Best charcoal grill
Make your next cookout a success with these best charcoal grills.
Charcoal grills are a classic BBQ accessory. Sure, you could just slap some meat and veggies on your gas or electric grill, but that’s no fun. Charcoal grills add a very distinct smoky flavor to food while allowing you to control the temperature until you achieve perfectly charred and juicy meat. These outdoor cooking machines have undergone several changes, but our love affair with barbecues hasn't. That's why we are recommending these best options, so you don't miss out.
Weber original kettle premium charcoal grill
Family-sized
This grill has a hinged cooking grate, so you can easily add coal mid-grilling.
Pros:
- One-touch cleaning system
- Hinged cooking grate
- Lid thermometer
- All-weather wheels
Cons:
- Lid thermometer sits way above the meat
Whether you're a seasoned griller or a novice, you'll love the Weber original kettle grill. This model is famous for its distinctive shape and porcelain-enameled lid and bowl that offer exceptional heat retention for even cooking. You'll get 363 square inches of grilling space, perfect for cooking anything from burgers to Cornish hens. This grill includes a one-touch cleaning system with a large ash catcher to help cut down on the cleaning time. Extras include all-weather wheels, hooks, and a lid thermometer to monitor the temperature inside the kettle.
Cuisinart CCG190RB portable charcoal grill
Compact and capable
This little charcoal grill will ignite your senses with its brilliant red color and bold style.
Pros:
- Dual venting system
- 150 square inch chrome-plated grill area
- Lid locks
Cons:
- Pretty small
Standing 15-inches tall, this grill holds a 14-inch grill grate, roomy enough for cooking up to six burgers. So, it's perfect for a small backyard get-together. Two adjustable vents provide heat control so you can cook slow and low or up at searing-hot temperatures. The chrome-coated grate provides stability and easy clean-up, and the firebox is coated with porcelain for protection and durability.
Fire Sense Notebook charcoal grill
Folds up for easy storage
Bring this reliable compact grill anywhere your wanderlust takes you.
Pros:
- Slim profile
- Foldable cooking grates
- Super portable
Cons:
- Not that durable
When you want to cook some serious authentic barbecues, this Notebook griller is your portable charbroiler of choice. This style measures 17.53-by-11.82-by-14.18 inches and folds flat for convenient storage and transport. It's built with heavy-duty steel and is finished with a black coating. All of these features make it perfect for tailgating, camping, and picnics in the park, among other outdoor adventures.
Kamado Joe KJ23RHC Classic II ceramic charcoal grill
Stylish and functional
This grill features two configurable cooking zones, so everyone grills exactly what they want.
Pros:
- Locking wheels
- Two-tier grilling design
- Versatile cooking options
- Easy-clean system
Cons:
- Pretty pricey for its size
Whether you're firing up burgers for the kids or smoking ribs for your next family reunion, the Kamado Joe Classic II is perfect. This grill combines the best features of kamado-style grills and grilling ovens, enabling you to achieve a true smoky flavor and juicy tenderness. It's crafted with high-strength stainless steel, which is much thinner than traditional Kamado grills, giving it greater energy efficiency and easy portability. The 18-inch, two-tier cooking surface, shaped like a half-moon, gives you the flexibility to cook different food at different temperatures, all at the same time.
Royal Gourmet CC1830S charcoal grill with offset smoker
Designed for the serious griller
This charcoal grill is seamlessly connected to an offset smoker, ensuring the circulation of heat and smoke.
Pros:
- Dual-style grilling
- Super spacious
- 811-inch square grilling space
- S-hooks for cutlery
Cons:
- Difficult assembly
This Royal Gourmet offset smoker and charcoal grill is perfect for your next big backyard party. You can smoke, sear, bake and BBQ your way to culinary greatness, all from a single setup. The cooking surface is made of sturdy steel with a black finish for style and durability. The setup includes a functional side shelf that can be used as a cutting board or prep table, while the bottom shelf provides extra room for storage. The included charcoal pan makes it easy to add more briquettes when your barbecue runs low.
Toast anything over hot coals
Why you can trust Gardeningetc
From this best charcoal grill collection, it's clear we're still obsessed with getting that juicy, smoky flavor deep down into every grillable meat and vegetable. With its timeless design, the Weber Original kettle premium charcoal grill remains the go-to option. It offers a simple but solidly built setup that will take you way beyond burgers and hotdogs.
With the Cuisinart CCG190RB portable charcoal grill, you'll get to enjoy the simplicity and convenience of a portable grill anywhere you need it. It's compact but still offers about 150 square inches of grilling space, complete with an enameled firebox.
Every Kamado Joe grill is a work of art, and the Kamado Joe KJ23RHC Classic II ceramic charcoal grill is no exception. The ceramic cook box offers excellent heat retention and will cook food to perfection every time.
Why trust us?
At GardeningEtc, we recommend the best products to enhance your life. As expert curators, we handpick products based on quality and usefulness to positively impact your day-to-day, from cart to doorstep. We take our responsibility seriously — testing products, reading reviews, and sourcing knowledgeable outlets to ensure our selections are worthy of your time and money. We deliver detailed product overviews, balancing objective information with subjective opinions, so making the best choice for your home and lifestyle is as easy as possible.
Grace Monene is an avid writer with a keen eye for home and office improvement. She has a knack for finding the best little things that will improve the quality of indoor and outdoor living. When she's not writing, you will typically find her reading or testing out the latest technology.
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