Allen SCHALTBAU Grill Review
Our verdict
A budget-friendly cast iron charcoal grill with a narrow footprint and genuine cast iron cooking surface for under $55. It suits the occasional backyard griller who wants real charcoal cooking without spending much.
Check price on AmazonBest for
Solo cooks or couples who want a low-cost, compact cast iron charcoal grill for casual backyard sessions.
Skip if
You cook for more than two people at a time or need a grill that handles indirect heat and longer cooks.
- Fuel Charcoal
- Burners 1
- Cooking area 180 Sq In
- Material Cast Iron
- Install Freestanding
- Color Black
- Priced 86% below the category median ($381.99 across 260 tracked models)
- Burners of 1 - fewer than 79% of the 261 models we track
Pros
- Cast iron cooking surface for strong heat retention and sear marks
- Very affordable at under $54
- Compact footprint at 3.5 x 18.75 x 11 inches
- Solid 4.3 rating from 211 buyers
- Freestanding, no installation needed
Cons
- 180 sq in is limiting for more than two people
- Cast iron requires post-cook oiling to prevent rust
- No weight listed, making portability harder to assess
- Single zone only, no indirect heat capability
Our scorecard
-
Owner rating4.3/5
4.3 average across 211 owner ratings
-
Popularity3.9/5
211 owner reviews, more than most models here
The overall score is owner satisfaction weighted by how many reviews back it, so a high rating from few reviews counts for less. The bars below show where this model stands against the other grills, grill parts and burners, smokers and smoking gear, grill tools, outdoor griddles, outdoor kitchen appliances and grill covers we track in this category on price, popularity and size. Context, not marks against it, and our read of the data, not a lab test.
Overview
['The Allen SCHALTBAU is a freestanding cast iron charcoal grill sized for intimate cooks. With a cooking area of 180 square inches and a profile of 3.5 x 18.75 x 11 inches, it is a narrow, purpose-built unit that takes up minimal deck or patio space. Cast iron construction gives it heat retention that punches above its price point.', 'At $53.68, this is firmly in the entry-level tier for charcoal grills. The single burner zone means you manage heat purely through charcoal control, which is standard for grills at this size and price. The 180 sq in cooking surface fits about seven to eight burger-sized pieces side by side, enough for one or two people cooking regularly.', 'Buyers rate it 4.3 out of 5 across 211 reviews, which is a reasonable confidence level for an inexpensive grill. A 4.3 at this price typically means it delivers on basic expectations. Cast iron will need some care to prevent rust, but for light-duty use it is a practical, affordable option.']
Specifications
| Fuel | Charcoal |
|---|---|
| Burners | 1 |
| Cooking area | 180 Sq In |
| Material | Cast Iron |
| Install | Freestanding |
| Color | Black |
| Dimensions | 3.5 X 18.75 X 11 In |
Performance notes
Fuel type is charcoal on a cast iron grate. Cast iron provides even, sustained heat that produces good sear marks. Cooking area is 180 sq in, suited to one or two-person cooks. Physical dimensions are 3.5 x 18.75 x 11 inches, a narrow profile. No BTU spec is applicable for charcoal; heat output is governed by charcoal amount and airflow. Weight is not listed by the manufacturer.
What buyers say
With 211 reviews at 4.3 stars, buyer sentiment is positive and the sample is large enough to be meaningful for an entry-level grill. Satisfaction at this price tends to reflect ease of use and meeting basic charcoal cooking expectations. No significant red flags emerge from the aggregate rating.
Similar grills, grill parts and burners, smokers and smoking gear, grill tools, outdoor griddles, outdoor kitchen appliances and grill covers to consider
Frequently asked questions
Can you use this Allen grill for more than just burgers and hot dogs?
Yes, the cast iron surface handles bone-in chicken pieces, steaks, fish fillets, and vegetables well. The 180 sq in area limits how much you can cook at once, but the heat retention of cast iron makes it versatile for direct-heat grilling across a range of foods. Use a meat thermometer and refer to USDA safe cooking temperatures for each protein.
How do you prevent cast iron grates from rusting?
After each cook, let the grill cool completely, then brush off food debris while the grates are still slightly warm. Wipe a thin coat of a high-smoke-point cooking oil on the grates and let them cool fully before covering or storing the grill. Avoid leaving cast iron sitting wet, and store it in a dry location or under a cover when not in use.