Share the post "The Best Charcoal Grills of 2024 – Top 10+ Recommended"
Quick Summary: We understand the significance of a good charcoal grill as a culinary tool. Finding the best charcoal grill is, unfortunately, a tedious task and requires a lot of patience and energy. However, our team will spare you from this tiring procedure with their expert opinion. According to our research, PK Grills Charcoal Grill Smoker Combo is a definite winner when it comes to selecting the best grill. Its lightweight structure makes it portable and the attached aluminum ashtray makes it easy to clean. You will not have to struggle with its temperature settings as the adjustable dampers will give you full control. Affordable, reliable, and durable-this grilling set has managed to win the heart and praises of many users. In this article, you will also find detailed and concise reviews of other charcoal grilling products and brands so that you can make a fully informed decision for your purchase.
If like everyone else, barbeque parties with grilled burgers are your idea of a good time then charcoal grills and smokers are a must-have for you.
We all know that the delectable taste of meat is produced through grilling and smoking, however, without the correct equipment a perfect piece of meat can be spoiled due to bland taste. The use of the best charcoal grills facilitates the process of charcoal grilling in an open environment.
Modern broilers are no less than a masterpiece as they are supported by an elegant and smart-looking structure. They have a wide and spacious design that allows users to grill multiple items at one time so they can fulfill the role of a generous host.
With good quality charcoal grills, you don’t have to worry about temperature or whether the coal is being heated enough or not because most grills are integrated with the inbuilt digital temperature control system.
Another unique feature that has been added to broilers is ash catchers and multiple shelves. You can utilize the shelves to store and place your grilling accessories whereas; the ash catcher will collect all the leftover dirt and garbage for you.
The level of comfort and convenience that you get with charcoal grills goes way beyond these features. These are the 10 best charcoal grills you can buy.
Quick Navigation:
- Comparison of 10 Best Charcoal Grills
- Reviews of 10 Top Charcoal Grills
- How To Choose A Good Charcoal Grill
- Our Recommendation
- Conclusion
Comparison of 10 Best Charcoal Grills
 | 1. PK Grills PKO-SCAX-X Original PK Grill & Smoker (Best Overall)Constructed with rustproof and lightweight aluminum, this grill comes with 4 vents that are placed in a capsule-shaped structure. Its 4 times enhanced grilling function makes it perfect for barbeque parties. | Read Our Review |
 | 2. Weber 15501001 Performer Deluxe Charcoal Grill (Best Budget)The 363 square inch grilling area of these grills allow you to cook and grill anything. A removable LCD time and built-in thermometer have been added to this grill as the perfect cooking accessories. | Read Our Review |
 | 3. Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal GrillThe smartly designed structure of these grills has made it one of the best-selling grilling devices. A highly functional one-cleaning system and ash catcher feature makes it one of the easiest machines to have for grilling. | Read Our Review |
 | 4. Dyna-Glo DGN576SNC-D Dual Zone Premium Charcoal GrillYou can grill various meals at different temperatures with this grill through its steel firebox divider. The food is grilled to perfection because of the double-walled lid and firebox front. | Read Our Review |
 | 5. Weber Jumbo Joe Charcoal Grill, 18 Inch BlackGrill eight delicious burgers with this compact, elegant looking charcoal grill. The porcelain-enameled lid and bowl are heatproof and anti-rust and improve the overall utility of this grill. | Read Our Review |
 | 6. Weber 741001 Original Kettle 22-Inch Charcoal GrillWeighing a total of 33lbs, this grill is known for its portable structure. Prepare 13 burgers or more with it and wrap the mess up with its one-touch cleaning system and aluminum ash catcher. | Read Our Review |
 | 7. Char-Griller 2137 Outlaw 1063 Square Inch Charcoal GrillBuilt with heavy-duty, solid stainless steel-these charcoal grills will let you prepare flavorful barbeque with cast iron grates. The 1063 sq inch grilling area is ideal for preparing multiple items. | Read Our Review |
 | 8. Kingsford 24" Charcoal GrillTreat your friends with delicious 20 grilled burgers made with Kingsford charcoal grill. This grill has extra space which can be utilized as a work station. It also comes with a free bottle opener. | Read Our Review |
 | 9. Char-Griller E16620 Akorn Kamado Charcoal GrillWith a total area of 447sq inches, this charcoal grill is ideal to use for grilling and smoking meat. Its insulated structure ensures that you get chewy, juicy, flavorful meat dishes. | Read Our Review |
 | 10. Weber 121020 Go-Anywhere Charcoal GrillThis rectangular-shaped grilling device is a must-have for memorable outdoor parties. Its plated steel cooking grate stabilizes and sustains maximum heat temperature. These are anti-rust and heatproof because of the porcelain-enameled lid. | Read Our Review |
Reviews of 10 Top Charcoal Grills
Best Overall
1. PK Grills Charcoal Grill Smoker Combo
The Portable Kitchen PK 99740 Cast Aluminum Charcoal Grill and Smoker measures 35.5 x 20.5 x 35 inches and weighs 35 pounds. It’s made of thick cast-aluminum, and provides maximum heat radiation.
It also features adjustable dampers and vents for exact temperature controls, aluminum bottom and side trays, and a hinged cooking grid that’s perfect for simple refueling.
This broiler was reproduced from a 1950s design and is sensational for charcoal grilling and smoking meats, seafood, vegetables, and poultry. This heavy-duty grill rolls smoothly across patios, decks, and lawns on quiet semi-pneumatic rubber wheels.
The cooking section is completely detachable from its lightweight aluminum carriage, so it can be quickly disassembled when it’s time for that camping trip. Another plus is that the cooking chamber is built sturdy enough to last a lifetime!
Pros:
- Comes with 4 vents and grills with adjustable temperature settings
- Made from durable and lightweight aluminum
- Aluminum construction enhances its heating capacity 4xtimes
- Smart design allows it to be easily moved and transported
- Equipped with 300 square inches of cooking surface
- Best portable option
- Comes with a 10-year warranty
Cons:
- The grill is short in height
Related: Best Pellet Smokers
Best Budget
2. Weber 15501001 Performer Deluxe Charcoal Grill
The Weber 15501001 Performer Deluxe Charcoal Grill, 22-Inch (Black) is approximately 43.5 x 48 x 30 inches, and has a generous cooking area composed of a 22″ enameled porcelain bowl and lid measuring 363 square inches.
It has a state-of-the-art Touch-N-Go gas ignition system which lights up charcoal briquettes with a simple button push and has a good heat retention.
Just imagine, no more smelly self-lighting briquettes or equally smelly lighter fluid!
It usually takes 8-12 minutes to heat up the briquettes. This grill features a heavy duty two part Gourmet BBQ grate system.
Clean up of the porcelain lid and bowl on the Weber Performer Deluxe broiler is simplified by both a special One-Touch Cleaning system, along a large capacity ash catcher. The grill on the Weber Performer Deluxe Charcoal Grill comes with a Char-Bin storage container.
Pros:
- Easy to control temperature settings because of adjustable dampers
- Comes with Char-Bin storage for placing charcoal within a reachable range
- Additional space on the surface can be used as a work station
- Includes mounted timers to monitor the grilling procedure
- Displays precise temperature with a built-in lid thermometer
Cons:
- Difficult to assemble
3. Weber Original Kettle Grill, Premium Charcoal Grill
The Weber 14401001 Original Kettle Premium 22-Inch Charcoal Grill (Black) has an assembled dimension of 38.5 x 27 x 22.5 inches, and its cooking area of 363 square inches is roomy for its 22″ diameter porcelain-enameled lid and bowl.
This grill is equipped with a plated steel-hinged cooking grate. Clean up is easy with the Original Kettle style charcoal grill.
It provides a one-touch aluminized steel cleaning system that has a high-capacity, removable, aluminum ash catcher.
It also has a lid thermometer which is built in to monitor the temperature of your grill. Storage is made easier by an integrated tool-hook located on the bowl handle.
The lid handle also has a heat shield for your comfort, 2 nylon handles that are glass-reinforced with tool hooks and a rust-resistant aluminum damper.
Finally, the legs are easy to assemble because of their spring clip/push pin system.
Pros:
- Simple to clean with one-touch cleaning feature and removable ash catcher
- The fuel grate can be used for direct heat and indirect heat
- The entire structure of the grill is easy to move with smooth wheels
- The lid of the cover is safe to handle because of a heat shield
Cons:
- The location of the thermometer is hard to figure out
- The top may not fit well and tight.
4. Dyna-Glo DGN576SNC D Premium Charcoal Grill
With external dimensions of 28.16 x 50.51 x 60.22 inches, the Dyna-Glo DGN576SNC-D Dual Zone Premium Charcoal Grill provides an astounding 816 square inches of cooking area.
That means that you’ve got the ability to cook 30 hamburgers at one time!
It has a state-of-the-art Touch-N-Go gas ignition system which lights up charcoal briquettes with a simple button push. Just imagine, no more smelly self-lighting briquettes or equally smelly lighter fluid.
This broiler features four cast-iron heavy-duty enameled grates that superbly retain heat for searing foods and lock in all the natural juices.
Depending on the type of foods that you’re cooking, you’ll be able to make a dual-zone grilling area using a removable steel-firebox divider. The charcoal trays can be adjusted separately, as well as the temperatures, by using the dual-tray adjustments cranks.
So, this means that you can cook that chicken and steaks side-by-side at different temperatures!
Pros:
- Comes with an 816 square inch cooking area
- Creates maximum heating setting with porcelain-coated cast irons
- Enameled surface locks in natural taste and juices of meat
- Retains heat with a double liner of stainless steel cover
- Stainless steel smokestack allows controlling temperature settings
- Easy to manage and clean with a removable large capacity ashtray
Cons:
- The lid does not seal very well
5. Jumbo Joe 18-Inch Portable Charcoal Grill
The Weber 121101 Jumbo Joe 18 inch Portable Grill has respectable dimensions of 19.75 x 20.5 x 19.75 inches.
It features large centered bottom vents and heats evenly across the grate (which is 18.5 inches in diameter) plus it has a rust-resistant ash catcher, aluminum dampers, and one glass-reinforced nylon handle.
It has a locking lid, as well as a locking carrying handle, which comes in handy when you will move around it somewhere in your car. The assembly time for this particular grill is around 15 minutes.
This 18-inch powerhouse has a solid feel, no leg sway, and its vents are easily adjusted for whatever tension is required.
The Jumbo Joe can fit a surprising amount of food on its grill and is perfect for those days that you aren’t up to pulling out the larger grill.
It goes without saying that this grill is a very good choice for tailgating parties. Clean-up on the Weber 121101 Jumbo Joe 18 inch Portable Char Broiler is a breeze!
Pros:
- The inner temperature can be controlled with dampers
- Heat resistant and anti-rust porcelain-enameled lid and bowl
- Can be used to prepare eight burgers in one go
- Lightweight and best portable for convenience in use for outdoor settings
- Comes with easy to operate aluminum ashtray
Cons:
- The lid does not fit 100%
6. Weber Original Kettle Grill, 22-Inch Charcoal Grill
The Weber original kettle premium grill measures 22 x 25 x 38 1/2 inches high, and the grill has approximately 363 square inches of grilling space.
This grill is easy to assemble, and the porcelain-enamel coated lid and bowl are the perfect size to permit heat to circulate for even grilling.
Weber original kettle premium 22-inch grill takes approximately 1500 degrees Fahrenheit to bake on this porcelain enamel, which guarantees that this grill will be burn and rustproof, and will last for many outings.
A simple adjustment of the damper furnishes temperatures that are low enough for smoking food for hours, and high enough for you to sear those steaks.
The plated steel cooking grates are strong and a breeze to clean. Cleaning is simple the One-Touch way – just rotate the handle, so that the 3 bowl blades transfer ash directly into the ash catcher, which lifts out for simple cleaning and ash disposal.
Pros:
- Spacious enough to grill 13 burgers in one go
- Sustains maximum heat through porcelain-enameled lid and bowl
- Easy to operate with adjustable dampers
- Quick to clean because of the one-touch cleaning feature
- Durable structure with anti-rust porcelain-enameled parts
- User-friendly and safe to use because of heat resistant lid and cover
Cons:
- There is only 1 handle on the bottom part
- There are no verbal instructions for the assembly
7. Char-Griller 2828 Pro Deluxe Charcoal Grill
The Char-Griller 2828 Pro Deluxe Charcoal Grill measures 50 x 29 x 42 inches and has a primary 725 square inches of cooking space.
Add to that 270 square inches of warming rack for a grand total of 850 square inches.
This grill features 4 lift-able sections of cast-iron adjustable charcoal grates and an easy-dump ash pan.
In addition, this Broiler has a heat gauge, large wire bottom shelf, and wooden side shelf, featuring a condiment basket and utensil hooks.
You will experience total heat control with a heat gauge and a fully adjustable fire grate in the hood. Cleaning is made easier if you pre-treat your grill both outside and inside with cooking spray.
Another cleaning trick is to line the sides and base with heavy duty aluminum foil. A duo model of this charcoal grill is available that uses charcoal on one side and propane on the other.
Pros:
- The hood is designed with a heat gauge to control grilling temperature
- Comes with three in-built shelves for keeping grilling equipment
- Removable ash pan allows to conveniently throw away the collected ash
- Consists of cast-iron grates that distribute heat evenly
- The entire body is made of heavy-duty steel and will last long
Cons:
- Poor packaging damages the quality
8. Kingsford 24″ Charcoal Grill (24 Inches, Black)
The Kingsford 24″ Charcoal Grill (Grill Only) measures 26.37 x 42.32 x 44.88 inches, and provides a primary cooking area of 360 square inches and a secondary cooking area of 205 square inches.
It has a cast-iron cooking grate, a black paint-finished high-temperature steel lid, 2 easy rolling wheels, and a foldable side-shelf table that has tool hooks.
Cleaning is simplified if you coat the grates before using them in Crisco before baking them in an oven for several hours.
It has a warming rack which folds with the lid when opened. This grill is a snap to assemble, and the internal temperature is easily controlled. You will appreciate the option of raising and lowering the charcoal by means of a crank handle.
Pros:
- Suitable for grilling multiple items because of 538 sq inch grilling area
- Quickly grills 20 burgers in one serving
- Comes with a handy bottle opener for ease in hosting parties
- Working station can be extended with the foldable side shelf
- Keeps the inner temperature balanced with 2 side vents of the lid
Cons:
- Cheaply built and does not last long
9. Char-Griller 16620 Akorn Kamado Kooker Charcoal Barbecue Grill and Smoker
The Char-Griller 16620 Akorn Kamado Kooker Charcoal Barbecue Grill and Smoker (Black) measures 21.6 x 28.7 x 24.8 inches and has a primary 314 square inches cooking space and a warming rack of 133 square inches, totaling 447 square inches.
Its body is made of triple walled 22-gauge steel, and its cooking surface is cast-iron. It has an interior finish of porcelain coated steel and an exterior finish of powder coated steel.
This charcoal Kamado grill will maintain cooking temperatures of 200 to 700 degrees Fahrenheit. It has fuel efficient bottom and top adjustable dampers that keep air flowing evenly in and out of the grill for smoking or cooking.
It’s very easy to assemble and is a delight to clean. Just unlatch the catches and slide the whole bottom (lower vent and ash hopper) and dump.
Pros:
- It has a wide-spacious grilling area of 447 square inches
- Strong and solid steel construction coated with powder and porcelain
- Strong cast irons will ensure maximum heat production for proper grilling
- Easy to lock the grilling cover through front locking caster
- Sustains maximum heat for a long time with triple-walled insulation
Cons:
- The screws on the hung starts pulling through the metal
Related: Best Offset Smokers
10. Weber 121020 Go-Anywhere Charcoal Grill
The Weber 121020 Go-Anywhere Charcoal Grill measures 14.5 x 21 x 12.25 inches and provides a grilling surface area of 160 square inches.
It has plated steel legs which secure the lid in preparation for transport and a plated steel rectangular cooking grate.
There are two adjustable dampers with three vent holes each which regulate air flow, and a lid with a nylon glass-reinforced handle which stays cool while the grill is cooking.
This is a very compact grill that has a very generous grilling space, and is ideal for tailgate parties and camping (four medium steaks or six to eight chicken pieces fit comfortably on it).
This grate, constructed of triple nickel-coated steel is very easy to clean – just place one end into a plastic bag and then simply pour out the ashes. Another plus is that it cools down remarkably fast.
Pros:
- Can be used to cook and prepare 6 burgers
- Travel friendly as it is light in weight and size
- Great heat retention
- Lasts long because of the heatproof and anti-rust lid and cover
- Monitor the temperature of the device with adjustable dampers
- Steel cooking grate is easy to clean because of its simple design
Cons:
- Top vent lids are loosely fitted
How To Choose A Good Charcoal Grill
Size And Capacity
In general, most people purchase charcoal grills because they want to cook outside, they like the nice smoky flavors that you just can’t get with gas grills, and they want enough room so that no one will be kept waiting for their supper very long.
We’ll break down for you the dimensions and capacity of our ten contenders.
Controls And Functions
Here’s the skinny on how our ten contenders operate. and what temperature timers and controls they offer to make sure your grilling is a success.
Cooking Grates And Ignition
This section will examine specifics of the grates that make a charcoal grill’s reputation.
What features does the grate have on one grill that another grate doesn’t?
What controls and timers are offered that will make your grilling and chilling a success?
Ease Of Clean Up
If you’re like us, not only do you want a great high performing grill, but you also want to have the ease and satisfaction of owning a charcoal grill that is easy to clean.
Your time is expensive, and you’d rather be relaxing with a nice cool drink in your hand instead of slaving over a messy cleanup.
Related Article: Best Outdoor Grills
Our Recommendation for the Best Charcoal Grills
After reading literally hundreds of charcoal grill reviews, and carefully comparing all the features of these competitors, we have selected the Portable Kitchen PK 99740 Cast Aluminum Grill and Smoker. We are very impressed both with the retro look and the sleek aluminum design of this grill.
The construction of the charcoal grates is extremely sturdy, and it beats out all of the more modern-looking grills.
This charcoal grill is a marvel of engineering. Good cooks always say the proof is in the pudding, and that certainly holds true for this marvelous grill.
Many reviews mentioned that the chicken that they grilled on this machine was praised by all guests as the best chicken they’ve ever eaten.
People also mentioned that the instruction manual and cookbook that came along with this grill were very helpful and detailed and that the Portable Kitchen PK 99740 Cast Aluminum Grill was worth every cent of its slightly higher price.
This grill has also received rave reviews from Bon Appetit magazine and many other cooking magazines as well.
Conclusion
There is no denying that a charcoal grill can give your food a unique flavor that you just can’t get from a gas or electric grill. However, finding the best charcoal grill for your needs can be a challenge.
With so many different options on the market, it’s important to know what to look for before making your purchase.
Our buying guide covers all the essential features you should look for in a charcoal grill, and our top picks are sure to have something to suit your needs.
So whether you’re looking for the perfect addition to your backyard cooking setup or just want something portable for your next camping trip, be sure to check out our list of the best charcoal grills on the market.
