Best Charcoal Grills

One of the most engaging cooking experiences that completely outrates the rest is cooking over a wood or charcoal fire.

Nothing compares to the flavor and scent of a wood or charcoal fire, which brings back nostalgic memories and creates a feeling of complete bliss.


Given that Gas and Electrical grills are the much cleaners and more convenient methods of Grilling and coking today, not to mention much safer, you should most likely have a good reason to choose a Charcoal grill over these new technologies.

So in those in favor of the Charcoal Grill’s defense, here are some good reasons for selecting a Charcoal grill over the electrical or Gas Grill;

  • Versatile – The one thing that I love most about my Charcoal grill is that I can use wood or Charcoal as fuel to Grill with. This is the case for most Charcoal grills, and you will not believe the extraordinarily delicious flavors you can get from the right wood types.
  • Affordable – Charcoal Grills are affordable compared to the Gas or electrical Grill models. However, you can get some fancy and expensive designs in Charcoal Grills today. However, I also like the Charcoal Grill because even the most basic and cheapest grill will still give spectacular and effective results.
  • Flavor – Nothing comes close to the distinct flavor of a Charcoal Grilled piece of meat or other foods, for that matter. Charcoal or Wood-Grilled foods have a much better flavor and taste in general.
  • Higher Heat – Charcoal Briquettes and wood keep a constant and very high heat. The Charcoal grill has the highest temperature ratings compared to other Grill types.
  • Different Styles – Charcoal Grills come in all shapes and sizes, but there are three distinct types, the kettle grill, the ceramic grill, and you are most general charcoal grill smokers, each with its unique benefits and features.
  • Accessories – You can spruce up your Charcoal Grill with additional extras and accessories, such as a Coal Chimney, thermometer, fancy Lightwers, and many more.

Some Drawbacks of Using a Charcoal Grill

Unfortunately, as with every Grill type, there are also drawbacks.
My number one concern with the Charcoal Grill is that it is the most hazardous of all the Grill types and should be used with the proper safety precautions and methods.
The Charcoal Grill is basic and open, which means there is a fire risk, so you must be careful.

Some other minor Drawbacks are;

  • The Ashcan easily gets into your food and makes it less tasty.
  • The cleanup afterward is much more than with a Gas or Electrical Grill.
  • For a longer cooking session, you will need more Charcoal or wood.
  • Most charcoal Grils do not come with many additional features.
  • You will need a lighter and lighter fluid regularly to light your Grill.

Features of a Good Charcoal Grill


  • Kettle Grill – Designed with an easy-fitting lid, wood or heat conduction top handle, and adjustable ventilation holes in the lid. It comes with a stand with or without wheels for mobility, an ashtray, and a grid that fits into the grill.
  • Ceramic Grill – Made from High Quality ceramic materials. Different sizes and shape options. It comes with or without stands and wheels for mobility—stainless steel grid and ashtray.
  • Barrel Grill – Looks almost like a steel drum cut in half. The most basic and largest Charcoal Grill design. Made from steel or aluminum and other materials. It comes with an ashtray, stands, with or without wheels, and a grid.

How We Test and Score Charcoal Grills

These reviews are based on intense research, analysis, and feedback from our experts and real users from different digital platforms.

We spent 31 hours trying, testing, and scoring these Charcoal Grills for different key parameters and then shortlisted the best products in the market, saving you time and effort.

We used the following parameters for our tests and analysis.

  • Heat Retention – We observed how quickly the grill absorbed heat and produced conduction.
  • Thermometer – We assessed how helpful the instrument was in cooking precisely to avoid foodborne illnesses or overcooked meats.
  • Capacity – We noted the maximum proportion of food that the grill can handle.
  • Lid Handle – We checked how effectively the lid handle allows the grill to heat faster and retain heat longer.

Reviews: The Best Charcoal Grills

Below we have listed some of the tops of the range brands and models of Charcoal Grill that are available today;
We hope you love the products we recommend!
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1
Reviewed by: John Max Score: 98

I start with the number one seller in Kettle Grills, but Charcoal grill, the weber Original, and the affordable and classic weber model in Charcoal Grills.
  • It can hold up to 19 Burgers on the grate and comes with a Weber Burger Press.
  • An easy one-touch cleaning system with a high-capacity ash catcher for easy cleanup.
  • The lid and bowl are porcelain-enameled to retain heat much better.
  • You can slide the lid into the Tuck-Away Lid holder when not in use.
  • A premium stainless steel cooking grate and a hinged design for durability.

Rating CategoryWeight %Score
Heat Retention40%100
Thermometer30%100
Capacity20%95
Lid Handle10%90
Total Score100%98


2
The Char-Griller Premium is one of the top favorite portable Kettle grills that use charcoal fuel.
  • Available in a red or black color option and has a 379 square inch average-sized cooking area.
  • A smoker and Grill use charcoal or wood chips, which are good for cooking different meat, seafood, and poultry products.
  • An easy dump design ashtray, wheels, and stand are included for portability and easy maintenance.
  • Precise temperature control design with dual damper controls.

Rating CategoryWeight %Score
Heat Retention40%100
Thermometer30%95
Capacity20%95
Lid Handle10%90
Total Score100%96.5


3
A more affordable and huge design, Kettle Grill is ideal for outdoor cooking using Charcoal as fuel.
  • A 21″ inch cooking area that is spacious and ideal for time with friends and family.
  • Premium quality porcelain coated and thick grill handles for durability.
  • Offers superb heat control with a heavy-duty steel grate for charcoal cooking.
  • Easy and convenient lid with a connected hinge and safety buckle.


Rating CategoryWeight %Score
Heat Retention40%100
Thermometer30%95
Capacity20%90
Lid Handle10%90
Total Score100%95.5


4
One of my favorites and most sought Grill brands is the Outlaw from Char-Griller. This model has a heavy-duty design and Cast Iron grates, ideal for safer cooking.
  • A Heavy gauge steel construction with long-term durability and use is guaranteed.
  • There is an airtight flanged hood with a heat gauge.
  • <strong.The grates are made from durable and healthy, non-stick Cast iron.
  • A total of 1063 square inches of cooking space is very generous, with an additional warming rack.
  • The Fire Grate is adjustable and easy to clean.


5
The Royal Gourmet is a Grill with an Offset smoker that uses wood and Charcoal and is an ideal outdoor design.
  • A traditional Barrel grill with a lid and an offset smoker designed for outdoor use only.
  • An easy removal ash pan for easy cleaning and no ignition dials can get damaged by rain.
  • There is a total of 800 square inches of cooking space ideal for large groups and families.
  • Additionally, there is a smokestack, temperature gauge, scald-proof handle on the lid, a connecting door on the side for tending Charcoal, air vents, and a portable design.


6
One of the top names for the Ceramic style charcoal grill is the Kamado, and I have chosen their classic design in Charcoal Grills.
  • Premium quality 18 inches sized Ceramic grill comes with a cart and wheels for portability.
  • There is a 2 tier divide system for more flexible cooking to cook various foods.
  • A Kontrol top vent for better airflow.
  • The patented air lift hinge reduces the lid’s weight and ensures it will not slam down.
  • An advanced Mulyipanel Firebox for better grill efficiency and a patented ash drawer slides out for easy cleanup.
  • There is also a Built Thermometer and additional shelving for storage.


7
  • This charcoal grill has a tray adjustment system for fine-turning heat control and cooking flexibility.
  • It is heavy-duty, hi-gloss, porcelain-enameled, cast-iron cooking grates.
  • The Grill is designed to retain heat for searing food perfectly.
  • It offers 686 Sq. Inches of cooking space that cooks a family meal at one time.


8
  • This digital charcoal grill reaches up to 700F for optimum cooking.
  • It comes with a temperature and time control digital panel, “DigitalFan,” or a smart device control tool.
  • The Charcoal grill has a built-in temperature gauge and a meat thermometer for perfect results.
  • It can hold up to 10lbs. Of lump charcoal or 16lbs. of Briquettes for 12-15 hours of use.


9
  • It comes with 150 sq—inches of chrome-plated cooking grate that cooks a family meal at once.
  • The Grill is designed for even heat distribution and efficient cooking.
  • It features a dual venting system that gives you the ultimate charcoal management and temperature control.
  • The Grill has three secure lid locks for easy and safe transport.


Index Table: Top Rated Charcoal Grills

No.ProductImageFeaturesBrandScore
1Weber Original - Charcoal Kettle Grill
  • Porcelein Enameled
  • Kettle Design
  • Tuck Away Lid Holder
Weber98
2Char-Griller E86714 - Ash Portable Charcoal Grill
  • Grill and Smoker
  • Side Shelves
  • Stand
  • Wheels
Char-Griller96.5
3Humos Ceramic - Large Charcoal Grill
  • Portable
  • Heat Control
  • Large Cooking Area
Humos95.5
4Char-Griller 2137 Outlaw - Charcoal Grill
  • Griller and Smoker
  • Heavy Gauge Steel Construction
  • Cast Iron Grates
Char-Griller98
5Royal Gourmet BBQ - Charcoal Grill and Smoker
  • Grill and Smoker
  • Outdoor design
Royal Gourmet97
6Kamado Joe - Charcoal Ceramic Grill
  • Ceramic
  • 18 Inch
  • 2 Tier Divide
Kamado98
7Dyna-Glo Heavy Duty - Charcoal Grill
  • Cast Iron
  • Stainless
Dyna-Glo97.5
8Masterbuilt Gravity Series - Digital Charcoal Grill
  • with Smoker
  • up to 700F
Masterbuilt97.1
9Cuisinart Portable - Charcoal Grill
  • 14-Inch
  • Dual Venting System
Cuisinart96.6


About the Author

John Max

John Max is a registered dietitian and certified strength and conditioning specialist based out of Manhattan, NY. He has worked with people of all age groups. In addition, John also has years of practical food knowledge, and hands-on cooking led John to create this website and contribute his knowledge on healthy grilling techniques. John also regularly tests and analyzes the benefits and features of as many grills as possible. Without a surprise, many of our readers love his reviews and testing style for how thorough and straightforward they are.