Ranking the Best Charcoal Grills of 2022

The greatest charcoal grill gives you complete control over the cooking process, allowing you to create the best recipes exactly as you want them. You may use as many coals as you want to reach the correct temperature and place them in the grill anytime you want to create various cooking zones. You may cook directly over the embers to produce food with a charred exterior, or you can shift your food to a less heated location for gentle cooking and a smoky flavor.

However, you must keep an eye on the hot coals because they may need to be replenished before you finish cooking. But remember to take them out when you’re finished cooking and ready to store your charcoal grill.

Sure, you could cook meat on any grill; however, some significant differences set charcoal grills apart from the rest. Furthermore, charcoal grilling differs significantly from other types of grilling, such as gas grilling and smoking. The grill will be crucial in how you prepare your veggies and meat.

Grilling steaks and other pricey meats requires the right grill; else, they will be charred and tasteless.

Weber’s Original Kettle Grill

 

This kettle charcoal grill’s round design is what makes it the best charcoal grill overall. The spherical shape of a kettle grill has been utilized for decades with no significant alterations. So, when you think of a charcoal grill, you probably think of the Webers Original Kettle Grill.

The spherical form of this charcoal barbecue works well because it generates a conduction heating system. It can grill over direct fire, but it can also smoke meat or vegetables, however bigger grills are better for smoking than the Original Kettle Grill.

This model is 22 inches in length and has 363 square inches of grilling surface, making it ideal for big family cookouts. Because it has a peg leg and two wheels, the Webers Original Kettle charcoal grill is extremely portable. This device, however, is too large to be termed a portable barbecue.

This charcoal grill is also extremely easy to clean thanks to a three-blade ash sweeper and removable ash catcher. Because of its cheap price, this is regarded the greatest charcoal grill overall.

Pros:

• Features a round design
• Great distribution of heat
• Easy to get rid of ashes
• Works great for all grilling types
• Large grilling space

Cons:

• Not a portable grill
• Other charcoal grills are better at smoking meat

Char-Griller Akorn Kamado Kooker

 

Because of its teardrop shape, this is the greatest charcoal grill with a smoker. This charcoal barbecue attracts attention since it resembles an upside-down teardrop or a beer keg if you recall your college days.

The design of this charcoal grill is inspired by the Kamado cooking method, which originated in Japan roughly 3,000 years ago. This grill’s design allows it to function as both a direct heat grill and a smoker. It provides excellent value for the high-performance level, but its shallow bottom prevents you from using indirect grilling methods.

This grill has 314 square inches of cooking surface and 133 square inches of warming rack space. This grill has 447 square inches of cooking surface, making it great for anybody who wants to grill a significant amount of meat for a large party. To ensure stability, the tripod design has two wheels and a peg leg.

This grill has a remarkable advantage in that it can hold its heat for an extended amount of time. However, it is not designed to be long-lasting, so it will not last forever.

Pros:

• Great for grilling and smoking
• Neat design
• Extremely large cooking area
• Retains heat for a long time
• Great price point

Cons:

• Not designed to last for years
• Doesnt do indirect grilling

Broil King Keg 5000

 

If you’re looking for a high-end charcoal barbecue, this is the finest charcoal grill for you since it’s expensive but will last you for years. As previously said, the teardrop-shaped form of the Akron Kamado Kooker charcoal grill is a popular style since it enables you to smoke meat or cook it with direct heat.

This charcoal grill’s construction is impressive because it features double-walled steel with an insulation layer in between. This helps to maintain heat in the grill while keeping the exterior of the grill cold to the touch.

Despite its hefty price tag, this charcoal grill is a terrific investment if you want a barbecue that can do it all while being highly durable.

This grill has a total cooking area of 480 square inches. The primary cooking grate has around 280 square inches, while the smaller cooking grate has approximately 200 square inches. This grill’s foundation is very strong, having a two-legged base on one side and two wheels on the other.

You may even modify it so that you can attach it to your vehicle’s trailer hitch and carry it with you everywhere you go.

Pros:

• Efficiently holds heat
• The insulation layer keeps the grill’s outside cool to the touch.
• Can be mounted to a trailer hitch
• Huge grilling surface
• Doesnt use as much charcoal as other grills

Cons:

• Very expensive
• It might be difficult to keep a consistent smoking temperature.

Weber’s 14-Inch Smokey Joe Charcoal Grill

 

This Webers 14-inch charcoal grill is extremely similar to the Webers Original Kettle Grill, but it has been shrunk down to be the ideal charcoal grill for mobility. Remember that portable charcoal grills may be highly filthy, so have a storage container or big, sealed bag handy to keep all of the remaining ash, oil, and grit within the grill.

If you’re looking for a simple portable charcoal grill that works just as well as your home charcoal barbecue, look no further than this charcoal grill. This is a smaller version of Weber’s original Smokey Joe charcoal barbecue.

It can fit five burger patties on the cooking grate and has dimensions of 17 high, 14.5 deep, and 14.2 broad with the lid closed. While you won’t be able to take this grill backpacking, and it will take up some space in your car, it’s still a great charcoal grill to have if you have the space. Furthermore, you cannot complain about the price.

Overall, there’s something comforting about this scaled-down Smokey Joe. If you own the original Smokey Joe grill, you’re probably already familiar with how to lay the charcoal briquettes to achieve the right-sized fire and temperature, and you’re aware that this grill is built to endure for years. This Weber 14-inch Smokey Joe Charcoal Grill is exceptional for the price.

Pros:

• Lightweight
• The original Smokey Joe charcoal BBQ has been scaled down.

Cons:

• Bulky, so it can be a pain to pack

Super Pro Black Barrel 30-Inch Charcoal Grill

 

This is a sturdy charcoal barbecue with storage shelves that is light enough to carry anywhere. The barrel shape includes a warming rack, giving you plenty of area to cook. The cooking grates are composed of cast iron, and there has a side vent and chimney for maximum temperature control.

This grill is simple to assemble since the directions are straightforward and provide helpful drawings. Furthermore, all of the parts are easily identifiable.

Pros:

• Has a warming rack for extra space
• Lightweight
• Easy to control the temperature

Cons:

• Can be difficult to put together

PK Grills Original PK Grill & Smoker

 

Grilling uses high heat to cook food quickly, while smoking uses indirect heat and lower temperatures to cook food slowly. If you want to experiment with your cooking approach, this is the ideal charcoal grill for you. This device combines the finest of grilling and smoking, making it ideal for both professional chefs and casual grillers.

The grill is constructed of cast aluminum for better heat conduction, and its unusual form and four-point venting system make it suitable for both smoking and grilling meals. It includes 300 square inches of cooking surface, which is big enough for a full turkey, and two work shelves for food preparation.

Furthermore, the coals heat up quickly, and the shape of the charcoal grill makes it simple to cook a variety of foods.

Pros:

• Easy to assemble
• Excellent heat control and retention
• Portable
• Built-in prep tables

Cons:

• Lid doesnt securely attach

Nexgrill Cart-Style Charcoal Grill

 

Cart-style charcoal barbecues feature wheels on one side, allowing you to tilt the grill and transport it effortlessly from one location to another. The Nexgrill Cart-Style Charcoal Grill is the best charcoal grill in its category, with good reviews from reviewers who appreciate the low pricing and strong construction.

This grill includes a main cooking surface that can accommodate 19 hamburgers at once and porcelain-coated cast-iron grates, as well as a top-shelf warming rack for side dishes and buns.

It also includes a movable front shelf for more workspace, and you can effortlessly manage the heat with the built-in thermometer and adjustable ventilation brackets. The detachable ash catcher makes cleanup a breeze.

Pros:

• Inexpensive
• Large size
• Great temperature control
• Durable and sturdy

Cons:

• No removable ash container

Weber Performance Deluxe Charcoal Grill

 

If you haven’t guessed by now, Weber is one of the leading manufacturers of charcoal grills. This high-end charcoal barbecue has a plethora of handy features that any grill master would appreciate, including a Touch-N-Go gas ignition system and a food prep surface.

This grill can hold 13 burgers at once, and the built-in thermometer on the top allows you to check the temperature within the grill.

Pros:

• Durable
• Large area for prepping and storing food
• Easy gas ignition system
• Great customer service

Cons:

• When inserting or removing the cooking grate, two of the interior screws may become entangled.
• Expensive

How Does a Charcoal Grill Work?  

At the bottom is a metal container that holds burning coals. You set your raw food on the metal grate in the center of the container, directly above the charcoal. The cooking area is the metal grate. When you close the container’s lid, the cooker retains the heat to continue cooking your food.A ceramic grill is often the finest charcoal grill.

The direct heat from the burning charcoals sears the bottom of the meat being grilled, while the indirect heat flowing through the grill cooks it. If you remove the grill’s lid, you will only be cooking with direct heat.

Charcoal is ideal for grilling because it can burn hot for searing food and for a long period, producing a lot of indirect heat for slow cooking. A charcoal grill may also be used to enhance smoke flavors.

Because charcoal does not produce a continuous flame, it differs greatly from gas or propane grills. There is a constant flame while cooking on a gas or propane grill. Charcoal grills, on the other hand, produce gray ash after the flames have eaten it. Gas and propane barbecues produce no ash.

Biggest Differences Between Charcoal Grills

Below are some of the most significant differences to consider when purchasing a charcoal grill.

Smoking versus Grilling

Some charcoal grills can also function as smokers, allowing you to slowly cook meat over indirect heat. If you want to smoke meat, you’ll need a charcoal barbecue with a huge interior.

Small versus Large

A huge charcoal grill provides a vast cooking surface, making it ideal for anybody who has to cook for more than a handful of people at once. If you’re looking for a more portable grill to go camping, you’ll have to give up some cooking area in exchange for mobility.

Indirect Grilling

If you want to cook your meat gently and without scorching it, but don’t have time to smoke it, indirect grilling is the way to go. You’ll put the lighted charcoal on one side of the grill and the meat on the other. To utilize this approach, make sure you have a big enough charcoal barbecue.

Cooking Temperature Control

It’s difficult to get the right temperature on a charcoal barbecue. If you want to have some control over the interior temperature, get a grill with air vents on both the bottom and the top. Finally, the grate height above the burning charcoal should be adjustable.

Head Room

Do you want to use your barbecue to prepare beef roasts and poultry? Then, make sure your charcoal grill has a tall enough lid that you can close while the food is still inside.

Configuration of Your Charcoal Grill

You should consider the location and mobility of your grill when deciding on a layout for your charcoal barbecue. Let’s look at what each arrangement has to offer:

Freestanding Grills

This charcoal barbecue is available as a grill head on a cart or a grill on legs. The portability of these devices is an apparent advantage, and cleaning a freestanding grill is much simpler than cleaning a built-in type. This is especially important when using a charcoal barbecue since it leaves ash in the grill.

Most freestanding charcoal barbecues incorporate an ash-removal system, such as an ash basket, to make cleaning simpler. Portable charcoal pits for camping, fishing, or hunting excursions when you need a portable and light grill with large taste are examples of this sort of arrangement for charcoal grills.

Built-In Grills

This sort of grill has advanced significantly throughout the years. Simply slide the grill head into the BBQ island cutout to install these grills. For charcoal purists, these barbecues are a natural outdoor kitchen centerpiece, and a gas grill on the side may offer flexibility. Not to mention that they are made of commercial-grade stainless steel, which gives them a stunning appearance.

Charcoal Grills vs. Kamado Smokers

A noteworthy sub-category of charcoal grills is kamado, which are ceramic charcoal grills and smokers. They differ in terms of both cooking properties and shape (these are egg-shaped charcoal pits), with the former owing to the ceramic construction and airflow. Charcoal grills often exchange a lot of air during the cooking process, whereas kamados do not.

Charcoal Grills

The most noticeable distinction between these grills is their airflow. The quick rate of airflow in a standard charcoal pit implies that they will require more fuel every cooking session. Another significant distinction is that these grills are often built of steel, ranging from low-cost painted metal to commercial-grade stainless steel. Steel is the finest heat conductor, so charcoal grills can easily reach searing-hot for steaks and burgers.

Kamado Grills

With these grills, there is less ventilation. The decreased airflow ensures improved fuel economy since the food retains more moisture for tender and luscious results without the dry air flowing over it. This is one of the most compelling reasons to purchase a kamado grill, which also has outstanding ceramic insulating capabilities. Ceramic, unlike steel, takes longer to heat up, but it can also retain and transfer heat to the food for a longer period of time.

What Size Charcoal Grill Is Best for Me?

This may seem to be an easy question, but it requires three extra questions to be answered:

1. What is the maximum number of people you would grill for at once?
2. How often will you grill for the greatest amount of people?
3. On a regular basis, how many people do you barbecue for?

Once you’ve answered these questions correctly, you’ll have a better idea of how big your charcoal grill should be. Remember that size is more than simply how many burgers you can put on the grill at once with charcoal grills; having a bigger grilling surface means you may set up a dual-zone grilling arrangement and enjoy the flexibility of indirect cooking.

If you want to attempt a two-zone grilling approach, you’ll need a charcoal grill that’s big enough to lay coals on one side of the basin.

Small Grills

Small grills are less than 26 inches wide and are ideal for smaller families and couples who enjoy grilling on occasion. They’re also portable, making them ideal for camping vacations and tailgate parties with a few pals. A bag of hot dogs, some burgers, and a side or two won’t be a hardship to grill. However, these grills only allow for direct heat cooking.

Medium Grills

If you’re often serving a large family, a medium grill is a smart option. These have cooking grates that range in width from 27 to 33 inches. This provides adequate space for the main courses and side dishes, and they are usually dependable workhorses capable of cooking a few batches of meals throughout a party. Though this size grill does not allow for much mobility, it does provide enough space for dual cooking.

Large Grills

If your backyard is the place to be for huge family gatherings or game days, you should invest in a large charcoal barbecue. Large charcoal grills have grilling surfaces that are at least 34 inches wide. You may use almost any cooking method with this cooking width. You may easily sear 20 steaks on direct fire at the same time as smoking 6 Boston butts on indirect heat.

Best Charcoal Grill Class

whether you already have a model in mind, check to verify whether it belongs to the correct grill class for your lifestyle before purchasing it. A charcoal barbecue may be classified into four types: luxury, premium, utilitarian, and economical. These classes are based on the features, performance, and quality of the grill. Here is a summary of what each classification has to offer:

Luxury

To ensure durability, they are made completely of 304 commercial-grade stainless steel or cast aluminum. They also have lifetime guarantees from the greatest manufacturers on the market and can withstand even the most extreme conditions. It is the only class that has split-tier charcoal trays for varied cooking. Luxury charcoal barbecues can provide very practical features like computerized controls and an electric charcoal starter.

Premium

The majority of these models are built entirely of cast aluminum or stainless steel. They provide lifetime guarantees from reputable companies that represent lifespan when used outside. They often include adjustable-height charcoal trays to allow for more precise grilling. Finally, push-button ignitions, concealed rotisseries, and charcoal chamber doors are among the characteristics they provide.

Practical

These grills are made of a variety of materials and come with warranties that may last up to ten years. They will not last as long as a premium or luxury model, but with careful maintenance, they may endure for around a decade. They have unique cooking techniques, such as Argentinian gaucho grills, which are a lot of fun to operate. Finally, some grills include entertaining features like electric ignitions, adjustable charcoal trays, and charcoal access doors.

Economy

Ceramic and cast iron, as well as painted and porcelain-coated steel, are utilized to construct these models. The materials are often of inferior quality and must be changed more frequently than a higher-class charcoal grill. Warranties may be limited, however certain manufacturers (for example, Weber) give 10-year warranties. The majority of the grills in this category are kettle grills with tiny capacity and limited cooking ability.