Best Charcoal Grills Reviews

Do you want to smoke some steaks during a family outdoor party? Or maybe your friend and family love burgers and you can’t afford to miss them in a pool or birthday party?

If your answer to all these questions is a YES, then you need the best charcoal grill in 2022.

From smoking your steaks evenly to cooking your burgers consistently to getting your pizza ready in minutes, the best charcoal grills are the must-have outdoor equipment that makes a gathering tick.

And whether you’re on a budget or you need a unit with tons of bells and whistles, there is always a grill out there for you.

In this roundup, we’ll outline the top charcoal grills in the market. In particular, we’ll explain their features and highlight their pros and cons to help you get your purchase right the first time.

Best Charcoal Grills

Weber 10020 Smokey Joe 14-Inch Portable Grill

Weber 10020 Smokey Joe is a perfect example of a premium charcoal grill on display at a fair price. At its dimension and weight, Smokey Joe is so compact and lightweight that you can bring it with you to any travel adventure outdoors.

Because the heating surface area is somewhat small, this unit is suitable for one, two or three people.

Joe’s high portability may not be its biggest selling point, but the ease of movement adds to the convenience of the unit.

It measures 15.6 by 15.6 by 9 inches. And it weighs just 10 lbs. This means you can carry it around with ease and even pack into a very small space.

The smoking grate is 14 inches in diameter. Although this isn’t enough for a big family, it’s suitable for a group of three persons. With the size of the grate, you can smoke at least 3 steaks and 6 burgers on one go.

Joe’s bowl and lid feature porcelain coating, which has two functions. First, it helps to ensure there’s even heat and smoke distribution from edge to edge of the grate. This ensures food cooks well and in the shortest time possible. Second, it protects the bowl and lid from rusting, especially when used in an environment subject to a lot of moisture.

Reinforced with durable and sturdy glass, the nylon handle is well designed and very easy to hold.

Pros

• The top and bottom vents are easy to adjust
• It’s a cheap product, thus a good option for buyers on budget
• The porcelain coating enhances the usefulness and durability of the grill
• It’s lightweight and compact
• The 10-year customer warranty is a plus

Cons

• The lower vent clogs sometimes, liming airflow
• The legs aren’t strong enough, so they are likely to bend easily

Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill

Weber Original Kettle has a decent rating for a reason. From smoking jerk chicken legs and stuffed clams to getting steak and baked potatoes ready, this grill always works well all the time.

At 32 lbs, this unit6 isn’t as lightweight as Joe is. Except practically, the weight isn’t something you would have to worry about because the disparity isn’t that big. Moreover, the unit features sturdy durable wheels, which makes mobility from point A to B easy.

When it comes to cleaning after use, you can be sure that it’s going to be a quick job to complete.

Weber Original Kettle’s has a cooking space of 363 square inches, which is quite large compared to what you get from Joe. Such a grate’s size allows you to smoke up to 13 burgers at a time. That’s a lot for one person, which means this unit is suitable for a family.

The thermometer, built-in at the very top of the lid, is a unique feature for people who like to control their grilling temperature. It’s particularly useful for you if you feel like you’re a control freak who likes to keep watch at the amount of heat smoking your burgers and steak.

Weber hinged the cooking grid of this unit on both sides. This makes it easy for you to move charcoal around for better heat distribution and convenient cooking. It also gives you the necessary flexibility that you need to add more charcoal without lifting the grid.

Pros

• It’s easy to move around, thanks to the durable wheels
• It has a wider smoking area, so it’s ideal for a larger family
• You can easily add charcoal without lifting the grid

Cons

• We think the thermometer is awkwardly placed, so it might not give accurate results
• The unit is quite expensive

Weber 741001 Original Kettle 22-Inch Charcoal Grill

Weber keeps surprising grilling fanatics with high-quality charcoal grills. And the 741001 Original Kettle is a high-quality addition to the brand’s product line.

With a decent rating and hundreds of positive reviews from verified customers, there’s no doubt that this product can give you the best value for your money.

Weber 741001 Original Kettle is easy to use. So even if you have never done grilling before, you’ll still get the unit working right the first time. The flexibility this unit gives you is unquestionable.

And when it comes to heat, you have it all under control. In fact, this machine allows you to put your food over coal if you need a lot of heat or far if you need continuous cooking.

The smoking grates can hold up to 13 burgers at a time, making this unit an ideal option for someone who has a family.

Because the grates are made of plated steel, expect this unit to last for long. The plated steel also ensures that the grates don’t rust, even if used in extremely moist environment. Weber hinges the grates on the unit quite well. And this is a good move because you can easily add charcoal to the grill without taking the grates off.

The biggest problem with the grates, in my opinion, is their inability to retain heat. But you can easily control this problem with the built-in airflow system, which ensures even distribution of heat on all cooking areas.

This unit weighs 38 lbs. That about 6 lbs heavier than Original Kettle Premium, but still easy to manage thanks to the durable wheels.

One of the best things about the 741001 is that it comes 98% assembled. The remaining 2% of the job involves joining the bowl and the lid to the frame. This should take around 15 minutes of your time.

Pros

• This charcoal grill is affordable, hence a good option for someone on a budget
• Each smoked food has a tasty flavor

Cons

• The damper isn’t easy to remove

Texsport Heavy Duty over Fire Camp Grill

What first comes to your mind when you look at the cost of this charcoal grill? Maybe you see an oversimplified design with no guarantee for better performance. Or maybe you end up being skeptical about practicality everything this unit has to offer.

But I need you to understand one thing:

Cheap doesn’t always mean bad performance. And with its high rating and positive customer feedback, I’m more than willing to admit that this is one of the best charcoal grills for camping.

This is a heavy-duty over fire camp grill with a frame made of pure steel. Because steel is a durable material, you can be sure that this product will serve you for years to come. That means a lot of time to spend time outdoors and enjoying tasty meals with friends.

It features a strong, high-quality grate with a bigger surface area. In fact, the grate is made of welded steel, and a fire-retardant nylon mesh, which is a high-grade material that highly contributes to the overall durability of this material.

This camping charcoal grill weighs just 10. At this weight, it’s so lightweight that you won’t have a difficult time bringing and setting it up on a campfire. The inclined legs that support the grate are easy to fold. And when folded, the grill becomes so compact that it takes up a very small space. The compact nature of the folded grill means that it’s easy to store away when it’s not in use.

Pros

• It’s the cheapest charcoal grill for campers on a budget
• It’s lightweight, hence easy to move around
• It takes up less space and it’s easy to store away when it’s not in use

Cons

• The finish tends to fall off during cleaning

Char-Griller Akorn Kamado Grill 

Maybe you’re after a stylish charcoal grill for outdoor adventure. And if it can give you the performance that you’re looking for then it’s definitely a must-have. And what could be that perfect combination of style and performance than the good-looking Char-Griller Akorn Kamado Grill?

One of the good things about Char-Griller Akorn Kamado Grill is how easy it is to use. Keep in mind that this unit weighs about 97 pounds, making it heavier than the grills we’ve looked at so far.

However, given the ease of portability, which is attributed to the durable wheels, the heaviness of this unit isn’t really a deal breaker.

The first impressive feature of this charcoal grill is the cooking area. At the very least, the 314 square inches gives you the convenience and flexibility to smoke multiple foods at a time, especially if you have a large family.

The brand uses porcelain-emanated cast iron for the cooking grate. This not only enhances durability but also ensures that the unit serves you well for years to come.

Because the top and the bottom air vents have calibration marks, it’s easy for you to control your temperature settings on the go.

According to the manual provided by the brand, Akron Kamado Grill’s heat can go up to 700 degrees. But during first time testing and gradual use, you’ll notice that it does go up to around 650 degrees. The difference is quite small, and usually nothing to worry about.

Keep in mind that the brand designed this unit to retain most of the heat. So it’s important not to shoot over your desired heat range.

Pros

• The brand uses high quality materials to design this unit
• The price is reasonable, especially considering the materials used in design
• This unit is easy to assemble

Cons

• It’s difficult to reach the maximum temperature

Royal Gourmet CC1830F Charcoal Grill with Offset Smoker

Do you plan to throw a backyard picnic celebration? Or, maybe you want to host a pool party and you friends will be coming over? What could be a better way to lighten up the moment than with an outdoor grill? And if it’s a charcoal grill you want, then the Royal Gourmet CC 1820F is a good option.

Royal Gourmet CC1830F doesn’t come close to Weber’s charcoal grill series, but its performance isn’t disappointing. It’s easy to use and easy to clean. It’s a practical option for a big family. And just in case you’ve invited some guests or friends over, you can sure bet that this will suffice.

If you look keenly, you’ll notice that this charcoal grill has an adjustable height, a feature not many grills have. The built-in temperature control system is a unique addition, because it allows you to control how much heat you use to smoke your steaks and burgers.

The cooking space is 800 square feet. That’s large about to smoke a large batch of burgers at a time. To put this into perspective, you can actually smoke meat for up to 15 people.

The temperature system is up to the standard. Not only is there an even distribution of heat, but also the distribution ensures food cook evenly.

Pros

• This charcoal grill is very easy to use and takes only a few minutes to clean
• It’s less expensive compared to Akorn Kamado
• The ability to control temperature gives you the flexibility and convenience to smoke your burgers well
• It’s durable, so it should serve you for years to come

Cons

• The assembly process is quite tedious, but the user manual should be helpful here
• The grill’s grids are quite heavy
• The paint tends to peel off, and the brand seems reluctant to fix this issue

Weber 15301001 Performer Charcoal Grill

Weber is always a step ahead of the competition. And a quick glance at the 1531001 Performer’s reviews and rating reveals that when Weber decides to design a new charcoal grill model, they play by the book. And having packed this unit with many unique features, you can sure bet that it’s going to cut it right for you.

From a rugged body and reinforced nylon handle to a tuck away lid holder and rust resistant damper, Weber 15301001 Performer has so many features that you’ll definitely love.

The first impressive feature of this unit is the cooking surface area. The grate is 363 square inches, which is quite a lot of space to smoke your meals. In fact, this surface can hold up to 13 burgers at a time, making it a good option to use if you have a big family.

The built-in thermometer is one of the Weber 15301001 Performer’s strongest selling points. It helps to display the internal temperature, thus making it easy for you to regulate how much heat your burgers get. The ability to regular temperature means your burgers won’t undercook or overcook. What you get in the end are well-cooked, tasty burgers with just the right flavor.

Weber knows that grilling can get messy sometimes. And that’s exactly why they’ve made this unit easy to clean. Cleaning the ashes and cleaning sauce drips after grilling should be a breeze and take only a few minutes of your time.
The charcoal storage bean is waterproof, so even if you leave the unit out in the cold, it should still perform well the next round.

Pros

• Weber Performer is easy to clean
• Superior heat retention and distribution means even and consistent cooking.
• It features durable wheels for easy portability.
• The built-in temperature control system lets you keep an eye on heat, thus consistent cooking.

Cons

• The pins that hold the hubcaps aren’t strong.
• It’s a bit pricier than other brand’s model.

Char-Griller 6714 Akorn Jr Kamado Kooker Charcoal Grill

If you are looking for the best charcoal grill that also doubles as a smoker, then you will love the Akorn Jr. Kamado. It’s important to keep in mind that this is a small unit, so the cooking area isn’t as big as that of Akorn Kamado.

It’s nearly half the size, but it should work fine for a family of few or someone that has a handful of friends out for a get together grill party.

Maybe the most attractive thing about this version is the price. Considering the durable, high-end materials used in design, I’d say the price is a steal.

And if you can’t afford to get the original Akorn Kamado, the Jr. should definitely be a suitable option for you.

It weighs just 37 pounds. The weight makes it the most lightweight option in the Char Griller’s charcoal grill line. Given its lightweight nature, the unit is an ideal choice for camping maniacs as well as people that love to go for road trips.

With Kamado Jr., you get 153 square inches of cooking area. This may be small for a large family. But it’s sizeable enough for smoking and roasting meat for three or four people. Keep in mind that the grates are made of pure cast iron. So they are subject to rust. Still, they should last for long if you maintain them very well.

There are two temperature control switches. One is at the top and the other one is at the bottom of the unit. It enables you to ensure that there is even distribution of airflow all the time. The unit also has a good temperature range of between 200 and 700 degrees Fahrenheit.

Pros

• You will love this unit because it is easy to use and easy to clean
• It takes only a few minutes to grill. For example, steaks take only about 3 minutes to get ready
• The brand prices this unit well. It’s almost half the price of Akorn Kamado
• The cast iron grates are strong and durable
• The design is something close to the high-end (expensive) Ceramic and Clay Ovens

Cons

• The handle and the stand are somewhat flimsy
• The cooking space, while reasonable, isn’t big enough for this price

Char-Griller E1515 Patio Pro Charcoal Grill

Are you in the market for a budget charcoal grill that doesn’t compromise performance? If yes, you will find this unit quite handy. Char-Griller E1515 is a suitable option for you if you have a small deck or patio.

It’s easy to use, easy to clean, and it allows you to make some seriously tasty meat and veggies all the time.

The cooking area is 250 square inches. That’s close to 100 times bigger than what Kamado Junior offers.

This means it’s a good option for a small-sized family. The cooking grate is made of cast iron, so you need to maintain them properly because you want them to last for a very long time.

Of course, the last thing you want to do is to burn your fingers. And Char Griller knows that it’s important to stay safe and not spoil the fun. That’s why this unit features Stay Cool wood handles to protect you from heat as much as possible.

Pros

• This unit lets you make tasty food
• This charcoal grill is easy to assemble
• It’s easy to move around because it’s lightweight and it features durable wheels
• It features a nice design, which is easy to put together
• You don’t get enough room on the side shelves

Cons

• You don’t get enough room on the side shelves

Pizzacraft PC7001 PizzaQue Deluxe Outdoor Grill 

If you are looking for an outdoor grill that can cook tasty pizzas in just 5 minutes, this option is for you.

It’s a budget unit with a decent rating.

The dozens of positive reviews for this product on Amazon is a clear indication that it’s the best charcoal grill that can give you the biggest bangs for your bucks.

This grill features a built-in thermometer for temperature control, a charcoal fence and flex door to help you manage heat, an aluminum pizza peel, and a 15-inch pizza stone.

Conclusion 

All the charcoal grills listed in this roundup have a decent rating on different ecommerce stores, especially Amazon. And you can bet that a decent rating always mean that the product is quality. So we hope that this list of the best charcoal grill has helped you to make the right purchase decision.