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Purchasing the best charcoal grill allows you to channel the delicious taste of summer any time of year. Grilling with charcoal creates a naturally smoky flavor for any food, whether it be meat, fish, or veggies. If you’re used to electric grills, you’ll find that charcoal grills take a bit more time and attention than electric, but it’s very much worth it.
Our list of the best charcoal grills works with a range of budgets and cooking styles. Do you want a grill that you can bring on your annual camping trip? Do you have a large backyard with the perfect spot for a grill? Are you looking for something small, cost-effective, and easy to use?
We have you covered – here are our top picks for the best charcoal grill on the market today.
Our Top Pick
Weber Original Kettle Premium 22-Inch Charcoal Grill
Our top pick, the Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill, is an outstanding, classic charcoal grill that will give you everything you need for a wonderful meal. It is cost-effective, easy-to-use, and looks great in any yard. Its round design has become the all-American visual when you imagine the perfect grill. With over 2,000 five-star ratings, it’s clear as to why we would make this our number one pick.
Other Great Picks
Napoleon Charcoal Kettle Grill
The Napoleon Charcoal Kettle Grill is a prime competitor of our top pick and is certainly high quality. A bit pricier than the Weber but still quite affordable, the cast iron hinged cooking grids provide a full surface cooking area. The Napoleon Charcoal Kettle Grill is compact but large enough to feed a crowd.
Char-Griller E16620 Akorn Kamado Charcoal Grill
The Char-Griller E16620 Akorn Kamado Charcoal Grill is a fun, unique, and cleverly designed grill. This steel body, egg-shaped design with powder-coated enamel covering is also insulated around the edges, so heat is effectively kept inside. A bit larger of a surface than the kettle grills, the Char-Griller E16620 Akorn Kamado Charcoal Grill offers 450 square inches of cooking space.
Weber 121020 Go-Anywhere Charcoal Grill
Another great product brought to you by the Weber brand, the Go-Anywhere Charcoal Grill is just that– a terrific charcoal grill that is both portable and high quality. Compact and lightweight, this portable grill has a porcelain-enameled lid and will not rust or peel. It’s a perfect cooking companion.
PK Outdoor Portable Aluminum Charcoal Grill and Smoker
The PK Grills PKTX Outdoor Portable Aluminum Charcoal Grill and Smoker brings something else to the cooking table. The smoker feature allows you to smoke meats, fish, and veggies as well as grill them. This award-winning product has a unique capsule shape with four vents allowing you to grill hot and fast or low and slow.
Weber 15502001 Performer Deluxe 22-Inch Charcoal Grill
The Weber Performer Deluxe Charcoal Grill is a bit larger in size than our other listed products and offers convenience in a modern way. With just the push of a button, the coals are ignited so you can be assured you’ll have the perfect grill and heat level every single time. It also features a work table, char-baskets, and a lid table so although it may be larger, it’s just as convenient and easy-to-manage.
Cuisinart CCG190RB Portable 14-Inch Charcoal Grill
Are you working with a tight budget? The Cuisinart CCG190RB Portable 14-Inch Charcoal Grill is a great option for a very affordable price. Cuisinart has been a household name for cooking products for years, and now they are bringing their expertise to the outdoors. Its 150 square-inch chrome-plated cooking rack is ultra-portable and efficient.
Char-Griller E06614 Akorn Jr. Charcoal Kamado Grill
Char-Griller’s Akorn Jr. Charcoal Kamado Grill is the smaller version of the Char-Griller E16620 Akorn Kamado. It’s perfect for camping or tailgating with an easy dump ash pan and convenient handles for portability. With rave reviews, we love this unique charcoal grill.
Lodge Cast Iron Sportsman’s Charcoal Hibachi-Style Grill
If you’ve never used a cast iron or Lodge brand product, you’re missing out. Cast Iron offers a lot when it comes to even, delicious cooking and with the Sportsman’s Charcoal Hibachi-Style Grill, you can bring the best of cast-iron and grill cooking worlds together. Another great product for tailgating, camping, RV, or picnics and carries the Lodge name in a unique style.
Char-Broil American Gourmet 30-inch Charcoal Grill
The Char-Broil American Gourmet 30-Inch Charcoal Grill features over 550 square inches of grilling space, carefully designed cast-iron grates, a 272 square inch warming rack, and adjustable grates to provide heat control. This handy grill has a great layout with1.5-inch tube legs and two 8-inch wheels for stability and easy movement. This classic design deserves the 5-star ratings it has received so far.
What Is A Charcoal Grill?
A charcoal grill is a convenient, fun cooking device that utilizes charcoal as its form of cooking heat. The charcoals are placed below the grill and are ignited in order to start and maintain ample cooking heat. Charcoal grills differ from other types of BBQs or grills in that they do not often require gas or propane in order to cook.
Charcoal grills are used exclusively outdoors and create a unique smoky flavor to the cook of whatever food you decide to grill. They are categorized by the specific taste they create. There are many different models of charcoal grills, but many work in a similar way to each other.
How Do You Use A Charcoal Grill?
Charcoal grills are an easy-to-use appliance, but require a bit of attention while cooking. To start, make sure the vents are open on your grill in order to maintain oxygen circulation. Remove top grate and place the charcoals and newspaper (optional) in the grill, then familiarize yourself with its temperature controls.
Ignite the charcoals with a lighter or turn on the ignition button (if your grill has this feature)– you do not need lighter fluid. Let the charcoals burn for five to ten minutes, brush vegetable oil onto the grate to avoid food from sticking, then place your desired meats, fish, or vegetables on the grill grates. Always wear protective gear.
Is There A Difference Between Grilling And Barbecuing?
In terms of the cooking device, a grill and a BBQ are very similar. The difference between the act of grilling and barbecuing is that grilling is categorized as direct, high heat while barbecuing is low, slow, and indirect. Because grilling is high, direct heat, it will cook a bit faster which is better for smaller portions.
The average cooking time of a grill is 5-10 minutes while barbecuing can take 2 hours to 18 hours, similar to a smoker. Both barbecues and grills can be used to cook a variety of different foods including meat, fish, and vegetables.
What Can I Cook On A Charcoal Grill?
Charcoal grills are an incredible tool to cook a variety of foods. Popular things to cook on a grill include chicken, steak, burgers, swordfish, shrimp, salmon, skewers, and vegetables. Using a charcoal grill creates a signature smoky flavor, so consider this when you choose which protein or vegetable to make on your grill.
Coating the grill grates with vegetable oil will help prevent sticking, but there are also other methods. Marinades are often used for meat and fish to add ample flavor, while a basic salt, pepper, or herb rub is another terrific option for a delicious meal. Charcoal grills can be used to cook a complete, balanced meal.
What Are Charcoal Grills Made Out Of?
The body of a charcoal grill is often made of either steel, aluminum, or ceramic while the grill grate is usually cast-iron. Having a body made of these metals, along with proper insulation, allows the grill to trap heat and maintain a high enough temperature for a continuous cook. Cast-iron grates are known for their even heating and keep a consistent cook going through the process.
Since charcoal grills are kept outdoors, they usually have a protective coating to limit rust or wear. However, it is always a good idea to purchase a grill cover and keep it covered whenever you are not using it. This will prevent wear from weather and will keep it free from bugs and dirt.
Do Charcoal Grills Require Gas Or Propane?
Charcoal grills do not require gas or propane. Grills that require these accessories are called Gas Grills. Charcoal Grills rely on the charcoal to create and maintain heat after the charcoals are lit. The cast-iron grate will sufficiently channel enough heat from the charcoals underneath and will hold and cook your food while the heat from the charcoals creates a heat trap within the grill.
Gas grills do not create the same smoky flavor derived from charcoal grills.
What Is The Best Charcoal Grill For Tailgating?
If you are someone that enjoys traveling, camping, or tailgating, a portable grill is an amazing tool to own and bring with you. Larger grills are designed to stay in place, for instance, in your backyard, while portable, smaller grills offer a convenient size for traveling purposes.
On our list, you will find charcoal grills like the Weber Go-Anywhere Charcoal Grill, PK Outdoor Portable Grill, Cuisinart Portable Grill, and Lodge Cast Iron Grill. These are all designed with portability in mind and are terrific for tailgating or camping. All you need is your grill, charcoals, a lighter, and your food of choice.
How Do I Clean A Charcoal Grill?
Cleaning a charcoal grill is fairly easy and straightforward. If you grill often, it is a good idea to clean your grill a few times during the grilling season. You will need a grill brush or coarse cleaning brush, aluminum foil, and paper or plastic bags.
If possible, remove the grill grate and clean it with a grill or coarse brush by scrubbing– which can be further enhanced by scrubbing with a ball of aluminum foil to remove any unwanted, leftover foods. Then brush or wipe debris out of the bottom of the grill and on kettle grills, wipe down the outside of the lid, and grill with soapy water. Put all the parts of the grill back together.
How Much Do Charcoal Grills Cost?
Charcoal grills are fairly affordable appliances and often come with a warranty. The average cost of a charcoal grill is between $200 and $400, while larger, more advanced models can cost around $1500. This is quite pricey for a grill.
You do not need to break the bank in order to get a quality grill. More expensive grills offer additional features or cooking adjustments, which are handy if you have the budget, but aren’t necessary.
How Do I Choose The Best Charcoal Grill For Me?
Consider how often you like to grill, where you will be grilling, and what your budget is. Do you want a grill that can be taken on camping trips or used while tailgating? Opt for a portable model. Do you have plenty of room in your yard and prefer a grill with a work table? Opt for a larger model that has features like a side table and stand.
This is a list of affordable devices that are perfect for charcoal grilling. If you love the taste of seared meat, hibachi style foods, and delicious smoky flavor, the charcoal grill is the perfect cooking tool for you. There are many options to choose from when it comes to purchasing a quality grill.
The Best Charcoal Grill
There you have it – our picks for the best charcoal grill. If you love cooking, grilling, and the smoky taste of meals cooked over charcoal, you’ll love the products on our list.
Charcoal grills can be useful, even without ample yard space. Love to camp or tailgate? We’ve got the right charcoal grill for you.
There are a ton of amazing cooking tools and gadgets besides grills – be sure to take a look at our other reviews in the kitchen and home category for more.