Charcoal grills require you to pay closer attention to both food and grill than their propane counterparts, but the end result is that smoky flavor you cannot achieve otherwise. They also allow you to create different cooking zones to favor the type of food you are working with, a feature that makes them more versatile than any other type. With the festivities around the corner, you are probably looking forward to some tasty homemade burgers, roast chicken, and hot dogs, and we know there is no better way to create lasting memories than through food.
Here are 10 of the best charcoal grills on the market today.
1. Char-Griller Grill
This is the grill to choose if you have a large family or love to host backyard parties. It offers up to 725 square inches of primary cooking area. If that is not enough, you get an additional 338 square inches of secondary space. With such a large cooking space, it is unlikely that you will run out of space when you need it most.
The sturdy construction promises to hold up against whatever you throw at it. Designed to serve you throughout the years, the frame is made from heavy-duty steel. It is also powder-coated for added durability. The grill is cast iron, meaning that whatever you cook on it, it will come out evenly cooked.
The grill also gives you control over the amount of heat with a heat gauge and a fire grate. The grill also has a warming plate where you can keep your food warm and ready to be served when needed.
What we like
- As with most charcoal grills, it offers convenient storage for your cooking tools
- The grill is easy to clean
2. Kamado Joe KJ15040921 Grill
This grill from Kamado Joe is one of the best charcoal grills you can purchase today. With 18inches of cooking space, you have more than enough that is suitable for large get-togethers or parties. Made from heavy-duty galvanized steel, this grill features a design that is guaranteed to serve you for years to come. The frame sits on mobile wheels that you can lock in place if need be. The wheels just make it easier to move from storage and out to your backyard.
This grill features a patented Hyperbolic Smoke Chamber that helps distribute smoke and heat in constant circulating waves that then work to enhance the food’s flavor and allow for even cooking. This design also helps reduce the issue of hot spots that other charcoal grills tend to have.
The 3-tier cooking levels divide the grill into different chambers that allow you to cook different foods at the same time. This is an extremely time-saving and efficient way to cook.
What we like
- Patented smoking design that enhances the food’s flavor and allows for even cooking.
3. Char-Griller E16620 Grill
This is another one of the charcoal grills that Char-Griller offers. This grill gives you the option of choosing how you want to cook your meat. You can choose between a high and fast grill or a second slow roast. Built to serve you for many years, this grill is made from 22-gauge steel which helps maintain cooking temperatures throughout. The grill maintains heat between 200 to 700 degrees Fahrenheit.
The grill also allows for easy temperature control thanks to the adjustable dampers at the top and bottom. These dampers help control the flow of air into and out of the grill which in turn affects the level of heat and smoke inside the chamber. The design is also fuel-efficient, with no wastage.
The grill comes with two 8-inch wheels for easier transportation. You also have the option of locking the wheels in place. You get 314 square inches of cooking space and 133 square inches of a warming rack.
What we like
- The inclusion of folding side shelves that expand working space and make it easier to store the grill when not in use.
4. Charapid Mini Grill and Smoker
If you are looking for a grilling option that is small, compact, and easy to carry, then this option from Charapid is your best choice. This 12-inch grill in a modern design allows you to cook your food in a variety of ways. Its small size makes it an ideal camping or hunting companion.
This mini grill boasts having superior heat retention properties which allow for faster and even cooking. The heat retention also reduces fuel wastage. This grill gives you 4 choices when it comes to how you want your food cooked. You can use the grill to sear, bake, grill and smoke your food.
In addition to retaining heat, it also retains moisture through a tight seal. In the end, your food turns out moist and succulent. Like other charcoal grills with a ceramic exterior, this helps reduce the risk of you accidentally getting burnt.
What we like
- The small, compact size makes it a handy addition for camping trips, small parties, or small families.
- The ceramic exterior helps reduce the chances of you accidentally burning yourself.
5. Webber Kettle Charcoal Grill
This grill from Webber offers precise heat control without the need for you to lift the lid. You can adjust the heat by adjusting the dampers. This helps prevent heat loss by constant opening and closing of the lid. Once you’re done grilling, simply seal off the dampers completely to cut off oxygen supply to extinguish the coals.
The cooking grill can handle high temperatures as you can place charcoal directly or indirectly on the grill plate. The grate also features a hinge design that makes it easy to add more charcoal as you cook.
Once you’re done grilling, you will have an easier time cleaning thanks to the ash catcher at the bottom of the grill. Simply sweep away the ash and any other debris into the ash catcher for quick and efficient cleanup.
The handle features a heat shield that helps prevent the handle from getting too hot. Like most charcoal grills, this one also comes with durable wheels to aid in transportation.
What we like
- We like that you can adjust the dampers to control the heat
6. Char-Griller E06614 Grill
Char-Griller offers great options in terms of charcoal grills and that is why we included a number of them in our review. It is a small grill compared to other charcoal grills; however, it is just as efficient at what it does.
With dampers at both the top and the bottom of the grill, you can easily and efficiently control the airflow into the chamber. This gives you control over the smoke and temperature. This Kamado design also makes it fuel-efficient as you don’t burn through a lot of coal.
This grill is built to last thanks to a powder coat finish, porcelain-coated interior and a cast iron grill. Combined, these features ensure that the grill will continue to serve you in the years to come.
For easy cleaning, the grill has a dump ash pan where you can simply sweep away the ash and other debris into the pan and take it out to trash later.
What we like
- We like that the grill offers easy and efficient heat control of temperatures between 200 to 700 degrees Fahrenheit.
7. Royal Gourmet Charcoal Grill
Offering 393 square inches of cooking space, you have more than enough to wow your friends and family with your culinary expertise. If that’s not enough, you get another 205 square inches of secondary space. The grills are made from porcelain
The grill has an access door located in the front of the grill, which makes it easy for you to add more coal. The grill also comes with a height-adjustable pan that you can lower or raise depending on whether you want more or less heat on your food.
The sides of this grill feature air vents that you can adjust to control the heat. Once you’re done cooking, there is a drawer ash pan that you can use to collect all the ash; it makes for easier disposing of it too. Unlike other charcoal grills, this one comes with a charcoal pan that has holes in it, that enable the coals to get hot quicker. There also is a temperature gauge to help you monitor the heat levels.
What we like
- The grill has two side tables for prep space and that you can clean easily
8. Cuisinart Portable Charcoal Grill
This 14-inch grate is ideal for small families or small parties. At just 150 square inches of space, it is enough to grill about six burgers at a go.
If you love to have a barbeque at different outdoor locations then you’ll love how compact and light this grill is compared to other charcoal grills. Weighing in at just 2lbs, it can easily fit into the back of your car. Furthermore, the lid of the grill locks tightly to the bowl, so you won’t have to worry about the inner contents spilling out. It makes for the ideal companion on a picnic or camping trip. Its small size also makes it easy to store, hence it is suitable for small homes, small balconies, travel trailers, and RVs.
The grill comes with an ash catcher that helps make cleanup easy. Simply sweep the ash onto the tray, remove it and throw it away.
What we like
- It is small and light enough that it can easily fit into the trunk of your car. You can carry it with you wherever you go, including on camping trips.
9. Cowekai Folding Charcoal Grill
Although some are portable, not many charcoal grills are foldable, and that is an advantage that this grill from Cowekai offers you. This grill’s legs fold up easily that allows for easy storage and transportation. Weighing in at 11lbs, you can carry it with you for camping or barbecue get-togethers.
The purchase includes an instruction manual that guides you on how to assemble the grill with ease. There are no tools required and you can have your grill set up and ready to use in minutes. It features stainless steel grill bars that are durable and also easy to clean. You also won’t have to worry about rust, toxins, or abrasions because of the grill’s durability.
The grill offers you more than enough cooking space enabling you to cook large amounts of food at the same time, while still allowing for even heat distribution and cooking. It is suitable for 5 to 10 people.
What we like
- We like the foldable design that makes it easy to store and transport. It makes it convenient to carry with you wherever you go.
10. Weber Summit Charcoal Grill
This grill from Weber comes with a 24-inch grill that offers enough cooking space to feed a sizeable group of people. With a dual-walled insulation system, the grill allows for quick air adjustments that have an overall effect on the level of heat. The grill is made from stainless steel and it has a durable construction which ensures that the grill can withstand everyday use.
Cleaning a grill has never been this easier thanks to the ash catcher which collects all your ash and allows for a hassle-free cleaning experience.
The grill also comes with a diffuser plate which is excellent to use if you want your food to come out properly smoked. The lid of the grill features a built-in thermometer that you can check the food’s temperature. The cooking grate is adjustable and offers you control over how seared your food turns out. You should note that cookware is sold separately.
What we like
- The grill comes with accessories like a diffuser plate that you can use to adjust your cooking depending on whether you want smoked food or high-heat seared food.
Conclusion
No one says you have to go out to a restaurant every time you want some tasty grilled food. With the charcoal grills we’ve reviewed, you can get the same smoky taste from the comfort of your backyard. We reviewed different sizes so you are bound to find one that suits your needs.