Best Charcoal Grills: Make Your BBQ Memorable With These 12 Great Outdoor Apparatus

We can’t think of anything more uniquely tasty than an expertly grilled meal and juicy barbecue with a down-home smoke flavor. The sweet smell alone is enough to make you forget your lazy days in the beach and probably want to live in the sun for the rest of your life. The reason is not far-fetched; the best barbecues come from nowhere else other than the aromatic fumes of gradually burning hardwood. However, if you have been missing out on this treat, it’s not that hard. You only need the right recipe and one of the best charcoal grills. Yes, the questions; what kind of meat to use or what to have on the menu are just as important as the type of grill to be used.

Since charcoal grills play a huge role in the outcome of barbecues, we carried out a broad-based research to find out the best charcoal grill that would impress both a pro and a novice barbecue devotee. And while undergoing the process, we considered all elements or aspects usually held highly in every great grill such as durability, charcoal consumption, maintenance and cleanup, prices, ease of maneuvering, size of the total cooking area, heat conductibility, temperature regulations, tendency of scorching or burning food, appearance, speed of cooking and more.

Having weighed all these factors, we drew the inference that Weber 741001 Original Kettle 22-Inch Charcoal Grill is the king of all charcoal grills. The grill is highly functional and can cook up a storm. It is durable, portable, backyard friendly and more. Nonetheless, if its round design is not something that suits your taste in a charcoal grill, you could go for Kingsford GR1031-014984 Barrel Charcoal Grill, 30-Inch or Char-Griller 5050 Duo Gas-and-Charcoal Grill or any other one on this list that has been tested and is sure to stand the test of time.

Why You Should Trust Us

Our research is one to rely upon given the quality of time we take to study the products. In this very research, chains of factors were put in play such as the longevity and effectiveness of the grills. Also, we clearly understand for a fact what to look out for in a charcoal grill and what shouldn’t really matter and then considered as many as 45 charcoal grills before selecting these twelve as the best.

Again, knowing that this research wouldn’t be complete without the knowledge of some experts, we posed some important questions to some professionals who have shown great brainpower in rating effective charcoal grills. Beyond that, we considered what people who had bought and used these grills had to say about all the samples before picking out those with great positive feedbacks that surely work precisely without mixing the taste. This is especially because no outdoor food should taste exactly like indoor food.

Best Charcoal Grills

Weber 15501001 Performer Deluxe Charcoal Grill, 22-Inch, Black

Weber charcoal grill might seem fancy but it has big performing features. The unit punches above its class in the charcoal grill department with amazing features ranging from a movable steel frame cart, a thermometer, large work table, 3 tool hooks, and two charcoal fuel holders and charcoal trays. It comes with a lid that has the ability to measure and indicate the degree of heat. Also, it has an LCD timer that makes timing real simple. One of the most remarkable impressions we had on this apparatus is its overall look.

It stands on a solidly built wheeled work table with a total work area of 363 square inches which is large enough to accommodate any keen cook. We also found the wire bottom quite outstanding. It features a Touch-N-Go ignition system which ensures safe gas start – something you will find nowhere else other than on this unit. Also, the Touch-N-Go system triggers charcoal briquettes exuding the essence of the barbecue just by the push of a button.

Clean up is uncomplicated due to the extra-large detachable ash container that collects dirt meticulously. The fact that fire burns inside the grates (which has an interchangeable center) makes cooking with this apparatus more secure. Using its movable hinged door that can be flipped upward, you can easily rearrange or add more wood for smoke. The cooking surface has ample space to take pizza stones and cooking plates. Its durability is top-notch and we think it is the best bet for those who are fussy about the quality of their barbecue. This is because it not only cooks up a charm, it is also convenient for outdoor barbecue cooking.

Pros:

• Consumes fewer charcoals during barbecue
• Cooks perfectly without ruining the flavor
• It is easy to light even without water
• Fitting the components is a bliss
• Has a lid which conserves charcoal by limiting the quantity of air
• It’s easy to add more coal
• Also ideal for indirect cooking

Cons:

• It costs a little more but if you can afford it, it will deliver the best experience to your grilling

Verdict:

One touch cleaning, ease of use, less charcoal consumption and more are what you stand to gain from this grill. We love that it is of high quality and is fit to satisfy any foodie. It is a wise pick for everyday use and more reassuring is its warranty as well as the responsive customer service.

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Char-Griller 5050 Duo Gas-and-Charcoal Grill Review

Constructed of sturdy steel, the Char-griller has two personalities – gas and charcoal qualities that deliver spacious cooking areas for dual cooking. So there is no point having two separate grills if you want to own both a propane and a charcoal grill. We were able to cook on the propane side while smoking our chicken and fish on the other side of the grill. Also, we did ourselves some good by using its side burner (cast-iron) that offered more capacity for extra cooking. Besides the simultaneous grilling experience we had, we fell for the grill’s cooking grates which are built with porcelain-coated cast-iron. This perfect addition not only offers a distinct strength to the system but also bestows it with unsurpassable heat conductibility.

In addition, the coating makes clean up after every meal as plain as rolling off a log. Being able to adjust the grids to whatever height that suits you is another great reason to choose this grill. We were glad we could control the temperature ourselves which helped to ensure we got the exact result we wanted in the barbecue. Although it left a flavourful memory after the meal, the charcoals didn’t drain out entirely. We had some leftovers and cleaning wasn’t a hassle due to its dump ash pan made for easy cleaning. The inbuilt stainless steel heat gauges also give a leg to the entire control you have over the grill.

Other major features of Char-griller include three burners and a side burner. More amazingly, storage space is also numerous. The grill’s two smoke stacks deliver uniformity in heat distribution. The electronic ignition apparatus also has a spacious cook area with 40,800 BTU output which means you can attend to many people without sticking the behind fire for too long.

Each side of the grill has warming racks that are electroplated with chromium (chrome-plated). The chromed layer doesn’t just give it an appealing look, it is also resistant to corrosion and offers ease of cleaning. Assembling of the components is quite simple and takes less time than you’d imagine. Overall, the grill is versatile enough for your everyday need but doesn’t come with a side firebox. So you will have to get one if Texas smoking is your thing.

Pros:

• It guarantees more options with its dual surfaces
• Conducts heat perfectly
• Cooks faster and more conveniently
• Easy to clean due to its easy dump charcoal tray
• Holds up temperature perfectly
• Extra piece of stiffening at the bottom offers durability
• Affordable for its value
• Rust-resistant

Cons:

• It might require extra effort especially if you don’t like weighty objects as the lids seem heavier or thicker than usual
• There have been complaints that the lids leak smoke but if you can get an extra seal to discourage too much leakage or be able to manage it, you can never go wrong with this grill
• Requires storing in a secure area to avoid rusting
• You will have to spare extra money if all you want to do is smoke

Verdict:

This is an easy way to experience stress-free barbecue, smoking, and outdoor cooking. The construction is superb addressing most issues we encounter in grills. It is highly durable when stored well. The drip pans are well secured making it safe for cooking. Though it is high-priced, you will find it cheap for the value it will offer.

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PK Grills, Charcoal Grill Smoker Combo

One thing we couldn’t get enough of in this PK grill is the old memories of the 1950s it brings due to its sleek old-fashioned style. The build makes barbecuing and grilling a lot easier and fun. However one downside is that it does not have side burners, so you can’t do the vegetables at the same time. But it does have adequate storage space where you can keep your tools and ingredients. It also has adjustable vents and damper that control the heat.

The grill comes with everything a barbecue guru probably will need in a grill including a flip-up cooking grid that allows you to conveniently fuel the apparatus plus a removable carriage. However, let’s focus on its aluminum side and the semi-pneumatic rubber wheels that are not only resistant to cuts but also allow easy relocation. The grill is classic and features a sturdy cast construction for optimum heat regulation.

The result of everything we tried on the grill came out with that essential outdoor taste that leaves sweet memories. Another interesting thing we discovered about this grill is the simple way of getting it all ready for the next use since it is not a chore to empty its bottom trays that are precisely useful for capturing the excess grease and debris from inside the cook box.

Again, it is easy to put together and can cook any kind of food including meat, seafood, or poultry in a traditional way.

Pros:

• Highly durable and stays the same throughout its lifespan
• It is portable and easy to manage
• One-touch cleaning system
• Useful debris storage options with high volume ash and debris catcher enhance cleaning
• Provides efficiency without ruining the taste and flavor of meat
• Uniform grilling

Cons

• It is basically for small-scale grilling as the work surface is not large enough and may not take lengthy food item

Verdict

If what you want is a portable backyard charcoal grill that actually delivers functionality throughout, then this is the grill to choose. Just like the other ones on this list, it is durable and maintenance is hassle-free. Though it can be argued that it is basically for small families due to its dimensions, it will also go down well for larger homes that don’t mind sparing extra time grilling in batches as long as they achieve the highest value they seek in a grill.

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Dyna-Glo Dual Zone Premium Charcoal Grill

This is a supremely crafted charcoal grill that is cute on the outside and technically endowed within, as opposed to some designs out there, which sometimes appear too formal.

Dyna-Glo Dual Zone Premium Charcoal Grill is the best option when the food you want to serve your guests needs to come in bigger portions as it offers you a vast cooking space of 816 square inches. With such large amount of work area all to yourself, you can comfortably handle about 30 hamburgers at once without any being badly scorched. You get to cook more quickly without tampering on the unique mouthwatering flavor of barbecue. The grill is also known to make tender yummy meats that usually seem like they are falling off the bones in a plain fun way. You won’t have to struggle with the cleaning. The grill has the two baskets for holding charcoal and a front charcoal tray that are masterpieces unto themselves.

The grill is also known to make tender yummy meats that usually seem like they are falling off the bones in a plain fun way. You won’t have to struggle with the cleaning. The grill has the two baskets for holding charcoal and a front charcoal tray that are masterpieces unto themselves.

We were on the lookout for grills that are flexible with good quality lids as well as grates that can retain heat. And guess what? We weren’t disappointed one bit. Particularly because the grill has cast iron porcelain-enameled cooking grates constructed solidly to conduct heat. It also boasts of a warming rack, which means toasted buns can be on your menu. To ensure that cooking with Dyna-Glo Dual Zone Charcoal Grill is entirely trouble-free, the manufacturer went on to add side shelves and a wire basket where you can comfortably place your utensils and plates. Another feature worthy of note is the stainless steel chimney with an adjustable flu cap and side vents.

However, there have been complaints that the dampers don’t close properly and that there are too many air leaks which get the fire hotter than you would want. Nonetheless, simple alterations during the coupling which may entail sealing can handle this efficiently. Also, the charcoal basket adjustment tray systems offer appropriate heat control options

Pros:

• It only takes minutes to get the components assembled
• You can easily carry it around your backyard or anywhere else you might want to have your barbecue
• Durable inside out with long-lasting wheels and locking casters
• Highly versatile and adaptable

Cons:

• May need extra (sealing) to avoid air leaks
• Not the cheapest on this list

Verdict:

This grill is the best if space and functionality are all that matter to you. Nothing tastes nicer than meals this grill cooks. It is durable and well-built. You can also give it an extra protection by getting a custom-fit Dyna-Glo premium cover (not included in the price).

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Char-Broil American Gourmet 800 Series Charcoal Grill Review

Char-Broil 800 Series is a heavy duty grill that is suitable for both open-fire cooking (grilling) and indirect cooking. There are a lot of possibilities when it comes to the volume of foodstuff you can make as it maintains an even temperature no matter the thickness of the food item or cuts of meat. We think the grill is not a bad idea for those who wish to serve a large number of guests. This is mostly because the grill has a work area that measures 850 square inches overall. The work area is further divided into two including the major one which has a cast-iron grate measuring 580 square inches and a 270 square inches chrome-plated swing-away rack for secondary cooking such as warming or slow cooking food sets this grill apart.

The more outstanding features we also recognized during our test include multiple dampers for professional results, temperature gauge with a bezel that holds it in position for easy supervision of the degree of heat at which your food cooks, adjustable height steel fire grate used for heat and smoke control. All of this put together gives you the chance of being in total control of how your food is cooked.

Other benefits that cut deep during cooking include a full-length front shelf to store your ingredients, two user-friendly folding side shelves where you can also store your ingredients, accessories, 3 tool hooks to keep the cooking tools near at hand during roasting, searing, grilling, etc. The lid also features a cool touch spring handle for swift inspection. You can have a hand-down cleanup after using this charcoal grill thanks to its easy-to-clean surface as well as its removable smokestack that controls smoke expertly.

In addition to that, movement is swift for the wire bottom shelf and wheels that afford more edge to its overall mobility. But you have to make a little more sacrifice than you should when it gets down to the quantity of charcoal to be used before enjoying this grill because it takes slightly more charcoal than portable grills. However, that’s not a deal breaker since it has proved highly functional for any kind of outdoor treat featuring different kinds of meat (pork, chicken, steak, smoke stack) fish and more.

Pros:

• It cooks thoroughly and fast
• Clean up is easy and food doesn’t stick on the grates
• Great apparatus for both direct and indirect cooking
• Holds foodstuffs securely in place due to the stability of its entire stand
• Has the power to control heat effectively preventing barbecue and grilling disaster
• Reasonably-sized
• Priced less as regard value which means you get more than the value of what you pay for.
• The cooking grate is cast-iron and thus highly durable

Cons:

• The only downside to this charcoal is the fact that it takes more quantity of charcoal before it can get lit up due to its size

Verdict

If you have been getting nothing but disappointments from grills. Then it’s time to give this Char-Broil Gourmet 800 series a chance to impress you. It can serve a novice as well as a pro who has a fanatical devotion to barbecuing and grilling. This is because it can withstand any kind of stress. We also love that it has a good price point and has no capacity of setting your wallet back.

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Weber 741001 Original Kettle Charcoal Grill Review

Weber has been in the grill market for a long time now, starting out their first charcoal kettle in 1952. Over time the producers have done wonders. The grill is many things; rust resistant, effective, durable, affordable, portable, and more. Weber Kettle charcoal grill is a top-rated apparatus that features a traditional design reinvented to create the modern style of a good grill. It is suitable for any kind of occasion be it tailgating, backyard treat, camping and more.

We noticed also that it has the capacity of saving you from serving gimcracks or burnt meals to your guests. Its look when it stands in your backyard is a proud display. There are no mechanical stops or problems when coupling the component or tooling. Simply put together the parts and you’ve got the makings for a truly rapturous grilling time.
Plus, the grill’s corrode-resistant wide grate (22-inch-diameter) and durable vents work just perfect.

Other features include porcelain-enameled bowl and lid with glass-reinforced nylon handles, Aluminum ash catcher; Maintenance is cool thanks to its aluminium steel easy cleaning system. However, the total cooking surface measures 363 square inches which may not take too much food item at once.

But its 10-year limited warranty will counteract for whatever you think you might be missing from the decent-sized cooking surface, covering you from any expenses that may arise from repair or replacement of the gadget within this time. However if space is what you want more than anything, you could opt for Char-broiler 800 series or any other one on this list.

Pros:

• It is constructed as a high-end grill yet it is quite affordable
• Circulates heat uniformly
• Resistant to burn and rust
• Durable polished surface allows blissful cleaning
• Heat is effectively regulated by the damper system
• Ideal for smoking
• The grill has wheels which aid easy movement
• Doesn’t bend or burn

Cons:

• One downside to this grill is having to go in batches as its entire cooking surface may be too small for some who want more meats in one cycle

Verdict

We think the grill completely understands that the best way to make your guests have a good time is by serving them great meals. All you need is the right seasoning to get a tender and right taste. Cleanup and storage options are available

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Marsh Allen 20530 Charcoal Barrel Grill Review

Made of sturdy damped steel, this grill is not just a good technology, it is an experience. With it, the menu is yours to choose while perfecting the meal is the role of the apparatus that is durable, easy to clean, can hold enough heat to make a remarkable barbecue, and heavy-duty. We think it absolutely has what it takes to withstand any charcoal fire. With its high-temperature paint finish, smoking is done without issues. We also considered something fairly basic about it: how firm it stands and as you might expect, the grill is well-balanced on 2 legs with wheels for easy moving.

The grill gives you sufficient space as well as the flexibility you need for indirect and direct setup. Among its many features are a chrome-plated corrosion resistant grid that releases food quickly, wooden side and bottom storage shelves for storing ingredients, wooden handles for safe holding. As for reaching your charcoal, the grill’s hinged grid grate grants you easy access. The cooking area is as wide as the Weber kettle measuring 365 square-inch. Cleaning is made to be activated in a simple way.

Just like Weber Kettle charcoal grill, it does not really offer more than enough or superabundant cooking surface, but it has enough space to serve limited delicious meals whenever you are hosting a barbecue. And when it’s not barbecue, you could be grilling juicy and tender steaks or any other thing. However, you can make more meals by going in cycles after all the end product is what matters right? And when you are done flipping burgers, searing a steak and basting of chicken and ribs, you won’t have to deal with cleanup as food doesn’t stick to the grates.

Pros:

• It cooks quickly and conveniently
• It is cheap and easy to move
• Heavy-duty and perfect for long usage, so will survive countless summers
• Nearly self-assembled since the instruction is easy to follow
• Easy to operate and manage
• Features proper vents for temperature regulation
• Requires little coal to get light up

Cons:

• It is small but good enough to handle your cooking

Verdict:

This grill is made to impress fans of barbecue and grilled meals. More than just serving the best meals, it offers families and friends a time to socialize by making them want outdoor grilling and barbecuing for days. The grill is affordable and durable only that it may not be large enough to make a flush amount of meals at once.

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Heavy-Duty Park-Style Charcoal Grill Review

This heavy-duty grill is quite distinct in both features and appearance when compared to other regular backyard charcoal grills listed here. However, they share one thing in common and that is the fact they all deliver effectiveness in the way they operate. Unlike many grills and just like the name implies, the Heavy-Duty charcoal grill is modeled after the grills we usually see in the park, and that being so, brings the feel of the park right into your backyard. On top of that, its cooking grate is heavy-duty plated steel, that can resist rust.

The charcoal build offers everything you would expect in a grill. You can cook at any height you want by simply adjusting it to the level you prefer. That’s not all, the grill can also be adjusted to four different levels to suit the degree of heat that should be getting to the food at any particular time.

Standing on a pole which stands onto an 8″x8″ base concrete anchor, it offers stability during cooking. All you need do to get it firmly installed is to dig a hole to the desired distance downward, cement the post making sure it is straight and then join the top. It is that simple. Be sure to have this properly installed so it will be firm.

As for storage, you can take the grill to pieces by removing the top part. Plus, the top of the grill can be easily removed during unfavorable weather conditions. The action not only enhances its durability but leaves it in perfect condition for the next use.

Pros:

• Properly built with quality materials
• Cooks meals thoroughly every time
• Storage is simple as well as installation
• The unit pivots 360 degrees, offering convenience during cooking
• Long-lasting and can serve for years
• Well-priced
• Easy to clean and involves cleaning of the top after every grill
• Controls temperature ideally

Cons:

• It is heavy though not as heavy as those you see in the parks
• It lacks a wheel and requires cement installation at the base so can’t be easily moved
• The grill has no significant lids but can be stored away from harmful weather situations by removing the top.

Verdict:

There is need not to put up with a grill that is badly constructed, and that is why we recommend this Heavy-Duty charcoal grill. It is known to be an expert in carrying out multiple tasks since it allows the user to set or adjust the grate in four cooking levels. The charcoal chamber also catches all the drippings from the food and helps keep your grill clean. Keep in mind that it has no cover. If a cover is important to you, you can choose any other one on this list or get an external cover to serve the same purpose.

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How do I get charcoal grill hotter? 

To make your charcoal grill hotter, make sure that you are using high-quality dry lumps rather than briquets. Once that is out of the way, then do the following: 

• Check for accumulated ash and clear them so they do not prevent airflow.
• ensure that your bottom vents are fully open to increase airflow to the coals
• Rearrange your coals in a pyramid to help heat concentration
• Consider using a chimney starter to preheat the coals red hot before transferring  them to the grill
• If your cooking session is going to  last long, use the chimney starter to preheat and add to the coals in the grill
• keep the lid of your grill closed as often as possible to trap heat

How do you keep a charcoal grill going for hours?

To keep your grill hot for a longer cooking session, use your chimney starter to preheat coals and add to your grill at intervals. But here are some other hacks you can try from the beginning: 

• Choose a grill with a large capacity and walls that are insulated to retain heat
• Arrange the coal lumps in a c-line around the edges of the grill and then light just one end of the so that it ignites slowly. 
• Add prelit coals at intervals 
• Endeavor to keep the cover of the grill closed as much as possible
• Clear the buildup of ash as often as possible

How do I turn off charcoal grill? 

To safely turn off a charcoal grill, turn off the vents at the top and bottom to shut off the supply of oxygen that keeps the coal burning, thus extinguishing the fire. Then, speed up the cooling process by securely covering the grill and letting it stay for a day or two, after which it will be completely cold to the touch. Finally, save your leftover coal and use a metal scoop to remove the ashes. 

Can you put charcoal in a gas grill? 

It is very possible to use charcoal in a gas grill but there is a need to have a good idea of how to handle the process before trying it to avoid accidents. Here’s how it works: 

• First, check the manual of your gas grill to ensure it can handle charcoal without damage to the components. 
• Use a charcoal tray to deliver the coal into the gas grill because this will keep the interior and burners protected. Also, remember to use a moderate amount of charcoal and just top up at intervals if your cooking session will be long. 
• Make use of a chimney starter to pre-heat the coal outside before transferring it into the grill. Lighting the coal directly in the Gas grill might overheat the burners. 
• Watch the temperature of the grill as you cook to ensure it does not exceed the required limit
• Be sure to clean out the ash thoroughly once you are done. 

How do you clean charcoal grill? 

To clean your charcoal grill, wait till it is completely cooled off and cold to the touch, then start by scooping out the ash and removing unburned coal for storage. Take apart the removal parts of the grill for easy reach into all corners. This will include the cooking grate, the charcoal grate, and others. Clan these parts separately using a grill brush. Soak in warm soapy water for 20 to 30 minutes where necessary to remove tough grease. Wipe the the exterior and interior with warm soapy water and then wipe down with a clean damp cloth. Rub down the grate with a thin layer of cooking oil to prevent rust and then reassemble when all parts are dry.

Can you put wood in a charcoal grill? 

Yes, it is very possible to use wood with a charcoal grill. Just choose the right kind of wood, it can be either pecan, mesquite, oak, hickory, apple, or cherry. Heat up your charcoal as a base for the wood and then add the wood after the coal has ashed over. As they burn, add wood chips at intervals to produce more smoke and keep the fire going. Bear the following in mind: 

• Avoid cedar or pine wood since they produce a lot of toxic smoke and can affect the flavor of the food. 
• Cut your wood up into logs or chunks depending on your needs. Chunks burn slower while logs work better for large grills especially if your session will be long. 
• Soaking your wood chips in water will make them burn slower

What to cook on charcoal grill? 

You can cook just about anything on your charcoal grill, that how versatile it is. However, you get the best results when you cook the following with charcoal; Meat, seafood, pizza, bread, kebabs, etc. 

How much charcoal to use in a grill? 

The amount of charcoal to use in a charcoal grill is entirely dependent on what you want to cook, the heat level required to cook it, and how big your grill is. Here is the general guide for the size of charcoal you can put in your charcoal grill: 

• Small Grill: About 30–50 briquettes.
• Medium Grill: Around 50–75 briquettes.
• Large Grill: Approximately 75–100 briquettes.

Conclusion

Get maximum satisfaction cooking in your backyard with these grills. They are great innovations that actually offer everything anybody would be looking out for in a grill. They are truly durable and heavy-duty. With these, your guests will experience no barbecue fail because they do well in direct and indirect cooking giving tender juicy result every time while retaining that unique outdoor flavor.

Most of them feature wheels for easy relocation, lids, and everything that will make cooking convenient. By our experience, cleaning is done without a hassle and they are high-performance gadgets overall. Free free to pick any one of these grills if you want an unsurpassed flavorful result in your backyard anytime the cooking is to be done by smoking up the charcoal.

How We Tested the Charcoal Grills

• Charcoal Grills Tested: 12
• Testing Period: 10 days
• Factors Considered: Heat retention and control, ease of assembly, grilling surface area, build quality, portability, ventilation system, cleaning convenience, safety features, fuel efficiency, design, versatility, and overall value.

Meet Our Experts

Our authors, contributors, and editors are serious about the research work that we do. We combine our own individual experiences with the products we recommend, with reviews that come from verified users like you in addition to reviews from leading industry experts we consult to get you the best products to enable you choose with ease and confidence.

To put together this list of the best charcoal grills, we reached out to three passionate outdoor cooking enthusiasts and grilling pros who know what it takes to make backyard BBQs sizzle with flavor and fun.

Here are the experts:

• Jake Reynolds is a backyard pitmaster and former barbecue competition contestant with over 10 years of experience perfecting low-and-slow cooking techniques. Jake’s smoked brisket recipes have won awards at regional cook-offs, and he is always on the hunt for better grills that deliver consistent heat and easy temp control.
• Carlos “CJ” Hernandez popularly known as uncle CJ is a chef-turned-outdoor-gear reviewer who combines his professional kitchen experience as a chef with love for rustic cooking outdoors.
• Tina Lee is a landscape designer and self-proclaimed grill geek who loves creating backyard spaces perfect for entertaining around a charcoal fire. She frequently shares her designs and grilling hacks on social media.