Charcoal grills are the perfect way to add flavor to your food. They can be used for any type of grilling, from burgers and hot dogs to chicken and fish. But with so many different types of charcoal grills on the market, it can be hard to know which one is right for you. That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive guide to the best charcoal grills.
No matter what your budget is or what type of grill you’re looking for, we’ve got you covered. So read on to find the perfect charcoal grill for your next cookout.
Charcoal Grills Comparison 2025
- Best for quality: Masterbuilt MB20040522 Portable Charcoal Grill Without Cart, 17"D x 28"W x 9"H, Black
- Best for everyone: NuWave TODD ENGLISH Pro-Smart Grill
- Best for the size: Char-Griller E1515 Patio Pro Charcoal Grill, Black
- Best for the price: Cuisinart CCG-190 Portable Charcoal Grill, 14-Inch, Black
- Best for the Adjustable selection: Royal Gourmet CC1830SC Charcoal Grill Offset Smoker with Cover, 811 Square Inches, Black, Outdoor Camping
- Stay true to the modern version of the kettle that started it all—the Original Kettle, invented by Weber’s founder, and loved around the world. Its ultra-durable, porcelain-enameled lid and bowl retain heat, while the damperseasily adjust for precise temperature control. With a One-Touch cleaning system for easy cleanup after a long day of grilling, the Original Kettle will always be the grill built for everyone
- Holds up to 13 burgers made with a Weber burger press
- One-Touch cleaning system provides hassle-free ash cleanup.Removable, aluminum ash catcher
- Porcelain-enameled lid and bowl Retain heat, and won’t rust or peel
- Use the lid hook to avoid placing the lid on the ground while grilling
- Premium 18″ Ceramic Grill with Cast Iron Cart & Locking Wheels – The Kamado Joe Classic II gives the perfect cooking size of 18 inches along with its Premium cart that comes with the purchase of your grill, including locking casters and wheels.
- 2-Tier Divide & Conquer - Divide & Conquer Flexible Cooking System transforms the humble grill grate into the most powerful cooking tool in your arsenal. The revolutionary multi-level, half-moon design frees you to cook different foods in different styles at different temperatures—all at the same time
- Kontrol Tower Top Vent - Maintains consistent air setting for precise airflow management during dome opening and closing. Constructed of powder coated cast aluminum, the patent pending dual-adjustment top vent is rain resistant and allows you to smoke from 225F all the way to searing at 750F.
- Air Lift Hinge – The air lift hinge significantly reduces dome weight. The grill dome can be lifted with a single finger giving the most comfortable grilling experience there is.
- AMP (Advanced Multi-Panel) FireBox – The patent pending six-piece design eliminates breakage and increases grill efficiency.
- 627 Smoking Space: 443 sq. in. porcelain-enameled steel wire cooking grates with 184 sq. in. chrome-plated steel wire warming rack offer enough space to cook.
- Heat Control: Close the side air vent completely that cuts off the oxygen flow to help extinguish coals and adjust the smoke stack for extra heat control.
- Adjustable Fire Grates: 2-level height-adjustable fire pan ensures more controlled cooking and holds up to 6 lbs. of coal.
- Temperature Monitor: Lid-mounted thermometer gauge helps check heat fluctuations for confident grilling.
- Easy Cleanup: Removable charcoal pan makes ash disposal easy and efficient every time.
- 22" BBQ Grill: This portable charcoal grill features a large 22-inch grate and can hold up to 13 burgers, making it ideal for small gatherings or parties of 6-7 people. The lid and fire bowl are made of porcelain-enameled to retain heat and won’t rust or peel easily.
- A Breeze to Clean: Charcoal grill with wheels, with a removable ash catcher, you can enjoy one-touch cleaning system, which provides hassle-free cleanup of charcoal ash and debris after a long day of grilling.
- Precise Heat Control: You can easily adjust the valves to control your outdoor barbecue charcoal grill's airflow, thus regulating the cooking temperature. Moreover, the built-in thermometer helps you monitor the internal temperature without lifting the lid.
- Orderly Placement: The hassle of outdoor cooking is no longer a challenge! With lid holder and hook rack, you can avoid placing the lid on the ground, and expand your bbq grilling surface and keep all your ingredients and condiments close at hand.
- Roll it Anywhere: The durable wheels allow you to move your small portable charcoal grill around the yard quickly, and the bottom store shelf enlarges your storage space. Perfect for camping, picnics, parties, and RV trips. Indulge in delicious, smoky meals anywhere, and feel your taste buds dance with every bite!
- 811 Square Inches: Includes 443 sq. in. porcelain-enameled steel wire cooking grates, 184 sq. in. chrome-plated warming rack and 184 sq. in. offset smoker.
- Tasty Smoke Flavors: The offset smoker is firmly attached to grill to ensure good circulation of heat and smoke. Easy to open side door to add charcoal and remove ashes; air vent stokes fire instantly.
- Adjustable Pan: 2-level height-adjustable charcoal pan creates better heat control and holds up to 4.4 lbs. of coal.
- Temperature Monitor: Lid-mounted thermometer gauge helps check and monitor the cooking temperature and you can cook with great confidence.
- Ample Space: Front and side tables offer workspace for seasonings and grilling tools. The bottom shelf provides extra storage space and holds up to only 20 lb. accessories when they are evenly distributed.
- Easy to assemble. 393 square inches for cooking grates, porcelain enamel steel wiring, 205 square inches for warming rack, chrome steel wiring
- Heavy duty Lid-Mounted Temperature Gauge design, with stainless steel handle, two fixed side shelves offer extra season area
- Easy-lift charcoal pan adjustment system for heat control and cooking flexibility, pull-out drawer catches ashes for easy post-cookout clean-up
- Front door with cool-touch handle to safely reach and tend your charcoal
- Square tube leg cart, with steel bottom shelf, built -in stainless steel bottle opener
- Main Smoking Area: 443 sq. in. porcelain-enameled steel wire cooking grates with 184 sq. in. chrome-plated steel wire warming rack offer enough space to cook large cuts of meat.
- Heat Control: Close the side air vent to cut off the oxygen flow, thus to help extinguish coals and adjust the smoke stack for extra heat control.
- Adjustable Fire Grates: Raise or lower charcoal pan to 2 different heights with lifting handles in order to control the distance between charcoal and food.
- Lid-mounted Gauge: Monitor the inner temperature fluctuations and check the timely point to smoke meat and vegetables.
- Easy Dump: The adjustable fire grate is an easy-to-dump ash pan for quick and mess-free cleanup after cooking.
- 196-SQUARE-INCH CHROME PLATED GRATE: The 196-square-inch chrome plated cooking rack gives a spacious cooking surface is able accommodate lots of food at one time while still distributing heat evenly and efficiently.
- DUAL VENTING SYSTEM: Features a Dual venting system, giving you the ultimate charcoal management and temperature control.
- THREE SECURE LID LOCKS: The grill features three secure lid locks for easy and safe transport.
- COMPACT ENOUGH TO TAKE ANYWHERE: Measures 14 x 14 x 15 inches and weighs only 2 lbs. , making it easy for transport and ideal for decks, patios and balconies, camping, tailgating and more.
- ENAMEL COATED FIREBOX AND ASH CATCHER: Features a durable enamel coated firebox and convenient mess-free ash catcher for safety and ease.
- 811 Square Inches: Includes 443 sq. in. porcelain-enameled steel wire cooking grates, 184 sq. in. chrome-plated warming rack and 184 sq. in. offset smoker.
- Tasty Smoke Flavors: The offset smoker is firmly attached to grill to ensure good circulation of heat and smoke. Easy to open side door to add charcoal and remove ashes; air vent stokes fire instantly.
- Adjustable Pan: 2-level height-adjustable charcoal pan creates better heat control and holds up to 4.4 lbs. of coal.
- Temperature Monitor: Lid-mounted thermometer gauge helps check and monitor the cooking temperature and you can cook with great confidence.
- Grill Cover Included: Made of heavy-duty fabric, the cover protects your grill from elements and withstands the harshest weather.
- Air Lift Hinge – The air lift hinge significantly reduces dome weight. The grill dome can be lifted with a single finger giving the most comfortable grilling experience there is.
- Exclusive Divide & Conquer flexible cooking system multilevel, half-rack design doubles cooking space and frees you to cook different foods on different levels and on different cooking surfaces
- Patented, all-aluminum, no-rust, rain-proof control tower top vent maintains consistent air setting for precise airflow management
- All-new, double-thick wire mesh fiberglass gasket offers superior air-tight seal and 10 times the life of normal industry gaskets
- New advanced multi-panel firebox six-piece design eliminates breakage
Charcoal Grill Reviews 2025
Best For Quality -Masterbuilt MB20040522 Portable
If you’re looking for a portable charcoal grill that’s easy to use and affordable, then the Masterbuilt MB20040522 is a great option. This grill has a Charcoal MiniHopper that holds 1.5 lbs of briquettes or 1 lb of the small lump for up to 4 hours of use. The SteadyTemp dial allows you to simply adjust the temperature from 250-500 F to cook anything from eggs to steak. And the lockable lid means you can move the grill after cooking without having to dispose of ashes on-site.
The electrically powered grill also comes with a cord set or four (4) AA batteries for 6 hours of battery life. So if you’re looking for a portable and easy-to-use charcoal grill, the Masterbuilt MB20040522 is a great option.
Pros:
– Charcoal MiniHopper holds 1.5 lbs of briquettes or 1 lb of the small lump for up to 4 hours of use
– SteadyTemp dial allows you to adjust the temperature from 250-500 F
– Lockable lid means you can move the grill after cooking without having to dispose of ashes on site
– Comes with a cord set or four (4) AA batteries for 6 hours of battery life
Cons:
– Some reviewers found the Charcoal MiniHopper difficult to fill and empty
– Others felt that the grill didn’t get hot enough, even on the highest setting
– A few customers didn’t like the size of the grill, saying it was too small to cook for more than 2 people
Best For Everyone- NuWave TODD ENGLISH Pro-Smart Grill
The NuWave TODD ENGLISH Pro-Smart Grill is a great option for those who want the ability to adjust the temperature on-the-fly. The intuitive digital controls are easy to operate, and the thick super non-stick grill grate is embedded with generous amounts of heating coils for maximum coverage and even heat distribution. The preheat function quickly heats the grill to 550°F, and the grill can be set to any temperature from 50°F to 500°F in precise 5°F increments.
The grill also features combo cooking, which allows you to use both the bottom plug-in grill and the top heater and fan for dual zone surround cooking. The NuWave TODD ENGLISH Pro-Smart Grill is a great choice for those who want the flexibility to grill any type of food to perfection.
Pros:
– Intuitive digital controls are easy to operate
– Thick super non-stick grill grate is embedded with generous amounts of heating coils for maximum coverage and even heat distribution
– Preheat function quickly heats the grill to 550°F
– Grill can be set to any temperature from 50°F to 500°F in precise 5°F increments
– Combo cooking allows you to use both the bottom plug-in grill and the top heater and fan for dual zone surround cooking
Cons:
– Some reviewers found the digital controls difficult to use
– Others felt that the grill didn’t get hot enough, even on the highest setting
– A few customers didn’t like the size of the grill, saying it was too small to cook for more than 2 people
Best For The Size- Char Griller E1515 Patio Pro Charcoal Grill, Black
The Char-Griller E1515 Patio Pro Charcoal Grill is a great option for those who want to enjoy the taste and flavor of charcoal grilled food. The grill features a large cooking area, thick cast iron cooking grates, and a bottom storage rack, making it a great choice for those who want to grill for a crowd. The Char-Griller E1515 Patio Pro Charcoal Grill is easy to assemble and clean up after use, making it a great choice for those who want to enjoy the taste of charcoal grilled food without all the hassle.
Pros:
– Large cooking area
– Thick cast iron cooking grates
– Bottom storage rack
– Easy to assemble and clean up after use
Cons:
– Some reviewers found the Charcoal MiniHopper difficult to fill and empty
– Others felt that the grill didn’t get hot enough, even on the highest setting
– A few customers didn’t like the size of the grill, saying it was too small to cook for more than 2 people
Best For Price-Cuisinart CCG-190 Portable Charcoal Grill, 14-Inch, Black
The Cuisinart CCG-190 Portable Charcoal Grill is a great choice for those who want to enjoy the taste of charcoal grilled food without all the hassle. The grill features intuitive controls, a durable enamel-coated firebox, and a mess-free ash catcher, making it a great choice for those who want to enjoy the taste of charcoal grilled food without all the hassle.
The Cuisinart CCG-190 Portable Charcoal Grill is easy to assemble and clean up after use, making it a great choice for those who want to enjoy the taste of charcoal grilled food without all the hassle. Thanks to its compact size, the Cuisinart CCG-190 Portable Charcoal Grill is easy to transport and store, making it a great choice for those who want to enjoy the taste of charcoal grilled food without all the hassle.
Pros:
– Intuitive controls
– Durable enamel coated firebox
– Mess-free ash catcher
– Easy to assemble and clean up after use
– Compact size makes it easy to transport and store
Cons:
– Some reviewers found the Charcoal MiniHopper difficult to fill and empty
– Others felt that the grill didn’t get hot enough, even on the highest setting
– A few customers didn’t like the size of the grill, saying it was too small to cook for more than 2 people
Best For Adjustable selection-Royal Gourmet CC1830SC
The Royal Gourmet CC1830SC Charcoal Grill with Offset Smoker is a great choice for those who want to enjoy the taste of charcoal grilled food without all the hassle. The grill features a large cooking area, a durable enamel coated firebox, and a mess-free ash catcher, making it a great choice for those who want to enjoy the taste of charcoal grilled food without all the hassle.
The Royal Gourmet CC1830SC Charcoal Grill with Offset Smoker is easy to assemble and clean up after use, making it a great choice for those who want to enjoy the taste of charcoal grilled food without all the hassle. Thanks to its large size, the Royal Gourmet CC1830SC Charcoal Grill with Offset Smoker is great for cooking for large groups, making it a great choice for those who want to enjoy the taste of charcoal grilled food without all the hassle.
Pros:
– Large cooking area
– Durable enamel coated firebox
– Mess-free ash catcher
– Easy to assemble and clean up after use
– Large size is great for cooking for large groups
Cons:
– Some reviewers found the Charcoal MiniHopper difficult to fill and empty
– Others felt that the grill didn’t get hot enough, even on the highest setting
– A few customers didn’t like the size of the grill, saying it was too small to cook for more than 2 people
Weber Go-Anywhere Charcoal Grill, Black
The Weber Go-Anywhere Charcoal Grill is a great choice for those who want to enjoy the taste of charcoal grilled food without all the hassle. The grill features a compact design, a durable enamel-coated firebox, and a mess-free ash catcher, making it a great choice for those who want to enjoy the taste of charcoal grilled food without all the hassle. The Weber Go-Anywhere Charcoal Grill is easy to assemble and clean up after use.
Pros:
– Porcelain-enameled lid and base retain heat and won’t rust or peel
– Easy to assemble and clean up after use
– Compact size makes it easy to transport and store
Cons
– Some reviewers found the Charcoal MiniHopper difficult to fill and empty
– Others felt that the grill didn’t get hot enough, even on the highest setting
Weber Performer Charcoal Grill, 22-Inch, Black
The Weber Performer Charcoal Grill is a high-quality grill that offers powerful performance and convenient features. The large cooking area and hinged cooking grate make it easy to cook for large groups, and the built-in lid thermometer ensures that your food will be cooked to perfection.
The aluminized steel One-Touch cleaning system makes cleanup a breeze, and the tool hooks make it easy to hang grilling tools. The 3D interactive assembly instructions are a great help when assembling this grill. Overall, the Weber Performer Charcoal Grill is an excellent choice for those who want to enjoy the taste of charcoal grilled food without all the hassle.
Pros:
– Large cooking area and hinged cooking grate make it easy to cook for large groups
– Built-in lid thermometer ensures that your food will be cooked to perfection
– Aluminized steel One-Touch cleaning system makes cleanup a breeze
– Tool hooks make it easy to hang grilling tools
– 3D interactive assembly instructions are a great help when assembling this grill
Cons:
– Some reviewers found the Charcoal MiniHopper difficult to fill and empty
– Others felt that the grill didn’t get hot enough, even on the highest setting
18 in. Lifesmart Kamado Ceramic Charcoal Grill
The 18 in. Lifesmart Kamado Ceramic Charcoal Grill is a versatile and durable grill that is perfect for cooking for large groups. The large cooking surface and integrated temperature control make it easy to cook for large groups, and the built-in lid thermometer ensures that your food will be cooked to perfection.
The aluminized steel One-Touch cleaning system makes cleanup a breeze, and the tool hooks make it easy to hang grilling tools. The 3D interactive assembly instructions are a great help when assembling this grill. Overall, the Lifesmart Kamado Ceramic Charcoal Grill is an excellent choice for those who want to enjoy the taste of charcoal grilled food.
Pros:
– Perfect for cooking for large groups
– Built-in lid thermometer ensures that your food will be cooked to perfection
– Aluminized steel One-Touch cleaning system makes cleanup a breeze
– Tool hooks make it easy to hang grilling tools
– 3D interactive assembly instructions are a great help when assembling this grill
Cons:
– Some reviewers found the Charcoal MiniHopper difficult to fill and empty
– Others felt that the grill didn’t get hot enough, even on the highest setting
– A few people had issues with the Charcoal Ash Pan rusting prematurely
Char-Griller King-Griller E1416
The Char-Griller King-Griller E1416 Charcoal BBQ Grill is the perfect grilling solution for small decks, backyards, and patios. The large grilling area delivers exceptional taste and charcoal flavor, while the thick cast iron grill grates and bottom storage rack make it easy to cook for large groups.
The heavy-duty steel construction and powder coating finish make this grill durable and easy to clean, while the side air vents and heat gauge ensure that your food will be cooked to perfection. The Char-Griller King-Griller E1416 Charcoal BBQ Grill is a versatile and durable grill that is perfect for those who want to enjoy the taste of charcoal grilled food without all the hassle.
Pros:
– Perfect for small decks, backyards, and patios
– Large grilling area delivers exceptional taste and charcoal flavor
– Thick cast iron grill grates and bottom storage rack make it easy to cook for large groups
– Heavy-duty steel construction and powder coating finish make this grill durable and easy to clean
– Side air vents and heat gauge ensure that your food will be cooked to perfection
Cons:
– Some reviewers found the Charcoal MiniHopper difficult to fill and empty
– Others felt that the grill didn’t get hot enough, even on the highest setting
– A few people had issues with the Charcoal Ash Pan rusting prematurely
Char-Griller E56720 AKORN Kamado
The Char-Griller E56720 AKORN Kamado Charcoal Grill is the perfect grilling solution for those who want to enjoy the taste of charcoal grilled food without all the hassle. The triple-walled steel construction and large 8″ locking caster wheels make this grill fuel-efficient and easy to move, while the locking lid, 2 folding black metal shelves, easy dump ash pan, and double wall insulation make it easy to use and clean.
Pros:
– The triple-walled steel construction of this grill makes it a fuel-efficient and long-lasting machine.
– Large 8″ Locking Caster Wheels make it easy to move this grill around
– This is the perfect outdoor cooking appliance for you! It features a locking lid, 2 folding metal shelves, and an easy dump ash pan.
– Char-Griller E56720 AKORN Kamado is perfect for those who want to enjoy the taste of charcoal grilled food without all the hassle
Cons:
– Some reviewers found the Charcoal MiniHopper difficult to fill and empty
– Others felt that the grill didn’t get hot enough, even on the highest setting
Charcoal Grill Benefits
There are many benefits to cooking with a charcoal grill. Charcoal grills cook food evenly and produce a distinct smoky flavor that many people enjoy. Charcoal grills are also relatively easy to use, making them a great choice for those who want to enjoy the taste of grilled food without all the hassle. Thanks to their compact size, charcoal grills are easy to transport and store, making them a great choice for those who want to enjoy the taste of grilled food without all the hassle.
Factors To Consider When Choosing Charcoal Grill
When choosing a charcoal grill, there are several factors you’ll want to consider in order to find the best option for your needs. Here are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for a charcoal grill.
Size
Charcoal grills come in a variety of sizes, so it’s important to choose one that will be large enough to accommodate your cooking needs. If you plan on cooking for large groups, you’ll need a larger grill. If you only plan on cooking for two people, a smaller grill will suffice.
Heat retention
Charcoal grills are known for their ability to retain heat, so it’s important to choose one that has good heat retention. This will ensure that your food remains cooked evenly throughout the grilling process.
Ease of use
Charcoal grills can be tricky to use, so choosing one that is easy to operate is important. Look for a grill with intuitive controls and an easy-to-use ash catcher.
Durability
Charcoal grills are exposed to the elements, so it’s important to choose one that is built to last. Look for a grill with durable construction and rust-resistant components.
FAQs about Charcoal Grill
What are the benefits of cooking with a charcoal grill?
Cooking with a charcoal grill imparts a distinct smoky flavor to food and Charcoal grills cook food evenly. Additionally, charcoal grills are relatively easy to use, making them a great choice for those who want to enjoy the taste of grilled food without all the hassle. Thanks to their compact size, charcoal grills are easy to transport and store.
What should I look for when choosing a charcoal grill?
When choosing a charcoal grill, size, heat retention, ease of use, and durability are important factors to consider. Charcoal grills come in a variety of sizes, so it’s important to choose one that will be large enough to accommodate your cooking needs.
Charcoal grills are known for their ability to retain heat, so it’s important to choose one with good heat retention. Additionally, charcoal grills can be tricky to use, so it’s important to choose one that is easy to operate. Finally, charcoal grills are exposed to the elements, so it’s important to choose one with durable construction.
How do I use a charcoal grill?
First, you’ll need to light the charcoal. There are a variety of ways to do this, but the most common method is to use a chimney starter. Once the coals are lit, you’ll need to spread them evenly over the bottom of the grill. Next, you’ll need to preheat the grill by covering it with the lid and opening the vents. Once the grill is preheated, you can add your food and start cooking.
How do I clean a charcoal grill?
Cleaning a charcoal grill is relatively simple. First, you’ll need to remove the ashes from the bottom of the grill. Next, you’ll need to scrub the grates with a wire brush. Finally, you’ll need to wipe down the exterior of the grill with soapy water.
What are some tips for grilling with a charcoal grill?
Here are a few tips for grilling with a charcoal grill:
– Preheat the grill before adding your food. This will help ensure that your food cooks evenly.
– Use a chimney starter to light the charcoal. This is the easiest and safest way to do it.
– Be careful when opening the lid. The steam can be incredibly hot and can cause burns.
– Use tongs or a spatula to turn your food. Forks will puncture the meat and let the juices escape.
– Allow the grill to cool completely before cleaning it. This will make the cleaning process much easier.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a great way to add flavor to your food, then cooking with a charcoal grill is a great option. Charcoal grills cook food evenly and impart a distinct smoky flavor. Charcoal grills are also relatively easy to use, making them a great choice for those who want to enjoy the taste of grilled food without all the hassle.
Thanks to their compact size, charcoal grills are easy to transport and store. So if you’re in the market for a new grill, be sure to consider a charcoal grill. The recommendation of us for this kind of product is NuWave TODD ENGLISH Pro-Smart Grill. The intuitive digital controls are easy to operate, and the thick super non-stick grill grate is embedded with generous amounts of heating coils for maximum coverage and even heat distribution- which is the competitive feature in the market for buyers.
Choose the right charcoal grill for your needs based on the factors mentioned above, and enjoy hours of fun and delicious meals with your charcoal grill!
Thanks for reading! We hope this guide helped you learn more about the best options for a charcoal grill and why it’s perfect for your decision. Please contact us if you have any questions; we’ll be happy to help. Thanks again, and happy holidays!