At some point in your life, you have owned, or at least operated a charcoal grill. They have been a staple of the backyard barbecue since its inception.
Even with new and improved types of grills, there is just something about the charcoal grill that people love. It could be the smell of charcoal filling the air on a warm summer day or the smoky flavors that it creates in the food. Maybe it is the skill and patience required to get the flavors just right or the fact that the grills themselves are simple to use.
There is something for everyone to appreciate in a charcoal grill. But in this modern world filled with options, no two charcoal grills are exactly the same. There is a wide variety of prices, sizes, and features that are meant to fit the needs of any backyard chef.
That is why we have put together this list of the best charcoal grills, so let’s go through them and find the perfect one for you…
The Best Charcoal Grills Reviews
1. Weber Original Kettle 22-Inch Charcoal Grill
Our first grill on the list is one you have surely seen before. The Weber Original Kettle Grill is just that, an original. While its simple design has remained relatively unchanged for decades, certain small things have been added or altered to keep up with the times.
There is a reason this grill is so widespread and consistent. The porcelain-enameled lid and bowl are specially designed to trap heat for the perfect meal! The finish is resistant to rust, peeling, or cracking even when cooking at high temperatures.
Safe and sound…
The upper and lower dampers give you complete control over temperature without ever having to lift the lid. When they are closed off, oxygen is totally restricted, allowing for safe extinguishing and preservation of your coals.
Two durable all-weather wheels at the bottom allow for full mobility of your grill. Wheel it around the yard with ease and find the perfect place to whip up a delicious meal.
Saves time…
Clean up is a breeze with this grill. The plated steel grate is easy to scrub off all the remnants of your food, especially if you use one of the best grill cleaners, and the one-touch cleaning system removes ash from the bottom at the pull of a lever. No wasting time scooping out ash at the end of the barbecue.
If you are looking for a no-nonsense grill that still delivers perfect results, then this iconic grill is the one for you.
PROS
- Retains heat.
- Resists rust and peeling.
- Dual dampers.
- One-touch cleaning.
- All-weather wheels.
- Lid hook.
CONS
- Non-intuitive assembly.
- Not ideal for large scale grilling.
2. Weber Go-Anywhere Charcoal Grill
Our next grill takes all the great parts of the previous one on our list and packs it into one easy to transport grill.
The name says it all…
This grill gives you all of the dependability and durability of a Weber grill to take with you anywhere you want to go. Whether you are on a camping trip with the family, a sports fan at a tailgate party, or an urban grill master without the patio space for a proper grill, you won’t have to ever sacrifice flavor for convenience.
With two plated steel legs, you can set this grill up on any surface and get to work. When it’s time to get moving, you simply pull the legs up over the lid, lift all 14 pounds up by the handle, and you are on your way.
Take control…
The porcelain finish and steel plated grates offer the same heat retention as the bigger guys. While the two dampers on the lid offer quality temperature control for an even cooking experience.
You aren’t going to need to spend hours cooking everyone’s meal one at a time. With a respectable 160 square inches of cooking area, this grill can hold up to about six burgers or a couple of steaks and some veggies.
PROS
- Tuck-N-Carry design.
- Lightweight.
- Retains heat.
- Dual dampers.
- Easy to clean.
- Affordable.
CONS
- Shallow bowl.
- Not ideal for large scale cooking.
3. Kamado Joe Ceramic, Classic Ii Charcoal Grill
Ready to take it to the next level, literally?
The Kamado Joe Classic II boasts their patented Divide and Conquer multi-level grate system. This allows you to cook different foods, in different ways, and at different temperatures without having to worry about overcooking or overcrowding.
The ceramic shell on the outside and the advanced multi-panel firebox on the inside locks in heat for hours of grilling and smoking.
Let the air flow…
The Kontrol Tower Top Vent located on the top of the grill is made from powder coated cast aluminum that allows you to find the ideal airflow while remaining rain and rustproof. The vent, coupled with the built-in temperature gauge, helps you get the temperature anywhere from 225F to 750F.
Whether you are smoking salmon or making your own pizza, this grill can get the job done.
This grill is made for comfort and ease…
The air lift hinge allows you to lift the lid with a single finger and place it wherever you want without it slamming back down or falling to the ground. The patented ash tray allows you to slide out the ashes, throw them away, and get back to grilling without removing any parts.
Two winged shelves on either side give you the space you need for the food on deck and all the grill tools you are using to get the job done.
PROS
- Divide and Conquer grate.
- Ceramic body.
- AMP firebox.
- Air lift lid.
- Two shelves.
- Built-in thermometer.
CONS
- Heavy.
- Pricey.
4. Weber Performer Deluxe Charcoal Grill, 22-Inch, Black
Are you someone who appreciates the simplicity of the charcoal grill, but still longs for the modern bells and whistles of more advanced grills?
Then look no further than the Weber Performer Deluxe…
This grill does it all. Forget about wasting time with lighter fluid, trying to get the coals lit; this grill does it for you. The Touch-N-Go electronic gas lighting system lights the coals from the bottom with the touch of a button. So, you can spend less time getting the fire started and more time prepping the burgers and dogs.
There is a thermometer attached to the lid, so you will know right when to adjust the temperature. It also comes with a backlit LCD timer, which is great for precision preheating and grilling. Playing grill master and host at the same time? The timer is also removable so you can mingle without worrying about burning the food.
But the convenience doesn’t stop there…
A large workstation is attached to the grill so you can have your prepped meat waiting alongside the plates waiting to receive your finished work. Underneath the grill is a plastic CharBin that can hold a large bag of coals while protecting it from the elements. On the front of the grill are three hooks that can be used for tongs, spatulas, brushes, or any other tools in your arsenal.
Clean up is easy and convenient with a high capacity ash catcher. One swipe to the right, and it detaches for the grill for quick and effortless disposal.
PROS
- Touch-N-Go lighting system.
- Thermometer and LCD timer.
- Large Workstation
- CharBin.
- Lid basket.
- Tool hooks.
- High capacity ash catcher.
CONS
- Bulky.
- Pricey.
5. Char-Broil Tru-Infrared Kettleman Charcoal Grill, 22.5 Inch
While many of us love the benefits of grilling with charcoal, sometimes getting an even temperature can be difficult. But that is not the case with our next best charcoal grill.
The Char-Broil Kettleman Grill uses TRU-Infrared technology to distribute heat across the entirety of the grill evenly. With this grill, you can maximize the 360 square inches of cooking space because you won’t have to worry about cold spots near the edges.
Do you hate losing a perfectly cooked dog when it falls through your grate?
The 22.5-inch porcelain-coated cooking grate is completely closed off rather than see-through, meaning none of your food can slip through the cracks, and no rogue flare-ups can singe the goods.
You don’t have to worry about hanging the lid off the side or leaving it on the ground. Unlike most other grills, the Char-Broil Kettleman features a hinged lid that you can easily prop open and pull closed. It also locks into the closed position, so it can be secure if you are moving it around.
BBQ precision…
You are in complete control of the temperature with this grill. An oversized damper on the lid allows you to quickly let heat out or trap it in while a lid mounted temperature gauge gives you a precise measure of the process.
PROS
- TRU-Infrared technology.
- No-fall-through grate.
- Hinged lid.
- Temperature gauge.
- Oversized damper
- Ash-catcher
- Two wheels.
CONS
- No work table.
- Leaks if left in the rain.
6. Pk Original Outdoor Charcoal Portable Grill & Smoker Combination
If you’re looking for a long-lasting and high performing grill, then the PK Original Portable Grill could be the one for you. Unlike most grills, the PK is made entirely out of aluminum instead of porcelain.
What is so special about that, you ask?
Aluminum is generally a better heat conductor, meaning you are going to be getting that food cooking quickly and evenly. It’s also lightweight and inherently rust-proof, which gives you an easy to transport grill that lasts the test of time.
With the PK, you are essentially getting two products for the price of one. With its two zone cooking technology, you can use it for grilling and for smoking. The four ventilation points can be opened or closed to control airflow in order to provide direct or indirect heat to your food.
At home or on the go, this grill is ready to roll…
The grill comes with a two wheeled stand with two shelves for working and storing. It easily detaches from its stand without needing any tools. So if you need to bring your slow cooked specialties to the tailgate or the campsite, you can do it with ease.
Still not convinced?
PK offers a full 10-year warranty against rust or breakage. So get to grilling with peace of mind for an entire decade!
PROS
- Grilling and smoking capability.
- Four ventilation points.
- Hinged lid.
- Detachable grill.
- Two shelves.
- 10-year warranty.
CONS
- No thermometer.
- Smaller than others.
7. Lodge Cast Iron Sportsman’s Grill
Are you an outdoors enthusiast or sports fan who doesn’t like to sacrifice quality for size and likes to impress on the campsite or at the ballgame? Then our next grill might be what you are looking for.
The Lodge Sportsman Grill is sturdy enough to be used for a backyard barbecue but versatile enough to take with you on any outdoor trips.
Seared to perfection…
This grill is made entirely out of cast iron unique to charcoal grills. This allows you to get that perfect sear wherever you might be. It also comes pre-seasoned with vegetable oil, not chemicals, so you can get a good flavor right out of the box, that will only get better with time.
The Lodge Sportsman's Pro Grill has two air vents. These vents allow you to control the heat as you cook. This is helpful for cooking different types of food. For example, you can use the vents to cook food at a high heat for a short period of time, or at a low heat for a longer period of time.
Easy to assemble and disassemble...
The Lodge Sportsman's Pro Grill is a four-piece grill, which makes it easy to assemble and disassemble. This is helpful when you are transporting the grill or when you need to clean it. To assemble the grill, simply place the four pieces together and secure them with the included screws. To disassemble the grill, simply remove the screws and separate the pieces.
Removable grill grate...
The Lodge Sportsman's Pro Grill has a removable grill grate. This makes cleanup a breeze. Simply remove the grate and wash it with soap and water. The removable grill grate also allows you to cook different types of food. For example, you can use the grate to cook burgers, steaks, chicken, or vegetables.
Just so portable…
The Lodge Sportsman's Pro Grill includes two hook and carry handles. These handles make it easy to transport the grill. Simply hook the handles over your shoulders and carry the grill to your desired location.
PROS
- Cast iron grill.
- Portable.
- Flip down draft door.
- Adjustable height.
- Pre-seasoned.
CONS
- Cast iron requires more maintenance.
- Heavier than most portable grills.
- Not as large as some other grills on the market
8. Dyna-Glo Dual Zone Premium Charcoal Grill
Maybe you are hosting a big event and needing to feed a bunch of people with a wide variety of options. Then the Dyna-Glo Dual Zone Grill is likely one of the best charcoal grills to meet your needs.
It is set up with a unique dual chamber system with steel cranks on either side that allows you to adjust the height of the coals to get your desired results. Two doors allow you to access each coal chamber to add or tend to them as needed.
A massive cooking area…
If you are not looking for two zone grilling, then simply remove the steel firebox divider to give yourself a whopping 576 square inches of cooking space. A pivoting warming rack that sits over the coals when the lid is closed brings the total area to 816 square inches. That’s a lot of meat!
The grates themselves are made from cast iron, which is great for retaining heat and fuel efficiency. They are also coated with a porcelain enameled finish that helps to transfer heat directly to the food and lock in those oh so important juices.
Versatile cooking options…
Heat retention and temperature control are front and center of this grill. The stainless steel lid is made with a double wall liner to further lock in heat. While a stainless steel smoke stack on top can be adjusted for temperature and flavor control.
Dual shelves on either side give you ample space for food preparation, while a basket underneath can be used to store your bag of coals and tools. But if that wasn’t enough, a stainless steel bottle opener is attached to the side so you can crack open a cold one while you work. This is the ultimate multitaskers grill!
PROS
- Dual coal chambers.
- Removable divider.
- Smokestack.
- Cast iron grate.
- Dual shelves.
- Lid mounted temperature gauge.
- High capacity ash catcher.
- Bottle opener.
CONS
- Large and bulky.
- Some user report leaks.
9. Char-Griller Patio Pro Charcoal Grill
Sometimes you want the grilling power of some of the best charcoal grills but only have limited space. The Char-Griller Patio Pro is one of the grills that will fit the bill.
Made from heavy-duty steel, this grill has the strength and durability to last you through many grilling seasons.
Small yet mighty…
While it may be small, this grill still offers 250 square inches of cooking space, meaning it will still have the performance to accommodate a family or a modest gathering of friends. Cast iron cooking grates offer superior heat retention that will give your food a professional look and flavor.
Do you have more food than will fit on the grill?
Just leave it on the stylish wood shelf on the side until it’s ready to go. Your bag of coal also fits nicely in the basket right underneath the grill. The two wheels on the bottom allow you to roll it right into the perfect spot and get to grilling.
A side drawer makes adding in your coals quick and easy. Simply slide out to add or tend to the coals and slide back in. There is no need for an extra ash catcher either since the ashes land in the bottom of the same drawer. Compact and convenient!
PROS
- Compact.
- Lightweight
- Cast iron grate.
- Easy access coal drawer.
- Wooden handle.
- Side shelf.
- Storage basket.
CONS
- Not suitable for large scale grilling.
- Some users report grease leakage.
- No temperature gauge
10. Char-Griller Akorn Kamado Kooker Charcoal Barbecue Grill And Smoker
Last (but definitely not least) on our list of the best charcoal grills is the Char-Griller Akorn Kamado Kooker Grill and Smoker. Yes, that name is a mouthful, and you’ll be eating a mouthful if you go with this grill.
Quality build…
This sleek and stylish grill is built like a tank. The body is made out of triple walled 22 gauge steel that has a powder coated steel finish on the outside and porcelain coated steel on the inside. Translation: this versatile grill can maintain any heat level, whether it be hot and quick grilling or low and slow smoking.
The cast iron grate creates even heat and provides you with 314 square inches of cooking space. A detachable warming rack gives you an additional 133 square inches while two foldable metal shelves are there to hold everything else. This grill is ready to feed a small army!
Delicious results…
The top and bottom dampers are numbered allow you to find the ideal setting to sear or smoke your meat. The lid mounted temperature gauge will give you a precise reading so you can hit that magic number for the best results.
The Akorn Kamado sits on a tubular steel cart with two 8 inch front wheels and a rear locking caster for easy moving and secure placement.
PROS
- Triple layered body.
- 316 square inch cooking space.
- Detachable Cast iron warming grate.
- Large ash catcher and lid mounted thermometer.
- Numbered dampers.
- Tool hooks.
- Dual shelves.
CONS
- Heavy.
- Smoker plate not included.
Best Charcoal Grills Buyer’s Guide
If you are reading this article on your quest to find the best charcoal grill, you probably already know roughly what you are looking for. But even experienced backyard chefs can be overwhelmed by details and new technologies. That’s why we have put together this handy buyer’s guide with important factors to consider before making your purchase.
Size
This, of course, is entirely dependent on your personal needs. Are you regularly hosting the neighborhood block party and need a grill that’s going to impress? Or do you need a space-saving and easy to transport grill for camping or urban living?
The grills that we have listed lie on either side of that spectrum, but plenty also fit neatly in the middle. Anything above 300 or 400 square inches is probably more than enough for a family barbeque, but if you go below 200 inches, you will likely be spending a lot of time grilling if it’s for more than two or three people.
Build Quality And Material
Are you a casual backyard chef, or are you a proud grill master? If the latter, then you want to make sure you are buying a grill that can stand up to high temperatures, the elements, and time.
Thick materials like cast iron, stainless steel, and aluminum are going to make up a strong grill that will both retain heat effectively and last long.
However, if you are someone who just barbecues sporadically, then porcelain coated metal grills will do just fine.
Grate Material
There are typically two options when it comes to the grate material: stainless steel or cast iron.
Cast iron retains heat very well and gives meat those picture-perfect grill marks that are so often desirable. However, they require constant cleaning and maintenance and will rust if not cared for properly.
Alternatively, stainless steel is usually cheaper and easier to clean, but the heat retention leaves much to be desired.
Temperature Control
When you are trying to get the most tender and juicy meat possible, you must ensure you have complete control over the temperature. If you are grilling, you want to make sure you are constricting airflow and getting a high temperature. If smoking your food, you will need to cook longer, and thus, have a lower temperature.
Whichever one you are attempting, the ends are achieved by the use of dampers. Flip them open to let the airflow and the temperature drop, or close them off and watch the temperature rise. The most effective dampers are usually ones that are located on the top and the bottom. However, some grills will have additional dampers for greater airflow.
In addition to dampers, having a grill with a temperature gauge will help you be more precise in finding your preferred level of heat.
Special Features
A good ash catcher will be the difference between easy cleanup or a big pain in the neck. If you can empty the ashes without having to remove any piece of the grill, then that is ideal. But as long as you can remove them without moving, lifting and tilting the whole thing, then you will be happy.
Having shelves for a workspace or grill tools can be a godsend when it comes to time management and food prep. You don’t want to waste valuable coals by running in and out of the house to grab the next meat for the grill. Having plates ready and waiting to receive the finished product is also highly desirable.
A hinged lid is another small thing you may want to consider. Picking up a hot lid and having to hook it onto the grill or place it on the ground can be annoying and dangerous. A lid with a hinge can be opened and closed quickly and easily so you can keep your focus on the food.
Fire Her Up!
Your perfect new grill will be nothing without something to warm her up, so if you need some advice on the best options, please check out our in-depth review of the best lump charcoals.
You may also be interested in some accessories for your new grill, such as one of the best grill lights or the best grill covers currently available.
So, What Are The Best Charcoal Grills?
Charcoal grilling is a great way to get in touch with your primitive self and prepare food as your ancestors did. But all these options were certainly not available to our ancestors and may even have your inner caveman confused as to what to choose. If that’s the case, we wanted to offer you our opinion on the best charcoal grill. We have chosen the…
… because it combines the simplicity of the classic kettle style grill with the modern bells and whistles to help even the most inexperienced grill master create a memorable meal.
While you may be paying a bit more for this grill, your mind can be at ease knowing you have a sturdy product that will make a serious impression on friends, family, and those nosy neighbors!
