A charcoal grill is the ultimate cooking companion for any barbecue aficionado. Its versatility in cooking a wide range of dishes – from succulent meats and seafood to crispy vegetables – makes it an indispensable tool in the kitchen. The smoky flavor imparted by the charcoal grill elevates the taste of any dish, transforming it into a culinary delight that’s sure to impress family and friends.
The 10 Best Charcoal Grills
When it comes to charcoal grills, there are numerous options available in the market. Some popular brands include Char-Griller, Royal Gourmet, Weber, Giantex, and Dyna-Glo. Among these, Weber is particularly well-known for its high-quality products. In fact, our top pick is the Weber 14402001 Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill, which offers excellent performance and durability.
Other notable mentions include the Char-Griller E06614 AKORN Portable Charcoal Grill, Royal Gourmet CD1824E Charcoal BBQ Grill, Weber 121020 Go-Anywhere Charcoal Grill, Weber 15501001 Performer Deluxe Charcoal Grill, Giantex Charcoal Hibachi Grill, and Dyna-Glo DGN486SNC-D Charcoal Grill. The Americana Swinger Charcoal Grill is also worth considering for its unique features. Ultimately, the right charcoal grill depends on individual preferences and needs.
Our Top Pick for the Best Charcoal Grill
When it comes to choosing the best charcoal grill, our top recommendation is the Weber 14402001 Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill. This exceptional product from a well-established and respected brand in the barbeque industry promises an impressive grilling experience. Its classic design, combined with thoughtful user-friendly features, allows you to create mouth-watering char-grilled dishes like a seasoned grill master.
To explore the current market price of this outstanding charcoal grill, simply click on the Amazon link provided.
How to Choose the Best Charcoal Grill
When it comes to charcoal grills, there are three primary styles to choose from: free-standing, semi-portable, and ultra-portable. Freestanding models, like the Char-Griller E06614 AKORN Portable Charcoal Grill, offer a stationary cooking experience perfect for patio or garden use. Semi-portable grills, exemplified by the Weber 14402001 Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill, provide the flexibility to move and store your grill as needed.
Ultra-portable options, such as the Weber 121020 Go-Anywhere Charcoal Grill, Char-Griller E82424 Smoker Side Fire Box Portable Charcoal Grill, or Hibachi-style Uten Barbecue Charcoal Grill, cater specifically to camping or adventure enthusiasts. To select the ideal charcoal grill, consider key factors including construction, grilling space, temperature control, and ease of cleaning.
Construction
When it comes to charcoal grills, the construction is crucial for withstanding high temperatures. Look for sturdy materials like steel or cast aluminum that can resist extreme heat. In particular, the metal grilling plates should be made from heavy-duty carbon steel, stainless steel, or chrome-plated options. Additionally, a porcelain-enameled lid and grilling bowl help to retain heat and provide extra durability, ensuring your grill remains functional for years to come.
Grilling Space
When it comes to choosing the right grilling space, one crucial factor to consider is the number of people you’ll be cooking for. For smaller gatherings of 2-3 individuals, a compact 160-square-inch plate is more than sufficient. However, if you’re planning to host larger parties or want to cook multiple dishes simultaneously, a larger surface area such as 250 or 360 square inches will provide the necessary flexibility and space to accommodate your culinary needs.
Cooking Versatility: Grilling or Smoking
When it comes to charcoal grills, some models offer more than just traditional grilling capabilities. You can also use them as a smoker to create mouthwatering Texas-style smoked meats, perfect for a backyard BBQ. Additionally, many grills come with the flexibility of choosing between gas or charcoal fuel sources, giving you greater control over your cooking experience.
Temperature Control
When it comes to charcoal grills, maintaining precise temperatures can be a challenge. To help you achieve the perfect cook, look for features that provide optimal ventilation, such as well-designed vents and adjustable dampers. Additionally, consider grills with high-quality grilling grates that allow for even heat distribution and easy food release.
Venting System
The secret to a well-functioning grill lies in its ability to circulate air effectively. This is achieved through a venting system that comprises one or multiple vents, designed to facilitate airflow throughout the grill. By doing so, it ensures that heat distribution remains consistent and even, allowing for optimal cooking results.
Adjustable Dampers
For ultimate control over the grilling experience, adjustable dampers allow you to fine-tune the temperature of your grill to suit your unique preferences. Whether you prefer a smoky, slow-cooked meal or a quick, high-heat sear, these clever devices enable you to adjust the heat to achieve your desired outcome.
Adjustable Grilling Grate
Grilling freedom comes with an adjustable grate, as it enables you to effortlessly adjust the distance between your food and the heat source. This feature lets you move your culinary creations closer to the sizzling coals for that perfect sear or farther away for a more even cooking experience.
Fast Cleanup
When working with a charcoal grill, one common challenge is managing the mess that comes with it. To help mitigate this issue, many modern charcoal grills feature a removable ash pan design. This clever feature allows for easy collection of ashes and debris, keeping your grilling area clean and organized. By incorporating an ash pan into your grilling setup, you’ll be able to focus on what matters most – cooking up delicious meals with friends and family.
10 Best Charcoal Grills – Reviews
Char-Griller E06614 AKORN Portable Charcoal Grill
The Char-Griller E06614 AKORN Portable Charcoal Grill is an exceptional choice for outdoor enthusiasts, providing unparalleled grilling experiences at campsites, beaches, or tailgating events. Its rugged steel construction boasts a red powder-coated exterior and porcelain-coated interior finish, ensuring superior cooking results with triple-walled insulation retaining temperatures from 200-700°F.
A spacious 153-square-inch cast iron cooking surface offers ample room for your favorite barbecue dishes, while the grate minimizes flare-ups and allows for efficient use of charcoal. Temperature control is effortlessly achieved through a built-in stainless steel gauge and adjustable top and bottom dampers. The hinged lid seals in flavors as you cook, allowing for a truly char-grilled experience. Durable handles facilitate easy portability, and sturdy legs ensure stability during use.
Cleanup is swift and effortless thanks to the included ash pan. Char-Griller offers a comprehensive 1-year warranty on this charcoal grill. Notable advantages include its exceptional quality, competitive pricing, and outstanding value for money. Other notable features include superior grilling performance, durable cast iron construction, and compact portability.
While some may find the 1-year warranty to be somewhat limited, overall, this grill offers an impressive array of benefits that make it an excellent choice.
Char-Griller E82424 Smoker Side Fire Box Portable Charcoal Grill
The Char-Griller E82424 Smoker Side Fire Box Portable Charcoal Grill boasts a versatile and compact design, making it an ideal companion for camping or picnics. Its robust heavy-gauge steel construction, complemented by a cast iron cooking grate, provides ample space to cook up to 12 burgers on its generous 250-square-inch surface. This charcoal grill’s innovative design allows for seamless integration with most Char-Griller barrel grills, creating mouth-watering Texas-style smoked meats.
Alternatively, it can be used as a standalone or tabletop grill, catering to your specific cooking needs. The dual adjustable dampers ensure consistent airflow, while the hood closes securely to lock in authentic char-grilled flavors. Safety and convenience are also top priorities with this grill. The stay-cool handle on the lid protects against heat damage, while the sturdy legs keep the grill stable on a level surface.
Lifting and carrying is made easy thanks to the two strong handles located on either side of the grill. Cleanup is a breeze with the charcoal sliding ashpan drawer. The Char-Griller tabletop comes backed by a 90-day money-back guarantee and a 1-year warranty, providing peace of mind for your purchase. While some may find issue with the lack of temperature gauge or potential paint blistering, the overall quality and value of this grill far outweigh these minor drawbacks.
Royal Gourmet CD1824E Charcoal BBQ Grill
The Royal Gourmet CD1824E Charcoal BBQ Grill is a comprehensive cooking solution that offers everything you need to create mouthwatering char-grilled dishes. The sturdy metal grill boasts an ample 474-square-inch grilling space, perfect for catering to 10 people. The two side shelves provide ample room for food preparation and utensil storage, while their matte black design adds a touch of style. For added convenience, the shelves can be folded down when not in use.
The grill’s smart design features include an integrated stainless steel thermometer that ensures precise temperature control, allowing you to achieve perfect grilling conditions every time. The thick steel chamber facilitates 360-degree heat circulation, while the stainless steel warming rack and adjustable charcoal pan with holes ensure even cooking temperatures. Additionally, the lid boasts a stainless steel handle, making it easy to lift and adjust.
Other thoughtful design elements include an integrated bottle opener, allowing you to enjoy a cold drink while grilling, and adjustable airflow control via the damper. This feature enables you to easily increase or reduce air circulation throughout the cooking chamber as needed. Maintaining your charcoal grill is a breeze thanks to Royal Gourmet’s innovative clean-up solution.
The draw-out ashtray drawer at the bottom of the grill makes it easy to store leftover ash, keeping your cooking area mess-free after each use. The Royal Gourmet CD1824E Charcoal BBQ Grill comes with a 180-day return policy and a comprehensive one-year warranty, providing added peace of mind for homeowners. While some users may find the assembly process complex, many appreciate the grill’s overall quality, value, portability, and heat efficiency.
Pros include good quality, excellent value, affordable price, ultra-portability, sturdy metal design, stylish looks, efficient grilling chamber, large workspace, foldable shelves, bottom storage shelf, stainless steel warming tray, front access charcoal door, six height-adjustable charcoal pan, precise thermometer, innovative air and temperature control, built-in temperature gauge, draw-out ashtray drawer, 180-day return policy, and one-year warranty.
Cons include a somewhat shallow ashtray drawer and complex assembly.
Weber 14402001 Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill
The Weber 14402001 Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill stands out for its exceptional grilling performance, durability, and ease of use. The grill’s solid steel construction, combined with its crimson porcelain-enameled lid and bowl, ensures long-term reliability. A generous 363-square-inch plated steel hinged grate allows for ample space to cook a variety of dishes, including burgers, steaks, sausages, fish, or chicken, and the coals can be easily maneuvered for direct or indirect cooking.
The grill’s precision heat control system features three air vents regulated by swiveling damper blades, maximizing airflow, as well as a built-in thermometer to ensure perfect grilling temperatures. Additionally, the heat shield protects the lid handle from getting too hot. For enhanced mobility and stability, the grill features two weather-resistant sturdy wheels and an extra leg.
The Weber Kettle grill also boasts a hassle-free cleanup system with a high-capacity, removable ash catcher and Weber’s One-Touch cleaning system. The grill comes in attractive colors and is backed by a 2-year warranty. Overall, the Weber grill offers excellent quality, affordability, and superb grilling performance, making it an ideal choice for outdoor cooking enthusiasts.
Weber 121020 Go-Anywhere Charcoal Grill
The Weber Go-Anywhere Charcoal Grill is an ideal choice for outdoor enthusiasts, whether you’re a seasoned camper or simply looking to elevate your tailgating game. This compact grill packs a punch, boasting a durable construction that combines porcelain-coated steel with a nickel-plated cooking grate. The result is a grill that’s not only easy to maintain but also produces those coveted sear marks on your favorite meats.
While its compact size may lead you to assume it’s lacking in terms of grilling space, think again. The Weber Go-Anywhere Charcoal Grill features a generous 160-square-inch cooking surface that can accommodate up to four medium-sized steaks. To further enhance your grilling experience, the built-in lid hangers allow for the lid to be positioned on the side of the grill, serving as an effective wind barrier.
Temperature control is also a breeze thanks to the two adjustable dampers and three vent holes. This level of flexibility ensures you can dial in the perfect heat for whatever’s sizzling on the grates. Safety also takes center stage with the Weber Go-Anywhere Charcoal Grill, featuring a glass-reinforced stay-cool handle that safeguards your hands from heat-related mishaps.
Lastly, the steel-plated pivoting legs lock the lid into place and allow the grill to pack down neatly into a rectangular toolbox size, making it an absolute cinch to transport. All in all, this grill is an unbeatable value, offering top-notch quality at an incredibly affordable price point.
Weber 15501001 Performer Deluxe Charcoal Grill
The Weber 15501001 Performer Deluxe Charcoal Grill is an excellent choice for barbecuing enthusiasts. This grill boasts exceptional performance, durability, and portability. Its stylish black porcelain-enameled lid and bowl are built to last, while the heavy-duty steel cart provides added convenience.
The charcoal grilling process becomes effortless with the built-in thermometer, adjustable damper featuring four aluminum vents, and a removable backlit LCD digital timer that offers unparalleled control over the final result. Igniting the charcoal is as simple as pressing a button thanks to the electronic Touch-N-Go gas ignition system. The fuel grate allows for either direct or indirect grilling, and the 363-square-inch grilling grate can accommodate up to 13 burger patties.
The cooking grate is divided into two sections, with one removable section suitable for use with Weber’s Gourmet BBQ System cookware collection. Cleaning becomes a breeze with the innovative One-Touch cleaning system that collects ashes in the removable ash carrier, which can be emptied into the large CharBin storage container. Additional features include a wire bottom shelf for prepping or storing utensils and a glass-reinforced nylon handle.
For enhanced portability, the steel cart boasts locking caster wheels and all-weather rubber-molded wheels. The grill is backed by a 10-year limited warranty and is compatible with disposable liquid propane canisters measuring 14.1 oz or 16.4 oz.
Some of its standout features include excellent quality, great value for money, high-performance, great portability, a stylish black finish, heavy-duty steel cart and porcelain-enameled bowl and lid, as well as an extra-large 363-square-inch steel grilling plate. The built-in lid thermometer and removable backlit LCD digital timer provide precision heat control for optimal cooking results. However, some users have noted that the grill can be expensive and the lid may blow off easily.
Additionally, the timer has a limited duration of 99 minutes.
Giantex Charcoal Hibachi Grill
The Giantex Charcoal Hibachi Grill offers a unique combination of portability, durability, and versatility. Perfect for camping, picnics, tailgating, or backyard barbecues, this charcoal grill stands out from the crowd with its premium cast iron construction, excellent heat retention, and adjustable double-sided grilling surface. With 12.5 x 8.5 inches of cooking space, you can easily cook a variety of dishes, from juicy burgers to tender steaks.
The grill’s innovative design features two different heights for adjusting to your specific cooking needs, while the air regulating door allows for easy temperature control. The front fire grate provides safe and accessible coals, making it simple to adjust the heat as needed. One major advantage is that this charcoal grill arrives preseasoned, ready to use straight out of the box. And with sturdy feet and integrated handles, you can easily move it around or place it on a table.
However, keep in mind that cast iron cookware requires occasional maintenance to prevent rust, and the grill’s weight may be a consideration for some users. While no product is perfect, the Giantex Charcoal Hibachi Grill offers excellent value for its affordable price point. For those willing to put in the effort to maintain it, this grill promises years of reliable service and delicious meals.
Dyna-Glo DGN486SNC-D Charcoal Grill
The Dyna-Glo DGN486SNC-D Charcoal Grill is a premium outdoor cooking solution that combines durability, style, and performance. Its sturdy stainless steel construction features porcelain-enameled cast-iron grates and a heavy-duty cast iron door, ensuring it can withstand the elements and frequent use. The grill’s generous 686-square-inch cooking area can accommodate up to 24 hamburgers at once, making it perfect for large gatherings or family barbecues.
Two side shelves provide ample space for preparing and serving meals, while the bottom storage basket keeps additional cooking accessories within easy reach. Easy-to-use features include a stainless steel handle on the lid, an intuitive stainless steel temperature gauge, and an adjustable charcoal tray. The grill’s design also incorporates a stainless steel smoke stack with an adjustable flue and sliding side dampers to minimize heat loss and maximize burn efficiency.
When it’s time to clean up, the high-capacity ash pan is removable for quick disposal. With two sturdy 8-inch wheels and two castor wheels, the grill is easy to move and store when not in use. Additionally, a heavy-duty custom-fit cover (Model DG576CC) is available for purchase to protect the grill during periods of non-use. Dyna-Glo offers a comprehensive warranty program, including a 1-year limited warranty for the charcoal grill itself and a 3-year warranty for the protective cover.
While some users may find the grill’s price point steep, many will agree that it offers excellent value considering its quality, performance, and durability.
Uten Barbecue Charcoal Grill
For outdoor enthusiasts, the Uten Barbecue Charcoal Grill stands out as an excellent choice for camping trips or backyard gatherings. The grill’s construction, featuring cold-rolled iron and premium chrome wire mesh, boasts remarkable durability against heat, rust, scratches, and warping, ensuring a safe cooking experience. With a simple setup process that requires only unfolding the 4-foot frame, you’ll be ready to start grilling in no time.
The clever 12-airway vent design facilitates rapid fire-starting, allowing for efficient food preparation. Once lit, the grill’s airflow holes prevent ash from sticking to your meal. This portable and versatile grill can accommodate 3-5 people, making it an ideal option for casual gatherings or family barbecues. When not in use, its compact design features two wire handles and thick metal feet that fold away, allowing for effortless transportation.
Uten’s commitment to quality is further reflected in their comprehensive warranty policy. While some may find the large grill variant less sturdy, its benefits far outweigh this minor drawback. Overall, the Uten Barbecue Charcoal Grill offers an unbeatable combination of quality, value, and portability, making it a must-have for any outdoor enthusiast.
Americana Swinger Charcoal Grill
The Americana Swinger Charcoal Grill stands out as one of the top charcoal grills available. Its striking red design, oversized tilt-away hood, and spacious cooking bowl combine to create an exceptional grilling and smoking experience. For precise temperature control, the grill features adjustable vents on the hood, front, and rear. This allows for optimal results whether you’re grilling or smoking.
The grill’s 332-square-inch cooking surface can accommodate up to 16 meat patties, while the six-position chrome-plated cooking grid enables simultaneous grilling of medium, rare, and well-done meats. An elevated fire grate further enhances performance by reducing bottom burnout risk and allowing for faster grilling times. The Swinger’s two folding wooden side tables provide ample storage space for utensils or meat, and the removable ash pan streamlines cleaning processes.
Protecting your hands are the two stay-cool handles. Transporting the grill is effortless, as the side tables fold down, and the easy-rolling wheels guide it to its next destination or storage spot. Backed by a 90-day warranty, this grill’s pros include high quality, an affordable price, a large cooking grate, excellent grilling results, loads of versatility, and attractive design.
The cons are complex assembly instructions that can be challenging to follow, as well as the relatively short warranty period.
Our Top Pick for the Best Charcoal Grill
When it comes to charcoal grills, our top recommendation is the Weber 14402001 Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill. Known for their reputation in the barbeque industry, Weber has consistently delivered high-quality products that meet the demands of grill enthusiasts. The Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill is no exception, boasting a classic design and user-friendly features that make it easy to achieve authentic char-grilled flavors.
With its premium construction and expertly designed heat distribution system, this grill is sure to provide exceptional results. For more information or to check the price on Amazon, simply click the link provided.
