When it comes to cooking food outdoors, there are many different types of grills available. Some people prefer a gas grill while others like the authenticity of using charcoal. If you’re shopping for a charcoal grill, there are several factors to consider to help you purchase the option that will best meet your needs. It’s helpful to compare the different available options based on prices and features to choose one within your budget.
Charcoal grills come in several sizes. Some are compact and designed for camping or other types of travel. Smaller charcoal grills also work well for those who only need to cook a small amount of food at a time. If you prefer a larger grill, there are several sizable charcoal grills to meet those requirements. The following is a list of the 10 best charcoal grills based on reviews by consumer report.
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10. Char-Griller 6714 Akorn Jr Kamado Kooker Charcoal Grill
The Char-Griller 6714 Akorn Jr charcoal grill is compact in size but still offers 153 square inches of primary cooking space. The grates included with this grill are durable, easy to clean, and made from cast iron. It includes dual damper controls.
This grill from Char-Griller allows for precise temperature control so you can cook foods properly for the best taste. The body of the grill is made from 22 gauge steel with a black finish. The easy dump ash pan makes cleanup quick.
9. Char-Griller E16620 Akorn Kamado Kooker Charcoal Barbecue Grill and Smoker
The Char-Griller E16620 Akorn Kamado Kooker functions as a charcoal grill and smoker. This unit is able to accommodate large amounts of food at once with 314 square inches of cooking space and a warming rack.
This grill and smoker can be used for all types of meats. It has an insulated design to cook your food quickly and efficiently without sacrificing taste. The cooking surface is durable and made of cast iron.
8. Cuisinart CCG-190RB Portable Charcoal Grill
The Cuisinart CCG-190RB portable charcoal grill is compact and perfect for tailgating, camping, and other travel. This grill has a chrome plated grate that provides 150 square inches of cooking space.
This compact charcoal grill from Cuisinart features a dual venting system to allow you to easily manage the temperature. It also has 3 secure lid locks which makes it easy to transport and store without a mess.
7. Weber 121020 Go-Anywhere Charcoal Grill
The Weber 121020 Go-Anywhere charcoal grill is ideal for anyone seeking a portable grill that’s easy to use. This unit is small enough to take with you camping, tailgating, or anywhere else you need it. It can hold up to 6 burgers at once.
This portable grill from Weber is lightweight but durable. It has a porcelain-enameled lid and base to help retain the heat. The lid also locks on for travel. The grill has a primary cooking area of 160 square inches.
6. Weber Jumbo Joe Charcoal Grill 18 Inch Black
The Weber Jumbo Joe charcoal grill can hold up to 8 burgers at once. This compact grill is lightweight and perfect for travel. The porcelain-enameled lid and bowl are designed to be rust resistant.
This compact grill from Weber includes dampers so you can easily control the temperature. The lid is designed to lock onto the base for travel and also has a feature to prevent you from having to sit the lid on the ground during grilling.
5. Lodge Cast Iron Sportsman’s Grill
The Lodge Cast Iron Sportsman’s Grill has two adjustable heights for convenience. This grill is compact and can be taken with you for tailgating or camping. It’s also a great option for use on a small patio.
This hibachi-style grill from Lodge has a draft door so you can regulate the heat. The coals are accessible behind a flip-down door for convenience. The cast iron cooking grate comes seasoned and ready for use.
4. Royal Gourmet BBQ Charcoal Grill and Offset Smoker
The Royal Gourmet BBQ charcoal grill and offset smoker is perfect for those who prefer to grill and smoke a lot of meats and other foods at once. The smoker can also be used as a small grilling area.
This smoker and grill combination provides a total of 800 square inches of cooking space. This includes a swing away rack for foods that don’t require direct heat. The unit also has a temperature gauge for precise cooking.
3. Weber 741001 Original Kettle 22-Inch Charcoal Grill
The Weber 741001 Original Kettle charcoal grill is versatile and can hold up to 13 burgers at once. This grill has a porcelain-enameled lid and bowl to retain the heat and prevent rust.
This grill from Weber includes a lid hook so you don’t have to place the lid on the ground. It has dampers so you can control the temperature inside for cooking different foods.
2. Weber 10020 Smokey Joe 14-Inch Portable Grill
The Weber 10020 Smokey Joe 14″ portable grill can hold up to 5 burgers. This grill is lightweight for portability so you can take it tailgating or camping.
This compact grill from Weber includes a durable plated steel cooking grate that’s easy to clean. The lid and bowl are both porcelain-enameled to help retain heat for even cooking.
1. Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill
The Weber Original Kettle Premium charcoal grill includes a built-in lid thermometer so you can easily monitor the temperature as you grill. This unit can hold around 13 burgers at a time.
This grill from Weber includes a lid hook for convenience. The cooking grate is hinged so you can add charcoal while you’re grilling as needed. The grill has a unique ash catching system for quick cleanup.
Charcoal grills are relatively easy and affordable to use. Plus, they give your food the sought after grilled flavor that just doesn’t come from using a gas grill. Most charcoal grills are small enough to use on a smaller patio or deck. Some are even compact enough to take camping or tailgating. Charcoal grills are great for cooking steaks, chicken, pork, burgers, and more.
When choosing the best charcoal grill to meet your needs, it’s important to consider the size of grilling space. If you frequently cook for large crowds, you will want to choose a large grill with enough cooking space to accommodate your food. It’s helpful to read online consumer reviews when shopping for charcoal grills. These reviews can provide information on the quality of the grill as well as how well it holds up over time.