15 Best Charcoal Grill in 2023: In-depth Reviews and Buyer’s Guide
No one can resist the lure of a charcoal grill, the knockout flavors, and the incredible aromas it produces. Whether its steak, chicken or ribs, a charcoal grill will definitely work magic on your food by incorporating a smoky flavor.
And having the best charcoal grill will no doubt even offer better results. Unfortunately, choosing the best grill can be daunting and tricky. After all, a charcoal grill with all the bells and whistles might probably not be right for you.
You might be wondering, so which is the best charcoal grill that will rise to the occasion? Well, it should be:
- Durable
- Energy efficient
- Built with safety in mind
- Highly portable
Considering the many different charcoal grills available, we are here to help you narrow down your options. Below are some of the best grills worth considering and a guide on what to look out for when buying one.
Top Picks for Best Charcoal Grill: Comparison List
This is a review of different charcoal grills to help you make an informed decision next time you go shopping for one. It comprises 15 best products from different brands, with different benefits and drawbacks.
1. Lodge Cast Iron Hibachi-Style Sportsman Grill
If you are looking for the perfect Charcoal Grill that you could bring to your camping trip, the Hibachi-Style Sportsman Grill from Lodge would be an excellent choice. It is a portable Charcoal Grill that is well-suited for use in your camping and fishing trips as well as in your backyard.
Although it is more substantial than other Charcoal Grills in the market, it has a sturdy construction that should assure you of top-notch service for years to come.
Product Description
The Cast Iron Sportsman Grill is made in Tennessee, USA and it has a sturdy Cast Iron construction. This should assure you of service for many years to come.
No products found.
It offers you 120 square inches of cooking space on the grate and weighs roughly 33lbs to make it relatively heavy. There is a front door that gives you access to the fire while the sliding bottom vent allows for temperature adjustment.
Additionally, there is a flip-down door that allows you to add charcoal and wood as you proceed with the cooking.
The Grill has rounded corners and steel handles that should come in handy in transportation while there is also the built-in shelf that allows you to rest your utensils.
Other Features and Benefits
The first advantage with this Grill is the ease of assembly and set up. The box includes simple and straightforward instructions which if you follow to the latter, you should be good to go in a couple of minutes.
It also has a sleek design and should not occupy too much space in your backyard. The Grill is broad, and you can roast different food items in one go.
The Cast Iron construction gives this Grill fantastic heat conductivity and retention. This implies that it should take you less time in preparing your meal.
The Grill also has a non-stick property that makes it easy to clean after preparing your meal.
Lighting it up should be straightforward as well since you only need to insert some crumpled papers through the bottom and in a short while, the coals should light up.
Lastly, it is affordable, and you do not have to break the bank to acquire it.
Pros
- Sturdy construction
- Easy to set up
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Takes time to cool down
2. Kamado Joe Classic II KJ23RHC Charcoal Grill
The design of this Charcoal Grill is based on the Kamado Cooking concept which has its roots in China and Japan from over 3000 years ago. Even though it is based on ancient concepts, it utilizes modern materials and ideas as well to ensure that you have pleasant fishing experience.
It is an attractive grill which should add to the décor of your backyard. Although it lies on the pricey end of things, it is a top performer that should give you service that is worth every cent you spend on it.
Product Description
The Kamado Joe Classic II Charcoal Grill is made in Japan, and it features two sets of cooking grates that offer a combined cooking surface of 508 Square Inches. It has the patented barrel-shaped design that is attractive and should add to the beauty of your yard or deck.
It has a multiple level rack system that allows you to cook at varying temperatures. Meanwhile, the ceramic body offers excellent heat retention as well as heat and moisture control.
Then, there is the advanced intake and exhaust that offers reliable ventilation for smoking while the fiberglass reinforced gasket should come in handy in maintaining the seal between the lid and the body.
It has a built-in thermometer and has a cooking temperature range of between 225 to 750 deg. F.
Other Features and Benefits
This Grill is compact and should not take up too much space in your backyard.
Then, it arrives well-packaged, and all the accessories you need to use this Grill should be in the package. They include twin side tables, a rolling stand with locking wheels, a Grill Gripper, an Ash Tool for clean-up and the Divide and Conquer Grill System.
Another benefit is the easy setup, and in a matter of minutes, you should be set to go.
It is a tight and stable unit with everything tightly attached. As a result, there is minimal chance of the Grill falling apart during use.
The side tables should offer a convenient place for resting your cookware while the top vent and bottom ash drawer are easily accessible.
Lastly, it is versatile, easy to use, clean, and maintain, and has excellent customer support.
Pros
- Pleasant to look at
- Excellent heat-retention
- Easy to use
Cons
- Too pricey
3. ISUMER Hibachi Charcoal Grill
If you are looking for the Charcoal Grill that should take up the least amount of time in searing meat and vegetables, the Hibachi Charcoal Grill by ISUMER is here for you. It lacks a grill which would have decreased oxygen and temperature as well, and as a result, your cooking time should significantly improve.
Our review contains an in-depth analysis of this Grill.
Product Description
The ISUMER Hibachi Charcoal Grill is designed to be portable, with four detachable legs that make it easy to carry and store. This makes it perfect for camping, picnics, and grilling in limited spaces.
It has a sturdy stainless steel construction that makes the unit to be solid, rust and abrasion-resistant. This gives it durability and longevity to serve you for many years to come.
You can adjust the height and balance of this mat via the plastic floor mat on one of the legs.
Assembling and setting up the unit should be a straightforward process, while cleaning and maintenance should be a breeze as well.
Other Features and Benefits
Just as the assembly is a straightforward process, the disassembling too should only take you a few minutes to complete. We mostly attribute this to the four detachable legs that allow for easy storage and transportation.
It has an ergonomic design which makes it easier to use as compared to other Charcoal Grills in the market.
You should also notice that the charcoal in this Grill burns more vigorously and we can attribute this to the side ventilation that allows for more oxygen circulation. Of course, you can control how much the fire burns so that your food does not burn or the charcoal gets wasted.
Lastly, the Grill can accommodate between four to six burgers at a go. So you can prepare a meal for many people all at once.
Pros
- Easy to assemble and disassemble
- Portable
- Has a side-ventilation to allow for better air circulation
Cons
- The side is too thin
Also Read: Best 4-Slice Toaster– Here’s What You Need to Know
4. Weber Smokey Mountain 18″ Smoker
If you are looking for the perfect Smoker that should be effective in smoking your meat, the Weber Smokey Mountain is a reasonable place to start. This is a closed multi-storied smokehouse which is designed to allow smoke to spread evenly to all the cooking food items.
Although it may take time for you to be completely comfortable in using this Smoker, it is a reliable performer which should ensure that you get incredible outcomes at the end of the day.
Product Description
The Weber Smokey Mountain 18″ Smoker is made in the USA, and it comprises of two cooking grates that serve to offer sufficient room for smoking two items in one go.
It has a removable fuel door that allows you to add charcoal and wood while the smoking continues, and you do not have to lose a lot of the smoke.
There is the Silicone temperature grommet that allows you to monitor the internal temperature of your Smoker. It also has the adjustable dampers that should come in handy in regulating the heat of the Smoker.
Other Features and Benefits
The first advantage comes from the construction, whereby the body is made out of powder-coated steel to give it the capability to withstand extreme heat and weather.
On the other hand, the vents, legs, and internal brackets holding the grates are made out of aluminum for sturdiness.
The top handle and the access door handle are made out of plastic, and so this makes it safe for you to handle them during cooking. When it comes to the cooking grates, they are chrome plated, and this makes them very easy to clean.
Another advantage is the easy assembly and set up, which should take you only a few minutes to complete.
Lastly, it has a versatility aspect in that you can convert it to a standard grill whenever the need arises.
Pros
- Easy setup
- Compact and saves on space
- Sturdy construction
Cons
- Expensive
5. Weber Original Kettle 22-Inch Premium Charcoal Grill
If you have any experience in grilling and barbecuing, then you should know by now that Weber products have always been associated with top-notch performance for several decades.
Our review shall focus on the Original 22 Inch Premium Grill which is designed to be durable so that you do not need any replacement soon.
Product Description
This Grill is made in the USA and has a porcelain coated bowl and lid fused to the metal at around 1500 deg. F. This gives it an impressive heat-retention and durability in that it should not peel or rust easily.
The lid has a hook so that you do not have to place it on the ground as you grill while the cooking grate is hinged so that you add charcoal as you continue grilling your meat and burgers.
With 363 square inches of cooking area, this Grill is large enough to hold up to 13 burgers in one go. On the other hand, the Weber One-Touch Cleaning System should make cleaning this Grill to be very easy.
It has heat-shielded handles to keep your hands safe from the hot surface while the two large wheels should enhance the ease of moving the Grill about.
The bowl, the ring, and the lid have a ten-year warranty on them.
Other Features and Benefits
This Grill is versatile, and you can easily convert it into a smoker. Note that you should be careful with the setup if you want the Smoker to be as effective as you desire.
When it comes to cleaning, it should be quite easy, with the removable ash bucket that fits nicely under the vent slots. Once you are done cooking, you can sweep the ash into the bucket and then empty it. Just like that, you will have dealt with the ashes.
It has a built-in lid thermometer that should help you in monitoring the internal temperature of the Grill. The interior porcelain coating should help in boosting the cooking temperatures for reliable performance.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Comes with a 10-year limited warranty
- Versatile
Cons
- The lid takes up a huge portion of the Grill
6. Primo Ceramic Oval XL Charcoal Smoker Grill
The Oval XL Grill is the largest Charcoal Grill from the Primo brand. It is a ceramic grill that offers versatility that is rare to find in other Charcoal Grills in the market. You can use it as a slow roasting smoker or as a high-temperature grill and should give you amazing outdoor cooking experience.
Read our review and see if this Grill reaches the standards that you are looking for.
Product Description
The Primo Ceramic Oval XL is made in the USA, and it features a heavy ceramic shell that should have fantastic heat retention as well as eliminate temperature fluctuations.
The Ceramic construction should give this Grill a reliable and consistent performance as well as durability to serve you for many years to come.
It features Reversible Porcelain-coated Cast Iron cooking grates that offer up to 400 square inches of cooking area that you can use in preparing multiple foods at once.
You can always expand this cooking area up to 680 Square inches via optional accessory grates.
The top vent is made of cast iron while the bottom vent is constructed out of stainless steel, and this further enhances the durability of this Grill.
The divider for firebox should enable to perform indirect grilling without having to use an optional plate setter. The Grill has a Spring-loaded lid that should be easy to lift.
Other Features and Benefits
The outstanding feature with this Grill is the oval shape that allows for two-zone heating. This is whereby you can place hot coals on one side and leave the other side without a heat source. This Grill has sufficient space to ensure that this is possible.
Further, it comes with deflector plates that should enable a greater temperature difference between the two zones.
Lastly, this Grill can maintain the heat of 225 deg. F for up to 17-hours, making it a more than efficient Charcoal Grill.
Pros
- Sturdy and high-quality construction
- It is versatile
- Large smoking capacity
Cons
- You have to purchase the stand separately
7. Weber Original 741001 22-Inch Kettle Charcoal Grill
If you are looking for a charcoal grill that is well-suited to serve a large family or a party, the Weber Original 22″ Kettle Grill would be a decent pick. It offers you a cooking space of up to 363 square inches of cooking area, and this makes it the ideal Grill that should serve a huge capacity of people with the appropriate amount of food.
Check out our brief review and see if this Grill is worth making it to your list.
Product Description
Made in the USA, this Grill features a Porcelain-coated lid and bowl that should have an impressive heat-retention. Further, it should not peel or rust easily, and this should add to its durability aspect.
The plated cooking grill is made out of steel and is durable, easy to clean plus retains heat quite well. Then, it features dampers that should come in handy as you attempt to regulate the temperature inside the Grill.
The lid features a hook that gives you the freedom to continue grilling without having to place the top on the ground. Another feature is the One Touch Cleaning system that offers a very straightforward means of cleaning up the ashes.
The cooking area is decently sized and can hold up to 13 burgers in one go.
Other Features and Benefits
With this Grill, your cooking time should significantly improve, starting with the porcelain coated interior that ensures the cooking temperatures are much higher.
Then, the plated steel grate should go some way in ensuring that the Grill delivers an even barbecuing performance.
Still, on the grate, it has a sturdy and heavy-duty construction that gives it the capability to withstand very high temperatures without breaking apart. This means that it is durable and should serve you for a long time into the future.
Another benefit lies in the heat-shielded handles that should keep your hands safe from the scorching Grill.
The aluminum ash catcher should play a significant role in enhancing the ease of cleaning up this Grill. The two large wheels will come in handy in moving this tool from one point to another.
It is a versatile tool that gives you the option to choose between direct and indirect grilling.
Lastly, it comes with a 10-year warranty to give you peace of mind as you put the Grill to use.
Pros
- Easy to use and clean
- Ample cooking area
- Sturdy construction
Cons
- The instruction guide is not that clear for a beginner
8. Dyna-Glo Charcoal DGO1176BDC-D Offset Smoker
If you are looking for a charcoal grill where you can smoke up to 100 lbs of food at a time, then should consider checking out this Dyna-Glo Charcoal DGO1176BDC-D Offset Smoker. It is ideal because it features a 784 square inches of the total smoking area.
Product Description
This off smoker has a vertical design which is ideal for giving your food juicy flavor with minimum smoke. It has a dual door which makes sure that you are able to add wood chips while still holding the heat from the chamber.
The 15000 Iron Burner has a heavy duty construction which ensures a reliable and quick ignition. This is a great off smoker for beginners. This product features a porcelain charcoal enameled chamber, heavy duty steel body, stainless steel temperature gauge and a cast iron burner.
Features and Benefits
To start with, it features an inbuilt temperature gauge where all that is related to the cooker can be found. What’s more, the cooker operates a grease management system that helps the internal parts clean. Then there’s the porcelain enameled body that provides you with hassle free maintenance.
In addition, it is constructed in a strong steel frame with angled and legs for additional support. The other great thing is the racks are easy to adjust so as to accommodate whole birds and veggies. The offset design maximizes indirect heat flow which is ideal for infusing smoke flavor and slow cooking.
Moreover, it features 6 cooking grates with different sizes and a cooking square of 1176 inches so that it can accommodate different types and sizes of food
Pros
- Sturdy steel frame
- Heavy duty racks
- Large cooking space
- Low price
Cons
- Does not have a heat deflector/ Shield
9. Weber Joe Jumbo Charcoal Grill
If you are a camping enthusiast then you probably agree that the smell of food cooking on charcoal is one of the most amazing things of the whole experience. At first glance this does not look like a portable grill but it is packed with a lot of features and quality you would expect from a full size portable package. Let us go into a more in-depth review of this charcoal grill.
Product Description
This Weber Joe Jumbo Charcoal Grill has 240 inches cooking space which means, it can accommodate up to six hot dogs and five burgers at a time, it is most suitable for a camping trip with your immediate family or smaller gatherings.
It features dampers that make it easy for you to control the temperature in the grill when you need to decrease or decrease accordingly. Interestingly, though the grill is small in size, its design makes sure that it is easy to store but still has the cooking space well placed.
Benefits and Benefits
One of the most outstanding qualities of this charcoal grill is that it is light weight which makes it easy to carry around. Weber further makes it easily portable by making sure that the Tuck Carry Lid Lock on this grill is tight and sturdy. Besides that, the lid lock wire holds the lid so no need to place it on the ground.
Besides that, the bowl and lid made of are porcelain enamel which is a great material for keeping high temperatures high and retaining heat. The porcelain enameled surface does not peel or rust easily. This ultimately prolongs the grill’s lifespan.
In addition, it the beneath of the charcoal has an aluminum ash holder which makes it quite easy to clean. However, some customers claim that the nylon handle may be too hot to touch.
Pros
- East to assemble
- Stable locking system
- Solid and stable legs
- Even heating
- Heavy duty construction
Cons
- Handles may get too hot
10. Char E11620 Griller Charcoal Grill
Generally, kamado grills are way too expensive than other standard charcoal grill. However, the Char E11620 Griller Charcoal Grill is a pocket friendly option, especially if is your first kamado grill and you want to try it out first. Char griller goal is to produce reliable grills that get the job done without having to bust the bank.
Product Description
The Char E11620 Griller Charcoal Grill is constructed with a triple 22 walled gauge which not on only enables it to retain a high temperature level but also makes it durable. This charcoal grill has an overall cooking space of 314 square inches and an extra 314 square inches warming rack.
It’s almost impossible to run out of space with this charcoal grill. Other additional features are integrated hooks and foldable shelves which make it easy to store your grilling equipment within an arm’s reach.
Features and Benefits
Unlike other traditional kamados that are built with ceramic materials, this grill is made of steel which keeps the grill sturdy and durable. This means, it does not crack or shutter even when dropped. Although it is too difficult to drop a unit that’s too heavy to lift, you will be amazed by the types of accidents that may happen in the backyard.
The bottom and top dampers makes it easy to control the temperature inside the grill. In addition, the insulated design enables you to maintain the temperature at around 200 and 700 degrees. To top it all up, tis charcoal grill is very fuel efficient so you will be saving up since you will be using less fuel.
The only downfall is the steel kamados may rust so make sure you keep it dry to make it last longer.
Pros
- Powder coated steel
- Low priced
- Multiple colors
- Adjustable dampers
Cons
- Steel kamados may rust
11. Dyna- Glo Vertical DGX780BDC Charcoal Smoker
If you love charcoal grills because of the flavor it gives your food, then Dyna- Glo Vertical DGX780BDC Charcoal Smoker might be great option. You can easily smoke your food with this grill and smoker and then add a layer of preferred flavors.
Let us do a brief review of to give you a better understanding of this charcoal smoker.
Product Description
This equipment dimensions are 21 “W x 49” H x 21 “W which makes it ideal smoking. This charcoal smoker is able to smoke a lot of food at a time. As the heat and smoke rises up the smoker, they give your food an amazing smoky taste.
The Dyna- Glo Vertical DGX780BDC Charcoal Smoker features 4 adjustable cooking grates. It has a 784 square inches cooking area and is a rare but great example of low priced charcoal cabinet smoker.
Features and Benefits
One thing about this smoker is that its grates are easily adjustable making quite flexible when it comes to cooking different food types. The cooking area is large enough for preparing family meals. What’s more, the double door helps to minimize heat loss.
On top of that, it features a removable ash pan which makes cleaning super easy. Not to mention the temperature gauge that helps you know the temperature inside the grill. Also, the charcoal chamber ensures that the stacked briquettes stay in a tight position assist the coal t burn efficiently.
Pros
- Easy to clean
- Very spacious
- Easy to monitor the temperature
- High quality
Cons
- May be difficult to assemble
12. PK Grills and Outdoor Charcoal Grill and Smoker Combination
It is important that any charcoal grill be mobile and portable and the PK Grills and Outdoor Charcoal Grill and Smoker Combination is mobile and quite compact. This grill has some features that you might not find in other charcoal grills on the market. . Let us go into a more in-depth analysis of this grill to give you a better understanding of it.
Product Description
This heavy duty equipment has a whooping weight of 45 pounds. This grill has 4 vents which makes it easy to switch from slow and low barbecue to a high heat hearing. We especially loved the body which easily lifts off the cart and makes also make it very portable.
This grill ensures accuracy all thanks to its tel-tru thermometer. Its accuracy is by +1 / -1. The lid is fully hinged to the grill which makes it easy to close and open the grill without placing your lid on the floor. In addition to this, it comes with a 10 year warranty.
Features and Benefits
The first notable feature is that it is constructed with cast aluminum which makes it more durable than most grills constructed with porcelain. In fact, no need to worry about this grills rusting. Also, this charcoal grill has a special capsule shape which helps to contain the heat inside the grill.
More importantly, the grill can easily be detached from its stand. This means if you are planning to take it with you for outdoor activities, you will have an easy time bringing it with you. On top of that, the grill has a special ash management system that is able control the ash in the cook chamber by itself. This makes it easy for you to clean the grill after use.
Pros
- Hinges lid
- 10 year warranty
- Dual shelf system
- 4 heating point
- Efficient ash management system
Cons
- Cooking is a bit small
13. Dyna- Glo Premium DGN576DNC-D Charcoal Grill
The Dyna- Glo Premium DGN576DNC-D Charcoal Grill is meant for grilling enthusiasts. Its price and a size are on point but its features are beyond what is found in most home grills. This grill is ideal for when you are planning to hold a large outdoor event. This is a big investment so let us do a brief review to see what you will get if you decide to go for this charcoal grill.
Product Description
This is dual equipment for grilling and smoking without additional adjustments so as to perform its duties properly. This smoker has over 800 square inches cooking surface area. This makes it one of the best smokers for the price. It is able to feed many people and gives you enough space to cook at least 32 burgers in one go.
This smoker is also attached to a basket shelf below and 2 side shelves for placing utensils and keeping extra food as you cook. The side shelves are also ideal for slicing, cooling or even serving your food. For extra durability, this smoker has a heavy duty iron construction which makes it quite sturdy.
This grill also has a bottle opener on the side where your guest can have cold drinks as they wait for their food. The cooking grates are able to control your food flavor by controlling the amount of smoke you want in.
Features and Benefits
This smoker features a charcoal adjustment system which makes heat adjustment super easy, hence enabling you to control the heat level. Besides that, it has a front door fueling approach that makes fueling quite safe for you when cooking.
On top of that, if features a stainless steel smoke stack and an inbuilt thermometer with an adjustable flu which allows you to adjust heat and flavors from within. The cooking grates coated with porcelain enamel and are built with strong iron. This means, you food will have beautiful and amazing grill marks.
Though it weigh a ton, it features two wheels built from heavy duty resin to assist you move it around. The two wheels are further attached to two other wheels with lockable casters for extra stability.
Pros
- Great price for its quality
- Front door fueling
- Slidable cooking grates
- 2 side shelves
Cons
- Lid does not close tightly
Read More About: 15 Best Bakeware Sets to Buy: The Ultimate Guide
14. Weber Master- Touch 14501001 Charcoal Grill
The Weber Master- Touch 14501001 Charcoal Grill is quite popular because of a number of things. This grill has an ergonomic design which makes it suitable for those who love grilling. This grill is made in the USA by Weber Products Company.
Product Description
This grill has a 363 square inches cooking surface and is able to accommodate up to 13 hamburgers at once. The lid is and bowl is made with porcelain enamel for great heat retention. Due to this, it is gives a consistent temperature when cooking.
Since this grill is constructed with high quality materials, it is able to withstand rusts, peeling and cracks. It has a removable circular center section which you can replace with griddle, pizza stone, wok and much more. Also, it has an inbuilt thermometer for temperature accuracy.
Features and Benefits
Unlike most grills which let you put in charcoal in a disorderly manner, this grill has an organized charcoal mechanism which helps you in maximizing the space of your grill. If you want to reduce or increase the heat in the grill, all you need to do is simply adjust the dampers. If you want to extinguish the coals, just close the dampers.
No need to worry about cleaning this grill because it has a one touch weber’s cleaning system. This system makes it easy to get rid of any ash with a removable ash catcher. However, some customers have reported that the legs may be shaky for its body. This means it’s not easily portable.
Pros
- Adjustable damper
- Porcelain enameled lid
- Can cook up to 13 hamburgers
- Removable ash catcher
Cons
- Shaky legs
15. Weber Performer 15501001 Deluxe Charcoal Grill
Weber has been in the game for over 30 years and continues to be one of the most respected and recognized grill brands on today’s market. Their designs are of high quality and very versatile and the Performer 15501001 Deluxe Black Charcoal Grill is no exception.
Product Description
The lid and the bowl measures 22 “D and are completely enameled with porcelain. The actual overall cooking area has a measurement of 363 square inches. What does this mean for your cooking? It means you can cook up to 13 burgers at once on this charcoal grill.
The gas lighting system as super easy to operate because all you need to do is to push a button and you are all set. The Touch-GO-N gas ignition is fueled by a disposable propane bottle. This means you don’t have to fuse around with lighting charcoal.
This grill has a storage container where you can conveniently store your charcoal. Besides that, it is weather safe which means your charcoal is well protected from outdoor elements.
Features and Benefits
To begin with, this grill features a 2 grate pat system which enables you to hinged grate, middle steel plated section and replace it with a wide range of cooking surfaces including giggle, wok or pizza stone. In addition, the grill can get very hot! Luckily the lid handle is designed with nylon which protects your fingers from the heat while closing or lifting the lid.
More importantly, the hinge grate allows you to easily access and replenish charcoal. In addition, this grill features easily removable charcoal baskets so at create indirect and direct heat zones which give you a better control of the cooking temperature.
Another great addition to this grill is the removable ash catcher which prevents ash from blowing your cooking area. To top it all up, the grill has one touch aluminized cleaning system and the coating is porcelain enameled for easy cleaning.
Pros
- Good quality
- Simple to assemble
- Easy to clean
- Protects your fingers from heat
Cons
- A bit pricy
Types of Charcoal Grills
Ideally, there are over five different types of charcoal grills available including:
Brazier
This is one of the most inexpensive and simple types of grill. It features a wire metal sheet plus a cooking pan along with charcoal. Heat adjustment is usually done manually by either lowering or raising the cooking grid. Besides, brazier grills come in various shapes and sizes but are relatively small and with no covers.
Portable Charcoal Grill
As the name suggests, this is a portable grill that is typically rectangular or square in shape. It is designed to be easy to transport and store. In fact, it can fit even in the trunk of a car.
Pellet Grill
Fueled by hardwood pellets, this explains why it’s called a pellet grill. This type of grill can be used as a grill, smoker, and barbecue. Different flavors of wood can be used including oak, apple, and maple. The main advantage of this grill is its temperature versatility that is controlled via a thermostat.
Barrel Grill
This grill is made from a standard 55-gallon barrel that is cut in half. The upper half forms the lid while the lower contains the charcoal and cooking grid. It also has vents at the top and bottom to promote proper airflow.
Kettle Grill
With this grill, the lower charcoal chamber has the shape of a kettle hence the name. It boasts a venting system, a domes lid, cooking grill, charcoal grid, and legs. Some designs also have ash catcher and wheels for ease of mobility.
Ceramic Cooker
Constructed from ceramic, this grill retains heat more efficiently than most grills. As such, it does a great job when it comes to slow cooking as compared to other grill models. This makes it apt for barbecue, smoking, and grilling.
Tandoor oven
This is also an infrared oven and grill which is mainly used in preparing Pakistani and Indian dishes. Charcoal is normally placed at the bottom while other items are placed in skewers to ensure they are exposed to the direct infrared heat. Consequently, it cooks meat faster than other grills since it’s able to reach high temperatures.
Buying Guide- Factors to Consider when Buying a Charcoal Grill
Everyone would like a charcoal grill that will stand up for many years to the repeated blasts of intense heat. Charcoal grills come in different sizes and also have different features. Therefore, before you narrow down to a particular charcoal grill, there are a couple of things you will need to consider.
Here is our comprehensive checklist of all the considerations you need to keep in mind as you shop for the best grill.
Cooking space
Charcoal grills come in different cooking space sizes. Therefore, you have to think about how much cooking space you need. Ideally, if you want a grill that can feed many people, you should look for one with a large space. On the other hand, if you’re going to be serving two to three people, a grill with a small space is the best. Nevertheless, more cooking space is always desirable though since you don’t know when you might have many visitors.
Build quality
The build quality of the charcoal grill is determined by the materials used. Generally, a grill made of quality materials should stand up to intense heat and heavy use for many years.
Heavy-duty materials like heavy ceramic, cast aluminum or cast iron are pro-choices when it comes to best grills. However, charcoal grills made of these materials are a bit pricey.
If you are on a budget, grills made of chrome-plated and porcelain-coated are also good. Unfortunately, such grills might not stand up to intensive use for many years.
Ease of use
A charcoal grill that is easy to use can make the difference between a pleasant and awful grilling experience. So, ensure you look for a grill that is well known for its ease of use and thoughtful design. For instance, it should have racks that sit steadily, vents that open easily and hoods that conveniently hang on the side.
Size
There are various types and sizes of charcoal grills. Therefore, you need to ask yourself how big the charcoal grill you want is. For example, if you want a grill that you can take camping, the lake or the beach, a portable grill is the best. Besides, if your patio or backyard is a bit small, then you need to find one that does not take much space.
Safety
Grilling is extremely fun but charcoal grills get very hot. Consequently, safety is paramount. Investing in an insulated grill is, therefore, advisable to minimize your chances of getting burned as much as possible.
Temperature control and maintenance
If you’re a pro at taming the flame, that’s great because it means you can handle the inconsistencies with temperature. But if you’re not, then investing in a grill that is designed to maintain steady heat when needed is important.
Generally, a charcoal grill with a lid to block the warmth inside is the best. It allows you to cook your food at the right temperature. However, the lid must be air-tight to ensure the warmth stays inside the grill.
Additionally, some grills enable you to adjust the distance between the food and the charcoal. As a result, you can easily raise or lower the temperature.
Easy to clean
One of the downsides of charcoal grills is that after charcoal has burned, you end up with ash. What’s more, the ash needs to be disposed to ensure the grill is working optimally. Luckily, some grills usually feature an ashtray underneath or ash pans on the sides. The ashtray allows you to easily throw out the ash thereby making cleaning the grill as effortless as possible.
Warranty and customer support
A solid warranty is yet another factor to consider when buying a charcoal grill. Ideally, a warranty of at least five years to backup heavy usage is good enough. Besides the warranty, a helpful customer support system is very important. Therefore, check out what other people say about the customer service of the manufacturer of the particular grill you would like to buy.
Frequently Asked Questions
That’s enough buying advice, now let’s take a look at some questions that you might have concerning charcoal grills. We hope these questions and answers will also help you in making an informed decision.
What size grill is the best?
It entirely depends on the amount of food you want to prepare and how many people you want to serve. However, the bigger the charcoal grill, the better as it gives you more flexibility. Simply put, you can cook more food items at the same time with a bigger grill.
Between charcoal and gas grill, which is the best?
Both types of grills will get the job done. Besides, each has its benefits and drawbacks as well. However, if you want speed and extra convenience when it comes to controlling the temperature, gas grills are the best. On the other hand, if you want your food to have that distinct smoky flavor, then a charcoal grill is all you need.
How do I light my charcoal grill?
You can choose to use a chimney starter, a lighter fluid, organic fire starter or an electric charcoal barbeque starter.
What type of charcoal is the best for grilling?
You can choose between lump charcoal and charcoal briquettes. Lump charcoal produces less ash, is easy to light and gives your food a natural smoke flavor. Charcoal briquettes, on the other hand, take longer to burn but lights up easy.
Which is the Best Charcoal Grill? – The Winner
All the charcoal grills that we have reviewed above are winners. However, if we were to choose just one of them, we would go with the Lodge Cast Iron Hibachi-Style Sportsman’s Grill. We love its overall build quality and the fact that it is easy to regulate its temperature. Not to mention, its spacious cooking space.
Conclusion
Regardless of your budget, it is unlikely that you will not find a charcoal grill that best suits your needs. As you can see, we have reviewed a wide variety of grills that are available at different price points. So, happy grilling!
