VEVOR VA-C500 Extra-Large Charcoal Grill: features, specs and who it suits

The VEVOR VA-C500 is a large wheeled charcoal grill built for backyard and patio cooking. It offers 780 square inches of cooking space and two charcoal trays that can be raised or lowered, so one grill can hold two different heat zones. It is aimed at people who cook for groups and want room for a full spread at once.

How much cooking space 780 square inches gives you

VEVOR splits the 780 sq in (about 5,030 cm²) into a 500 sq in main grilling area and a 280 sq in warming area. The main area is where food cooks over the coals. The warming area sits away from the most intense heat and is typically used to keep finished food hot or to cook gently. As a rough guide, a grill with this much surface can handle many burgers or several racks of ribs in one go, though the arrangement of the grates matters as much as the total.

Liftable charcoal trays

The feature that sets this grill apart is its pair of charcoal trays, which are raised or lowered by turning handles. Moving the tray closer to the food raises the heat, while lowering it reduces the heat. With two trays, VEVOR says you can control temperature independently on each side. In practice, that lets you sear on one side while the other cooks food more slowly, without having to rearrange hot coals.

Side tables, shelf and layout

Two foldable side tables provide workspace for seasonings, tools and plates, and fold away to reduce the footprint when the grill is stored. A bottom shelf, made from thickened SPCC (cold-rolled steel sheet), gives extra storage. Fully set up, the grill measures about 25.6 x 63.0 x 48.0 inches (65 x 160 x 122 cm) and weighs 83.3 lb (about 38 kg), so it needs a good-sized patch of level ground.

Materials and weather

The body is high-temperature powder-coated steel. VEVOR says this resists heat, rust, peeling and outdoor weather. Powder coating is a durable finish, but any painted steel grill lasts longest when it is cleaned, dried and covered when not in use.

Handling and cleaning details

• A 32-inch drawer ash tray slides out, so ash can be emptied without lifting the whole firebox.
• Large wheels make it easier to move around a patio.
• Anti-scald handles are designed to stay cooler to the touch.
• An elevated lid gives extra headroom for taller cuts of food.
• A bottle opener is built in.

Who it suits

It suits people who host often, who like having both direct and gentler heat in the same grill, and who have a patio or yard with room for a large unit. Someone cooking for one or two people on a small balcony would likely find it more than they need, and many buildings restrict charcoal on balconies.

What to check before you buy

• Space: measure your patio, including the side tables when they are open and clearance around the grill.
• Rules: check local fire rules and any building or strata restrictions on charcoal grilling.
• Assembly: a grill of this size arrives as parts, so allow time and check the manual.
• Fuel: charcoal grills need charcoal or briquettes and a safe way to dispose of ash once it has fully cooled.
• Upkeep: clean the grates after use and keep the grill covered or sheltered in wet weather.
• Placement: use it outdoors only, on level ground, away from walls, fences and overhanging branches.

The short version

• A wheeled charcoal grill with 780 sq in of space: 500 sq in main grill plus 280 sq in warming area.
• Two liftable charcoal trays for independent heat control.
• Folding side tables, a thickened steel bottom shelf and a 32-inch drawer ash tray.
• Powder-coated steel body, large wheels, anti-scald handles and a bottle opener.
• About 83 lb (38 kg); needs a generous outdoor space.

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