Do you want to purchase a grill for your upcoming BBQ party? Are you worried about making a bad investment? Do you want to buy a grill without leaving a dent in your savings? If yes, then do not worry, you are not alone.
Along with a fantastic recipe, top-notch charcoals, and high-quality meat, a charcoal grill can add the perfect amount of smokiness to your delicious dishes. Therefore, we are going to help you get one of the best charcoal grills in the market.
Page Contents
- 1 The 10 Best Charcoal Grills for 2024 Reviews
- 1.1 1. Best Overall: Weber Original Kettle Charcoal Grill
- 1.2 2. Best High-End: Weber Summit Charcoal
- 1.3 3. Best Kamado Grill: Kamado Joe Classic II
- 1.4 4. Best Budget: Char-Griller Akorn Kamado Charcoal Grill
- 1.5 5. Weber Performer Deluxe
- 1.6 6. Best Portable: Weber Go-Anywhere
- 1.7 7. Char-Griller Patio Pro
- 1.8 8. Dyna-Glo Premium
- 1.9 9. Lodge Cast Iron Sportsman’s Grill
- 1.10 10. PK Grills PKO-SCAX-X Original PK Grill & Smoker Grill Smoker
- 2 How To Choose a Good Charcoal Grill?
- 3 How To Start a Charcoal Grill?
- 4 How To Use a Charcoal Grill?
- 5 Conclusion
The 10 Best Charcoal Grills for 2024 Reviews
Since there are various models of grills available in the market, it can be challenging to choose the perfect charcoal grill for your BBQ party. Keep reading our top 10 charcoal grills reviews to find the ideal one for your needs.
1. Best Overall: Weber Original Kettle Charcoal Grill
Weber-Stephen was founded in 1893 as a privately-owned company with its headquarters in Illinois, the US. This brand manufactured the very first revolutionary kettle grill and now produces one of the best charcoal, electrical, and gas grills in the world.
The Weber Original Kettle Grill has a porcelain-coated steel frame, lid, and bowl for rust-resistance, durability, and heat-retention. Its two sturdy wheels allow you to move it from storage to your backyard with ease too.
Besides this, it has an easy-to-clean steel cooking grate, with a hinge to help you add new charcoals into the chamber quickly. Its heat-retentive grates allow you to grill both directly and indirectly.
You can manage the temperature of the kettle grill by using its adjustable dampers and the built-in thermometer on the lid. Moreover, Weber has provided a smart heat shield to prevent the handles from getting hot.
Since you have to remove the lid to check on your meat, the brand has added hooks on the lid to hang it on edge. The side handles, on the other hand, have convenient hooks to hang your utensils for easy access.
If all this was not enough, the 22-inch grill contains 363 square inches of cooking space to cook 13 burgers simultaneously. With a one-touch cleaning mechanism, you can easily collect all the debris in the removable ash catcher.
Pros:
- A proper ash disposal system
- Convenient lid hooks
- Durable construction
- Sufficient cooking space
- Built-in thermometer
- Adjustable air vents for heat control
Cons:
- Not suited for a large crowd
- Low-quality wheels
2. Best High-End: Weber Summit Charcoal
Weber Summit Charcoal Grill is the best high-end grill in our top ten. With the best workmanship, comfortable design, and high functionality, indeed, this model is one of the most luxurious grills in the market.
Its porcelain-coated, air-insulated bowl and lid have a double wall, and the stainless steel grates are hinged for easier access to the charcoal. You can light the charcoals quickly by using the grill’s Snap-Jet gas ignition system, and reach the cooking temperature in less than 20 minutes.
Along with this, the grill has a cooking capacity of 452 square inches, and its grate system offers high versatility. Such that, you can use the convertible grate and steel diffuser plate to smoke, roast, or sear your meat to perfection.
Besides this, the grill offers a one-touch stainless steel ash cleaning system that collects the debris in a high-capacity catcher. Weber has further added a hinged lid, convenient space for charcoals at the bottom, and tool hooks to keep your utensils right by your side.
When it comes to heat management, the grill offers a built-in thermometer on the lid, precise smoke settings at the bottom, and temperature control on the top.
Pros:
- High-quality construction
- Versatile function
- Convenient hooks and shelves
- Large cooking space
- Precise temperature control
- Adjustable fuel grates
- An easy ash disposal system
Cons:
- Very expensive
3. Best Kamado Grill: Kamado Joe Classic II
Out of all the innovative Asian Kamado grills, the Classic II Charcoal Grill has the best features and construction. Therefore, we just had to add it to our top ten charcoal grills.
The ceramic bowl and lid rest on a cast-iron cart, which is supported by four sturdy, high-quality locking wheels. Its hinged lid design weighs 96% less than other lids, allowing it to stay locked in any position and open with a single finger.
Besides this, its 18-inch grill offers 406 square inches of cooking space and can maintain a temperature ranging from 225 to 750 degree F. With the wire mesh air-tight fiberglass gasket feature, you can even use the grill for low and slow smoking.
The built-in lid thermometer and the high-grade, cast Aluminum top vent allow you to maintain the heat precisely. Along with this, the Divide and Conquer system helps you to cook various dishes at different temperatures simultaneously.
The grill includes an easy-to-clean patented ash drawer, side shelves for holding utensils, and a grate gripping tool to adjust them safely while cooking.
Pros:
- Sturdy construction
- Air-tight gasket
- Smart air-lift hinged lid
- Precise temperature control
- Built-in thermometer
- Easy clean-up
- Divide and Conquer system for versatile cooking
Cons:
- Not portable
- Expensive
4. Best Budget: Char-Griller Akorn Kamado Charcoal Grill
Another Kamado grill, this one offers the best features at an affordable price. The Char-Griller Akorn Grill has a 22 gauge steel body with a porcelain-enameled interior finish and a powder-coated exterior.
Its cast-iron cooking grates offer a primary cooking space of 314 square inches and a 133 square inches warming rack. Besides this, the grate can retain temperatures ranging from 200 to 700 degree F, with the indexed damper offering precise heat control settings.
Apart from all this, the fuel-efficient grill has a well-insulated double-walled design and offers two folding side shelves for holding your utensils. Its steel cart and rubber wheels even help to move the 100-pound grill from storage easily.
Moreover, the grill includes an easy-to-clean removable ash pan, a built-in temperature gauge, and hooks for hanging your tongs or spatula.
Pros:
- Heavy-duty construction
- Built-in temperature gauge
- Folding side shelves
- Budget-friendly
- Fuel-efficient insulated design
Cons:
- Difficult heat control
- Need to purchase smoking accessories
5. Weber Performer Deluxe
The third Weber grill in our list, this one has the best upgrades and unique features. The porcelain-coated stainless steel grill has a 22-inch diameter, offering 363 square inches of cooking space on the cast-iron hinged grates.
It includes a built-in thermometer gauge for measuring the internal temperature, a fast electrical gas-ignition system, and a fuel grate that allows both direct and indirect heating. Besides this, the adjustable dampers help you control the airflow to maintain the temperature.
The Weber Performer Grill also offers a large prep table on the side, a charcoal storage bin, and a one-touch ash disposal system that catches all the debris in a large ash catcher.
In addition to all this, the grill includes a convenient lid holder and a removable LCD timer that can even be adjusted on the side table.
Pros:
- Hinged grates for easy access to charcoals
- Sturdy construction
- Fast ignition system
- Removable LCD timer
- Built-in thermometer
- Large side table
- Convenient lid holder and charcoal bin
Cons:
- Low-quality 99 minutes timer
- Need to purchase accessories
6. Best Portable: Weber Go-Anywhere
If you are looking for a portable charcoal grill, the fourth Weber grill in our list has all the sought-after features.
The Weber Go-Anywhere Charcoal Grills has a compact design, measuring just 14.5 x 21 x 12.2 inches, and a weight of only 14.5 pounds. Its nickel-coated stainless steel grates offer a cooking capacity of 160 square inches, allowing you to cook six burgers simultaneously.
Moreover, this small charcoal grill has a porcelain-coated steel body that offers rust-resistance and protection against harsh climate. The dampers, on the other hand, allow you to maintain the temperature by controlling the air circulation.
Besides all this, you can bolt the lids into place with the sturdy pivoting legs for portability, and use its sturdy handles to carry it easily. The legs allow you to place the grill safely on any surface while cooking on your picnic, camping trip, or tailgating party.
Additionally, you can use the integrated lid hangers and your lid to form a wind barrier for your warm food.
Pros:
- Sturdy and compact construction
- Budget-friendly
- Lightweight design
- Pivoting legs lock the lids
- Lid hangers offer a barrier against the wind
- Easy-to-use
Cons:
- No temperature gauge
- Handles can get warm
- Non-adjustable grates
7. Char-Griller Patio Pro
Since Char-griller manufactures high-quality smokers, grill, and related accessories at a very affordable price for its customers, this Patio Pro Grill is not any different.
Not only is this grill small and compact, but it also has a powder-coated stainless steel body for durability. With a weight of just 50-pounds and dimensions of 31 x 21 x 44 inches, it is ideal an ideal charcoal grill for your patio.
The heavy-duty cast-iron cooking grate offers a cooking capacity of 250 square inches, which is enough to fit a whole chicken or six kebabs easily. Besides this, the grill includes a removable ash pan to dump out all the debris with ease, without even removing the grates.
Apart from all this, you get a convenient side table to hold your dish, a tool hook, and a bottom shelf for keeping your charcoals. Char-griller has also included cool-to-touch wooden handles, sturdy wheels for portability, and adjustable dampers for maintaining the internal temperature.
Pros:
- Sufficient cooking space for a small grill
- Convenient side table and bottom shelf
- Compact design
- Portable
- Adjustable dampers
- Easy clean-up
Cons:
- No built-in temperature gauge
- Non-adjustable grates
- Hard assembly
8. Dyna-Glo Premium
Dyna-Glo is an American brand that specializes in the production of commercial-grade as well as home products for grill, smoking, and accessories. Their Premium Charcoal Grill is the best dual-zone grill in our list.
The unique feature of the grill is, undoubtedly, its removable firebox divider. It provides two cooking zones with two different temperatures at the same time. You even get two charcoal baskets to give you more precise control on the heat.
The grill offers four porcelain-coated steel cooking grates that divide the cooking area into two zones. While the primary space offers 576 square inches, the secondary area gives you 240 square inches of cooking capacity.
Besides this, the grill comes with a built-in temperature gauge and adjustable dampers for temperature control. Its double-walled stainless steel body retains heat along with providing durability.
In addition to this, the 112-pound grill comes with sturdy resin wheels for portability, a removable ash pan for easy clean-up, two side shelves, and a bottom shelf to hold your utensils. If this was not enough, Dyna-Glo has even added a bottle opener and convenient handle for your benefit.
Pros:
- Durable steel design
- Versatile cooking
- Two cooking zones
- Easy ash clean-up
- Built-in temperature gauge
- Large cooking capacity
Cons:
- Not air-tight
- Low fuel efficiency
- Small ash pan
9. Lodge Cast Iron Sportsman’s Grill
Founded in 1896, Lodge is one of the oldest American brands that manufacture cast-iron cooking products. Their Sportsman’s grill has a unique hibachi-style, making it one of our top ten charcoal grills.
The cast-iron grill is exceptionally durable, making it last for an extended period. Seasoned with 100% vegetable oil, it does not contain any chemical fillers or additives. Its compact design, measuring just 19 x 8.2 x 10.2 inches, makes it portable enough for picnics and camping trips. Moreover, it includes a sturdy handle for easier transportation.
Besides this, the grill has a draft door to regulate its temperature and a flip-down compartment to access the charcoal. It also contains two adjustable heights for more precise temperature control.
Even though the grill has a small cooking space, it is enough for a small family on a picnic or camp. Such that, the cast-iron grill is ideal for searing meat or vegetables at high temperatures.
On the downside, the cast-iron takes a long time to heat up or cool down and requires regular seasoning to maintain its durability.
Pros:
- Durable construction
- Simple to use
- Compact and portable design
- Draft doors and adjustable heights to regulate heat
- Fuel-efficient
Cons:
- Small cooking space
- It takes time to heat or cool down
- Requires regular clean-up
10. PK Grills PKO-SCAX-X Original PK Grill & Smoker Grill Smoker
PK Grills is an American-based company that has decades of experience in producing high-quality grills. Their Original PK Grill and Smoker is one of their top-selling products.
The grill has a simple, minimalistic yet durable design that will last a lifetime. Its cast-Aluminum body ensures rust-resistance and four times faster heat conduction than steel grills.
Along with this, the grill is quite lightweight and can be detached easily for transportation. Thus, it is ideal for traveling and cooking on camping sites or picnics.
The grill offers sturdy nickel-plated stainless steel grates that offer 300 square inches of cooking space, ideal for a small family. Besides this, it includes four air vents to maintain the temperature precisely. With a temperature range of 180 to 750 degrees F, you can either cook slow and low or sear meat at high temperatures.
Apart from this, the air-tight grill offers two cooking zones, the direct one for grilling, and the indirect zone for smoking your turkey. If this was not enough, you get a convenient side shelf and a bottom shelf to hold your dishes and other utensils close-by.
Pros:
- High-quality and durable construction
- Maintains steady temperature
- Four-vent system offers a wide temperature range
- Portable
- Convenient side and bottom shelves
Cons:
- No built-in temperature gauge
- Does not contain an ash catcher
How To Choose a Good Charcoal Grill?
In this section, we are going to cover all the significant points you need to consider before purchasing a charcoal grill for yourself.
Factors to Consider
Since there are a lot of different features in a charcoal grill, we have highlighted the vital factors to consider before investing in your future charcoal grill.
Size and Cooking Capacity
The first factor that you need to consider is the size and cooking capacity of your grill. There is no point in buying a large and expensive grill if you have a small family or hold limited gatherings.
Besides this, you should also consider if you have enough space to store a large grill or a backyard to grill your steaks. A large charcoal station will not fit on a small patio or deck, and your investment can go to waste.
Similarly, smaller grills tend to be lighter and compact, making them quite portable. In the case where you travel a lot, these grills will have an added advantage over the others.
Types of Grills
Overall, there are only three types of charcoal grills that you need to be aware of.
- Kettle Grills are typically small, affordable, and easy-to-maintain. Their spherical shape allows heat to distribute evenly in the grill and is generally more portable than other grills.
- Barrel Grills are bigger than kettle grills and suitable for smoking as well as grilling. They offer a larger cooking capacity, and hence, are more expensive.
- Ceramic Grills are one of the most expensive, cumbersome, and largest grills among all charcoal grills. They are well-suited for cooking for a large crowd and offer better temperature control than others.
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Durability
Since you are investing, you should make sure that your charcoal grill lasts for a long time.
For example, if you grill regularly, you need to choose a heavy-duty grill for increased durability and rust-resistance. However, if you do not grill frequently, you can always pick a budget-friendly mid-range grill for your needs.
A high-quality grill is often made from materials like cast-iron, cast-aluminum, stainless steel, and ceramic. Additionally, porcelain-enameled and chrome-plated grills and grates aid in making the grill quite durable.
Temperature Settings
Although they are more expensive, mid-range and high-end grills offer better heat control and more precise temperature settings.
The best charcoal grills have an air-tight lid with proper air vents to control the internal temperatures. Besides this, a built-in thermometer or gauge will help you to keep a keen eye on the temperature and change your settings accordingly.
Some grills, on the other hand, allow you to adjust the distance between the cooking grates and the fuel.
Clean-up
Since it can be quite a hassle to clean the leftover ash from the burnt charcoals, make sure to purchase a grill with a proper ash disposal system. High-quality grills offer larger ash catchers at the bottom that can dispose of the debris with just one-touch.
How To Start a Charcoal Grill?
Some of the high-end charcoal grills offer an electronic gas-assisted ignition system to start your grill quickly. However, they tend to be quite expensive and luxurious. If you want a budget-friendly grill, you can light your charcoals manually in two ways.
Firstly, you can purchase a charcoal chimney starter to light your grill in less than minutes. Simply, place balls of newspaper under the coal-filled chimney, and burn them on fire. When they start glowing red, pour them into your charcoal grill.
Secondly, you can place the charcoals on the fuel grate in a mound, add lighter fuel on them, and light them with a matchstick. When the coals get covered in grey cash, your grill is ready to start cooking.
How To Use a Charcoal Grill?
After your coals are ready and glowing red, remove the cooking grate, and safely dump the lit coals on the fuel grate on one side of the grill. This will create a safe zone for indirectly grilling.
Next, place the cooking grate back on top of the coals, and make sure that all the dampers or air vents are entirely open. Close the lid of your grill and preheat it for around 10 to 15 minutes.
After your grill has preheated, clean the hot grill with a wet rag over a spoon to remove any previous grease. Then, place slow-cooking food on the indirect zone and the faster cooking ones directly on top of the coals.
Cover the grill with the lid, adjust the dampers or air vents to alter the temperature settings, and use a high-quality meat thermometer to keep an eye on your meat.
After you have stopped cooking, cover the grill to cool it down, and lastly, dispose of the ashes.
Conclusion
To summarize, all of our ten charcoal grills contain note-worthy features to make them stand-out in our list. While some may be more expensive than others, they offer more durability to help them last a lifetime.
Before investing in a charcoal grill, make sure to read our top ten grill reviews thoroughly. Our buying guide will surely help you to select the best one for your needs.
