Charcoal grills provide a healthier, more flavorful, and less expensive way to cook for your family and friends.
Charcoal grills create their own source of heat, and this steady source of heat allows you to cook food to better succulence and flavor. Charcoal grills are also easy to use, reasonably inexpensive, and ridiculously durable.
If you’re in the market for a new charcoal grill, check out this buyer’s guide.
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill | Best Overall |  |
| The Original 'Upper Deck' Stainless Steel Grilling Warming Smoking Rack Charcoal Grill Grate | Budget Pick |  |
| Blaze 32-inch Charcoal Grill | Upgrade Pick |  |
1. Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill
Pros:
- Classic design
- Long lasting durability
- Side table
- Waterproof and rust-resistant
- 360 degree access
The Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill, 22-Inch, Black is one of the best known outdoor cooking grills that money can buy. In more than 50 years, Weber has managed to produce the most popular charcoal grill in North America.
The Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill is made from durable porcelain enameled steel construction and features ventilation control, side tables, three stainless steel burners, a nonstick aluminum cooking grate, and a convenient slide-out bottom tray for easy ash clean up and storage.
This grill is highly versatile and is great for all outdoor occasions and all outdoor cooking grills will benefit from this great addition to their outdoor kitchen.
2. Weber Jumbo Joe Charcoal Grill 18 Inch Black
Pros:
- Durable construction
- Great cooking space
- Adjustable charcoal grate
- Three burners
- Weber quality
- Available in different variations
- Lower price than other Weber BBQs
- Perfect size for cooking for the family
Cons:
- Not suited for cold weather
- Requires assembling
The Weber Jumbo Joe Charcoal Grill is a fantastic option for those who want to cook for a family of four easily. In fact, there are grills available in a variety of sizes. So it’s easy to choose one that fits your needs.
This BBQ is classic Weber: it’s durable and reliable. If you want to cook for a small family, or you’re single, this is the perfect choice. The quality is fantastic, and it’s great for outdoor grilling.
The Jumbo Joe is 18 inches wide, and it has a total cooking area of 480 square inches. It’s also incredibly portable because it folds up easily, which is also good for transportation. It weighs 22 pounds.
3. Weber 741001 Original Kettle 22-Inch Charcoal Grill
Pros:
- High-quality build
- Durable all-weather
- Simple setup
- Available in different colors and sizes
- Simple assembly for anyone
- It’s the right size and weight
Cons:
- Not as fancy as other grills out there
- No grill cover
The Weber 741001 charcoal grill is one of the top-rated electric grills of 2016, and there’s a good reason for it. The design of this grill is simple yet meaningful, and it’s very easy to use.
The measurements of the Weber kettle are 22.5 x 19.9 x 15.7 inches, so it’s plenty big for a backyard gathering. It’s pretty lightweight, measuring at 32 pounds, so it’s easy to move around.
The Weber Kettle has been around for over 40 years now, which is the prime example of building quality products. This grill comes with a Heat Island Chimney starter installed, so you’ll be grilling in no time!
4. Slow 'N Sear Deluxe
Pros:
- Holds heat exceptionally well
- Great for smoking and grilling
- Extra high-temp powder coating
- Comes with an 18-inch top shelf
- Easy to clean
- Very low priced
- Indefinite warranty
Whether it’s ribs, brisket, steak, or other meat you want to smoke, the SnS Deluxe will do the job. It’s one of the best devices you can have for smoking meat.
This is a heavy grill that comes with a built-in heat diffuser plate.
If you place your food on the plate, it will all retain heat very well.
5. The Original 'Upper Deck' Stainless Steel Grilling Warming Smoking Rack Charcoal Grill Grate
Pros:
- Easy to use and effortless to clean
- Great value for the money
- Compatible with a wide range of 22 inch kettles
- Simple installation
- Comes with a free storage bag
- Best selling product on Amazon
The Original 'Upper Deck' Stainless Steel Grilling Warming Smoking Rack Charcoal Grill Grate- For Use with 22 Inch Kettle Grills- Charcoal Grilling Accessories and Grill Tools is compatible with a wide range of 22 inch kettles.
This makes it one of the best selling products on amazon at the moment.
It has also been listed in the top 10 list of grilling accessories and grill tools product.
6. Weber 2290 22-Inch Charcoal Kettle Rotisserie
Pros:
- Very spacious
- Double-walled 5mm powder-coated porcelain enameled steel design
- Comes with a mini pizza stone
- Convenient magnetic thermometer
The Weber 22" Kettle BBQ is one of the best charcoal grills in its class. It comes with a wide cooking area and a deep lid makes it easy to monitor the grilling process.
The Weber 22" Kettle BBQ features an innovative lid that keeps the heat and smoke inside the enclosure without sacrificing the ability to add more charcoal or check on your food.
The Weber 22" Kettle BBQ is available in either a black or stainless finish. It's a handsome large way to get some great meals outdoors, especially if you have a large family.
7. Weber 10020 Smokey Joe 14-Inch Portable Grill,Black
Pros:
- Portable
- Perfect for all kinds of camping
- Classic design
- Quick assembly
- Pizzas can be cooked on it
Cons:
- A bit small
- No place to put the charcoal
The Weber 10020 Smokey Joe is preferred by many professional chefs and gourmets. It may look like a baby-sized version of the famous Weber kettle grill, it still can perform like a champ.
It is the perfect grill for people who love to frequently travel or have guests visiting. Its compact size allows it to be easily transported and stored without taking too much space.
It also comes with a handle that allows you to easily transport it from one place to another. Despite its size it can still cook a fair amount of food in a short period of time. It is a great alternative to the larger barbecues. It’s compact size makes it ideal for people that don’t like to spend their time cleaning after they grill.
8. Blaze 32-inch Charcoal Grill
Pros:
- Solidly built
- Comes with a 10-year warranty
- Easy to assemble
- Portable
- Works with both charcoal and gas
- Large cooking space
Cons:
- The handle is somewhat flimsy
- Not ideal for cooking for large gatherings
- A handful to clean
- The thermometer doesn’t work
- Hard to find replacement parts
Black.
This well-made backyard grill by Blaze has a handy hinged front panel that folds down for easy of adding charcoal or propane cylinders. It holds up to 65 pounds of charcoal and 30 pounds of cooked food, so you can easily feed a large party of people with this grill.
In terms of construction, the Blaze portable charcoal grill is made from high-grade steel and powder coated for extra durability. It comes with a 10-year warranty, so you can have peace of mind that your grill will last for years of outdoor cooking.
9. ISUMER Charcoal Grill Barbecue Portable BBQ
Pros:
- Excelente material. The material is strong but lightweight.
- I am very happy with this grill. Easy to clean and well-made. Its made from stainless steel. It is very strong and durable.
- Excellent product! It's hard to find products that you can use for so many things.
- I'm unhappy. It not like the top one. I will return it.
- it is not light weight as mentioned in the description.
Cons:
- Okay for the price. Not great. The cleaning takes some work. You can definitely smell the product on charcoal after it burns.
- The grates are a bit small so I did some modifications to them and extended them myself. Still works great!
- The grates are a bit small so I did some modifications to them and extended them myself. Still works great!
- The material is very cheap. When compared to others in the market, it is difficult to be used for a long time.
- Very difficult to clean. It's a big mess. It's nothing I would recommend.
10. Kingsford Original Charcoal Briquettes
Pros:
- Affordable
- Easy to make lighter coals for extreme temperature control when grilling
- Long-lasting
- Great for barbecues
- Produces quality, high-flavor foods
Poor rating on Amazon (3.7/5)
Shipping Restrictions: This item is not available for shipment outside of the United States.
Kingsford Original Charcoal Briquettes are perfect for your next barbecue or even to light up your charcoal grill. They’re not only easy to use but also easy to store and they come in a bag with 12.9 pounds of briquettes.
11. Weber 15501001 Performer Deluxe Charcoal Grill
Pros:
- * The head is easy to remove
It’s hard to find a better grill than the Weber. It’s one of the leading brands in charcoal grills, and it’s easy to see why. This grill offers several features and parts that make grilling a breeze.
The cast-iron cooking grates allow for even heat distribution as well as a solid surface to prepare different kinds of food on. The grill also includes a propane tank and a five-foot hose to allow for easy feeding of the tank.
The Weber comes with a temperature indicator so you can check on your food to see if it’s at the right temperature. The 1502 model is 22 inches long and has five different heights to cook your food at which is great for different kinds of food.
12. Kamado Joe KJ23RHC Classic II Charcoal Grill
Pros:
- Durable ceramic construction
- Food does not stick
- no assembly required
- Cost efficient
- Replaceable parts
- Standing height is 30 inches
Cons:
- Cumbersome to carry around
- Made of ceramic so can be extremely heavy
- Cannot be placed on the ground
The Kamado Joe KJ23RHC is a premier tabletop charcoal grill that features a huge ceramic cooking area that is ideal for grilling or smoking eight chicken breasts, eight burgers, eight steaks.
The walls and dome of the unit are made of high-quality ceramics provide uniform heating and retention across the entire surface. The Kamado Joe is the perfect solution for your home or for someone who loves grilling parties.
The Kamado Joe Deluxe Ceramic Grill Kamado Joe KJ23RHC has a removable charcoal tray and a chimney starter that allow you to add charcoal with a few simple motions. It features an industrial grade thermometer that ensures excellent temperature control and an easy to use control valve for a temperature range of 80°F to 700°F. The Kamado Joe KJ23RHC grill is extremely durable, comfortable to use and, very easy to assemble.
13. Jealous Devil All Natural Hardwood Lump Charcoal
Pros:
- The ash is virtually not existent
- Positives: Easy of use, Easy to light, Good quality and price
Cons:
- Negatives: A bit smoky, Not consistent pieces of wood
Jealous Devil is an all natural hardwood lump charcoal brand manufactured in New York, by individuals who use them to barbecue themselves. This American brand makes use of local hardwood to produce their lump charcoal and are never adulterated by wood scraps or chemicals.
Jealous Devil is a preferred choice by many grilling lovers because of its low ash, cleaner smell when being lit on fire and more. This brand is often compared to Kingsford and Weber for the differences of quality and price. It is an award-winning brand because of its outstanding quality and price for the amount provided to the customers.
The product is very easy to use and produces less ash when lit on fire. The heat is always consistent for your grilling, and it is very easy to control the burning and get the desired amount of heat for the specific type of barbecue you are having. The pieces of hardwood lump charcoal are small enough to easily catch fire on the grill which is easier to use in the beginning of the cooking time.
14. Smokenator 1000
Pros:
- Made in the USA
- Easy to use
- Excellent build quality
- Affordable
Cons:
- Takes longer to heat up
- No charcoal tray
The Smokenator 1000 is an excellent grill and smoker for the price. If you're looking for a stainless steel smoker that smokes up to 700 lbs of meat at once, look no further. This unit has a large charcoal chamber that holds 2 full sized bags of charcoal. This means you are ready to cook for a lot of people in no time.
The Smokenator 1000 features a large, built-in steel tray that's perfect for holding your coals and wood chips. For safety, the entire lid is made from tempered glass. What this means for your grilling experience is you won't have to worry about ash covering your food due to the hinged cooking grate.
The best features about this grill is the racks for holding your food. There's an upper rack that can comfortably hold 6 racks of ribs or 10 chickens, and a lower grill rack for an upper rack. You can switch between the two using the included hand tools, which is extremely convenient. With these racks, you can create a deep pile of coals on one side that will directly sear your food while its smoking on the other.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the best charcoal grill on the market?
The best charcoal grill out into the market is the Weber Performer Deluxe Charcoal Grill. This portable model is equipped with state-of-the-art technology that allows you to get a great taste of meat without compromising on flavor.
This grill is built with porcelain-coated cast-iron grates that give the charcoal a smooth heat distribution. They are composed of three primary burners and an indirect cooking area for hot and slow cooking.
When should I add more charcoal to my grill?
You should add a new layer of charcoal when the existing layer is almost burned. You can add charcoal at any point during the cooking process but you should be aware that it can affect the cooking time slightly.
However, you shouldn’t add more charcoal when the meat is almost done. Adding more charcoal alone will not increase the temperature and it can also lead to flare-ups. Instead, you should close the lid to retain the heat.
Adding charcoal on the other hand can be done more frequently as it will have little to no effect on cooking time.
How much charcoal should I use in my grill?
Make sure that your cooking grate is in a position such that the air vents on the lid are blocked and the charcoal is as close to direct heat as possible.
Most charcoal grills require two-thirds to three-quarters of your bag for one cooking session. If you are using the charcoal briquettes and the fire starts to die out, you need to add more charcoal immediately. You can add charcoal throughout cooking to maintain a constant temperature. While you are grilling, you may need to add charcoal to the fire at least twice.
Furthermore, for a larger grill you will need more charcoal in the beginning than you will need later. This is because the center burns faster than the edges because it’s closer to the fire. Small pieces of charcoal kindle the fire. Therefore, make sure you add enough charcoal to the fire and arrange it in such a way that it burns quickly. However, do not sit the charcoal on the bottom.
What is the best Weber charcoal grill to buy?
The Weber Original Kettle is by far a favorite of many, but there are others just as good. The Weber Spirit(TM) Series Grills are similar to Weber’s Original Series in that they’re made of quality materials and are very easy to assemble. The Spirit Grills come in either two or three-burner models and there are many accessories you can buy to add to the grill.
Another great option is found in Weber’s Genesis Series Grills. They’re a step up from the Spirit Series because they’re made with better materials and are larger. A Genesis grill is perfect for large outdoor gatherings.
Conclusion
Have you been waiting for the right time to get your hands on one of the new charcoal grills? If so, you’re in luck, because we have put together a list of thoughtfully-selected suggestions to help you narrow down the options to the grill that best suits your needs. If you want organic charcoal, we recommend the Sunrise Charcoal Grills [1]. If you're looking for a grill that's easy to transport, we recommend the Ole Hickory [2]. If you want top notch performance, we recommend the Weber Q [3] [4]. And if you're looking for an affordable grill with a big cooking surface, we recommend the Char-Broil Classic 800 [5].
Our Recommendation
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill | Best Overall | |
| The Original 'Upper Deck' Stainless Steel Grilling Warming Smoking Rack Charcoal Grill Grate | Budget Pick | |
| Blaze 32-inch Charcoal Grill | Upgrade Pick | |