Choosing the best charcoal grills for your needs comes down to your grilling style, how often you plan to grill, and, most importantly, your budget. There are tons of charcoal grills out there, and we get it – navigating the market for the best charcoal grills can be intimidating, but we are here to help you make the right choice.

Choosing from the countless charcoal grill brands out there is enough to make your head spin, especially if you are new to charcoal grilling. Although brands like Weber are the industry standard, this doesn’t mean that there aren’t other worthwhile grills out there. That’s why it’s essential to look at features, budget, and the overall construction and design of each grill before making a choice.

Things to Look for When Choosing Charcoal Grills

Selecting a new grill for your patio can be daunting but we’ve made it easier for you. Consider these important aspects before buying.

1. Grill Size

The size you choose should correlate directly to what you will be cooking on it and how much space you have available. If you are bringing it with you on camping trips, or even to tailgate parties, you will need something lightweight and easy to transport, like a hibachi. However, if you often cook for a big family gathering, then a large-capacity, cart-style grill like the Dyna-Glo X-Large would make a lot more sense. If your cooking is generally for just a couple of people, then the Weber Grills Master Touch 22 inches, might be more your speed.

Remember that if you have limited patio space, then getting a smaller 22-inch diameter charcoal grill can free up a lot of room compared to a large cart style grill.

2. Grill Material

Your grill should be sturdy and resilient and stand up to intense heat as well as different weather elements. Aluminum grills like the PK Grills Original PK300 Grill & Smoker are durable because the cast aluminum offers superb heat distribution and retention. Lighter-weight stainless steel grills with an enamel coating can also be a good choice for smaller patios or frequent travelers. Also consider what type of material you would prefer for your grates. Cast iron, while heavier, is known for its superior heat conductivity, allowing it to retain heat for long periods. This lets you sear those lovely grill marks into meat more easily. Stainless steel, a lighter choice, heats up faster, but does not retain heat as long as cast iron does. Both options offer a unique cooking experience, so the best charcoal grill choice will ultimately depend on personal preferences.

3. Fuel Management

Whether you are slow cooking ribs over indirect heat or grilling up some hotdogs, you need a way to control the intensity of your charcoal. This is where an ash management system becomes a huge help. Most quality grills come with some type of ash catcher built-in, and most can be cleaned quickly and easily.

Adjustable grates can also make fuel management easier because this lets you adjust the cooking intensity while grilling. If you decide to move to indirect heat to slow roast some meat, having the ability to raise and lower your charcoal grate will definitely give you better temperature control.

Grills with a hinged, two-part cooking grate are also very useful because this lets you add charcoal during long cooks, without the hassle of removing all the food.

4. Ventilation & Heat Control

Controlling airflow is key to achieving precise temperature management, but especially during those long, slow-smoked meat masterpieces that require consistent low temperatures. Most charcoal grills use vents or dampers for controlling how much oxygen reaches the fire. But learning how to control those can have a steep learning curve for newbies to the charcoal game.

With these types of grills, more is better. That means if you want the best heat control over your smoking, then choosing a grill with multiple dampers is always better than fewer dampers.

The 6 Best Charcoal Grills for 2024

Whether you need the best charcoal grill for searing steaks, smoking meats, or a mix of both, then we are confident you’ll find what you’re looking for right here. There are a lot of models out there and it’s difficult to figure out where to even begin when looking for the best charcoal grills. Choosing between a kettle grill or one that doubles as a smoker or maybe even going for a traditional Argentine-style Santa Maria grill are all considerations. There’s a perfect choice out there waiting for you.

Everdure by Heston Blumenthal HUB II 54-Inch Charcoal Grill with Rotisserie and Electric Ignition

This grill is perfect for someone who wants a big charcoal grill but doesn’t want to spend all day getting the charcoal ready. It has an electric ignition that will get your charcoal going in just a few minutes. This grill is also great for anyone who loves rotisserie because it comes with a rotisserie kit. You can cook up a whole chicken or even a leg of lamb. 

Some other features of this grill that might interest you include:

• 54-inch cooking surface

• Built-in rotisserie kit

• Electric ignition

• Adjustable charcoal tray

The Everdure by Heston Blumenthal HUB II Charcoal Grill is a great choice for anyone who wants a high-quality charcoal grill that is easy to use. It’s also a great choice if you are looking for a grill that can do it all.

Blaze Grills 32-Inch Built-In Stainless Steel Charcoal Grill with Adjustable Charcoal Tray

Want a sleek stainless steel grill that can be the centerpiece of your outdoor kitchen? Look no further than the Blaze Grills 32-Inch Built-In Stainless Steel Charcoal Grill. This grill has it all. You get the classic charcoal grilling experience, but with modern features. 

We really like the adjustable charcoal tray. This feature makes it simple to get the perfect temperature for whatever you are grilling. Whether you are cooking hot dogs or a whole chicken, you can get the heat you need.  This grill also makes it easy to add more charcoal while you cook because it has a hinged cooking grate.

This charcoal grill is built to last, and because it is made from stainless steel, it is easy to clean. It will look great in your outdoor space for years to come.

Weber Grills Master Touch 22-Inch Charcoal Grill with Gourmet BBQ System Cooking Grate

The Weber Master Touch is a fantastic charcoal grill. This grill gives you amazing value for your money. The 22-inch cooking surface is big enough to cook for a big family. Plus, it’s small enough to fit on most patios.  The Master Touch comes with Weber’s Gourmet BBQ System cooking grates. This lets you use different accessories, like a pizza stone or griddle.  

But there’s even more to love about this grill. It has a lid-mounted thermometer so you can keep an eye on the temperature.  It also has a removable ash catcher. This makes cleanup a breeze. The Weber Master Touch is a great all-around charcoal grill that will let you cook anything you want.

Primo Oval XL 400 Charcoal Ceramic Kamado Grill

This grill is a beast. It’s a charcoal grill that can handle pretty much anything you throw at it. Want to smoke a brisket low and slow? This grill can do it. How about searing some steaks over high heat? No problem.  This grill is also super versatile. You can use it as a smoker, a grill, or even an oven. It’s made from high-quality ceramic, so it retains heat really well. That means you’ll use less charcoal. This is a great option if you’re looking for a do-it-all backyard grill. 

Kamado Joe Big Joe III 24-Inch Charcoal Ceramic Kamado Grill

This Kamado Joe is a great ceramic charcoal grill. Many people believe that ceramic grills are the best charcoal grills because they excel at both high-heat grilling and low-and-slow smoking. So, what makes this grill so great? It has a thick ceramic body.  This helps the grill maintain its heat and allows for precise temperature control. 

You’ll also find a flexible cooking system. The Kamado Joe Big Joe III has a multi-level cooking grate. This lets you cook different foods at different temperatures at the same time. Plus, this grill has a large cooking surface.  You’ll have plenty of space to cook for a crowd. Although you can find other sizes, this one is 24 inches.

However, the Kamado Joe Big Joe III is a bit more expensive than some other charcoal grills on the market. But it’s a high-quality grill that will last for years. And that’s what makes it a great value.

Weber Grills Smokey Mountain Cooker 22-Inch Charcoal Smoker

The Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker is a great choice for anyone who wants to start smoking meat. It’s a charcoal smoker, and it comes in 14, 18 and 22-inch sizes. This smoker can help you cook up some delicious barbecue. You will need to figure out how much charcoal to use. You will get it right with some practice.

Weber makes a lot of great grills. The Smokey Mountain Cooker is a popular choice, and a lot of people love it. It’s a versatile smoker that you can use to smoke a variety of meats. This smoker is a great way to get started with smoking, and you’ll be able to enjoy delicious barbecue all year round.

FAQs about Best Charcoal Grills

What is a good brand charcoal grill?

Weber grills have long been recognized for their durability and consistency, earning their reputation as a highly reliable brand among experienced grillers. Char-Griller is another good brand offering grills and smokers at budget-friendly prices that are a favorite among newbies just starting out. However, keep in mind that many less expensive brands out there might surprise you.

What’s better than a Weber barbecue?

Weber has set a high standard when it comes to grills and smokers. That’s not to say though that there are no other top competitors offering quality grills and smokers. If you are searching for something unique, you can branch out to lesser-known brands like PK Grills or Char-Broil.

What charcoal do chefs use?

Lump charcoal, being less processed, is preferred by some because it’s pure carbonized hardwood. Because it burns hotter and quicker, this means there is also less ash. It’s a great way to add a smoky dimension to grilled foods.

Is expensive charcoal better?

You can create fantastic BBQ with briquettes that can be found at most supermarkets. Briquettes often cost less, but because they burn longer at a lower temp this can make them less ideal for searing steaks. Lump charcoal, because it is more expensive, may not always be the most practical option.

Conclusion

You can find a wide range of choices when selecting from the many best charcoal grills out there to add that distinct smoky aroma and authentic BBQ taste. Just be sure that your grill has proper heat control, is well ventilated, and comes from a reliable manufacturer. With so many charcoal grills to choose from, we feel confident that your journey toward mastering outdoor grilling is off to an excellent start.