Top 11 Best Charcoal Grill Review 2022 ( Buyer’s Guide)

Best Charcoal Grill

Last Updated on February 25, 2022

No one can resist the magical smoky flavor of food that comes out of a charcoal grill. Be it chicken, ribs or steak, charcoal grills are best to grill them and to incorporate smoky flavor.

And having the best charcoal grill will undoubtedly give excellent results. But what is the best charcoal grill on the market? Or which is best steak charcoal grill? and the list of questions continues. So here we are to help you in your quest of buying best charcoal grill.

Life of any BBQ party is good delicious food. And if you love throwing outdoor parties, one sure thing is to serve tasty food. When tasty food gets a smoky flavor, it becomes an unforgettable combination. And this is possible using the best charcoal grill.

Hosting Guest for the BBQ? Don’t worry we got your back

Your guest will load you with tons of compliments all because of smokey flavor they are going to enjoy when cooked in good charcoal grill. One thing to note about grilling food using a charcoal grill is slow cooking process. Because it takes more time to grill food, you get more time to spend with family and friends.

So conclusively, charcoal grills are best way to make delicious food as well as spend time with loved ones. So without wasting much time, let us begin our best charcoal grill reviews of 2022.

Top Rated Charcoal Barbecue Grills Reviews

ModelGrilling SpacePrice
Weber 74100122 Inch
Char-Griller E0661414 Inch
PK 99740300 sq Inch
Char-Broil Gas2Coal540 sq Inch
Weber 1550100122 Inch
Expert Grill24 Inch
Char-Griller 16620314 sq Inch
Weber 121020160 sq inch
Broil King 911470480 sq inch
Wemk Portable18 Inch
Royal Gourmet BBQ30 Inch

1. Weber 741001 Original Kettle Charcoal Grill – Best Overall

Read Customer Reviews Here »

Weber charcoal grills are so popular among users for long while because of its outstanding performance. People often ask, why Weber charcoal grills are the best? And we have one simple answer, user-friendly models. So we also begin our review with best Weber charcoal grill. This Weber original kettle charcoal grill provides steel cooking grate which is 22-inch in diameter. Thus, the 22-inch diameter offers a total of 363 sq inches of cooking space. This much space is enough to fit up to 13 medium size burgers at once. Therefore, making it the best charcoal grill for medium to large size family. Also, this heavy-duty steel cooking grate is durable and easy to clean. Along with that, it holds up heat evenly which in turn gives beautiful sear marks to your chicken or steak. Above all, less price of this Weber unit makes it best charcoal grill under $100.

Weber 741001 original kettle is a breeze to clean because of its one-touch cleaning feature. This feature provides hassle-free cleanup of charcoal ash and debris by simply pulling small handle at bottom of the unit. After the grilling process is over, all ash, debris or leftover coal settles at the base of the bowl. And few inches down from bottom bowl, Weber provides an in-built rust-resistant ash catcher tray. Thus, gently pull handle at the bottom and all ash will directly fall into the tray. As a result, cleaning this Weber charcoal grill becomes much easier and comfortable.

The round design of the unit along with superior quality lid and bowl retains heat. This, in turn, provides consistent temperature and even cooking of food. Also, the high-quality finish of lid and bowl prevents rusting, cracking and peeling. Therefore, this is the best charcoal grill from Weber which is durable as well as portable. The two wheels at the bottom allow you to move the unit around your yard. Also, the lid hook allows you to conveniently hang the lid on side of the grill rather than placing it on the ground. Conclusively, it is the best charcoal grill under $100 with large cooking grate is perfect for BBQ parties.

What we Liked/Disliked

Pros:

  • Low price and large cooking area makes it best Weber charcoal grill under $100
  • No need to place the lid on the ground as you can hang it on side of grill using lid hook
  • You can easily control the temperature of the grill by adjusting dampers
  • Heat resistant handle makes it convenient for you to lift lids in between grilling process
  • It’s easy to move the unit around the yard because of wheels present at the base
  • The grill is highly adjustable as well as it is easy to control heat levels due to the presence of vents
  • Steel construction of Weber 741001 original kettle will last for years long

Cons:

  • Height of grill is not adjustable
  • Not ideal for big parties having more than 12 persons
Key Features
  • 22-inch cooking grate
  • 2 rust-resistant vents
  • Porcelain-enameled bowl And lid
  • Nylon handles
  • Lid hook
  • Aluminum ash catcher
  • 2 wheels at the bottom
  • Sturdy steel construction
  • 10-year limited warranty

Bottom Line: Remember when you have a specific taste for smokey BBQ but budget use to cut you out from the fun, however not anymore. Weber 741001 Original is not just the best but also the best charcoal grill under $100. With more than 900+ positive customer review on Amazon.com, it has become the Amazon Choice product in its class.

2. Char-Griller E06614 – Best Charcoal Grill Under $200 | Akron Jr. Kamado Kooker Style

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Next, on our best charcoal grill reviews, we have a kamado cooker from char-griller. Its triple insulation wall is responsible for maximum heating. Also, steel walls of this Char-Griller e06614 Akorn JR. Kamado Kooker will last for years. What makes the unit more reliable is its cast iron cooking grate. This grate measures 153 sq feet of total cooking area. Further, the small size of the unit makes it easy to carry. Also, it provides 2 durable handles for easy portability and grilling on the go. Therefore, it is the best charcoal grill for camping and picnics. In addition, short legs of this Akorn JR. Kamado Kooker holds the unit firmly at its place. However, it does not have wheels at the base. But the absence of wheels is what makes this charcoal grill best for camping.

Be it chicken, turkey or steak, with this Kamado style grill you will get even cooking every time. Its triple walls are responsible for retaining high temperatures up to 700 degrees Fahrenheit. And with this much high temperature, you can grill ribs, chicken legs or whatever you love. Furthermore, you get a total of 2 dampers to control the heat inside the unit. Also this Akorn JR. Kamado Kooker provides an in-built temperature gauge. This steel temperature gauge ranges from 200-700 degrees F. And grilling become much easier when you know the correct temperature. Thus, making it the best charcoal grill with temperature gauge.

It is really easy to reach high temperature with a few pieces of coal. As a result, it helps to get beautiful sear marks on food as well as saves coal. Besides that, handles on side of the unit are responsible for its portability. Therefore, you can take this small charcoal grill to camp, RV or tailgating. And above all, the cost of this small unit is not too high which makes it the best charcoal grill under $200.

What we Liked/Disliked

Pros:

  • Triple walls of the unit provide great insulation as well as needs less number of coals to reach a high temperature
  • This is the best small charcoal grill for RV, tailgating, camping, etc
  • In spite of having so many wonderful features, the cost of the unit is not too high
  • You get a damper adjustment chart which shows different cooking temperatures according to the type of meat
  • Ash pan at the bottom of the unit collects coal ash and debris which in turn eases cleanup
  • Kamado style grill promotes even and fast heating, so ultimately you get soft juicy meat with beautiful sear marks
  • You get 2 color choices, red and black

Cons:

  • No wheels at the bottom
  • Can be challenging to achieve low temperature
Key Features
  • The 14-inch diameter of cooking surface
  • In-built temperature gauge
  • Dual airflow dampers
  • Hinged locking lid
  • Triple steel walls
  • Ash pan
  • Cast-iron grill plate
  • 25-inch tall unit

Bottom Line: Char-Griller E06614 comes with convenient handles for portability and grilling on the go. Easy dump ash pan and fast smoker properties make it another excellent value for money charcoal grill to buy.

3. PK 99740 Charcoal Grill Smoker Combo – Top Rated Reviews

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PK charcoal grill and smoker is perfect for both, direct and indirect grilling. If you love grilling food at right temperatures then this is the best charcoal grill for the purpose. Direct heat is best for cooking thin slices of meat such as steaks, sausages, chicken breast, etc. Whereas, indirect cooking is most suitable for thick slices of meat. And with pk 99740 charcoal grill, both type of grilling methods becomes so much easy. In addition to that, this large charcoal grill offers 300 sq. inches of cooking surface. And with this much space, you can easily cook a good amount of food in a single go. Further, pk charcoal grill smoker combo gives magical smokey flavor to food. And trust us, no one could resist delicious food having great flavor and beautiful sear marks.

The cast aluminum construction of this charcoal barbecue grill will last for many coming years. Also, cast aluminum has many benefits over steel models. Therefore, aluminum is rust-proof and light in weight. Also, it conducts heat 4 times more efficiently than steel units. So overall, they are best charcoal grills having a long life and great durability. As aluminum generates heat faster, it requires less coal to reach a high temperature. Hence, it helps to cook food evenly and thoroughly from inside out.

Pk grill is among one of the best award-winning charcoal grills. They have consistently received many awards for outstanding design and performance. Therefore, its unique capsule shape and 4 vents make it easy for you to control the temperature. Moreover, the light weight of the unit makes it easy to carry it along with you during camping or tailgating. Conclusively, it is the best charcoal grill having a big cooking area perfect for a large family.

What we Liked/Disliked

Pros:

  • The oven detaches from carriage without tools for easy cleaning
  • Thick cast aluminum retains maximum heat which makes it suitable for both direct and indirect grilling
  • By adjusting top and bottom vents, you can achieve optimum airflow while smoking meat
  • The light weight of the unit makes it easy to carry and shift it from one place to another
  • It is a breeze to set-up the unit, as well as assembly of the parts, hardly requires 15 minutes
  • The large cooking surface can handle everything from brats to Thanksgiving turkey
  • Cast aluminum provides great heat which lasts for longer periods of time resulting in even cooking
  • Wheels at the bottom make it easy to move the unit around the yard

Cons:

  • No temperature gauge
  • Cleaning up the unit is a bit messy as it does not consist of the ash pan
Key Features
  • 300 sq inch cooking surface
  • Cast aluminum construction
  • Award winning model
  • Grill and smoker combo
  • 4-point venting system
  • Rust-proof exterior
  • Capsule like design
  • 10-year warranty

Bottom Line: PK99740 is the perfection combination of charcoal griller smoker which let you smoke the meat or food along with amazing grilling properties. Strong frame and 10-year company warranty makes PK 99740 a non-avoidable deal.

4. Char-Broil Gas2Coal – Best Gas Charcoal Combo Grill | Liquid Propane + Charcoal

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Moving ahead, we have the best gas and charcoal grill combo from char-broil. By combo we mean, it is both a charcoal grill as well as a gas grill. Basically, it is a hybrid grill which wears the name, gas and charcoal grill. This unit quickly and easily converts from a gas grill to charcoal grill without using any tools. So with this char broil charcoal grill, you can enjoy both different types of the grilling process. Its 3-burner gas grill along with 40000 BTU offers fast and even cooking of food. In addition to that, you can use these gas burners to light up coal. Thus, eliminating the need for lighter fluid. Also, the unit easily converts from gas to charcoal in under 60 seconds. All you need to do is, follow 4 easy steps to convert the unit. This user-convenience makes it one of the best gas and charcoal grill.

Apart from being one the best gas and charcoal grill, this unit has a beautiful exterior. Further, this char broil charcoal grill offers side shelf where you can place utensils, sauces or flavoring ingredients. Also, you can get the same model which includes side shelf as well as side burner. Moreover, it provides 540 sq inches of total cooking area with 420 sq inch of primary cooking area. With this much area, you can easily prepare delicious barbecue for many persons. Thus, it is the best gas charcoal combo grill in terms of cooking area.

Unlike having normal coal tray, this char broil charcoal grill special charcoal tray. What makes this tray special is its design. It reduces flare-ups when using the charcoal function of the grill. While on the other hand, cast iron grates are rust-resistant, sturdy and easy to clean. Besides, the unit includes a slot for placing propane tank safely. And above all, starting the unit is very easy. Just turn on the knob, push the button and your charbroil charcoal grill will start instantly.

What we Liked/Disliked

Pros:

  • It hardly takes a minute to convert the unit from gas to charcoal
  • No need to use lighter fluid as the unit easily starts by simply pressing a button
  • Wheels at the base are helpful in moving the grill around the yard
  • You can easily know the temperature inside with the help of temperature gauge
  • High-quality stainless steel burners are sturdy and easy to clean
  • Provides side burner to cook other food while grilling is in process
  • The unit contains cabinet at the bottom to keep propane cylinder safely

Cons:

  • Will have to use gloves during BBQ
  • There is only one way to access to gas tank and that is from the backside
Key Features
  • Gas and charcoal grill combo
  • Total cooking area of 540 sq inch
  • Stainless steel burners
  • 3 main burners of 40000 BTU
  • 1 side burner of 12000 BTU
  • Temperature gauge
  • Special charcoal tray
  • Electric ignition start
  • Side shelf
  • 5-year warranty

Bottom Line: Quickly and easily converts from a gas grill to charcoal grill without tools. It runs on both charcoal and propane whichever you like. This hybrid grill has 3 burners for additional cooking space. The main burner has 40,000 BTU and side burner has 12,000 BTU. It is a must-have cooking machine that you must own.

5. Weber 15501001 – Best Charcoal Grill For The Money

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Here we have another Weber charcoal grill on our best charcoal grill reviews. This Weber model is one complete package for all barbecue need. First of all, it is spacious and attractive looking. Secondly, it provides space and container for storing coal. This in-built coal container makes it easy for you to simply grab and add coal to the grill. Also, it eliminates the hassle of storing coals. Further, lightning coals are super easy as you do not need lighter fluid. Simply press a button to ignite coals and begin grilling. Other than that, Weber 15501001 deluxe charcoal grill provides a work table to place seasoning ingredients or plates. As a result, working becomes so more convenient and comfortable.

The one-touch cleaning system is what makes Weber charcoal grills so famous. It provides a removable ashtray which catches ash and debris of charcoal. After cooking food, simply turn the handle and take out ash pan and empty the contents. Other features include sturdy fuel grate wherein you can place coals for either direct or indirect cooking. Also, it is very easy to control the temperature inside the grill without lifting the lid. This is possible by adjusting dampers. In case, you wish to stop grilling, simply close the dampers. This, in turn, will cut oxygen supply and turn off your Weber charcoal grill.

One interesting feature of this Weber charcoal grill is, it provides an LCD timer. You can make use of this feature to set time for preheating and grilling session. This way you do not have to remember how much time is still remaining for food to cook. In case you do not wish to use a timer, you can simply detach it from the unit. Overall, it is the best charcoal grill from Weber that will give you an unforgettable grilling experience.

What we Liked/Disliked

Pros:

  • Great quality along with sturdy construction makes it one of the best Weber charcoal grills
  • It provides a work surface where you can place dishes or other BBQ seasoning ingredients
  • One-touch cleaning system with removable aluminum ash catcher pan
  • Weber provides tool hooks at the side of the unit where you can place many grilling tools
  • Built-in lid thermometer shows temperature inside the grill
  • It includes a special grate for holding charcoal which in turn gives optimum result
  • Touch-n-Go ignition system easily ignites coal with a simple push of a button

Cons:

  • It takes an hour to put all the parts together as a unit is big in size
  • Some buyers do not like a hole in the middle of the grill
Key Features
  • 363 sq inches of total space
  • Ignition start
  • Built-in lid thermometer
  • Lid holder
  • Work table
  • Charcoal storage container
  • LCD Timer
  • 2-part grate system
  • One-touch cleaning system

Bottom Line: The Weber 15 has removable LCD cook timer and built-in lid thermometer which helps in measuring the meat temperature in real time. This Deluxe and premium griller is perfect for hosting backyard parties to eat some smoked ribs.

6. Expert Grill Heavy Duty Charcoal Grill – Best Under $300

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When budget is a barrier, all you seek is a good performing unit that costs less. So here we present you one best cheap charcoal grill from an expert grill. In spite of having such a less price, features of this unit are outstanding. Therefore, it is one of the best charcoal grills under 300. Firstly, the 24-inch of cooking space is big enough to prepare a good quantity of food at one go. Secondly, it provides an in-built warming rack where you can place buns or vegetables to keep them warm and toasty. Furthermore, you can adjust the height of the charcoal tray by simply rotating the handle. Thus, this feature helps you while you change your setting from direct to indirect grilling or vice versa. Above all, less price and more features make it best charcoal grill under $300.

This heavy-duty charcoal grill provides a side shelf where you can either place plates or BBQ seasoning sauces. Moreover, adjustable charcoal tray provides more user control as well as retains maximum heat. Therefore, you can decide how much close you want to keep the charcoal tray to cooking grate by rotating the handle. Maximum reach of this tray to cooking grate is about 1-1/2 inches. With this much flexibility, you can cook any type of food. And this user comfort makes it one of the best charcoal grills in our review list.

Total of 4 vents helps to maintain proper airflow inside this heavy-duty charcoal grill. Also, it consists of the in-built thermometer on lid which allows you to view current temperature inside the unit. This thermometer shows a temperature range between 200 to 800 degree F. And with this much temperature rise, you can cook delicious food having beautiful sear marks. Furthermore, it provides space on the bottom of the unit wherein you can place a charcoal bag. Or you can also use this space for keeping extra dishes, sauces or food. This, in turn, increases user comfort and makes it the best charcoal grill under 300 dollars.

What we Liked/Disliked

Pros:

  • Warming racks are helpful to keep already cooked items warm
  • Easy to adjust charcoal trays by simply rotating the handle
  • It provides a special tray to collect ash and debris of coal
  • Wheels at the bottom proved to be helpful while moving the unit around the yard
  • In spite of being big in size, the cost of the product is much less
  • The product also contains bottle opener which makes it more user-friendly

Cons:

  • Assembly of the product takes about 2-3 hour
  • Instructions on user manual could be better
Key Features
  • 24-inch cooking space
  • Warming Rack
  • 4 air vents
  • In-built thermometer
  • Side shelf
  • Adjustable charcoal tray
  • Wheels on right legs
  • Cast iron grate

Bottom Line: It goes on sale during Black Friday and mostly it is sold on discount. However, apart from affordable price, this medium-large heavy duty griller is perfect if you host regular BBQ parties.

7. Char-Griller 16620 – Best Charcoal Grill Smoker Combo (Runner Up)

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Grilling becomes so much fun when you get great cooking space. And enjoyment doubles when the size of the unit is compact and does not require much space. So next product on our best charcoal grill reviews is exactly the same. This small charcoal grill offers a large cooking space while compact size requires less space. However, the item is quite heavy because of its sturdy steel construction. But it does provide wheels for easy mobility of the unit around the yard. Also, the wheels consist of a rear locking caster which prevents movement while it is in use. In short, it keeps the charcoal grill smoker firm while you cook delicious chicken breast. As we were talking about its large cooking space, the unit provides 314 inches of total space. And this much space of Akorn Kamado Kooker can fit a good amount of burgers.

Triple-wall insulation retains heat while cast iron grates help to transfer heat evenly. This, in turn, cooks the meat properly and also give beautiful sear marks. Apart from that, this charcoal grill smoker offers 2 dampers, one at top and another on the bottom. While the top damper is perfect for high heat, adjust the bottom damper to control airflow. Therefore, when you get good control over airflow, it helps to maintain precise cooking temperature. Hence, it is the best small charcoal grill under 300.

Further, this charcoal grill smoker offers 2 side shelves with utensil hooks. These shelves are fold-able so you can push them down when not in use. Also one of these shelves includes utensils hook where you can hang grill tools. Besides that, it features easy-dump ash pan and heat gauge. Overall, it is the best charcoal grill smoker for the money.

What we Liked/Disliked

Pros:

  • The bottom damper has numbers on it so that you can easily note the position of the damper
  • Lid-lock ensures heat does not escape from sides and thus, results in even cooking
  • Ash from the coal falls directly into the pan which is removable for easy cleaning of the unit
  • In case you do not wish to use warming rack you can easily remove it from the main grill
  • The company provides a damper adjustment chart which is useful while cooking different type of meats
  • Rear locking caster on wheels holds the unit firmly in place while you are preparing tasty dish

Cons:

  • The unit is very heavy
  • Issues with nuts and bolts does not hold parts properly (sometimes)
Key Features
  • 447 sq inch total cooking area
  • 133 sq inch warming rack
  • Triple-wall insulation
  • Steel construction
  • Heat gauge
  • Easy-dump ash pan
  • 8-inch wheels
  • 2 side shelves
  • Dual dampers
  • 5-year warranty

Bottom Line: Char-Griller 16620 by Akron is another Kamado style grill that cooks on charcoal. It has been blowing on sales and has more than 700 positive customer review which vouches for its high quality and durability.

8. Weber 121020 – Go-Anywhere Best Portable Charcoal Grill

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This Weber charcoal grill is especially for those who cannot compromise food when they’re out. And by that we mean, this is a portable charcoal grill which is light in weight and small in size. It has a rectangular shape which is similar to that of a briefcase. Therefore, due to this shape along with a good-grip handle on the top, it becomes easy to carry. Also, this reinforced-nylon handle stays cool during cooking so that you can easily lift the lid. Other than that, it consists of a rectangular steel plate that provides 160 sq inches of cooking area. And this much space can easily fit up to 6 burgers. Also, a sturdy steel plate is strong and long-lasting. Thus, making it the best portable charcoal grill for picnics and camping.

The Weber portable charcoal grill comprises of 2 adjustable dampers. These dampers are present on the top of the lid with each damper having 3 vent holes. Therefore, adjust dampers accordingly in order to set airflow and control cooking temperature. However, it does not include in-built thermometer but that is not an issue as portable units don’t need one. Moreover, the low cost of this model makes it best Weber charcoal grill under $50.

For safety purpose, the Weber portable charcoal grill provides pivoting legs that lock the lid into place. Besides that, porcelain enameled coating prevents rust and fading. As a result, the unit looks brand new for a long period of time. So conclusively, it is compact, sturdy and portable charcoal grill that is best suitable for picnics, tailgating, and camping.

What we Liked/Disliked

Pros:

  • No need to assemble the product
  • Low cost of this small grill makes it best portable charcoal grill under 50
  • Has enough cooking space to fit up to 6 burger patties
  • Lightweight of the unit makes it easy to lift using one hand
  • The compact size of the item packs away nicely in tight space
  • Pivoting legs locks the lid in place so that it does not open suddenly due to heavy winds

Cons:

  • Does not include heat gauge
  • No ignition start
Key Features
  • 160 sq inch of grilling surface
  • Steel legs
  • Glass-reinforced nylon handle
  • Dual dampers with 3 vent holes
  • Rectangular shape
  • Steel cooking grate
  • Weights only 14.15 pounds
  • 10-year warranty

Bottom Line: Weber is one among the top rated charcoal grill brands on which customers can trust. Till date, Weber 121020 Go-Anywhere is an excellent cheap charcoal grill which you can buy for less than $50.

9. Broil King 911470 – Good Charcoal Barbecue(BBQ) Grill

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When you get all necessary tools along with sturdy main unit, cooking becomes much more fun. And this product on our best charcoal grill reviews comes with a multi-use tool. Therefore, the main purpose of providing multi-purpose tool is to ease the grilling process. Hence, you can adjust the height of grates, rotate damper, etc using this multi-tool. Apart from that, this heavy duty charcoal grill has robust double layer steel walls. And due to this double layer of steel, the unit retains maximum heat. Also, a big egg shape design of the item helps to spread heat evenly. In turn, it cooks meat thoroughly from inside out while leaving beautiful sear marks on the surface. Hence, dual steel walls in combination with egg design make it best charcoal barbecue grill.

Broil king 911470 charcoal barbecue grill provides 2 cooking surfaces. The first layer or primary cooking surface is of cast iron that is suitable for thick slices of meat. Whereas, a secondary cooking surface which is of heavy-duty steel is best for thin slices of meat or vegetables. In case, if you do not want to use secondary grid then simply pull it out using multi-tool. As a result, it eases access to the primary grid so that you can cook your food without any hassle. Thus, dual cooking grids of this charcoal barbecue grill provide maximum user comfort.

The broil king charcoal barbecue grill offers a handy bottle opener just below the handle. Therefore, enjoy sips of your favorite beverage while the food is cooking. Further, it includes an in-built temperature gauge that ranges from 100 to 800 degrees F. And for easy cleaning of the unit, it provides pull-out ashtray. So conclusively, it is robust, easy to use and best charcoal barbecue grill that will last for years.

What we Liked/Disliked

Pros:

  • The large cooking surface of this unit can fit almost any kind of food, be it steak, chicken or even pizza
  • The grill heats up quickly as well as retains heat very well
  • It provides secondary cooking grate which is basically extra grilling space
  • The unit offers 2 side shelves with one shelf having 3 tool hanging hooks
  • You can make use of both coals of wood chunks to get the perfect smokey flavor
  • Its solid double layers of steel will last for many years
  • Good customer service

Cons:

  • Costly
  • It becomes difficult to lower temperature once it gets too high because of its kamado style
Key Features
  • 480 sq inch total cooking space
  • 200 sq inch secondary cooking surface
  • 2 removable side shelves
  • Pull-out ashtray
  • Includes multi-tool
  • Heat gauge
  • Dual steel walls
  • 10-year warranty

Bottom Line: Broil King 911470 is professional Charcoal Barbecue Grill which is best in its class. You get a large cooking space and insulated steel design also make sure to use less charcoal in the process.

10. Wemk Portable Thickened Stainless Steel Grill – Cheap (Under $100)

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This lightweight charcoal grill makes it easy to carry it with you on picnics, camping, and tailgating. So here we present you one best charcoal grill which is light in weight as well as low on price. Even though the product costs less, it offers a 17-inch diameter of total cooking surface. Therefore, it is the best charcoal grill under $100 perfect for backyard and small get-together. Furthermore, 2 bowl handles along with strong wheels at bottom eases movement of the unit. In order to shift the grill, simply lift it a little bit from behind and place it anywhere in your yard. Other than that, it also provides small space just beneath the main unit on which you can place all the necessary stuff. Thus, making it the best charcoal grill for small backyard parties.

Heavy-duty steel charcoal grate withstands high temperature no matter what type of grilling you do. Therefore, cooking meat with this cheap charcoal grill will give perfect sear marks whether you cook it directly or indirectly. Besides that, it includes aluminum air vent damper on top of the lid for optimum airflow control. However, it only consists of a single air vent which in our opinion is good for small units. Apart from that, porcelain-enameled coating bowl and lid retains heat so that you do not have to use more coals.

The unit comes along with barbecue grill tools which makes it best charcoal grill for beginners. And by barbecue tools we mean, it includes BBQ skewers, tongs, 2 grill mats, and a grill brush. Also, the assembly of this product is very easy. It hardly takes 30 minutes to put all the parts together. Overall, it is small, portable and best charcoal grill under $100 for a small family.

What we Liked/Disliked

Pros:

  • Even though having a small cooking surface, it can easily fit 4 steaks and 8 patties at a time
  • In spite of having such a less price, it provides so many wonderful features
  • Grilling becomes more comfortable as the unit comes with barbecue tools
  • For better cleaning purpose it includes a grill brush so that you can scrub away leftovers properly
  • Lid hook allows you to conveniently hang the lid on side of the grill
  • Removable ashtray collects ash and debris from coal which in turn eases the cleaning process

Cons:

  • A small cooking grate cannot serve more than 5 persons at a time
  • Does not contain heat gauge
  • No side shelves
Key Features
  • 18-inch cooking grate
  • Aluminum air vent
  • Lid hook
  • Barbecue tool set
  • Easy-dump ash tray
  • Heavy-duty steel charcoal grate
  • Item weights only 10.45 pounds
  • Wheels at bottom

Bottom Line: So you love a picnic, small get-togethers and you are a big fan of barbecues. Wemk 18in Cooking Grate provides ample space to cook for half dozen of people. It also comes with barbecue toolsets and all you pay is less than $100 for it. These features make it an excellent cheap outdoor smoker for home, garden, backyard, and tailgating.

11. Royal Gourmet BBQ Charcoal Grill with Offset Smoker – Good Under $200 (Runner Up)

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Last on our best charcoal grill reviews, we present you a product having a large cooking surface. And due to its massive cooking space, it is perfect for a big family or backyard parties. In total, royal gourmet BBQ charcoal grill offers 438 sq inches of primary grilling surface. In addition to that, it also contains a swing-away warming rack which measures 179 sq inches. Basically, it is a kind of secondary cooking area which you can use to keep the food warm and toasty. So overall, you get 800 sq inches of cooking surface which is large enough to cook food for up to 10 persons in one go. In spite of offering so much space, the cost of this product is very less. Therefore, it is one of the best charcoal grills under $200.

You get a side smoker where you can place slices of meat in order to give them rich smokey flavor. Also, the seamless connection between smoker and grill helps to heat up the unit quickly. Further, tight seal of side smoker ensures heat does not escape while the meat is incorporating smokey flavor. In simple words, seal helps to hold the lid much better which in turn retains heat. Therefore, it is a combination of smoker, BBQ and charcoal grill which makes it the best product for the money.

Lifting handles make it easy for you to adjust the height of the charcoal tray. Thus, simply rotate the handle to reduce the distance between tray and cooking grate. As a result, you get better control over temperature which in turn cooks the food properly. Also, porcelain wire cooking grates retain heat evenly so as to lock in juices and make the meat more tender. So conclusively, it is the best charcoal grill to cook food for a large number of people in a single round.

What we Liked/Disliked

Pros:

  • The unit offers a large cooking area for less amount of money
  • Heat-resistant paint prevents chipping and rusting which in turn makes the unit look new for a long while
  • It provides a swing-away warming rack to keep the food warm after cooking it
  • In order to give perfect smokey flavor to your food, the unit provides a smoker
  • Rust-resistant cooking grates are sturdy as well as easy to clean
  • The unit provides 2 storage racks, one at top and another one underneath the grill

Cons:

  • Does not contain hooks to hang BBQ tools
  • Quality could be better
  • Assembly of the product is time-consuming
Key Features
  • 800 sq inches of total cooking surface
  • Chrome warming rack measuring 179 sq inches
  • Side smoker
  • Heavy duty lid
  • Heat gauge
  • 5 lbs charcoal pan
  • Sturdy steel construction
  • 2 storage racks

Bottom Line: Royal Gourmet BBQ has a large cooking space and has easy cleaning options after grilling and smoking process has been done. Seamless connection between side smoker and the main chamber is very easy to manage. All in all, it is another good affordable charcoal grill in the market.

Before you start your BBQ, in case if you are going to use grill which barbecue on wood pellet or on natural gas, then try using grill mats made from copper. It protects the ribs or other food from getting burnt and protect the taste of smoke.

Also read: Best Propane Gas Grill Under 300

Buyers Guide

1. What is the best way to start a charcoal grill?

When you are using a charcoal grill for the first time you might seek the best way to light a charcoal grill. There are many ways to light a charcoal grill. But we will be focusing on the best ways to light a charcoal grill. Go through below points and find out which method is most easy for you to start your grill.

Method 1: Matchstick

  • Step 1: Grab the charcoal tray and arrange coals very closely to each other. After arranging them, place it inside the grill.
  • Step 2: Now light a matchstick or two and take it near the edge of coals. Therefore, do not just randomly throw matchstick in between the pile of coals as it may result in uneven heating.
  • Step 3: Once all the coals catch fire, you are ready to begin your grilling process.

Conclusion: This process is cheap but a little time-consuming. Hence, it takes about 10-15 minutes to light all the coals. In case, you have a big charcoal tray it might take up to 20 minutes.

Method 2: Lighter Fluid

  • Step 1: Same as method 1, arrange coals closely to each other or arrange them in a pyramid structure.
  • Step 2: Now its time to pour lighter fluid onto coals. Evenly pour the fluid including sides and top. Then after, let the liquid sit for 2-3 minutes.
  • Step 3: Match the coals using a matchstick and let the fire spread to each and every coal. Once the color of coals changes from black to white-gray, you’re ready to begin grilling.

Conclusion: This process is a bit fast then simply lighting a charcoal grill with a matchstick. However, it is a bit dangerous because of the involvement of lighter fluid. Make sure you do not spill lighter fluid accidentally on yourself. Also, do not pour lighter fluid when coals are burning.

Method 3: Charcoal chimney

  • Step 1: Fill top rack of the chimney with charcoal.
  • Step 2: Roll up small pieces of newspaper and stuff inside small holes at the bottom of the chimney. Therefore, make sure to keep a small portion of the newspaper outside of the hole as you will need to lit it up. In case you have hardwood charcoal, you can make use of it instead of newspaper. Or you can simply use both if you wish.
  • Step 3: Now carefully lit newspaper or hardwood charcoal using a match or a lighter. Then after, wait for charcoal to burn and change its color to white-gray.
  • Step 4: Carefully lift the chimney and pour the charcoal directly on the grill. In case, if the coals do not spread properly you can make use of tongs to arrange them. Finally, place the cooking grate above the grill and start cooking.

Conclusion: This method is dangerous and you must perform it very carefully. For safety, you can make use of heat-safe rubber gloves.

2. Best lump charcoal for grilling

It is important to pick the best lump charcoal for grilling as it will eventually result in perfect cooking. Not only that, good lump charcoal will keep burning for a long period of time. As a result, it saves charcoal as well as eliminates the need to refill charcoal grate while cooking. So below are some of the best lump charcoal for grilling, have a look at them for best grilling experience.

  • Jealous Devil: The company offers 100% natural hardwood lump charcoal. And due to its 100% purity, these lump is ideal for any grill or kamado kooker.
  • Original Natural Charcoal: From the name itself it becomes clear that the product is 100% natural. And indeed, it is all natural, organic and free from chemicals. Also a unique blend of apple, cherry and oak trees incorporates delicious flavor into the meat.
  • Cowboy: Cowboy offers a total of 3 packs of lump wood charcoal. And they provide a mixture of small and big woods. Therefore, big wood chunks are best to get a smoky flavor.
  • Weber: If you like sweet and smoky flavor then here’s the best product for you. Weber offers apple wood chunks that give a subtle sweet flavor to the meat. Also, you get different size choices.

3. How to clean a charcoal grill?

Cleaning of charcoal grill ensures a long life of the unit as well as makes it hygienic for future use. If you’re using your grill after a long time, make sure to clean it properly to get the best results. And cleaning a charcoal grill is very easy and hardly requires 10 minutes to thoroughly clean it. Thus, follow the below steps to clean a charcoal grill properly.

  • First of all, grab all necessary cleaning items like gloves, aluminum foil, brush, and paper bags.
  • Then after, take out cooking and grill grate and scrub them using grill brush. Doing this will scrub away all dirt and debris present on the grill surface.
  • Next step is to make a medium-size ball out of aluminum foil. After making a ball, rub it against grill surfaces. This, in turn, helps to remove small debris from grate’s surface.
  • Now empty all the remaining ash into the ash pan. All of the products in our best charcoal grill reviews provides ashtray to dump renaming of charcoal. This, in turn, eases cleaning of the unit.
  • Collect all the charcoal remaining into disposable paper or plastic bag. And one last time, use a grill brush to scrape away all debris from the base of the grill.
  • Now that cleaning of a charcoal grill is complete, keep all grates back into their respective place.

Friendly Advice: After cleaning charcoal grill apply oil to cooking grates with the help of oiling brush. Doing this will prevent food from sticking it to grill. And if possible, do apply oil to grate one more time before beginning to cook food. This will also reduce the chances of food sticking to the cooking grate. So as a result, you will have excellent grilling experience with your best charcoal grill.

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