair trade for some situations.
Accessories That Matter
Weber sells a few specific accessories. Their chimney starter works well. The grill cover fits perfectly. Their tools are good enough.
Other companies make better additions:
- Plancha grates for cooking smaller foods
- The Smokerig Xtender adds space and a rotisserie
- Good carrying bags have pockets for tools and fuel
- Heat shields protect wooden tables and plastic surfaces
You don’t need these things. But they make the grill do more.
Using It
Setup takes five minutes. One screwdriver. Four screws. Done.
Charcoal needs fifteen minutes to heat properly. Gas is ready in five.
There is no thermometer. Experienced men don’t need one. Your hand over the grate tells you the temperature. The first few cooks teach you the rest.
Cleaning is simple. The grate lifts out. The enamel wipes clean. Charcoal ash dumps easily. The whole process takes twenty minutes.
Storage is efficient. The locked grill stands vertically or lies flat. It fits in closets, under beds, in car trunks. It doesn’t waste space.
Strengths and Weaknesses
What It Does Well:
- Travels without complaint
- Built from materials that last
- Holds heat where you need it
- Cleans without special tools
- Costs less than you’d expect
- Works without instructions
- Cooks any food you give it
- Continues the Weber tradition
What It Lacks:
- Space for large groups
- Built-in temperature gauge
Where It Works Best
At the beach, it stands firmly on sand. The wind doesn’t kill the fire. The lid stays closed against gusts.
While camping, it replaces uncertain fire pits. Pack it away, still warm. The locked lid holds ash inside.
On small balconies, the shape fits against the walls. No wasted space. No dangerous overhang.
At tailgates, it moves from car to cooking spot in one trip. When finished, it cools quickly. No waiting to leave.
Value Over Time
You pay more initially. Eighty dollars instead of thirty. After eight years, you’ve paid ten dollars per year. The cheap grills died long ago. You’re still cooking.
The efficient design uses less fuel. Charcoal burns completely. Heat stays inside. Small savings compound over time.
This grill isn’t environmentally friendly. No grill is. But it lasts longer than disposable models. Less waste. Less consumption. Better this way.
The Simple Truth
We complicate simple things. Cooking meat over fire is simple. This grill keeps it simple.
It travels when you travel. It lasts when others fail. It cooks meat well. Nothing more. Nothing less.
That is enough.
FAQs
1. What type of fuel does the Weber Go-Anywhere use?
The Weber Go-Anywhere is available in two main fuel types: charcoal and propane (gas). The charcoal version uses briquettes, which provide a classic smoky flavor, while the gas version uses a small propane cylinder, offering quick ignition and easy temperature control.
2. Is the Weber Go-Anywhere portable?
Yes, the Weber Go-Anywhere is designed with portability in mind. It’s compact, lightweight (around 11-13 lbs, depending on model), and features a locking lid that secures the grill for easy carrying. It’s an ideal choice for camping, tailgating, picnics, and small outdoor spaces where a full-sized grill isn’t practical.
3. What are the dimensions of the Weber Go-Anywhere?
The grill measures approximately 16.5 inches long, 10.5 inches wide, and 14 inches high when assembled. When closed, it folds down compactly for transporting or storing, roughly the size of a small briefcase.
4. How much cooking area does it have?
The cooking grate provides about 160 square inches of grilling space, which can comfortably cook around 4-6 standard-sized burgers or similar portions at once. Though compact, the cooking area is sufficient for small groups or personal use.
5. Can the lid be locked for easy transport?
Yes, the Weber Go-Anywhere’s lid is designed to lock securely onto the base through metal latches. This locking mechanism keeps the lid firmly in place during transport, preventing spills and making it easy to carry the grill by hand.
6. Is the Weber Go-Anywhere easy to clean?
Cleaning is straightforward. The cooking grate is porcelain-enameled, which resists rust and food sticking, making it easier to clean. For the charcoal version, there’s a removable ash catcher below the firebox that collects ash for easy disposal. After grilling, you simply wait for the grill to cool, remove the ash catcher, and dispose of the ashes properly.
7. How long does it take to preheat?
It generally takes about 10 to 15 minutes for the grill to reach optimal cooking temperature. For the gas version, ignition is almost immediate, and preheating is quicker than charcoal. For charcoal, lighting briquettes and letting them get to a consistent gray ash coating takes a bit more time.
8. Can I use the Weber Go-Anywhere indoors or in enclosed spaces?
No, the Weber Go-Anywhere must be used outdoors only in a well-ventilated area. Using it indoors or in confined spaces is extremely dangerous due to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Always operate the grill at least several feet away from walls, overhangs, or flammable materials.
9. Does it come with a carrying case or bag?
The Weber Go-Anywhere does not typically include a carrying case with the grill itself. However, Weber and third-party vendors sell compatible carrying cases or bags separately, which help protect and transport the grill more conveniently.
10. Is the Weber Go-Anywhere suitable for cooking different types of food?
Yes, this grill is quite versatile despite its compact size. You can grill a variety of foods such as burgers, hot dogs, chicken breasts, steaks, vegetables, fish, and even small foil packets. The grill’s temperature control (especially on the gas model) and size make it great for quick, casual grilling for small groups.
Conclusion
In a market segment where products come and go with seasonal trends, the Weber Go-Anywhere has maintained its position as a reference standard for portable charcoal grilling for good reason. Its thoughtful balance of genuine portability, cooking performance, and durable construction addresses the core needs of mobile cooking enthusiasts without unnecessary complications or gimmicks.
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