Codi Braddy

Written by Codi Braddy

Modified & Updated: 02 Oct 2024

Camryn Rabideau

Reviewed by Camryn Rabideau

6-best-charcoal-grill
Source: Bobvila.com

When it comes to cooking outside, a charcoal grill can be a great option. Whether you're planning a barbecue with friends or just want to enjoy some grilled food at home, having the right grill is important. In this article, we'll take a look at the 6 best charcoal grills on the market. From portable options for camping trips to larger grills for backyard cookouts, there's something for everyone. Whether you're a grill master or just starting out, finding the right charcoal grill can make a big difference in your outdoor cooking experience.

Top Picks:

Overall Score: 7/10

The Royal Gourmet CD2030AN is a large, deluxe charcoal grill perfect for picnic, camping, patio, and backyard cooking. It features a spacious cooking space, easy adjustable charcoal pan, front charcoal door access, convenient heat control, and a temperature gauge. The grill is constructed with black porcelain-enameled steel wire cooking grates. It also comes with a chrome-plated steel wire warming rack and has a large cooking area of 764 square inches. The grill's adjustable charcoal pan can accommodate up to 3.4 kg/7.5 lb of charcoal and features a height-adjustable crank handle for fine-tuning temperature control. The lid-mounted temperature gauge instantly indicates temperature changes. The grill measures 58.66Lx58.66Wx50.39H and is suitable for large gatherings and events.

Key Features

  • Spacious Cooking Space
  • Easy Adjustable Charcoal Pan
  • Front Charcoal Door Access
  • Convenient Heat Control
  • Temperature Gauge

Specifications

  • Color: Black
  • Dimension: 58.66Lx58.66Wx50.39H
  • Size: Large

Pros

  • Spacious cooking area
  • Easy-to-handle crank handle for temperature control
  • Front charcoal door access
  • Convenient heat control
  • Temperature gauge

Cons

  • Poor quality hardware for assembly
  • Unstable adjustable coal tray
  • Warping of thin steel parts
  • Weak lid seal and chimney

The Royal Gourmet CD2030AN 30-Inch Charcoal Grill offers a spacious cooking area and convenient heat control, making it suitable for large gatherings and events. However, the grill’s assembly may require reinforcement due to poor quality hardware, and some parts are prone to warping. Overall, it is a versatile, large grilling option at a relatively affordable price.

Overall Score: 7/10

The BEAU JARDIN Premium 18 Inch Charcoal Grill is a portable cooking device perfect for outdoor use such as camping, tailgating, or small patio and backyard gatherings. The grill features a durable plated steel cooking grate, aluminum air vent damper for heat control, and a porcelain-enameled coating bowl and lid for even grilling. The ash leak and catcher system make cleaning hassle-free, while the durable wheels allow for easy transport. This 18-inch grill is easy to assemble and provides precise heat retention for a variety of foods. The grill is designed for small gatherings and features a black color and dimensions of 17.00Lx18.00Wx31.50H.

Key Features

  • Portable 18 inch diameter grilling surface
  • Rust-resistant aluminum air vent damper
  • Lid hanger hook and ash catcher for easy cleaning
  • Easy to assemble with step by step instructions
  • Thick grilling bowl and lid for heat retention

Specifications

  • Color: Black
  • Dimension: 17.00Lx18.00Wx31.50H
  • Size: 18"

Pros

  • Portable and easy to transport
  • Even heat retention for precise grilling
  • Easy to assemble and clean

Cons

  • Short legs may require kneeling or propping up
  • Handle may not withstand high heat

The BEAU JARDIN Premium 18 Inch Charcoal Grill is a well-designed portable grill perfect for small outdoor gatherings. While it may have some limitations in terms of height and handle durability, its overall performance and convenience make it a great choice for camping, tailgating, or small backyard barbecues.

Overall Score: 6/10

The Royal Gourmet CD1824EN 24” Charcoal Grill Outdoor Smoker is perfect for hosting a backyard barbecue party. With 474 sq. inches of grilling space, this grill is ideal for cooking for up to 8 people at a time. Its adjustable charcoal pan and front charcoal access door make it user-friendly. The two large rolling wheels allow for easy movement, while the two side tables and bottom shelf provide extra prepare space and storage. The galvanized draw-out ash tray makes for easy cleanup. However, some users have reported that the grill is flimsy and the instructions for assembly are not clear.

Key Features

  • Large Grilling Space: 474 sq. inches total grilling space
  • Lift-able Charcoal Pan: Adjustable for different foods
  • Convenient Access for Adding Coals: Front charcoal access door
  • Free Movement & Large Storage Space: Two large rolling wheels, 2 side tables, and bottom shelf
  • Easy to Clean Up: Galvanized draw-out ash tray

Specifications

  • Color: Black
  • Dimension: 24.61Lx47.44Wx47.05H
  • Size: 24 Inch

Pros

  • Large grilling space
  • Convenient access for adding coals
  • Easy to clean up

Cons

  • Flimsy construction
  • Unclear assembly instructions

The Royal Gourmet CD1824EN 24” Charcoal Grill Outdoor Smoker is a good option for those who are looking for a grill with a large grilling space and convenient features for adding coals. However, it may not be the best choice for those who prioritize sturdiness and clear assembly instructions.

Overall Score: 9/10

The Char-Griller E5030 Dual Function 2-Burner Gas & Charcoal Grill offers a total cook area of 870 square inches, making it perfect for grilling and low & slow barbecue. Its easy dump ash pan and adjustable grate height add to its versatility and convenience. The heavy-duty steel construction and porcelain coated cast iron grates ensure durability and even cooking. This grill also features a temperature gauge and is side fire box compatible. With a customer rating of 4.6/5, this grill is praised for its versatility, compact size, and ability to grill over both gas and charcoal.

Key Features

  • Total cook area: 870 square inches
  • Primary cook area: 606 square inches
  • Easy dump ash pan
  • 24, 000 BTU's
  • Porcelain coated cast iron grates
  • Side fire box Compatible
  • Heavy duty Steel construction
  • Adjustable grate Height
  • Temperature gauge
  • Powder coating finish

Specifications

  • Color: Black
  • Dimension: 53.90Lx26.20Wx46.90H

Pros

  • Versatile for grilling and low & slow barbecue
  • Compact size
  • Ability to grill over both gas and charcoal
  • Durable and even cooking

Cons

  • Temperature regulation can be difficult
  • Assembly is a bit challenging

The Char-Griller E5030 Dual Function 2-Burner Gas & Charcoal Grill offers a versatile and compact grilling solution for outdoor cooking enthusiasts. With its ability to grill over both gas and charcoal, durable construction, and large cook area, it’s a great option for those looking to elevate their outdoor cooking experience.

Overall Score: 8/10

The BEAU JARDIN Premium 18 Inch Charcoal Grill is a portable and heavy-duty round grill perfect for outdoor cooking, camping, barbecues, and tailgating. It features a thickened grilling bowl with wheels and durable handles, and it ensures perfect heat control and retention for even grilling. With a more stable design and easy assembly, it provides a perfect grilling experience. The customer rating is 4.5/5, with positive feedback on its quality, assembly, and cooking performance, although some users have reported issues with the parts not fitting perfectly. The grill comes in a sleek black color and measures 14.30Lx15.90Wx34.00H, with an 18" grill size.

Key Features

  • Durable handles & wheels for portability
  • Perfect heat control & retention for even grilling
  • More fitting & stable design
  • Easy to assemble & perfect for grilling
  • Dedicated customer care for premium products

Specifications

  • Color: Black
  • Dimension: 14.30Lx15.90Wx34.00H
  • Size: 18" grill

Pros

  • Durable and portable design
  • Even heat distribution for perfect grilling
  • Stable and easy to assemble
  • Dedicated customer care for premium products

Cons

  • Some users reported issues with parts fit

The BEAU JARDIN Premium 18 Inch Charcoal Grill offers a sturdy, portable, and reliable grilling experience suitable for outdoor cooking and camping. While some users have encountered issues with parts fit, the overall feedback on its performance and quality is positive. With dedicated customer care and a sleek black design, it is a great option for those looking for a durable and easy-to-use charcoal grill.

Overall Score: 7/10

The Royal Gourmet CD1824EC 24-Inch Charcoal BBQ Grill with Cover in Black offers a spacious cooking area, height-adjustable charcoal pan, easy coal and ash management, ample space for preparation and storage, and easy transport. It comes with porcelain-enameled cooking grates, a stainless-steel warming rack, two folding side tables, and a bottom shelf for additional storage. The delivery includes a grill and a free cover. The grill measures 24.61Lx47.05Wx47.44H and weighs charcoal grill with cover. Customer reviews highlight its reasonable price, ease of assembly, and great value, but also the thin metal construction and flimsy quality.

Key Features

  • Spacious Cooking Area: Total of 490 square inches
  • Adjustable Charcoal Pan: Fine-tunes temperature during grilling
  • Easy Coal And Ash Management: Front charcoal access door, galvanized ash tray
  • Ample Space For Prep: Two folding side tables, bottom shelf
  • Easy Transport: Two large wheels

Specifications

  • Color: Black
  • Dimension: 24.61Lx47.05Wx47.44H
  • Size: Charcoal Grill+Cover

Pros

  • Reasonable price
  • Easy assembly
  • Great value
  • Easy coal and ash management
  • Ample space for preparation and storage

Cons

  • Thin metal construction
  • Flimsy quality

The Royal Gourmet CD1824EC 24-Inch Charcoal BBQ Grill with Cover is a reasonably priced grill that offers great value and ease of assembly. However, its thin metal construction and flimsy quality may not hold up well over time.

The Ultimate Buyer's Guide to the Best Charcoal Grills

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Charcoal Grill

Budget

  • Determine the amount of money you are willing to spend on a charcoal grill. Different grills come with different price tags, so it's important to know your budget beforehand.

Size

  • Consider the size of the grilling area you need. If you typically cook for a large group, you may want a larger grill. If you only cook for a small family, a smaller grill may suffice.

Portability

  • Think about how often you'll be moving your grill. If you plan to take it camping or to tailgate parties, portability is an important factor to consider.

Durability

  • Look for a grill made from high-quality materials that can withstand the heat of charcoal and the elements if it will be kept outside.

Temperature Control

  • Some grills have better temperature control features than others. If you want to have more control over your cooking temperature, look for a grill with adjustable air vents and dampers.

Ease of Cleaning

  • Consider how easy the grill is to clean after use. Removable ash pans or trays can make cleaning up after grilling a much simpler task.

Accessories

  • Some grills come with additional features such as side shelves for food preparation or tool hooks. Consider what accessories are important to you.

Types of Charcoal Grills

Kettle Grills

  • These classic grills are shaped like a dome and are great for grilling and smoking. They come in a range of sizes and are usually quite affordable.

Barrel Grills

  • These grills are shaped like a barrel and are great for smoking larger cuts of meat. They often have a larger cooking area as well.

Ceramic Grills

  • These grills are great for retaining heat and can be used for both grilling and smoking. They are known for their excellent temperature control.

Portable Grills

  • These smaller grills are designed for on-the-go grilling and are perfect for tailgating, camping, or picnics.

Cart Grills

  • These grills have wheels, making them easy to move around your outdoor space. They often come with additional features such as side tables or storage shelves.

Additional Features to Look For

Grilling Surface

  • Consider the cooking area of the grill and whether it meets your needs. Larger grills are great for feeding a crowd, while smaller grills are more practical for everyday use.

Material

  • Look for a grill made of high-quality materials such as stainless steel or cast iron. These materials are durable and can withstand the high temperatures created by charcoal.

Air Vents

  • Quality air vents help to regulate the airflow into the grill, allowing you to control the temperature more effectively.

Ash Collection System

  • A grill with a convenient ash collection system can make cleaning up after grilling much more manageable.

Warranty

  • Check the warranty offered by the manufacturer. A longer warranty can provide peace of mind and indicate the quality of the grill.

Brand Reputation

  • Research the reputation of the brand before making a purchase. Look for customer reviews and feedback to get an idea of the overall quality of the grill.

Frequently Asked Questions about 6 Best Charcoal Grill

What makes a charcoal grill the best option for cooking?

A charcoal grill is considered the best option for cooking because it gives food that classic smoky flavor and creates the perfect sear on meats and veggies.

How do I clean a charcoal grill?

Cleaning a charcoal grill is easy! Just wait for the grill to cool down, then scrub the grates with a wire brush and wipe down the inside with soapy water.

Can I use a charcoal grill for more than just hamburgers and hot dogs?

Absolutely! You can cook everything from steaks and chicken to veggies and even pizza on a charcoal grill.

Are charcoal grills difficult to use for beginners?

Charcoal grills may seem intimidating at first, but with practice, you’ll soon master the art of temperature control and get the hang of it.

What are the benefits of using a charcoal grill over a gas grill?

Using a charcoal grill provides a more intense and smoky flavor to your food, and it’s generally more affordable than a gas grill.

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