There’s no better way to spend summers or any holiday than doing a BBQ with the best charcoal grill. Moreover, when you want to have a good BBQ, the journey is as important as the destination. Therefore, while gas grills might be full of convenience, you can only get the full and authentic BBQ experience from a charcoal grill.
There’s just something about putting the time in to light the coals, continually adjusting the temperature, switching between the heat zones, that makes the food taste even better afterward. If you’re a true BBQ enthusiast like us, you must be already dreaming of taking out a pack of beer and heading to the backyard to light up your grill. Well, it’s time to turn dreams into reality.
Go through our detailed guide on which factors to consider when buying a charcoal grill and the nine best charcoal grills out there. Before you know it, you’ll be the owner of a fantastic new charcoal grill, cooking up some fantastic food for all your friends and family.
Why Go for a Best Charcoal Grill?
In the BBQ world, one of the biggest debates, that is still hard to settle, is whether a charcoal grill is better or gas grill. You’ll find strong supporters on both sides, but today we’ll convince you to give charcoal grills a shot. While gas grill advocates will boast about the ease of using a gas grill, nothing can beat the taste of meat cooked on a charcoal grill.
Unlike gas grills, charcoal grills can reach high cooking temperatures. Normally, it can get as hot as 500 degrees Fahrenheit, and if you add more coals or bring them closer, the temperature can even reach 700 degrees Fahrenheit. These high temperatures are perfect when you want that nice crisp on the surface while your meat is pink and tender on the inside.
On the other hand, they’re great for smoking as well. Author of The Barbecue! Bible, Steven Raichlen says, “If you own a simple Weber kettle grill, you own a smoker. You don’t have to spend an enormous amount of money or even buy an extra piece of equipment. If you have that kettle grill, the whole secret to getting a lower temperature is to set up your grill for indirect grilling and use only half as much charcoal.”
Moreover, charcoal grills are much more affordable than gas grills. Any other drawbacks that people associate with charcoal grills can be easily countered with a little practice and skill. For instance, according to Abe Conlon, co-owner and chef at Fat Rice, Chicago, an easy way to deal with grease drippings is to keep a spray water bottle handy to control flare-ups.
Buying Guide – How To Choose A Charcoal Grill?
Despite delivering some amazing food, charcoal grills are not the easiest to operate. However, if you keep these things in mind and choose the right charcoal grill accordingly, you can make things easier for yourself later on. Especially if you will be using it for the first time, knowing these things can save you from regrets later on.
Moreover, before you think about what features your grill should have, you need first to consider your own needs. How often do you grill in a week or a month? How many people will you need to serve? Do you like your grill to be portable? How much and what kind of space do you have at home? What type of weather will you be grilling in?
Questions like these will help you better figure out your needs and preferences, and ultimately ensure that you choose the perfect charcoal grill.
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Type of Charcoal Grill
There are mainly three types of charcoal grills: kettle-style, ceramic, and barrel grills. Each has its strengths and weaknesses. A kettle-style charcoal grill is the most basic version you will find. It features an almost spherical chamber which consists of the lid, the cooking grate, and the firebox below that.
These are relatively small with around 20-inch diameters, but you can find larger ones as well with diameters reaching almost 40 inches. Moreover, these are the most portable in terms of size, weight, set up, etc. For an additional cost, you can get more features with these as well, such as side tables and wheels.
Ceramic or Kamado grills are, as the name suggests, made out of ceramic. This allows them to retain more heat as well as better temperature control. Eventually, this also makes them quite versatile. These types of grills have a slightly cylinder-like shape, with a deeper firebox. Moreover, they are also quite costlier than kettle grills.
Barrel grills are quite bigger than the other two types of grills. This means they offer more cooking capacity, and you can serve a larger group of people. Its name comes from its shape which resembles a barrel cut in half and placed on its side.
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Build
What kind of construction your grill has can significantly determine its life. This is quite important, especially if you’re the type of person who likes to grill regularly and doesn’t want to buy a new grill every few years. If you are a heavy user and you can afford the price tag, look for grills with cast iron or heavy ceramic bodies.
On the other hand, grills made with cheaper materials such as chrome-plated grills can also do the trick. However, they don’t have the longest life.
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Ease of Use
One of the most important things to consider while buying a charcoal grill is how easy and convenient it is to use. For instance, cleaning up ash in a charcoal grill can be a big hassle. So, look for a grill that has a good ash clean up system. Similarly, if you have space issues, go for a grill that has folding side tables or storage racks.
Features like these can make charcoal grilling a lot less complicated than it is. Moreover, you can also get other accessories such as tongs, gloves, chimney starters, etc. to make grilling more relaxed and safer.
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Capacity
How many people you plan to cook for will also play a significant role in your final decision. Even the largest of kettle grills can only serve a limited number of people. Therefore, if you’re planning to cater to a larger group, maybe a barrel grill will be better.
If you buy a grill too small, you run the risk of not serving enough food or making your guests wait. However, if you buy one too big, you’ll be consuming more fuel and maintenance will be harder as well.
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Cost
Your budget plays a vital role, regardless of what you’re planning to buy. Similar is the case with charcoal grills. While the good news is that charcoal grills are generally cheaper than gas grills, the bad news is that you’ll find some charcoal grills in the $700-$1000 range as well. Nevertheless, if you are on a budget, you can find a good charcoal grill for about $20 too.
Moreover, as your wallet allows, you can then find additional features as well. A kettle grill is usually cheaper while the ceramic grills are the most expensive.
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Warranty
One of the good things about a charcoal grill is that it has a hard yet straightforward mechanism. This means it has fewer components which could then go wrong and which you’ll need to repair. Regardless of that though, it is always a good idea to go for a reputable brand which offers good warranty terms on their grill.
It serves as a good insurance policy and allows you to grill with peace. Moreover, along with a warranty, consider how responsive their customer support is, as they will be the most helpful in case you run into any problem.
The Best Charcoal Grills: Our Top Nine Picks
Now that you have a fair bit of knowledge about charcoal grills, you’ll be better able to evaluate what each grill offers and what suits you best. So, let’s take a brief look at each of these brilliant charcoal grills, shall we?
#1. Weber 741001 Original Kettle 22-Inch Charcoal Grill
You can’t compile any charcoal grill reviews list without mentioning Weber. It’s one of the leading brands when it comes to BBQ grills, and you can rest assured of its quality. Similarly, this Weber Original Kettle Grill is nothing short of brilliant either. It has a cooking area of 363 square inches which can fit up to 13 Weber Burger Press burgers.
Moreover, it has a porcelain-enameled lid and bowl that not only do an excellent job of retaining heat, but they also won’t rust or peel easily. Their circular shape allows better and more even heat circulation as well. The cooking grates are durable and steel-plated for even heating and easy cleaning.
They also have hinges so you can easily access the charcoal grate below without having to remove the whole cooking grate. The grill features dampers which allow you to adjust and control the temperature for perfectly cooked meat. These dampers have aluminum and rustproof construction. Besides that, this cheap charcoal grill has various convenient features.
It has a One-Touch cleaning system that makes cleaning up the ash and dust quick and straightforward. This system involves a rotating wheel which sweeps and pushes all the ash below into the aluminum ash catcher. The grill has durable wheels which allow you to move it anywhere. Additionally, the lid has a hook that you can use to hang it on the side of the grill conveniently.
The lid handle has a heat shield so you can pick it up without harm. Although, the whole grill body does become very hot so it would be wise to use heat gloves when using it. This Weber Grill offers an impressive 10-year warranty on selected parts and a 2-year warranty on other components.
Pros
- Durable build
- Good heat retention and control
- Can withstand high temperatures
- Durable wheels which can take grill anywhere
- Easy to clean
- 2-10 years warranty
Con
- Limited cooking capacity
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#2. Weber 15501001 Performer Deluxe Charcoal Grill
If you’re looking for a charcoal grill that is more than just an every day, old grill, this Weber Performer Deluxe Charcoal Grill is the one for you. It has tons of features that will make charcoal grilling easy, even for beginners. With a 363 square inch cooking area that can accommodate up to 13 Weber Burger Press burgers easily, this premium grill is a must-have.
It features the electronic Touch-N-Go gas ignition system which makes starting up your grill a whole lot simpler and quicker. You don’t need to bother with lighter fluid and burning paper. Furthermore, the One-Touch cleaning system and aluminum ash catcher allow you to clean up all the ash and charcoal dust without any trouble. There’s a built-in lid thermometer so that you can quickly and accurately monitor the temperature.
With the mounted timer, you can reduce the number of overdone accidents. Although, the timer can only be set for a certain time so it’ll be useless for longer cooking sessions. The lid has a glass-reinforced nylon construction for safer handling. Inside the grill, you’ll find gourmet BBQ system plated steel hinged cooking grates.
With these, you can remove the center rack and replace it with other surfaces such as griddles for more versatility in cooking. The hinge also makes it easy to access your charcoal below. The extra workspace and three tool hooks are ideal for keeping tools and utensils nearby, while the coals storage saves you those additional trips to get more coals.
Besides that, the grill allows accurate temperature control through the rustproof aluminum dampers. The coal grates are of superior quality that can handle high temperatures so you can cook on direct or indirect heat without any worry. Weber offers a 10-year warranty on the bowl and lid while other parts have two to five-year warranties.
If you’re not a fan of ceramic grills, this Weber grill is a great option.
Pros
- Large cooking area
- Quick ignition system
- Simple cleaning system
- Built-in thermometer for accurately monitoring temperature
- Mounted timer
- Workspace
- Coals storage
- Grates can withstand high temperature
Cons
- Some plastic components that could get damaged from the high heat
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#3. Kamado Joe KJ23RHC Classic II Charcoal Grill
Another reputable brand, Kamado Joe won’t disappoint you with its Classic II Charcoal Grill. Moreover, if some of the previous grills didn’t have quite the cooking capacity you were looking for, this Kamado Joe will surely satisfy you. With two sets of grates, it has a massive cooking area of 508 square inches, which is enough to feed your neighborhood.
Moreover, it has a wide temperature range from 225 to 750 degrees Fahrenheit. Therefore, you can cook all kinds of things in all sorts of manners, be it smoking a brisket or baking a pizza or searing burgers. There’s a built-in thermometer for monitoring the temperature and avoiding overcooking or undercooking your food. The grill is quite portable as well.
There’s a rustproof, weather-resistant, waterproof, aluminum Kontrol Tower Top Vent which does an excellent job of maintaining your desired air setting inside the grill. Unlike other kamado grills which have heavy, inconvenient lids, the Kamado Joe uses an airlift hinge which reduces lid weight by 96%, making it incredibly easy to lift or close.
The stainless steel latch and wire mesh fiberglass gasket help in creating an airtight seal around the grill for the perfect cook. One of the top-rated charcoal grills, the Kamado Joe, has two convenient side tables so you can keep all your essential tools within reach.
Their patented slide-out ash drawer at the bottom makes cleaning up the ash afterward a quick and hassle-free job. Moreover, the grill comes with a cast iron cart and locking wheels for better mobility.
Pros
- Massive cooking area
- Allows versatility in cooking
- Built-in thermometer
- Portable
- Side tables for keeping tools near
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Quite heavy
- Assembly not the easiest
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#4. Weber 121020 Go-Anywhere Charcoal Grill
When you’re in search of a portable grill, this is the best small charcoal grill for the job. It is so small that it will easily slide into your car to take anywhere. At the same time, it is large enough that two to three people can eat from it comfortably. Not to forget, it still has the same excellent quality you’d expect from any Weber grill.
The cooking area is around 160 square inches, which can hold up to six Weber Burger Press burgers. The cooking grates are double plated steel, which is fantastic at retaining heat and give you perfectly cooked meat every time. They’re quite easy to clean as well. However, there’s no such feature that allows you to adjust the height of the cooking grates according to what you’re cooking.
The lid and base also retain heat very well with their porcelain-enameled build. It also gives extra protection against rust and peeling. The grill has a square shape which makes handling a little easier. Furthermore, the small size means that you consume less fuel as well. Despite the small size, the grill still allows temperature control through two dampers on the top.
Moreover, it has a Tuck-N-Carry lid lock system that locks the lid securely and along with the convenient handles, makes it easy to carry. However, the handles can get quite hot to hold at times. The legs are steel plated as well, so you don’t have to worry about finding a safe space to place it. They can be folded too for a more compact design.
Assembling this Weber Grill is already quite simple, and it’s made easier with the help of an instruction manual. The cook box and lid assembly have a 10-year warranty, while other parts have two to five-year warranties.
Pros
- Very easy to carry
- Compact and lightweight
- Reasonable cooking area
- High-quality and durable components
- Retains heat well
- Consumes less fuel
Con
- Legs are not very strong
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#5. Lodge Cast Iron Sportsman’s Grill
Made in the US, the Lodge Cast Iron Grill is small yet packs a lot of value. One look at it and you can tell this grill can withstand anything. The hibachi-style grill has an all cast iron body that makes it quite durable as well as versatile in terms of cooking. It will also give you those perfect sears on your meat.
However, the cast iron body requires much more care too. Therefore, if you can’t give this grill all the attention it needs, consider going another direction. On the other hand, with proper care, this grill can last you decades, so it’s ideal for a one-time investment. The cooking area is around 120 square inches, which can fit about six burgers.
Its small size makes it ideal for a BBQ bash at the beach or spontaneous tailgate party or even a night in the woods. The grill has excellent heat retention, which not only means less work for you, but it also helps in utilizing your charcoal more efficiently. Although this also means it takes a while to cool down completely.
This sturdy grill also comes seasoned and ready-to-use for hearty and memorable meals. It has a straightforward assembly, and you can even quickly disassemble it any time for portability. No matter where you decide to use it, the grill is incredibly easy to use. There are two adjustable heights for more comfortable cooking. The design features a draft door on one side that allows you to control heat and temperature.
Moreover, you can access and manage the coals quickly through a flip-down door. If you’re a beginner, this grill might not be the best as it requires proper maintenance and has some safety issues as well.
Pros
- Tough and durable build
- Allows versatile cooking
- Portable
- Adjustable heights
- Comes pre-seasoned
Cons
- Can rust quickly if not taken care of properly
- Food can roll off the sides sometimes
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#6. PK Grills PK Original Outdoor Charcoal Portable Grill & Smoker
This small yet smart charcoal grill from PK Grills will be the center of attention at any BBQ party. Its sleek design and loads of features make it the perfect addition to your backyard. It has a cooking area of 310 square inches, which is enough to serve a large group of people comfortably.
Moreover, it has a unique capsule shape with an airtight sealing. This, along with the 4-point venting system, ensures precise temperature control and retention, with two dampers at the top and two at the bottom. Additionally, the venting system is ideal for two zone cooking, and when you want to alternate between direct and indirect heat.
With the flat bottom and square shape, it’s easy to shift the coals around and create different heat zones. The cast aluminum body is durable, rustproof, and has a 10-year warranty in case of any issue. The thick cast aluminum can conduct heat four times more efficiently than standard steel charcoal grills.
Even the hinge on the lid is of superior quality and closes the lid smoothly without any danger of breaking. There’s a reason why these grills have stuck around since the 1950s. Additionally, the grill has a large workspace and a shelf for storage or easy access to tools. The temperature control and vent system allow the grill to be used for grilling, baking, roasting, or smoking.
You can even detach the grill from the stand to pack and take away for a quick trip. However, the grill doesn’t have any particular ash removal system like the Weber did, which can make clean up a bit tedious.
Pros
- Durable aluminum cast body
- Long life
- 10-year warranty
- Ample cooking space
- Unique 4-point venting system
- Ideal for two zone cooking
- Versatile
- Portable
Cons
- Quite heavy
- Cleaning up not exactly easy
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#7. Weber 10020 Smokey Joe 14-Inch Portable Grill
This is our last Weber Grill on this list, but certainly not the least. The Smokey Joe Grill is just what you need when all you want to do is simply hang out with your friends over some drinks and BBQ. It has a cooking area of 147 square inches, which can serve about six people comfortably. You can fit around six burgers or three steaks on that 14.5-inch grill.
Additionally, the cooking grates are steel plated for durability, easy maintenance, and most importantly, for excellent grilling. Once you’ve bought this, you won’t be needing another grill for a long time. The charcoal grates are also made out of heavy-gauge steel which can withstand high temperatures. This allows you to cook a range of food items without worrying about your grill.
Moreover, the porcelain-enameled lid and bowl are brilliant at circulating, retaining, and maintaining a steady temperature inside the grill. The compact design, along with the less than ten pounds weight, makes this grill quite portable. It has a simple and straightforward assembly which shouldn’t take you more than fifteen or twenty minutes.
The grill is quite convenient to use as well with a glass-reinforced nylon lid handle and rustproof aluminum dampers for controlling temperatures. Although, this grill doesn’t come with any built-in thermometer so you’ll have to invest in one separately for accurately monitoring the temperature.
With the aluminum ash catcher, cleaning up is a breeze. As with most Weber grills, this grill also comes with a 10-year warranty on the bowl and lid, while other components have a two or five-year warranty.
Pros
- Durable cooking and charcoal grates
- Allows versatility in cooking
- Grill design ensures even and steady temperatures
- Easy cleanup
- Glass-reinforced nylon lid handle
- Rustproof aluminum dampers
Con
- Temperature does not reach very high
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#8. ISUMER Charcoal Grill
The ISUMER Charcoal Grill is another great grill that not only gives you the tastiest food but also makes the whole process a lot easier. It has a reasonably large cooking area that is good for about two to five people. It has a compact design, which means you can easily place it in your backyard, balcony, patio, or any other place without worrying about the space.
Moreover, it has four detachable legs which you can use to adjust the height or make it easy to pack and carry. However, the cooking grates are not as thick as you would like so you need to be careful while moving this grill to places. Other than that, the grill is quite sturdy and has a long life with its thick, stainless steel construction.
The stainless steel prevents rust, twisting, and has outstanding abrasive resistance. You can quickly take the grill apart when you need to and put it back as you require. Weighing four pounds, it is light enough to carry around.
Besides that, the grill features double air vents so you can better control the temperature. This grill doesn’t have a lid, which means you can get those gorgeous sears on your meat. However, the lack of cover might pose a problem if you want to cook at lower temperatures. There’s also a built-in charcoal frame ash collector which makes cleaning up afterward quick and trouble-free.
Pros
- Large cooking area
- Compact design
- Strong and sturdy build
- Detachable legs
- Easy to clean and carry
- Air vents for temperature control
Cons
- Quite heavy
- Doesn’t have a lid
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#9. Primo Ceramic Charcoal Smoker Grill
This premium ceramic grill from Primo is for those people who need consistent and outstanding performance every time, along with a range of convenient features. It has an incredibly huge cooking area of 680 square inches, which is the largest in our list.
Moreover, the grill’s unique, slightly oval shape allows you to cook using the two-zone method. This also makes the grill more versatile in cooking. For even more versatility, you can get a firebox divider from Primo for more distinct heat zones. At the bottom of the grill, there’s a heavy ceramic shell that is excellent at retaining heat and keeping the temperature steady.
The cooking grates have a clever design which allows you to adjust its height relative to the coals below. Furthermore, with the stainless steel side shelves, grilling is quite convenient on this Primo Grill. The rack underneath provides additional storage space. It has wheels that make it easy to move around, and a cast-iron damper on top to adjust the airflow and temperature.
The lid has a spring-loaded hinge which makes it easy to move the lid. It is wholly manufactured in the US to ensure top quality components and durable construction. Best of all, it comes with a lifetime warranty on some parts and a responsive customer support team in case you run into any problem.
Pros
- Huge cooking area
- Durable build
- Unique shape allows two-zone cooking
- Versatile
- Stainless steel side shelves
- Wheels to make movement easy
- Lifetime warranty
Con
- Expensive
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Conclusion
Once you’ve cooked on a charcoal grill, you’ll never want to use or even try any other grill ever again. The unique flavor it imparts is hard to recreate in other gas or electric grills. It might require more time and effort, but it’s all worth it at the end of the day when you take that first bite of your smoky yet juicy steak.
Hopefully, by now you’re sold on the idea of a charcoal grill. But which one should you buy? The buying guide and then our top nine picks should have helped you shortlist a few of your favorites. However, even though all are exceptional grills, for us the winner was Kamado Joe KJ23RHC Classic II Charcoal Grill.
Whether you’re an expert or just starting, the Kamado Joe is the perfect charcoal grill. It has numerous features that will appeal to all kinds of BBQ enthusiasts. The large cooking area, wide temperature range, versatility, ease of use, durability, and excellent results make it a must-have.
Last Updated on August 6, 2020 by Judith Fertig
cryptoratedump says
All that stuff I said about charcoal grills being tricky to light, maintain, control, clean up? Forget it! The Weber Performance is charcoal grilling at its easy-peasy best! There are so many built-in convenience features on this grill that I’m kind of surprised there isn’t a button that marinates and flips the meat for you too!