Most people prefer to barbecue on charcoal grills over gas or electric grills because of the smoky flavor. Although it tends to take longer for charcoal to get red hot, using a charcoal grill becomes a dream once it is ready.
Another great thing about charcoal barbeque is that it is not just perfect for grilling meat but also you can use it to roast veggies such as asparagus, onions, pineapples, etc.
Some charcoal grills are equipped with a smoker to provide you with smoked meat. Others are dual fuel combo grills in that they also feature gas grills.
No matter what you are looking for, we have it here in these consumer reports.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall: Cuisinart CCG190RB Portable Charcoal Grill. The price of this grill is simply unbeatable. Moreover, the unit is easy to transport and use on the go.
Runner Up: Weber Original Kettle Charcoal Grill, 22”. This Weber Charcoal Grill has a decent cooking area, and its price is within an affordable range.
Largest Grilling Area: Char-Griller Outlaw 2137 Charcoal Grill. With a capacity of 1063 square inches, Char-Griller 2137 is perfect for large families or backyard parties.
Versatile: BLOSSOMZ Dual Fuel Combination Grill. This gas and charcoal grill is a perfect option for someone that loves grilling on both charcoal and gas grills.
Easiest to Use: Masterbuilt 560 MB20041220 Digital Charcoal Grill + Smoker. Although this unit is expensive, it is worth it. It is equipped with digital technology that makes it very easy to use. It is also a versatile BBQ grill.
10 Best Charcoal BBQ Grills Reviews
1. Cuisinart Portable Charcoal Grill (CCG190RB), Red
In addition to being one of the cheapest charcoal grills on the market, Cuisinart CCG190RB is amazingly portable. It only weighs 2 pounds and measures 14.5 by 14.5 by 15 inches. The compact design allows you to set up this charcoal grill almost anywhere. It is suitable for tailgating, camping, balconies, decks, and patios, among others. Since the grill is lightweight, you will not have problems transporting it for on-the-go use.
Moreover, Cuisinart CCG190RB is easy and safe to use. It has an enamel-coated firebox that combines with a mess-free ash catcher to make sure barbecuing your favorite foods is hassle-free. Although this barbecue grill is compact and portable, its cooking area is fairly large. It can easily accommodate 3 hot dogs and 2 burgers, or 4 – 6 burgers in one go. If you are a small family, couple, or single, this portable charcoal grill by Cuisinart is for you.
Key Features
- Tight-locking lid allows you to move the grill from place to place without making a huge mess
- Dual venting system allows you to control the temperature and manage charcoal without a hassle
- Convenient ash tray is easy to access for cleanup
- Steel construction ensures superior durability
Pros
- Fairly easy to assemble
- Instructions are quite straightforward and everything is clearly labeled
- Cooks many different kinds of foods
- Fire starts quickly
Cons
- The top grate is not very stable because of the shallow lip
2. Weber Original Kettle 22-Inch Grill
The Weber Kettle Grill Series are reasonably priced and work well for grilling. One of these units is the Weber Original Kettle Grill. It weighs 32.3 pounds, which makes it a bit heavier than Cuisinart CCG190RB. But also, this is a sign that it is well made. It is also perfectly sized and measures 39.5 by 22.5 by 27 inches. It can hold up to thirteen burgers.
Needless to say, the Weber Original Kettle Charcoal Grill is perfect for a large family or for grilling with a group of friends. The one-touch cleaning system offers effortless cleanup of charcoal ash and debris. Additionally, this bbq grill is available in lots of colors, including Black, Green, and Copper. It is solidly made and can stand up to high temperatures without a problem. That being said, you can arrange charcoal on the fuel grate either for indirect or direct grilling.
Key Features
- Adjustable dampers allow you to control the temperature without lifting the lid
- Cooking grate is hinged to make it easy to add charcoal while grilling
- Heat shield prevents the lid handle from getting overly hot
- Durable wheels make moving the barbecue grill from place to place a no-brainer
Pros
- The ash tray is easy to remove
- Seems well made and will last a long time
- Assembly is relatively easy
- Does not take up a lot of space
Cons
- The width of the metal grate is a little too wide; hence, smaller lump charcoal bits tend to go straight down
3. Weber Original Kettle 22-Inch Charcoal Grill, 741001
It is not an understatement to say that Weber 741001 Original Kettle BBQ Grill is loved worldwide. It is large, well-built, and grills to perfection. It can hold up to 13 burgers at a time. What’s even better, you can make these burgers on your own. All you need is the Weber Burger Press. Like the other Weber Kettle Grill, model 741001 comes equipped with adjustable dampers that allow for precise temperature control.
It measures 25 by 22.5 by 39.5 inches and weighs 1.5 kilograms. It is lightweight and even has wheels for optimum durability. You will have an easy time moving it from one place to another to grill anywhere you want. 3D interactive assembly instructions are available via the free BILT app. The 741001 Charcoal Barbeque Grill holds up nicely to high temperatures and allows for direct and indirect grilling.
Key Features
- Plated steel cooking grate retains heat to ensure consistent grilling
- Angled lid hook allows you to conveniently hang the lid on the side of the grill
- Porcelain-enameled bowl and lid retain heat to promote consistent temperature and even cooking
- One-touch cleaning system offers hassle-free ash cleanup
Pros
- Easy to control heat levels
- Works great as an indirect heat smoker
- Efficient and cost-effective
- Assembly is quick and straightforward
- Large grilling area makes the unit perfect for a large family
Cons
- Although delivery is fast, packaging could be better
4. Royal Gourmet Charcoal Grill with Offset Smoker, CC1830F
Whether you are a barbeque master or an occasional griller, Royal Gourmet CC1830F is a worthy purchase. It measures 45.3 by 26.8 by 48 inches and weighs 57 pounds. It is large enough to cook food for a large group of people. You will also find it handy for when you have a few friends over. The barbeque grill is easy to set up, use, and clean.
Additionally, this unit heats up evenly and quickly plus it holds heat beautifully to make sure food comes out great. Meat, for instance, will come out tender and juicy so you and your friends can enjoy it to the fullest. The black process paint is resistant to heat, and, therefore, it will not leave behind paint chips. You should also invest in this BBQ charcoal grill because it has an offset smoker, yet its price is not on the high side.
Key Features
- Steel mesh front table and bottom shelf provide plenty of storage and working space
- Large capacity charcoal pan holds up to 5 pounds of charcoal in one go
- Lifting handles ensure improved heating by adjusting the height of the charcoal
- Heavy-duty lid is equipped with a professional thermometer for maximum convenience
- Adjustable damper promotes better airflow
More about the Product: The total cooking surface area of Royal Gourmet CC1830F is 800 square inches. The main chamber is 438 square inches; the diameter of the porcelain steel cooking grates is 1/4”, and the chrome warming rack is 179 square inches. The offset smoker, on the other hand, provides an additional cooking area of 183 square inches.
Furthermore, Royal Gourmet CC1830F has a side door that makes it easy to add charcoal. It also has an air vent that provides better airflow. The material used to make the charcoal grill is stainless steel. It is durable and combines with a black paint to help enhance the aesthetics of the grill. Two durable wheels make it easy to move the grill from place to place.
Pros
- Assembly is quick and painless
- The side smoker is a wonderful addition
- Customer service is amazing
- Directions on how to care for it are simple to follow
- The built-in thermometer is a nice touch
Cons
- The insert tray is too wide; hence, a little challenging to remove for cleanup
5. Char-Griller Outlaw 1063 Square Inch Charcoal Griller/Smoker, 2137
If you have a large family or planning to host a backyard party, Char-Griller 2137 is for you. With an incredibly large cooking area of 1063 square inches, this unit can easily cook up to 38 burgers in one round. Of the 1063 square inches, 725 is the primary cooking area, while the remaining 338 is the secondary cooking area.
With this charcoal griller & smoker, you will have no shortage of cooking space. It stands at 50” in height and weighs 112 lbs. It is heavy, but this should not be a concern; thanks to the attached wheels. These wheels make the grill easy to move and set up where the party calls for it. The durability of this grill is another nice feature we must talk about. The bbq grill is made of solid steel and a powder coat finish that enable it to stand the test of time.
Key Features
- Large round legs provide sturdy support
- Heat gauge and adjustable fire grate provide wonderful heat control
- Front and side shelves provide convenient storage space for grilling tools, sauces, spices, etc
- Lower shelf beneath the grill provides a nice place to store unused charcoal
- Ash pan makes ash disposal a cakewalk
- Cooking grates are made of cast iron so they can heat evenly
Pros
- The overall design is solid
- Compact enough to fit easily in an apartment balcony
- Well worth the money
- Makes a nice Father’s day gift
Cons
- Assembly instructions are vague
6. BEAU JARDIN 18 inch Portable Charcoal Grill for Outdoor
The BEAU JARDIN Portable BBQ Charcoal Grill can easily be carried along to a camping adventure. It is 17.5 inches in diameter and 24 inches in height (without the lid). Moreover, its frame material is aluminum; meaning it is lightweight yet not flimsy or fragile. So, if you want to keep everyone in a perfect mood during a camping trip, the BEAU JARDIN 18” Portable Barbecue Grill is what you should go for.
It is suitable for grilling chicken, steak, burger, shrimp, summer squash, asparagus, onion, filet mignon, turkey, and chop, among others. Additionally, this outdoor charcoal grill is designed in such a way that you will not have problems cleaning it up after use. It comes with an ash catcher that offers a one-touch cleaning system. Although it does not have a charcoal smoker, this should not be a concern, given its price point and the fact that it is portable.
Key Features
- Durable wheels make moving the charcoal bbq a breeze
- Insulated handles are durable and promote safety
- Thickened porcelain-enameled lid and bowl provide great heat retention
- Lid hanger provides a convenient place to put the lid during grilling
Pros
- Easy to use and clean
- Great value for the money
- Very sturdy yet portable
- The seller is easy to deal with
Cons
- A bit shorter than the average kettle grill
7. BLOSSOMZ Dual Fuel Combination Charcoal/Gas Grill
One reason why we believe that the BLOSSOMZ Combination Grill is the best gas and charcoal grill on the market is the high rating. At the time of writing this, the BLOSSOMZ had over 4 stars out of 5 and over 800 customer reviews. This is a simple indication that the majority are happy with it. The total cooking space of this charcoal-gas grill is 557 square inches.
Of this cooking space, 262 square inches is for charcoal grilling and 295 square inches is for gas grilling. The BLOSSOMZ Dual Fuel Combination Grill also has a decent total warming rack space of 188 square inches. Of this, 89 square inches is for charcoal and 99 square inches is for gas. The weight of this charcoal/gas grill is 103 lbs and its dimensions are 64 by 28 by 49.75 inches.
Key Features
- Large cooking space can accommodate up to 32 burgers
- 3 stainless steel tube burners offer a total of 24,000 BTUs
- Integrated ignition for all burners
- Porcelain-coated heat plates minimize flare-ups
- Removable ash tray makes clean-up a snap
- 2 wheels offer awesome mobility
More about the Product: There is a height-adjustable charcoal tray on the charcoal side. There is also a front access door that makes it easy to maintain charcoal. Other features include black baked enamel lids featuring a stainless steel trim; baked enamel bottom bowls, and painted steel control panel featuring a stainless steel trim.
The barbeque charcoal grill also comes equipped with 2 side spacious shelves, a bottle opener, integrated tool holders, and 2 round temperature gauges. It is loaded with lots of features so you can have a wonderful time using it. If you cannot make up your mind about whether to go for a gas grill or buy a charcoal barbeque grill, the BLOSSOMZ Combination Grill is for you.
Pros
- Comes with tools for assembly
- Food comes out delicious
- The price is perfect for a dual fuel combo grill
- Customer service is helpful and responsive
Cons
- Assembly is time-consuming
8. Masterbuilt Gravity Series 1050 Digital Grill + Smoker, MB20041220
Masterbuilt 1050 is one of the units to go for if you love smoked meat. It helps keep your backyard organized and neat by making sure that one unit is all you need for grilling and smoking meat. Furthermore, the Masterbuilt 1050 Charcoal Grill & Smoker boasts digital technology that makes it unbelievably easy to use.
It reaches 225 degrees Fahrenheit in just 10 minutes and 700 degrees Fahrenheit in 15 minutes. Despite the advanced technology, the fuel type for this charcoal grill/smoker is charcoal. This means you will not miss the tasteful flavor resulting from cooking with charcoal or wood. The dimensions of the grill are 33.07 by 61.02 by 52.17 inches and the weight is 202.9 pounds.
Key Features
- GravityFed hopper holds up to 18 pounds of briquettes or 10 pounds of lump charcoal for 8 hours
- DigitalFan provides precise temperature control
- Digital control panel for control the temperature and cook time
- Convenient fold-out cord storage is on the back of the side shelf and prevents damage or loss to the power supply
Pros
- The versatility of the grill is amazing
- Comes to temperature fast
- Maintains the temperature nicely
- The app is very useful
- Great value for the money
Cons
- The Wi-Fi range is a bit too short
9. Masterbuilt Gravity Series 560 Digital Charcoal Grill + Smoker, MB20040220
Masterbuilt 560 is a nice alternative to Masterbuilt 1050. It is a great purchase for when you love Masterbuilt Series, yet (for one reason or another) you are not ready to spend much. It is versatile, just like Masterbuilt 1050 Series. That being said, you can use this charcoal grill + smoker to smoke, sear, roast, bake, grill, and more.
It is very easy to use as all you need to do is set the temperature on the digital control panel. You can also set the temperature on your smart device. Masterbuilt 560 reaches 700 degrees Fahrenheit in just 13 minutes and takes 7 minutes to reach 225 degrees Fahrenheit. It weighs 146.98 pounds and measures 24.65 by 54.13 by 51.97 inches. If you want to master the art of charcoal grilling and smoking, then investing in a good unit like Masterbuilt 560 is no doubt a wonderful idea.
Key Features
- Digital Fan maintains the perfect cooking temperature
- GravityFed hopper holds 16 pounds of briquettes or 10 pounds of lump charcoal for 12 – 15 hours
- Reversible smoke + sear cast-iron grates for slow and low smoking or high-heat searing
- 2 porcelain-coated smoking/warming racks provide a total cooking space of 560 square inches
- Built-in temperature gauge and meat probe thermometer will provide you with excellent results every time
Pros
- Suitable for searing, smoking, grilling, etc
- Holds the temperature wonderfully
- The manufacturer’s customer service is excellent
- The price point is good
- Eliminates the need to sit around all day tending the smoker
Cons
- The app does not seem to work so well on Android
10. Outsunny 28” Small Portable Folding Charcoal BBQ Grill Set
Outsunny 28-Inch Folding Portable Charcoal Grill is a simple unit, which, although does not have a charcoal smoker, is still a worthwhile investment. It weighs 22 pounds and features a foldable design. Needless to say, the Outsunny 28-Inch Charcoal BBQ Grill Set can be used anywhere, anytime. Its overall dimensions are 28.75 inches long by 13 inches wide by 28 inches high.
When folded, the Outsunny 28” Charcoal Grill measures 28.75 inches long by 13 inches wide by 6.25 inches high. This barbeque grill also has a large baking net measuring 17.75 inches long by 11.75 inches wide and a small baking net measuring 9.75 inches long by 11.75 inches wide. What’s even better, the portability of this unit is not at the expense of durability. The grill set is constructed with stainless steel, which is rust-resistant and more than ready to stand the test of time.
Key Features
- Two handles on both sides make moving the charcoal grill a piece of cake
- Double air vents on each side of the grill provide proper temperature control and adjustment
- Folding leg design for easy storage and transport
- Heat-insulated handle prevents burns
- Clip ensures your hands are protected from charcoal burning
More about the Product: The finish of this BBQ grill is silver, which makes it unique, given that most models are black. The set includes tongs as well as large and small barbeque grill wire mesh panels. With this barbecue grill, you will enjoy smoky flavor to the maximum. It is ideal for camping, parks, poolside, patios, backyards, etc.
Pros
- The grill cooks vegetables nicely
- Great for the money
- Very easy to clean
- Makes a nice gift idea
- The size is perfect
Cons
- Sits a bit low
Buyer’s Guide for the Best Charcoal Barbecue Grill
The following factors will help you settle on a good charcoal bbq.
- Dimensions
If you are looking for a portable charcoal grill, we advise that you go for something compact. In fact, if you can find a foldable model; even better. A compact unit obviously does not take up much space. For this reason, it is also recommended for someone whose patio is not the most spacious.
- Weight
Portable charcoal barbecues should be lightweight but without being flimsy or fragile. These barbeques are normally made with aluminum, given that it is lightweight yet sturdy. Other barbecues, especially those not designed with portability in mind, can be a bit heavy. They are usually made of heavy-duty stainless steel for superior durability. But also, most of them have wheels that make moving them from one place to another a no-brainer.
- Cooking/Grilling Space
Portable charcoal grills are highly unlikely to have a large cooking space since they are very compact. They are, therefore, perfect for couples or singles. With that being said, if you are looking for something to feed a large family or a huge group of friends, go for a unit with a large cooking area because it can cook/grill lots of foods in one round.
- Ease of Cleaning
Cleaning a charcoal grill can be tougher than expected. However, you can make this simpler by choosing a unit that comes with a removable ash catcher. With these units, all you need to do after grilling or roasting meat is remove the ash catcher and then clean it. You should also consider going for a model with a smooth finish that you simply need to wipe clean after use.
- Accessories
In addition to a removable ash catcher, you should consider other crucial accessories that help make grilling a cakewalk. Some of these accessories are shelves for storing grilling tools and even unused charcoal; side tables to provide you with plenty of working space, and a lid hanger to make sure the lid of your grill does not end on the ground during grilling.
Best Charcoal Grills Reviews: Conclusion
Grilling on a charcoal barbecue can be more demanding than grilling on an electric or gas grill. However, the smoky flavor you get as a result of using a charcoal grill is second to none. Meat comes out tender and juicy. Controlling the temperature in a charcoal BBQ is also easy. That is why we recommend that you own one.
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