FENNEK Grill light

The FENNEK Light is a charcoal grill that is plugged together from stainless steel parts and lies flat in a nylon bag when dismantled. It comes from FENNEK, a brand of WWS Metallformen GmbH from Hatzenbühl in the southern Palatinate, and according to the manufacturer it is produced there. On Amazon the listing reads FENNEK Grill light; the manufacturer calls the device FENNEK Light and lists a different model with a lid plate under FENNEK Grill. In our price box it sits at approx. €70, and the manufacturer’s shop charges €69.90 (retrieved on 14 October 2026). In our charcoal grill category it is a travel device: no lid, no wheels, with a 27 × 18 cm grilling surface.

We have not handled it and have not grilled anything on it. The data comes from the product page of the manufacturer’s shop, the German operating instructions, a comparison image from the manufacturer and the Amazon catalogue; the product photo is added to that. Calculations and assessments are marked as ours.

Assembly and material: eight parts and a bag

According to the instructions, the scope of delivery includes a back wall, two side walls, two charcoal sheets, a charcoal grate, a grill grate, a handle, the assembly instructions and a nylon sleeve for storage. Tongs, gloves and a lid are not included. It is assembled by plugging together without tools; the manufacturer gives about one minute for this, and its comparison image says less depending on the user. The assembly instructions consist of two pages with eight numbered picture steps and no running text.

The material is brushed stainless steel in thicknesses of 1.5 to 2 mm; the shop calls it rustproof and heat resistant. Only the Amazon text speaks of 100% stainless steel, and according to the instructions the bag is made of nylon. According to the comparison image it has a hook-and-loop fastener.

The Amazon photo shows the assembled grill as an open box. The back wall projects above the grate, the grill grate rests on the side walls, below it sits the slotted charcoal grate, and openings can be seen in the walls. The handle lies across the grate, next to it the black bag with an orange FENNEK logo. According to the instructions, the handle also serves as a bottle opener, and its underside as a scraper for the charcoal grate and grill grate.

Weight and packed size

The 2.3 kg in the title is the gross weight. According to section 10 of the instructions, the Light weighs approx. 2,276 g, of which the grill is approx. 2,200 g and the bag approx. 76 g. The shop and Amazon round this to 2.3 kg. The manufacturer’s comparison image puts the grill alone at 2.2 kg, the FENNEK Grill at 2.58 kg and the FENNEK 2.0 at 6 kg.

Assembled, the Light measures approx. 29 × 19 × 28 cm (length × width × height) according to the shop; the instructions give 284 × 183 × 277 mm. Dismantled it is approx. 29 × 19 × 2 cm according to the shop; the German instructions give 281.5 × 181 × 20 mm dismantled, and the English ones, with the addition in case, 28.1 × 18.1 × 2.0 cm; the packaging measures approx. 32.2 × 22 × 3 cm. The Amazon catalogue lists a height of 227 mm; the shop (28 cm) and the instructions (277 mm) are higher, and we follow the manufacturer.

The manufacturer advertises the Light as the lightest plug-together grill on the market. That is advertising, and we know of no market comparison. In our catalogue, the SKOTTI Mini weighs 1.9 kg according to the Amazon listing.

In detail: combustion chamber, ventilation slots and grate height

The Light is a grill for direct heat. The embers lie on the charcoal grate in the combustion chamber, the food on the grate above. How hot the charcoal gets is controlled by air with charcoal: more oxygen, more heat. We found neither in the scope of delivery nor in the photo a slider or flap with which the air supply could be adjusted. That leaves the amount of charcoal and the grate height as the controls.

For the amount, the instructions specify a fill height: up to the upper edge of the lower ventilation slots. Anyone who fills in more goes beyond the manufacturer’s specification.

The manufacturer speaks of an integrated charcoal chimney; the instructions only mention the combustion chamber in which the firelighters lie. A separate chimney starter is a tall sheet metal cylinder: the charcoal lies above the firelighter, the heated air rises and draws fresh air in from below, so that the charcoal glows through faster. Whether the Light’s combustion chamber creates this draught depends on its height and its openings.

According to the manufacturer’s comparison image, the grill grate can be adjusted in three levels (the FENNEK Grill has four, the FENNEK 2.0 three). It is adjusted with the handle from the scope of delivery. Why the height matters is general physics: the radiant heat of the embers decreases with distance, so a low grate browns faster and a high one cooks more gently.

Indirect cooking under a closed lid, as known from kettle and gas grills, is not possible with the Light because it has no lid. Gentler heat here only comes from distance and less charcoal.

Is the grilling surface enough for two people?

For two people, says the manufacturer: the shop calls the Light a mobile grill for 2 people, the grilling surface measures approx. 27 × 18 cm and, according to the shop FAQ, has room for 1 to 2 people.

The instructions give approx. 269 × 180 mm, the comparison image 26.9 × 18 cm; for us the shop value applies. The manufacturer does not say how many steaks or sausages fit on it. For orientation: a sheet of A4 paper in landscape format measures 29.7 × 21 cm, and the grate stays below that in both directions.

The manufacturer promises more surface with a 2nd grill grate for the Light. It costs €19.90 (article number DFW0018.65.006.00), is made of stainless steel, is dishwasher safe and is described as double grilling surface and a second grilling zone.

Fuel, lighting and accessories

As fuel, the instruction step for filling names charcoal or briquettes. Firewood appears only in two subordinate clauses, on letting the fuel burn out and on the black discolouration; pellets and coconut briquettes not at all. Which is more worthwhile for you is covered in the guide Charcoal or briquettes. Charcoal and firelighters add to the purchase price on an ongoing basis; without information on quantity and burn time, it is not possible to calculate what an evening costs.

Before first use, all parts are to be cleaned to remove manufacturing residues, and the grill is to be heated through well once with charcoal. To light it, according to the instructions you take out the charcoal grate, place up to four firelighters in the combustion chamber (firelighting wool, paraffin or organic firelighters or similar), put the grate back and light it. As ignition sources it names the FENNEK Jet lighter, a stick lighter or long matches. Once the embers are as hot as desired, the grill grate is fitted and the food is placed on it.

Further accessories from the manufacturer’s shop, prices retrieved on 14 October 2026:

• Flame protection mat, €29.50: 320 × 240 × 1.5 mm, approx. 125 g, according to the shop permanently up to 700 degrees and briefly up to 1,400 degrees, suitable for Hobos, FENNEK Grill and FENNEK light.
• Plancha, €25.90: 2.5 mm stainless steel; titled in the shop as an accessory for the FENNEK Grill, but named as optional accessory in the Light FAQ.
• JET lighter, €24.90: adjustable flame, refillable.
• Backpack, €69.00: suitable for FENNEK and FENNEK Light, with a sealed charcoal bag, an insulated storage compartment and a place setting for 4 people including lighter and grill tongs. The charcoal bag on its own costs €6.50 (approx. 38 × 26 cm).

The instructions require a heat-resistant surface under the grill; whether the mat is intended for this, the shop does not say.

Safety, set-up and cleaning according to the instructions

This section follows the German operating instructions, sections 3 to 6. We reproduce the lists in full, the sentences are condensed; the manufacturer’s wording remains authoritative.

• Use: exclusively for grilling or heating food (meat, vegetables, fish or similar), only in the private sphere, commercial use is not permitted. Improper use can lead to personal injury and property damage.
• Set-up: on a level, horizontal, clean, safe and heat-resistant surface. In operation, at least 3 metres distance from flammable objects; do not block escape routes, doors and the like. The surrounding area must be covered and protected because of soot, smoke and flying sparks.
• Carbon monoxide: burning produces smoke and carbon monoxide, which can lead to poisoning and death. The Light must not be used in enclosed spaces under any circumstances; operation is permitted exclusively outdoors.
• Lighting: only fuel made of wood fibre, wood wool/wax or kerosene-based firelighters, and only lighting aids conforming to DIN EN 1860-3 (a standard applying in Germany and the EU). No fuel paste, because it can escape and cause burns. All other fuels such as methylated spirit or petrol are not permitted. Liquids and other substances, especially flammable materials, can cause deflagrations or flash flames and must never be added to the fire or embers.
• Heat: grill, charcoal and food become very hot. Nothing may be transported during operation and while cooling down; transport, touching, cleaning and stowing only once all individual parts have cooled. Never cool individual parts with water, because the temperature difference can severely deform and permanently damage the sheets; they cool in the air and are only transported in suitable containers.
• Grate and handle: adjust the grill grate exclusively with the handle supplied. The handle must afterwards always be positioned separately again and must not remain in the grate.
• People: keep children and animals away from the grill and fire. People with reduced mental or physical abilities and children must not operate the grill and, together with animals, keep a safe distance. Do not use under the influence of tiredness, alcohol, drugs, medication or the like.
• Protection: wear grill gloves and a grill apron when grilling and use suitable grill utensils, and in general always suitable protective equipment. On all individual parts, improper use carries a risk of burns, trapping, crushing and cuts; always observe the assembly instructions and notes. A first aid kit and fire extinguisher should be at hand.
• Nature and weather: fires in forests are strictly prohibited, and in the countryside FENNEK products may only be used on designated sites. Flying sparks can always occur. In excessively dry conditions, fires and grilling are to be avoided, and fire protection regulations apply.
• Burns: cool burns immediately and sufficiently, medical help is recommended, and for more severe burns call the emergency doctor, whose number differs from country to country.

On cleaning (section 5): first scrape off residues, for which the underside of the handle serves, then wipe with paper or a cloth and clean with water, without detergent, or put in the dishwasher. Before the next use there must be no detergent residues on the parts. The manufacturer recommends cleaning after every use to avoid burnt-on residue and sooting, and letting the fuel burn out, because excess fat and grilling residues burn off in the process. Scouring pads and cleaning pads must be made of stainless steel, otherwise wool residues remain in the pores and can trigger rust. Ash should be emptied when cold, before moisture combines with it: it contains salt and, when damp, attacks the inside of the combustion chamber, and over the years rust can develop. It is only disposed of once charcoal or briquettes have burned completely and all parts have cooled. It is stored protected from moisture, and parts can have sharp edges.

The product page additionally advises a stainless steel sponge and a little washing-up liquid, the instructions water without detergent; the two do not quite fit together, and we would follow the instructions. How to treat rust on grills in general is covered in the guide Grill rusting: what to do?; for the FENNEK, the instructions come first.

What the manufacturer does not state

Neither the product page nor the instructions contain information on these points:

• Maximum temperature in the combustion chamber and heat-up time until the embers are ready
• Amount of charcoal in grams, burn time and consumption
• Distance between the three grate heights, height of the grate above the embers and load capacity of the grate
• Installation of the 2nd grill grate in the housing
• Stainless steel grade (for example V2A or 1.4301) and material of handle, grate and charcoal grate individually
• Behaviour in wind, heat radiation downwards and distance of the combustion chamber from the ground
• Suitability for balcony or table (for the FENNEK Grill the manufacturer mentions both)
• Guarantee period and prices for spare parts
• Test marks or standards for the device itself, apart from DIN EN 1860-3 for lighting aids
• Market launch of the Light, assembly time in seconds and dimensions of the bag

What else is worth considering?

The prices are guide values from the price boxes of our reviews, and the rating is our editorial assessment and not a measurement result. The table is only of limited use for comparing weight and surface area, because Knister and SKOTTI are stated according to Amazon listings, Weber according to the manufacturer’s page. Further models are shown in our comparison of charcoal grills 2026.

When the Light suits and when another one does

First, the number of people. The Light is designed for two; if three or four eat regularly, you need more surface. According to the manufacturer’s page, the FENNEK 2.0 has approx. 38 × 24 cm grilling surface, weighs 6.0 kg and costs €149.90 in the shop, so €80.00 more than the Light; the shop names it for 4 people.

Then the wind. As differences from the FENNEK Grill, the manufacturer lists: no lid plate, no aluminium case and no wind protection from raised side walls. According to the manufacturer, the FENNEK Grill has these parts and a grate that adjusts in four ways, and the grilling surface is the same at 27 × 18 cm. Its total weight is approx. 3.1 kg, of which the grill is approx. 2.6 kg, and in the shop it costs €110.00, €40.10 more than the Light. If you often grill at open sites, in our assessment you would want to consider the extra cost.

Then the place. The manufacturer names trekking as the intended use, but requires designated sites in the countryside; if you want to light a fire away from such sites, you must not use the Light for it, and the low weight does not change that. On a balcony, your tenancy agreement and house rules decide (guide Grilling on a balcony), and on a campsite, as a rule, the site rules decide (guide Buying a camping grill).

If you count every gram, look at the SKOTTI Mini: 1.9 kg according to the Amazon listing, 0.4 kg less than the Light with bag, with a 24 × 16.5 cm grilling surface, and at approx. €78 against approx. €70 it is €8 more expensive. The Knister weighs 3.4 kg according to the Amazon listing, but at approx. €50 it costs €20 less than the Light. Which type of grill suits your space at all is shown by the Grill Finder.

The Light is wrong for anyone who wants to cook meat slowly with the lid closed, and for anyone who wants to run it in an enclosed space. And if you do take it: the instructions require gloves, an apron and grill utensils, and the scope of delivery contains none of them.