LotusGrill Classic G340

The LotusGrill Classic is a round charcoal tabletop grill in which a fan drives the embers. What we mean here is the fire red colour; G340 is the type designation from the instructions. The manufacturer, based in Limburgerhof, calls the Classic the original of the range; S, XL and XXL came later. We cover the same appliance in anthracite grey as the LotusGrill G340. In our charcoal grills category, the Classic counts as a tabletop grill.

We have not handled the grill and have not grilled anything on it. The details come from lotusgrill.de, from the multilingual instructions (version 41, as of April 2026) and from the Amazon catalogue; where we calculate or infer something, we mark it. Up front, because it affects the buying decision: the Classic has no rechargeable battery. The fan runs either on the four AA batteries from the box or on the USB cable.

Construction, material and dimensions

Round and wider at the top than at the bottom. The manufacturer gives approx. 350 mm diameter at the upper rim, approx. 260 mm at the bottom and approx. 234 mm height; the grate measures approx. 320 mm. The catalogue dimensions from Amazon (23.4 x 35.1 x 25.9 cm) match these figures. Because the product photo shows a round body, we read length and width there as two diameters. A rectangular footprint cannot be derived from them.

In the photo we see a red outer shell with vertical slots, a rotary knob with a blue light at the front, two buckles at the side and the grate on top. We assign the knob to the on/off switch with heat control and light indicator from the parts list. The Classic has no grill lid; the lid in the parts list sits on the charcoal container.

The grill is built from two shells. The outer shell is made of powder-coated steel, plus a metal base; it carries the battery compartment and the electronic unit. The inner shell sits inside it, the lighting tray sits in that, the charcoal container with its lid stands on it, and the grate lies on top. According to the product page, the grate, inner shell, charcoal container and locking buckles are made of stainless steel; the materials table in the instructions additionally lists impact-resistant plastic. The buckles join the grate, charcoal container and inner shell into one closed unit, and according to the principle page the grill can be taken apart easily and quickly.

The product page gives approx. 3.7 kg, meaning the grill alone. The Amazon catalogue gives 8.157 pounds, which converts to 3.70 kg. The weight table in the instructions, by contrast, shows 5.0 kg, and according to the footnote the carry bag, instructions, batteries and USB cable are included. By our calculation, the 1.3 kg difference is this accessory set.

In detail: what the fan changes about the embers

Without a blower, the draught decides how quickly charcoal burns through and how hot it gets; in a kettle grill you set it with ventilation sliders. On the Classic a fan takes over the air supply. It has to run while lighting, otherwise the flame is smothered according to the instructions, and according to the FAQ the active ventilation lets the charcoal burn through within a few minutes. After that it stays on for the entire grilling process. You control the heat with the heat control, which the principle page describes as continuously variable. We infer from this that you use the control to meter the amount of air reaching the embers.

On smoke: LotusGrill calls the Classic low-smoke and writes of significantly reduced smoke production; the manufacturer nowhere promises it is smoke-free. As the reason, the FAQ cites a stainless steel plate in the middle of the grate. It covers the combustion chamber so that no fat can drip onto the embers from above. Technically that makes sense, because fat on glowing charcoal burns and smokes. Where the fat goes instead, we conclude from a note in the instructions: with very fatty food the inner bowl should be emptied regularly, so the fat collects there. On first use, according to the instructions, the grill may still smoke slightly because there can be oil residues on the charcoal container from production.

The Amazon text also says that no harmful substances such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), nitrosamines, benzopyrene and acrylamides are produced. The manufacturer and the instructions say nothing of the kind, and Amazon gives no source.

The second special feature is the double shell. According to the principle page the inner shell reflects the heat upwards, according to the FAQ air circulates between the two shells, and the outer shell, by the manufacturer’s statement, never gets hot. What the instructions require on this is covered further below under where to set it up.

Power, gel and charcoal: what goes with grilling

According to the product page, the four AA batteries (1.5 V each) are in the box. Only commercially approved AA batteries in perfect condition may be used. For the running time the FAQ gives approx. 15 to 20 hours, on average up to 25 grilling sessions with one set if stored properly. Alternatively, the supplied USB power cable feeds the fan from a USB power adapter, which is not part of the delivery. As soon as the round plug is in the grill, the battery compartment is disconnected. According to the instructions the cable does not charge rechargeable batteries or accumulators. The instructions name a USB power adapter as the power source for the cable.

According to the principle page, the power cable has come with all new LotusGrill models since the 2019 season. With a used Classic we would therefore check before buying whether it has the connection.

It is lit with gel; the switch alone is not enough. The instructions describe ten steps. First the batteries go into the compartment in the base of the outer shell (mind the polarity), then the inner shell into the outer shell. You fill the charcoal container completely with charcoal and put the lid on. Around the centre hole of the lighting tray you apply a ring of barbecue lighting gel about 10 mm wide and place the tray on the inner shell. Now you switch the fan on and first turn the control to the highest setting, to the right; it has to run so that the flame is not smothered, and you must not reach into the open flame. The gel is lit until it burns. Then you carefully and evenly place the filled charcoal container on the lighting tray, lay the grate with its four metal feet into the slots of the inner shell, hook the two brackets into the locking buckles and press these down. The tabletop grill is now one connected unit, and you control the heat with the heat control.

After about 3 to 4 minutes the grill is ready to use according to the instructions. The time is given in step 10, so after the charcoal container has been placed; inserting the batteries, applying the gel and lighting come before that and, as we read it, are not included. The principle page advertises 3 minutes, the Amazon text 4 minutes of pre-heating time.

According to the product page, the charcoal container holds max. 200 g of charcoal or max. 400 g of LotusGrill Superior barbecue briquettes. One load burns for 40 to 90 minutes depending on the type of charcoal, and you can top up at any time. With the original model a full container needs about 150 to 200 g of charcoal according to the FAQ, and 2.5 kg lasts for approx. 15 grilling sessions. The claim that the LotusGrill uses approx. 80% less charcoal than other grills is manufacturer advertising without measurement conditions.

According to the instructions, any normal charcoal can be used; the LotusGrill beech charcoal (2.5 kg, FSC-certified according to the product page) appears there only as an example. According to the safety note for the beech charcoal, a lighting aid must not be put on the charcoal itself. For lighting, the instructions recommend the LotusGrill safety burning paste, an ethanol paste in 200 ml and 500 ml; according to the manufacturer, liquid and vapour are highly flammable. Whether charcoal or briquettes suit you better is covered in our guide charcoal or briquettes.

Is the grate enough for five people?

According to the manufacturer, yes: the Classic is intended for up to 5 people. LotusGrill does not state an area in cm². We read five as an upper limit.

The full circular disc of a grate of Ø 32 cm works out at around 800 cm² (our calculation from the grate diameter, not a manufacturer value). It counts only as an upper limit: the manufacturer does not say which part of the disc, such as the stainless steel plate in the middle of the grate, can be used for grilling. For comparison: barbecook gives 38.5 x 28.5 cm for the Carlo, which is 1,097 cm². Even the full disc of the Classic stays below that.

Where to set it up, safety and care according to the instructions

On the setup location the instructions are unambiguous. The charcoal tabletop grill must not be operated in closed and/or habitable spaces; buildings, tents, caravans, motorhomes and boats are named. There is a danger to life from carbon monoxide poisoning. The FAQ requires use exclusively outdoors and describes carbon monoxide as an invisible, odourless gas that can be dangerous in closed rooms even when only a small amount is released.

The Amazon text, by contrast, advertises balcony, terrace, boat or campsite. Boats are among the prohibited places in the instructions. The product safety notes on LotusGrill charcoal on the accessories page even say that grilling in closed spaces requires an extractor; that contradicts the instructions, and the instructions apply to the grill.

The instructions give no minimum distances to walls, parapets, furniture and flammable materials, and nothing on wind either. A stable surface is required. Whether you may grill with charcoal on the balcony is governed by your tenancy agreement and house rules, not by the manufacturer; our guide grilling on a balcony goes through the legal situation. When lighting, open gel is also burning in the lighting tray.

The FAQ goes further on the surface: because air circulates between the shells, the grill can be moved during operation and placed on any surface. The instructions, by contrast, warn of the risk of burns, require gloves on the hot grate and want children and pets kept away. Our assessment: the outer shell may stay cool, but the grate and the embers beneath it do not. We would therefore not describe the Classic as child-safe, and on wood or plastic we would put a heat-resistant mat underneath.

On intended use the instructions say: the charcoal tabletop grill may be used for grilling with charcoal to prepare food suitable for grilling, not in closed spaces; all requirements are to be followed unchanged, and it is intended for private use only.

In the German instructions the safety notes appear under four signal words. We give them in full and close to the wording; addresses with the formal Sie and passive sentences we have put into the infinitive:

• Warning: Risk of burns. Risk of suffocation. Do not use in closed spaces. Keep children and pets away.
• Caution: Use only lighting aids that comply with EN 1860-3 (a European standard). Wear gloves when touching the hot grate. Replace the batteries only when the grill has cooled down completely.
• Attention: Do not use methylated spirits or petrol for lighting or relighting. Let the grill cool down completely before cleaning. Never pour water into the charcoal container to extinguish the glowing charcoal.
• Important: Place the grill on a stable surface before use. Use barbecue tongs for grilling (LotusGrill recommends its own accessories). Never leave the hot grill unattended. With very fatty food, make sure the inner bowl is emptied regularly. Check the batteries before every use. Do not replace empty batteries while the grill is in use.

The care section adds a further warning: do not use water to cool down the hot grill, otherwise burns and scalds are possible. For cleaning, the instructions list:

• After every use, clean the grate, inner bowl and other dirty parts. Be sure to wait with cleaning until the grill has cooled down completely, otherwise there is a risk of burns.
• The grate and inner bowl can be cleaned either in the dishwasher or by hand with any commercially available washing-up liquid.
• For stubborn residues, use commercially available grill cleaners, for example the LotusGrill grill and oven cleaner. Never use acid, white spirit or other flammable substances for cleaning.
• Clean the outer shell with the electronic unit with a damp cloth or a brush.
• The charcoal container may only be cleaned dry, for example with a brush. Never clean it with water.
• Remove the batteries from the appliance before longer periods out of use.

Scope of delivery, accessories and spare parts

According to the product page, the box contains the grill, a colour-matched nylon carry bag, four AA batteries, the instruction manual and the USB power cable. Charcoal, lighting gel or burning paste and a USB power adapter are not included. The grill costs approx. €179 on Amazon (as of 5 October 2026). If you want to take charcoal and paste along straight away, look at the starter set: according to the Amazon title it contains a Classic in anthracite grey, 2.5 kg of beech charcoal, 200 ml of burning paste and sausage tongs, in our price box approx. €200, so €21 more than this grill.

For the Classic, the accessories page lists three hoods. The stainless steel grill hood has a safety glass insert and a thermometer in the knob, approx. 270 mm height and approx. 344 mm diameter at the bottom; with it, according to the manufacturer, the grill becomes an oven for roasting, cooking, baking, braising and keeping warm. There is also a flatter glass hood made of safety glass (approx. 142 mm high) and the compact stainless steel travel hood, which can be stowed under the inner bowl after removing the thermometer.

There are also a cordierite pizza stone and a teppanyaki plate made of cast aluminium with a non-stick coating, which you can use on both sides; both are placed on the grate. The cast grill grate has a non-stick coating; according to the manufacturer, a container should be placed under its drip edge. A fondue set made of stainless steel and enamelled steel is also available. For railings and standing surfaces, LotusGrill offers a railing and balustrade holder, a grill stand set made of one base and two table tops, and a universal stand; the data on these are in the frequently asked questions. The cover hoods on the accessories page belong to the XL Garden Set and the XXL.

As spare parts, the spare parts page lists the lighting tray, charcoal container, grate, inner bowl and carry bag. According to the instructions, the charcoal container is a wear part and is to be replaced from time to time. Wear, rust formation, deformation and discolouration of the parts directly exposed to the fire, especially the stainless steel parts, are described in the instructions as normal and function-related; they are not a warranty case.

What the manufacturer leaves open

These details appear neither on lotusgrill.de nor in the instructions (version 41):

• Maximum temperature or temperature range in degrees, and heat zones on the grate
• Usable grilling area in cm², size of the stainless steel plate, number of sausages or steaks, cooking times
• Power consumption, speed, noise level and number of settings of the fan (the principle page says only continuously variable)
• Voltage and current for USB operation, and a power bank or laptop as a power source (the instructions describe only a USB power adapter)
• Replacement for the outer shell with fan unit, switch and buckles, although the principle page promises all components as spare parts
• Surface temperature of the outer shell in degrees and the time until the residual embers have cooled down
• Smoke quantity as a measured value and the reference grill behind low smoke
• Behaviour if the power source fails during grilling
• Ash chamber or ash catcher (not provided for in the parts list and spare parts page)
• Grade of stainless steel (V2A or V4A), wall thicknesses, type and heat resistance of the powder coating, location of the plastic
• Country of manufacture (only the company seat in Limburgerhof is documented), year of market launch and test marks such as CE or GS; the instructions refer to EN 1860-3 only for lighting aids
• Prices for charcoal, burning paste and accessories, and a manufacturer price, because lotusgrill.de is not a shop
• Overall service life of the grill in years

On two values the sources contradict each other. The charcoal container holds 200 g on the German product page, 250 g on the old English page and on the page for the Hybrid Classic, the gas variant, and 150 to 200 g according to the FAQ; we follow the German product page. Until the grill is ready to use it is 3 minutes (principle page), 3 to 4 (instructions) or 4 (Amazon); we cite the instructions. The gap between 3.7 and 5.0 kg in weight, by contrast, is resolved by the footnote in the instructions.

On matching our listing: no manufacturer page links to Amazon. The ASIN is based on the Amazon title with Classic Feuerrot G340, the model number G-RO-34, and the weight and dimensions, which match the manufacturer.

What else comes into question?

The prices are guide values from our price boxes and apply as of the date of the respective box, not at a common date. The rating is our editorial assessment based on manufacturer data, not a measurement result, and the table is not suitable for comparing smoke quantity or heat. The details on the G280 and XL come from lotusgrill.de, those on the Carlo from barbecook.com.

When the Classic suits you and when another one does

The number of people decides first, and it has a price. The G280 costs approx. €149 in our price box, so €30 less than the Classic, and according to the manufacturer pages weighs 0.9 kg less. At approx. €269 the XL is €90 above the Classic and weighs 2.8 kg more; in our assessment the premium is only worth it once you regularly grill for more than five people.

With the Carlo it comes down to area and power. It costs approx. €165, so €14 less than the Classic, has more area according to barbecook, and according to barbecook.com you have to buy the batteries for its blower yourself. With a price gap of €14, a set of batteries can eat up the advantage.

For hours of low-heat cooking we would not choose the Classic. One load does not get you beyond an hour and a half, and with several hours of cooking time you top up several times. For short grilling where the grill should be ready quickly, the fan principle suits better, because the instructions allow for only a few minutes until it is ready to use.

Where your house rules forbid open fire, even a low-smoke grill does not help. If you are not yet sure whether it should be charcoal, use the grill finder to narrow down fuel, budget and place of use.