The 8 Best Charcoal Grills for Your Next BBQ
Updated: Jan. 17, 2024
Get ready to light up the grill!
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Nothing beats the taste of food cooked over hot charcoal. Sure, gas grills may be a bit more convenient, but charcoal grills have long been a favorite tool of backyard grill masters. Large charcoal grills are great for cooking food for a crowd, while portable options are ideal for tailgating, taking to the park for a picnic, or bringing along on a camping trip.
While pellet smokers are a favorite among some chefs, many charcoal grills have an attached smoker that offers versatility when cooking. No matter what kind of griller you are, we found the best charcoal grill for every budget and every occasion.
Best Overall Charcoal Grill
Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill
There’s a reason the Weber Original Kettle Charcoal Grill is a favorite in the grilling community. The premium 22-inch model is an upgrade from the original and is our pick for the best overall charcoal grill. This version has an enclosed ash container as opposed to the exposed plate, and the one-touch cleaning system offers a hassle-free experience. Plus, the porcelain-enameled lid and bowl retain heat, and won’t rust or peel. This grill comes in three colors and will fit about 13 burgers at a time.
Pros
- Updated ash collector
- Easy-to-use cleaning system
- Built-in lid thermometer
- Cooking grate is hinged for easily adding charcoal while grilling
Cons
- May not be big enough for large volume grilling
Best Budget Charcoal Grill
Char-Griller E1515 Patio Pro Charcoal Grill
The Char-Griller E1515 Patio Pro Charcoal Grill is proof you don’t have to spend a fortune to have a quality grill. This budget-friendly pick has 250 square inches of grilling space that fits a tri-tip, whole chicken or several kabobs. It’s made of heavy steel with cast iron grill grates and has an easy-to-use temperature control. When it’s time to clean the grill, just pull out the pan and dispose of the ash. It also has a handy side tray, perfect for light prep work or keeping food ready.
“This is a nice grill. It is compact, but you can cook a lot of food on it. It was relatively easy to assemble. It does not take up a lot of room on our patio,” said one verified buyer.
Pros
- Affordable
- Useful temperature control
- Easy to clean
- Durable powder-coated finish
Cons
- Some buyers had difficulty with assembly
Best Large Charcoal Grill
Dyna-Gio Barrel Charcoal Grill with Side Shelves
Cooking for a crowd? This 32-inch charcoal grill from Dyna-Gio offers enough cooking space to grill 30 burgers at a time. The dual-zoned cooking areas are ideal for preparing two separate items at once, and the cooking grates are porcelain-enameled cast-iron, which retains heat for properly cooking food. The hood’s easy-lift handle is designed with a temperature gauge and double-wall liner. Bonus: This grill can also be used as a smoker!
Pros
- Big cooking area
- Can be used as a smoker
- Easy to assemble
- Has wheels for portability
Cons
- Large size not ideal for small outdoor spaces
Best Portable Charcoal Grill
Fire Sense Notebook Charcoal Grill
For those looking to bring the heat with them, the portable Notebook Charcoal Grill from Fire Sense is a great option. The compact design comes with a charcoal and grill rack and is made of high-heat-resistant painted steel. When you’re done, fold it up in seconds and carry the now-one-inch thick grill away. Its extreme portability makes this the best charcoal grill for tailgating, picnics in the park and camping trips. Buyers love that it’s ultra-compact and easy to clean.
Pros
- Portable and foldable
- Affordable
- Lightweight
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Not ideal for grilling for a large crowd
Best Charcoal Grill with Gas Ignition
Weber Performer Deluxe Touch-N-Go
Get the fire going with a touch of the button with the Weber Performer Deluxe Touch-N-Go. This 22-inch charcoal grill uses a propane ignition system (propane tank sold separately) to light the charcoal briquettes. It also features a handy LCD countdown cook timer that can be attached to the grill or removed if you need to run inside while still keeping time. This charcoal grill also has a one-touch cleaning system and high capacity ash collector. A sturdy side table keeps tools and food handy while grilling and the CharBin storage container underneath protects your charcoal from the elements.
Pros
- Easy gas start
- Has LCD cook timer
- Side table for food prep
- Charcoal storage bin
Cons
- Pricey
Best Charcoal Grill with Rotisserie
Domccy Stainless Steel Barrel Charcoal Grill
You can do it all on the Domccy Stainless Steel Barrel Charcoal Grill. This 49-inch grill with two charcoal trays is ideal for large family gatherings. The rotisserie cooks large hunks of meat such as whole chickens and roasts—the 110-pound spit load means you can even roast a small pig! The powerful electric motor spins the spit at a speed of seven rotations a minute so your food will cook evenly. The grill can accommodate 176 pounds of food, so while you can certainly use it for light weeknight cooking, this behemoth is ready to cook up a massive weekend feast.
“Great to use all summer long for those pool parties. Highly would recommend this grill for your summer needs and those rotisserie chicken dinners,” writes one verified buyer in a glowing 5-star review.
Pros
- Included rotisserie spit rod
- Great for large capacity grilling
- Made of stainless steel
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Not ideal for small decks or patios
Best Value Charcoal Grill
Royal Gourmet Barrel Charcoal Grill with Smoker
If you’re looking for the most bang for your buck, the Royal Gourmet Barrel Charcoal Grill with Smoker is an excellent value. This 30-inch charcoal grill has just over 800 square inches of cooking space—plenty of room for grilling up dinner for family or having a few friends over. It offers the versatility of an offset smoker, so you can grill and smoke meat at the same time. This charcoal grill is also easy to assemble and clean. And with more than 1,800 five-star reviews on Wayfair, buyers noted it was great quality and gave it high marks for the price.
Pros
- Great value
- Has offset smoker
- Simple assembly
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Some buyers didn’t like the charcoal holder
Best Splurge Charcoal Grill
Kamado Joe Classic Joe II Charcoal Grill and Smoker
If you’re ready to take your grilling skills to the next level, the Kamado Joe Classic Joe II is worth the splurge. This 18-inch charcoal grill/smoker combo includes plenty of updates from the original Kamado, including a thick-walled, heat-resistant shell that locks in smoke and moisture at any temperature. Compatible with Kamado’s grilling accessories, it has a two-tier Divide & Conquer grill system so you can smoke or sear with precise temperature control. Plus, the grill dome can be lifted with a single finger!
“I’ve wanted one of these for 20 years. I wish I would’ve bought it years ago. It’s so well-made. Solid construction. I’ll have this for life. It’s amazing how little charcoal it uses! Steaks, burgers, BBQ, this thing does it all,” said one buyer.
Pros
- Grill/smoker combo
- Precise temperature control
- Lightweight lid
- Durable construction
Cons
- Pricey
What to Consider When Buying a Charcoal Grill
When buying a charcoal grill, consider how you plan to use it. If you plan to use it for family meals and the occasional large backyard gathering, you’ll want a larger charcoal grill. If you plan to take a charcoal grill with you camping or tailgating, or if you have a small outdoor space, a portable model is a good option. Some charcoal grills have added features, such as the ability to be used as a smoker or rotisserie, or have built-in cook timers.
You may also want to look for charcoal grills with attached tables to make prep work easy, or for keeping all your food close at hand. Some have built-in storage for storing charcoal, and some have a propane start, which can get the fire going with a push of a button.
Types of Charcoal Grills
- Kettle grills have a round shape and the coals are contained in the bottom of the bowl. Kettle charcoal grills are a popular options as they are designed for heat retention and are affordable.
- Barrel charcoal grills are shaped like a barrel and usually a bit larger than a kettle grill. These are not easily portable.
- Ceramic charcoal grills usually have an egg-type shape. They are very efficient at heat regulation and retention.
How We Found the Best Charcoal Grill
As shopping experts, our only job is to help you find a winning product. We start with the research and reporting basics—what products are made of, what they look like and how much they cost—to ensure that we’re only recommending the buys that are worth your time and money. Then, we research the features that speak to the product’s quality, taking advice from industry insiders and subject-matter experts on what makes a product a smart value (or worthy of a splurge). Finally, we do the work of combing through user reviews to see how real people interact with the product, and if it stands up to the test.
FAQ
What do you do with charcoal after grilling?
After grilling, ensure your charcoal is completely cool. Then, you can throw it away.
What temperature do you grill a steak on a charcoal grill?
You’ll want to grill your steak over direct, high heat. A grill temperature of 450-500 degrees is ideal. How much time it will take to cook depends on the thickness of your steak and personal preference.
What is the top vent on a charcoal grill for?
The vent on the top of a charcoal grill allows heat to exit. The more the vent is open, the more heat can escape.
What are charcoal grills made of?
Most charcoal grills are made with cast iron, stainless steel and/or aluminum.
Originally Published: April 12, 2023
