The Best Charcoal Grill for 2024

With charcoal grills, you have a lot of freedom over the cooking operation, allowing you to create mouthwatering dishes every time. To create several cooking zones, set the coals wherever you’d like on the grill, and use as many as you’d like to get the ideal temperature. If you want a scorched surface, cook directly over the embers; if you prefer a more delicate cooking method and a smokey flavour, transfer the meal to a cooler area. However, keep an eye on the coals since they could need to be topped off before your cooking is finished. And before putting your grill away, don’t forget to properly extinguish it.

The 10 Best Charcoal Grill

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• 01. Best Overall: Weber Charcoal Grill
• 02. Best Runner Up: Weber
• 03. Best 2nd Runner Up: Char-Griller Patio Pro Charcoal Grill
• 04. Best 3rd Runner Up: Cuisinart
• 05. Editor’s Pick: Char-Griller
• 06. Best Recommended: Dyna-Glo
• 07. Best for Budget: IronMaster
• 08. Best Portable: Oklahoma Joe’s
• 09. Best Weber Jumbo Joe
• 10. Best Expensive Charcoal Grill: Everdure

For a very long time, the main grilling equipment used by backyard grillers was charcoal. Gas grills first appeared on the market and quickly gained popularity; as a result, gas soon replaced charcoal as the preferred fuel for most home grillers. The popularity of charcoal has recently increased, although it still comes in second place.

Generally speaking, charcoal grills are more affordable, have fewer moving parts that might break, and offer a much broader temperature range. A very high-quality charcoal kettle that will cook whatever you want, from low-and-slow smoked ribs to sizzling T-bones, can be purchased for $50–100. And you can guarantee there are a tonne of versions in every price range to pick from.

Charcoal grills: come in a variety of sizes, including small portable devices, heavy tabletop models, and enormous ones that can serve a crowd. Although large grills are better for cooking larger amounts of food at once, small grills are easier to operate. While the typical 22-inch kettle works well for families who grill frequently, most smaller grills are ideal for one to four people and the occasional griller.

Shape: Traditional charcoal grills are round. Because of their design, coals are more likely to be placed in the middle of the floor under the grate, resulting in indirect cooking surfaces around the edge. Also available are rectangular charcoal barbecues. They enable the creation of more clearly defined cooking zones, equating them more closely to gas grills, which some individuals may find.

Functionality: There’s no need to spend a lot of money if you only want to sometimes make tea on a charcoal grill. You only need a basic model with an appropriate cooking area for the number of people you want to invite. If you intend to use it for smoking, consider purchasing a more insulated charcoal grill that can maintain temperatures better and longer.

Special additions: When evaluating charcoal grills, we keep an eye out for extras like storage shelves, tool holders, and big handles. A movable charcoal tray that makes it easier to manage the temperature of the grates and how near the coals are to the meal is one of our favorite’s features. Even though they sometimes come at a cost, these little additions make grilling more pleasant.

Picking a charcoal grill involves considering a few factors to ensure you get the perfect one for your grilling needs and style. Here's a guide to help you navigate the selection process:

1. Consider your grilling needs and budget:

• Cooking style: Do you plan on doing quick searing of steaks and burgers, slow smoking ribs, or a mix of everything? Charcoal grills excel at high heat searing but require more attention for temperature control compared to gas grills.
• Cooking frequency: If you plan on grilling every weekend, you might invest in a more feature-rich grill. For occasional use, a simpler, more affordable option might suffice.
• Number of people you typically cook for: Bigger grills can accommodate more food at once, but they're also bulkier and more expensive.

2. Choose your grill type:

There are three main types of charcoal grills:

• Kettle grills: These are the most popular and affordable type of charcoal grill. They're typically round with a lid and come in various sizes.
• Offset smokers: These are ideal for slow smoking meats. They have a separate firebox where the coals are lit, and a connected chamber where the food cooks indirectly over smoke and radiant heat. Offset smokers require more practice to use but can produce amazing results.
• Kamado grills: These are known for their excellent heat retention and versatility. They're made of thick ceramic and can be used for grilling, smoking, and baking. Kamado grills are on the pricier side but can last a lifetime with proper care.

3. Grill features to consider:

• Size and weight: Consider how much space you have for storage and how much portability you need.
• Material: Stainless steel is durable and rust-resistant, but cast iron retains heat well. More affordable options are made from porcelain-coated steel.
• Lid: A tight-fitting lid is essential for heat control and indirect grilling.
• Dampers: Dampers allow you to control airflow, which is crucial for regulating temperature.
• Ash catcher: This makes cleanup easier.
• Side shelves: Provide extra prep space.
• Warming rack: Great for keeping cooked food warm.

Here are some additional tips for choosing a charcoal grill:

• Read reviews: See what other grillers are saying about different models.
• Consider your warranty: A longer warranty gives you peace of mind.
• Assemble the grill yourself if possible: This will help you familiarize yourself with its parts.

By considering these factors, you'll be well on your way to choosing the perfect charcoal grill for your next backyard barbecue!