Having a charcoal grill in your patio or in your backyard can be a good thing. The best charcoal and gas grill can make a huge difference in your home. Not only can you make gatherings interesting, you can even prepare a variety of foods on you grill.
In fact, these days, charcoal grills have become a staple for homes that usually have guests on weekends. Whether you’re a meat lover or you are a vegetarian, a charcoal grill can give you flavorful food options that everyone can enjoy. However, you want to make sure that you only get a high-quality charcoal grill. You want to make sure that you get the best value charcoal grill that can last for years.
When it comes to picking high-quality charcoal grills in the market today, you will have to consider a lot of things. For starters, what is the best built in charcoal grill options that you should be going for? Also, where is the best place to buy a charcoal grill? Today, the best place to buy charcoal grills can be found online. If you are somewhat having a difficult time selecting the right grill, here are some of the best rated portable charcoal grills in the market.
Table of Contents
Best Portable Charcoal Grills Review
Weber 10020 Smokey Joe 14-Inch Portable Grill
For those looking for the best kettle grill in the market today, the Weber 10020 Smokey Joe grill is a strong candidate that you might consider.
It is a 14-inch grill that gives users a no-nonsense approach. This portable grill allows you to cook around 5 burgers at the same time. Though it doesn’t have much of a capacity to cook in volume, it is still a good option for some individuals especially those who usually do camping. This option is one of the best charcoal grills in the list of those who love the outdoors and those individuals who typically grill for a small group.
Over the years, many are asking which weber kettle to buy. For some, there are those who are confused between weber vs char broil grill options in the market. If you are still undecided, then this is something that you might want to consider.
The Weber 10020 Smokey Joe Portable Grill is small enough that you can pack it conveniently in your vehicle. In addition to this, the price is also not bad at all. In fact, you can consider the Weber 10020 Smokey Joe Portable Grill as an inexpensive charcoal grill that packs a punch.
Part of the reason why it is considered the best cheap grill by some is because of the high-quality materials that you see in the grill. It has a porcelain-enameled lid and bowl that helps retain heat. But unlike other inexpensive charcoal grill options that skimp on the quality, the porcelain-enameled lid and bowl is known for its anti-rust and peel property. This only means that you can use this charcoal grill for the next years to come.
Is it the best charcoal grill under $100? This is possible considering it’s easy to maintain design and high-quality materials.
Pros:
- Portable
- Inexpensive option
- Anti-rust material
- Porcelain-enameled lid and bowl
Cons:
- Can only cook 5 burgers at a time
- No additional area where you can work
Kingsford GR1031-014984 Barrel Charcoal Grill 30-inch
The Kingsford Barrel Charcoal Grill is a heavy-duty grill that can easily be your family’s mainstay grill at home. It measures 30 inches enough to accommodate a decent number of barbeque or burgers all at once. According to the manufacturer, the Kingsford Barrel Charcoal Grill can cook 35 burgers at the same time. It also comes with a side shelf as well as a bottom storage rack for that extra space that you need if you are cooking your meals.
What makes it one of the best barrel grill options is the fact that it has a precise temperature control that allows you to cook your meals in an exact manner. It prevents over or under cooking your favorite foods.
It is also made of cast iron material which basically means that it can last for years to come. Now, if you plan on keeping the grill in your garage during weekdays and just using it on the weekends, the Kingsford Barrel Charcoal grill has wheels that allow easy transportation on the part of its user.
In terms of maintaining the grill, it has an ash pan that can be removed completely. This way, you can maintain the grill and ensure that it is cleaned completely after use. In terms of cons though, you will have to worry about the fact that some parts like its lid could get warped. If this happens, it could potentially affect the way you cook. And lastly, the assembly isn’t exactly a simple thing to do.
Pros:
- Cooks 35 burgers at once
- Comes with a side shelf
- Easy maintenance
Cons:
- Lid could potentially get warped easily
- Assembly is quite complicated
Lodge Cast Iron Sportsman’s Grill
Are you looking for a grill that you can potentially use for decades? Are you looking for something robust that has a functional design at the same time? The Lodge Cast Iron Sportsman’s Grill made it in our top charcoal grill list because of all these properties.
This grill can be used whether you are in the patio or you are outdoors with your friends and family. Made in the US, this grill is made of cast iron material by a company that has over 100 years of experience. It makes use of a superb design that allows the user to have an easier time cooking.
The Lodge Cast Iron Sportsman Grill is a hibachi-style grill. It includes a draft door that allows the user to regulate the heat. And also, you have an accessible flip-down door where you can add coal if you want. The Lodge Cast Iron Sportsman also has adjustable heights.
Now, though it looks simple in its overall design, you get superior heat retention from this grill. It means that you need less charcoal to get the desired heat you want.
But since it’s a portable grill, don’t expect to cook a lot of burgers all at once. However, it is still a strong candidate for best small charcoal grill mainly because of its straightforward design. You don’t have to be an experienced camper in order to figure out how to use this grill.
Pros:
- Portable
- Made of cast iron
- Made by a company with 100 years of existence
- Superior heat retention
Cons:
- Can’t cook a lot of burgers
Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill
Many are looking for a decent-sized grill that allows you to grill your favorite food. Also, a lot of consumers want a grill that they can rely on for the next years to come. The Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill is a grill that can give you just that. It is a 22-inch grill that has the capacity to cook approximately 13 burgers at once. One signature feature that it has is a one-touch cleaning system that makes it easy on the users to clean their grill after use. And with a high-capacity ash catcher, you actually don’t have to discard the ash every now and then.
The porcelain-enamel lid gives users the ability to control the heat. And if you still need to add more charcoal in your grill, you have the hinged cooking grate.
If you will be reading Weber charcoal grills reviews, there are some users saying that it takes a lot of time to assemble the entire thing.
And also, you will have to deal with thin metal parts on some areas of the grill. You can easily have a dent on the lid if it falls off accidentally. And lastly, you have to be careful when using the grill because there is a chance that it might tip over. It has wheels that are a bit close together that makes it a bit unsteady.
Pros:
- One-touch cleaning system
- Easy way to add or remove charcoal
- Porcelain-enameled lid and cover
Cons:
- Takes a lot of time to assemble
- Thin metal parts on some areas
Dyna-Glo DGN576SNC-D Dual Zone Premium Charcoal Grill
There are many reasons why the Dyna-Glo Dual Zone Premium Charcoal Grill is considered by many as one of the best rated charcoal grills today.
The Dyna-Glo Dual Zone Premium Charcoal Grill is a dream product for anyone who loves to grill a lot of burgers on weekends. With 576 square inches of primary cooking area, it can cater to a large group. It also has a secondary cooking area of 240 square inches making it a total of 816 square inches of cooking area altogether.
If you are an experienced cook, you will realize that the food you cook will most likely require different temperatures. The Dyna-Glo Dual Zone Premium Charcoal Grill offers this type of flexibility needed by its users. You can customize the temperature your food is exposed to by making use of its partition.
It also comes with a porcelain-enameled lid that ensures that heat is trapped. Since it keeps the heat trapped, you can easily achieve consistent juiciness and flavor on the food that you are cooking. Also, you don’t have to add some more charcoal every now and then.
As for the construction of the grill, it is made of heavy-duty materials such cast iron on the majority of its parts. It also has a steel-body construction that can easily give you years of enjoyment on this particular grill. However, this grill tends to be a bit bulky. You’d want to make sure that you know where to place it first before you purchase this item. You may also have to flex a bit if you plan on transferring the grill since it is quite heavy given most of its parts are made of cast iron material.
Pros:
- 816 square inches of combined cooking area
- Easy way to achieve juicy meals
- Steel-body construction
Cons:
- Bulky and hard to move around
- Heavy
PK Grills PK Original Outdoor Charcoal Portable Grill & Smoker Combination
The PK Grill & Smoker comes from a company known for consistently winning charcoal grill awards. This time around, the PK Grill and Smoker is another great option for those who plan to grill not only in the comfort of their homes but also outdoors. You can say that based on the reputation of its manufacturer alone that this is a strong contender for the best coal grill in the market today.
The capsule shaped design of the grill makes it possible for the user to grill hot and fast or low and slow depending on what you want. In addition to this, the PK Grill and Smoker has a robust construction. It has a rust-proof aluminum material that is also lightweight. And also, aluminum conducts heat 4 times more efficiently than other types of steel. It means that you don’t need too much coal to get to the temperature that you need.
It has 300 square inches of cooking surface. Though it doesn’t amount to much, there is a reason for this. The PK Grill and Smoker is a portable equipment that you can easily transport for camping, hunting or if you decide to have it inside your home for weekend gatherings. The cooking surface is already enough to cook an entire turkey or have a few burgers. Unfortunately, this grill doesn’t come with any thermometer making cooking a guesswork for its users.
Pros:
- Includes a thermometer
- Portable and easy to transport
- Rust-proof material
Cons:
- Can only cook a few burgers
Weber 15501001 Performer Deluxe Charcoal Grill
The Weber Performer Deluxe Charcoal Grill is not your usual straightforward Weber grill. In fact, you can easily consider this grill as the best Weber kettle grill for a number of reasons. One, it has an electronic touch-n-go gas ignition system. It means that you don’t need a lighter to ignite the charcoal. This alone can make this grill a sought after equipment especially among cooking enthusiasts.
Next, it also makes use of a built-in thermometer that displays the internal temperature in your grill. It also has a mounted timer that helps remind you when it’s time to flip the burger that you’re cooking.
And what if the temperature is already too high? The good thing about this Weber grill is that it has a precision heat control that allows you to adjust the dampers without lifting the lid yourself. You also get to have an extra workspace where you can season, prep the meals, or simply place the tools that you need within your reach.
Cleaning is also simplified on the Weber Performer Deluxe Charcoal Grill. It is designed with a one-touch cleaning system that lets you swipe charcoal easily. It also has a removable ash catcher. And when it comes to its capacity, it can fit around 13 burgers at the same time with its 363 square inches of cooking space.
However, due to the somewhat complicated design of this grill, you will have to be a bit of a handyman to assemble everything completely.
Pros:
- Touch-n-go ignition
- Built-in thermometer
- Allows users to easily adjust the dampers
- Can cook 13 burgers at the same time
Cons:
- Complicated design
- Takes time to assemble
Char-Broil TRU-Infrared Kettleman Charcoal Grill
If you are quite picky on the type of charcoal grill that you invest in, most likely, the Char-Broil TRU-Infrared Kettleman Charcoal Grill will catch your attention. This grill, in particular, gives you the ability to cook food evenly with its superb temperature control. It makes use of a sophisticated infrared technology that can prevent cold spots. And also, this facilitates faster cooking with less usage of charcoal.
The cooking grate is also lined with porcelain which makes it easier to trap the heat when you are cooking. In addition to this, the grates can spread the heat evenly across the top. And that’s why it is known for producing juicy and flavorful food.
If you think that you want to adjust the heat on your grill, the Char-Broil TRU-Infrared Kettleman Charcoal Grill has an adjustable charcoal grate. This allows you to move the charcoal further or closer to the food that you are cooking. You can also adjust the damper to get the heat out.
Now, the material used by Char-Broil is rust-resistant allowing you to use the grill for a long time. It also has an ergonomic design that helps minimize injuries while cooking. It has a hinged lid that can make the lid to pop open without using your hands.
Maintenance is also something that made this grill popular. It has a no-fall-through cooking grate that keeps food on top of the surface. You don’t have to worry about picking up debris after you cook.
Pros:
- Superb temperature control
- Uses infrared technology
- Allows you to move the charcoal farther or nearer the food
- Simplified maintenance and cleaning
Cons:
- A bit complicated for first timers
Weber 15301001 Performer Charcoal Grill
The Weber 15301001 Performer Charcoal Grill is the type of grill that can easily be considered as one of the most awesome charcoal grills in the market. What makes it one of the best weber kettle grill options is the fact that it has what most manufacturers tend to forget. It is a 22-inch grill that has some features that you don’t get to see in a lot of other products in the market.
For instance, the Weber Performer Charcoal Grill offers a Tuck-Away lid holder found on the side. What it does is stop you from putting the lid on the ground. Therefore, it makes sure that you maintain the hygiene in the food that you cook. And as for the lid itself, it has a handle that protects its user from getting injured because of touching the hot surface of the lid. It was also ergonomically designed since it has tool hooks that give you easy access to your tools such as tongs and spatula.
As for the capacity of the grill, this grill can cook approximately around 13 burgers all at once. That is a decent sized grill that can handle weekend gatherings for your family. When it comes to cooking burgers in your Weber Performer Charcoal grill, you also don’t have to fear that you will overcook the meals because of the thermometer display that gives you an idea about the internal temperature of your grill.
But of course, it isn’t exactly a perfect product. One complaint that some users have is the ash catcher is quite hard to get rid of.
Pros:
- Comes with a tuck-away lid holder
- Ergonomic lid design that protects users
- Displays the internal temperature
Cons:
- Ash catcher is quite hard to take out
Char-Griller E16620 Akorn Kamado Kooker Charcoal Barbecue Grill and Smoker
With 314 inches of primary cooking space and a 133-inch warming rack, the Char-Griller Akorn Kamado Kooker is one of the best rated charcoal grill products available in the market today. It has an insulated design that allows the use of less charcoal when cooking.
It makes use of a triple-walled design that helps retain the heat and keep the temperature within the range of 200 to 700 degrees Fahrenheit
Another reason why it could possibly be one of the very best cast iron charcoal grill options is the fact that it can give you the juicy meat that you need because of its insulated design that allows less airflow.
In terms of its construction, the cooking surface is made of cast iron while the body is s made of 22 gauge steel. It means that it has a superior design that can give you a good number of weekends to enjoy this grill with your family.
It also features a locking lid and 2 folding black metal shelves that can serve as extra space whenever you are cooking. Cleaning is also easy when it comes to the Char-Griller Akorn Kamado Kooker as it has the easy dump ash pan. And because it is a heavy-duty grill, the manufacturer included large locking wheels that give users an easier time moving the grill.
Pros:
- Insulated design
- Body is made of 22-gauge steel
- Includes 2 folding metal shelves
Cons:
- Hard to assemble
- Heavy
Weber 15502001 Performer Deluxe Charcoal Grill
If you’ve read a lot of charcoal bbq grill reviews, then most likely, you may have encountered the Weber Performer Deluxe Charcoal Grill. This grill can potentially be the best charcoal grill for the money. Not only does it offer a simplified approach in operation, but you also get superb heat control.
A trademark of nice charcoal grills is that it offers a design that is easy to use for its users. On the part of the Performer Deluxe Grill, it makes use of an electronic touch-n-go ignition that allows you to start the fire without using matchsticks or a lighter. In addition to this, cleaning is quite easy given Weber’s trademark One-Touch cleaning system along with its high capacity aluminum ash catcher.
In terms of cooking your favorite meals, it has a charcoal grill design that includes a 22-inch diameter enamel bowl that traps the heat while cooking. If you think that you want to control the temperature, you don’t even have to touch the lid since you can just adjust the dampers. In addition to this, you also have 363 square inches of cooking space decent enough to cover a good number of burgers, chicken, or whatever food that you want to cook.
As far as durability is concerned, this grill is something that can last for quite a long time. Given the materials used by the manufacturer, you can easily enjoy this grill for years if maintained properly. However, there are some things that could still be improved. For instance, the assembly can take quite some time, especially for first-timers. Weber could’ve improved on its instruction manual to give users an easier time. You will have to figure it out carefully after unboxing in order to set the grill right. However, if you have previous experience with grills, this skill can come in handy.
Pros:
- High capacity aluminum ash catcher
- One-Touch Cleaning System
- Durable design
Cons:
- Assembly takes time and effort
- Instructional manual needs improvement
Broil King 911470 Keg 5000 Charcoal Barbecue Grill
It isn’t surprising if some consumers consider the Broil King Keg 5000 Charcoal Barbeque Grill as the best stainless steel charcoal grill in the market today. It has become a strong contender against top grills out there.
Aside from its heavy-duty construction that features reversible cast iron grid and chrome plated secondary cooking surface, the Keg 5000 gives the users control of how they plan cook. It can easily give you juicy results in an easy manner.
With an insulated steel design, the Broil King Keg 5000 Charcoal Barbeque Grill uses less charcoal to get your desired temperature. It has a total cooking space of 480 square meters. The primary cooking surface is measured 280 square meters and an additional secondary cooking surface is at 200 square meters.
Cooking has been simplified by Broil King for this particular charcoal grill. It has become one of the best deals on charcoal grills mainly because of its keg design that also makes use of a root-draft damper system that controls the air-flow. This means that this grill is quite versatile since you can easily have a low-and-slow cooking session or go after the high-temperature grilling option depending on what you plan to serve.
It also makes use of 2 portable side shelves. It means that you don’t need an additional table whenever you are prepping your food. Also, it has a wheeled base that gives you the portability that you need. Cleaning the Keg 5000 Charcoal Barbeque Grill is quite easy. You have a pull-out ashtray that allows users to pull out the ash after each session.
The problem with this grill though is that it is heavy. It weighs over 100 pounds which means that you will need to have an assistant in order to set it up. And though it feels heavy, there are still some parts that were made of plastic such as the handles.
Pros:
- Includes 2 portable side shelves
- Makes use of root-draft damper
- Perfect for low and slow cooking and fast and high cooking
Cons:
- Over 100 pounds
- Some parts are made of plastic
Weber Summit 24-Inch Charcoal Grilling Center
A lot of home depot charcoal grills miss the fact that consumers need enough working space whenever they are cooking. In some instances, you will even have to buy a separate table just to have enough room to work. If you are looking for the best deals on charcoal grills, it is important to be very particular about the grill’s design. It should include things that you will need for cooking and not just the grill itself.
For the Weber Summit Charcoal Grilling Center, it offers a steel tabletop where you can place your plate and other related cooking paraphernalia. It also makes use of a porcelain-enameled bowl and lid that makes it ideal for those users who are particular about their grill’s temperature. It also has a built-in lid thermometer found at the lid that allows you to know just how hot is the temperature inside.
Starting the grill isn’t also an issue since you get to have a snap-jet burner ignition system. With a push of a button, you can light the charcoal and start grilling. It is a highly versatile grill that can also be a good option for those who love to bake. You can grill ribs, burgers, and even opt for pastries.
It has a total of 452 square inches of total cooking area. This makes it an ideal option for those who hold regular family gatherings or BBQ weekends with friends in their own backyard. Weber guarantees that the bowl and lid could easily have no rust in the next ten years. It means that you can definitely have this grill for a long time as long as you know how to properly maintain the grill.
But due to the heavy construction of the Weber Summit Charcoal Grill, this charcoal grill is quite heavy. And consequently, it is quite expensive to ship as well. Other than that, the grill can meet all your grilling needs whether you want to grill it slow or you want to grill in high temperature.
Pros:
- Comes with a durable tabletop
- With built-in lid thermometer
- 452 square inches of cooking area
Cons:
- Heavy and expensive to ship
KamadoJoe KJ23RHC Classic II Ceramic Charcoal Grill
If your definition of the best wood charcoal grill is innovation and heavy duty construction, then you might find the KamadoJoe Classic II Ceramic Charcoal Grill as a strong candidate. With its heat resistant ceramic shell and 406 square inches of cooking space alone, this grill makes it as one of the best charcoal bbq grills out there. It also has a 6 piece multi-panel AMP FireBox that gives users the assurance that the grill isn’t going to break easily.
The KamadoJoe Classic II Ceramic Charcoal Grill also has a top vent that allows you to manage the air that gets in and out of its system. And when it comes to the grill’s top, it makes use of Air Lift Hinge for effortless closing and opening.
As far as cooking experience is concerned, this grill has a versatile divide and conquer flexible cooking system that allows total control of how far the food is from your charcoal. It even has a built-in thermostat that allows you to monitor the temperature inside the grill. And with its Wire Mesh Fiberglass Gasket, it ensures that the heat stays trapped allowing users to use less charcoal in the process.
Now, when it comes to cleaning the KamadoJoe Classic II Charcoal Grill, all you have to do is to slide out the ash drawer and discard the ash that it has collected.
It also has the necessary side shelves that give you additional workspace where you can place the plate and other things that you will need while cooking.
Pros:
- Made of ceramic shell
- Easy to clean feature
- Additional workspace via the side shelves
- Effortless closing and opening of the lid
- Uses less charcoal
Cons:
- Difficult to assemble
- Complicated design for beginners
Royal Gourmet BBQ Charcoal Grill with Offset Smoker
The Royal Gourmet BBQ Charcoal Grill with Offset Smoker is probably the best value charcoal grill in the market today. First, you have two chambers where you can opt to cook. The main chamber has 438 square inches of cooking space while the chrome warming rack has 179 square inches of additional space. One thing about its unique design is that the side smoker and main chambers are connected. With this, it becomes easier to heat up the entire system making it easier to cook all types of food. You also don’t have to worry that you are going to overcook your grill. It has a professional thermometer and a chimney that gives you the freedom to control the temperature with ease.
Another important feature that allows users to control the temperature is the adjustable charcoal pan. By lifting the handles, you will be able to bring the charcoal closer or farther from the food that you are cooking. It also has porcelain wire cooking grates that are known for retaining the heat. It makes it easier to cook tender meat easier with this feature. And since it is rust resistant and easy to clean, maintenance isn’t also a problem after using the grill.
Is it the best charcoal grill on the market? Now, that is up for debate. There are some things that could still be improved with this grill. For instance, one problematic area on this grill though is the fact that the paint can easily flake. And also you have the fact that the charcoal box is a bit small for the size of the grill. You will most likely scoop it out a number of times while cooking. And lastly, the grill is 4 feet tall. It means that you will have a hard time if you are an adult cooking your food.
Pros:
- Comes with side and main chamber for cooking
- Easier to control the temperature and prevents overcooking
- Includes a professional thermometer
- Porcelain wire cooking grates
Cons:
- The paint easily flake
- Charcoal box is a bit small
- Grill is 4 feet tall
PK Grills PK360 Outdoor Charcoal Grill and Smoker Combination
Superb charcoal grill ratings are commonly attributed to a number of factors. Typically, users want versatility, durability, plus they want to have control when it comes to cooking using their grill. For the PK360 Outdoor Charcoal Grill, it offers all of these things plus a number of other features that you don’t get to see in most grills out there.
PK360 Outdoor Charcoal Grill is known for its four vents that make it easier to cook. Regardless if you want it slow or you want to cook fast in high temperature, the four vents provide the versatility that you need in a grill. It also has a unique capsule shape that contributes to containing the heat within the grill.
You also get precision with this particular grill because of its tel-tru thermometer. It is accurate by -/+ 1%.
In terms of its construction, it is made of aluminum construction that is known to be more durable than porcelain options. In addition to this, you also don’t have to worry that it might turn rusty. And as far as the grills are concerned, it has a 10-year warranty.
This is also a portable grill since the grill itself can be detached from the stand. It means that if you plan on taking it with you for camping and other outdoor activities, you won’t have a difficult time bringing this grill with you. This grill also incorporated a unique ash management solution that controls the ash found inside the cook chamber itself. This system made it easy for users to clean the grill afterward.
Pros:
- Perfect for outdoor
- Rust-free materials were used
- Includes a tel-tru thermometer
Cons:
- Small / Limited space for cooking
Weber Original Kettle Premium 26 Inch Charcoal Grill
Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill is a good option if you want a straightforward product that you can use. It has a capacity of roughly around 19 burgers. In addition to this, it makes use of porcelain lid and bowl that allows heat to stay within the grill when you are cooking.
Also, the material used in this charcoal grill lasts for a long time because it doesn’t rust or peel. The downside, however, is that you will need to have a table nearby to be able to cook without interruption. However, it makes use of Weber’s tuck-away lid holder that prevents users from putting the grill to the ground or to a table.
Cleaning is also easy when it comes to the Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill. It has stainless still cooking grates that are also easy to clean after use. And right at the bottom of the grill, you have the one-touch cleaning system wherein you can clean up the charcoal ash as well as debris in an easy manner.
If you are quite particular about precision, you have the thermostat that displays the internal temperature of your grill.
But before you decide to pick this one, be sure that you are only getting a straightforward grill. Also, there are some issues when it comes to its design. The legs are somewhat wobbly for its weight. And though the grill is heavy duty in terms of its overall construction, this grill could tip over because of the legs. It is suggested that if you are going to be using this grill, it is best if you don’t move it around too much.
In addition to this, you want to have a bit of experience if you plan on buying the grill. It isn’t the easiest grill to assemble.
Pros:
- Made of stainless steel
- Includes a tuck-away lid holder
- Heavy duty construction
Cons:
- Legs aren’t as sturdy to support the entire body
- Complicated assembly process
Char-Griller 2137 Outlaw 1063 Square Inch Charcoal Grill / Smoker
The Char-Griller 2137 Outlaw Charcoal Grill is a combination of superb construction and a spacious cooking area for users. Though far from the perfect grill that you have in mind, it is a strong contender for the best charcoal grill. It has a number of interesting features that can convince people to choose this particular grill over others.
If you think that an 800 square inch cooking area is already spacious for your burgers and other meals, the Char-Griller 2137 Outlaw Charcoal Grill has a combined 1063 square inch cooking area for both its warming rack and main grill.
For easy control of the grill’s temperature, the charcoal grill has an adjustable grate that can take your charcoal farther or nearer the food that you are cooking. You can choose between hot, med, and warm depending on what you are coking. Also, included with this grill is a heat gauge that allows you to have an idea about the temperature inside the grill.
Another good news is that you can easily remove or add charcoal without the need to remove the entire grate. You also get an easy dump ash pan that makes the grill easy to clean and maintain. Now, as for the grates, it is made of rust-free and easy to clean material. Because of this, you can guarantee that the quality of food remains high-quality even after a few years.
This grill stands 50 inches which makes it a bit uncomfortable if you are a bit tall. Another reason to be hesitant about this grill is the fact that it is quite hard to assemble. What it means is that if it is actually your first time to assemble your grill, then it might take some time before you get to figure it out.
Pros:
- 800 square inches of cooking space
- Adjustable grate
- Rust-free materials
Cons:
- Only 50 inches tall
- Complicated assembly
Weber 14501001 Master-Touch Charcoal Grill
The Weber 14501001 Master-Touch Charcoal Grill is an option that a lot of users prefer because of a number of things. First, this grill is known for its temperature precision. In addition to this, it also has an ergonomic design fit for those who love to grill. It offers a decent cooking space that can accommodate around 13 burgers at once with its cooking space of 363 square inches.
The Weber Master-Touch Charcoal Grill offers superior heat retention using the porcelain enameled lid and bowl. Because of this, the grill offers consistent temperature while cooking. And since it is made of high-end materials, expect that this grill can withstand cracks, rusts, and peeling.
Now, if you feel that you need to reduce the heat in your grill, all you have to do is to adjust the dampers. You can also completely close the dampers in case you want to extinguish the coals. What it does is cut the oxygen supply to the coal.
Unlike other grill designs that simply let you load the charcoal in an unorganized manner, it has an efficient charcoal organization that helps maximize the space of the grill. And when it comes to cleaning your grill, you also don’t have to worry since it has Weber’s one-touch cleaning system. It provides an easy way to get rid of ash using the removable ash catcher.
Now, as far as things that could’ve been improved by the manufacturer, the legs are a bit shaky for its body. It means that it isn’t something that is suggested to be moved around often. Instead, you might want to opt the grill to be placed in a particular spot in your home.
Pros:
- Adjustable Damper
- Removable ash catcher
- Porcelain-enameled lid
- Can cook 13 burgers at once
Cons:
- Legs are shaky while the grill is heavy
- Hard to move around
Weber 15402001 Performer Premium Charcoal Grill
If there is something that can set the Weber Performer Premium Charcoal Grill from the rest of the other top grills in the market, that has to be its digital component. Rarely do you get to see grills that also have an LCD cook timer and a built-in thermometer that can be conveniently used by its users.
And in reality, this grill lives up to its name as a premium charcoal grill. It offers not only a space where you can cook your food, but you also have a table where you can place the food. You also get access to grilling tools and a convenient charcoal storage ready for use. It means that you don’t even need to have a separate table whenever you are cooking. Plus, it makes cooking effortless since you have all the tools near you. Basically, it can help make grilling more energy efficient and less of a hassle.
When it comes to cooking meals, the Weber 15402001 Performer Premium Charcoal Grill offers a porcelain-enameled lid and bowl that is best known for keeping the heat in your grill. It also has a cooking area of 363 inches which can cook more than 10 burgers at once.
It also has a grate design that is removable that gives you a number of other grilling possibilities such as using a pizza stone or Gourmet BBQ System inserts.
Though it has great features that make it stand out from the rest of the other grills, you have to consider its flaws as well. For instance, just like other Weber charcoal grills, it is quite difficult to use this particular grill. And also, it doesn’t have the ignition system that other good charcoal grills have. It means that you will still be using the lighter to light up the coal.
Pros:
- Different cooking possibilities with its grate design
- Convenient charcoal storage
- Porcelain-enameled lid and bowl
Cons:
- Doesn’t have an ignition system that automatically lights up the coal
How to Choose Good Portable Charcoal Grills
There are a lot of things that you should consider if you wish to buy a nice charcoal grill for your home or even for your business. In fact, here are some usual considerations that you will have to make.
What’s your budget?
Your budget will always be a factor when it comes to choosing the right kind of grill. Today, it is common to see people online trying to find the best affordable charcoal grill. But what you have to remember is that price isn’t the only thing you will have to consider.
It is hard to come up with a generic approach in finding the best budget grill since people have different budgets. Some people are willing to spend $1,000 on a grill while others want something lower.
Though everyone wants the best charcoal grill brands, there is no denying that price is a deal breaker. The good news though is that finding affordable charcoal grills that are good quality isn’t really too hard. These days, you can get the best inexpensive charcoal grill to last for how many years. Also you will be surprised that some high quality charcoal grill options out there are reasonably priced for most buyers.
Compare the Brands
Next, you don’t want to be compulsive when it comes to buying. Once you start asking what are the best charcoal grills, you will have to do your own research. You might want to have a checklist whenever you are comparing things like char griller vs char broil. Or maybe, Weber vs some other top brand out there.
Comparing the brands is another great way to single out the best option for you. Let’s admit that finding the best charcoal bbq grill can be tricky given the number of things you will have to consider. Not only do you consider the cooking capability, but you also have to consider other features such as its material and even its maintenance.
Choose the Right Size
A lot of people today buy charcoal grills without considering the size of the grill. What you want is a grill that can accommodate the usual capacity of food that you tend to cook. Do you cater to 20 to 30 people at once? Then most likely, you want the biggest charcoal grill that you can find. On the other hand, if you are going to just be using the grill for your personal consumption or maybe with one or two buddies, then maybe you want a smaller one.
To have a better idea about its capacity, you have to evaluate just how much cooking space does the grill have. Usually, manufacturers indicate how many burgers can their grill cook at once.
And also, before you invest in the biggest charcoal grill that you can find, try to ask yourself if you have enough space in your home. Does your patio have enough space for a large-size grill? Or maybe, you can only handle a small one? Try to plan where you are going to place the grill before buying anything.
Portability
Portability is something that some top charcoal grills have. There are some options that can also convert into a simple charcoal grill. And often times, a simple design is also the best outdoor charcoal grill that you want to have.
If you truly love the outdoors, then the best charcoal grill to buy is most likely a small one. Forget about the best large charcoal grill if you can’t fit it in your vehicle. If you are going outdoors with a few people, the best charcoal barbeque has to be compact in design.
Primary and Secondary Cooking Space
There are instances when you don’t want the meat to be near the charcoal. And for this reason, you want to consider having a secondary cooking space. A second cooking space ultimately allows you to perform indirect grilling. And also, it can be used for low and slow cooking methods or if you want something to be soft and juicy. Unfortunately, not all cool charcoal grills have this type of feature.
Design of the grill
Unfortunately, not all grills are made the same. There are some grills that are far more sophisticated than others in terms of design. Now, the design of the grill can be a straight forward grill where you cook your burger. On the other hand, there are also some grills that have multiple sections where you can do slow cooking or just smoke your meat. And for other grills, there are those that allows you to adjust the distance between the charcoal and your food.
The shape of the grill and the material used on the lid are also considered important factors if you ever decide to have your own grill. If you take a closer look at the best barrel grill brands out there, these grills can help keep the temperature high. And also, it makes use of less charcoal.
But it doesn’t have to be the best Weber charcoal grill or a high-end charcoal grill in order to have a pretty good design. In fact, even affordable charcoal grills come with a good ingenious design.
How do you plan to cook?
Another important consideration that you will have to make if you plan on buying a charcoal grill is how you are going to use the grill. It’s quite straight forward if you are only cooking burgers and hotdogs. However, you will also have to consider different factors if you plan to bake or slow cook your meals on the grill.
If you plan on cooking sophisticated meals, you’d rather want to get a ceramic grill over any other kind of charcoal grill in the market out there. Here, you will be able to even back pizza or even cook steaks.
High quality charcoal grills offer this kind of versatility. Brands that offer quality charcoal grills often times give you the freedom whether you want direct cooking or indirect cooking. In addition to the option of direct or indirect cooking, some grills also have a thermometer that gives you an idea if you are already overcooking your food.
Is it Rust-Proof?
It isn’t enough that you buy a charcoal grill that can cook the foods that you want. It is important that the material used on the charcoal grill is easy to clean plus it is rust-proof. Charcoal grill tops, when exposed to flame and air, can turn rusty. And cleaning your grill plays an important role in keeping the superb quality of food that you cook. High end charcoal grill tops are made of stainless material.
The best charcoal grill brands usually accompany a 10-year warranty on their grills that it is going to stay rust free during that time. A good rule of thumb is to assess not just the exterior of top rated charcoal grills. You want to check the smallest details especially the metal that comes in contact with your food.
Know the Different Types of Charcoal Grills
There are different kinds of charcoal grills available in the market. For instance, you have the kettle grills. The best kettle grill products can cook a decent number of burgers at once. A 22-inch kettle grill, for instance, can accommodate up to 15 burgers at once without overcrowding.
The kettle grill is spherical in shape which is perfect in containing the heat inside the grill. As far as maintenance is concerned, it has removable receptacles that allow you to clean the entire thing without any problem whatsoever. And for those who are looking for a cheap charcoal grill, there are those kettle grills that run for around $100.
The next option is a barrel grill. It is usually a bulky type of charcoal grill. And because of this, you want to have enough space in your house to accommodate this type of charcoal grill. This type of charcoal grill is specifically designed not only for grilling but also for smoking. It means that you can moderate the temperature on the meal in case it has already been cooked. Or, you can make use of the grill to simply reheat the food that you want to eat.
Ceramic grills are the most expensive type of charcoal grills in the market. In fact, a mid-range version could easily cost around $700. And in most cases, this isn’t a starter-friendly option. However, if you consider the fact that it is made of ceramics that can offer heat control like no other charcoal grill, this is a good option to go for if you really love to grill.
Temperature control
It is imperative for any grill that it can control the temperature effectively. First, the grill should have a tight-fitting lid that can keep the heat inside the grill while you are cooking. Next, you also want to check the vents on your grill. It offers you the ability to control the temperature within the grills.
Also, there are those top rated charcoal grills that give users an option how far the coals get from the cooking surface of the grill. This prevents overcooking your meals. Also, you need to consider the material that is used by the manufacturer. There are some materials that can conduct heat better than others. Aluminum, for instance, is known for its ability to conduct heat 4 times better than other metals.
Is it durable?
When it comes to choosing the right grill, you want to make sure that it is going to last for years. The last thing that you want is to spend on charcoal grills on sale only to be replaced in the coming months. When it comes to choosing a durable grill, it is important to know the best top rated charcoal grill brands in the market. Also, have a list of charcoal grill manufacturers to be able to compare the best charcoal grill brands in the market today.
This is the exact reason why you don’t want the price to be the only thing that affects your decision when it comes to choosing the right grill. The best charcoal grill should be able to withstand a decent amount of wear and tear and should last for at least 5-7 years of regular use.
Also, you want to check not only the grill itself but also the other parts including the legs and even the wheels. If it looks flimsy, then it’s a good idea to think twice before you even buy the grill.
Is it safe
A high-quality charcoal grill should also be able to give you peace of mind whenever you are using the grill. It should remain stable and should never tip off easily. Regardless if you are looking for the best kettle grill or the best ceramic charcoal grill in the market, the user should never feel in danger whenever using he or she is cooking. Remember that tipping the grill over not only poses a threat to you. In fact, this might also make the charcoal grill a fire hazard in your home.
Conclusion
Getting a charcoal grill can be tricky considering the questions you will need to answer. For instance, who makes the best charcoal grill? Or maybe, what is the best budget charcoal grill in the market? These are all legitimate questions that every consumer wants to answer.
The good news is that you can compare different brands and individual grills out there. You will be able to determine which charcoal grill fits your needs just by taking a closer look at each product. However, remember that your choice of the best charcoal grill to buy for your family is actually a subjective choice. The best charcoal bbq grill varies from one individual to the next. For instance, if you are going to ask a person who lives on his own what is the best charcoal grill for him, he will most likely have a different answer to a person who usually spends time with his family.