Best Charcoal Grill Review Guide For 2023

Best Charcoal Grill Review Guide For 2023 – Many people argue that grilling over charcoal produces a more authentic taste. Here’s a list of the 9 best charcoal grills if authenticity is what you seek!

There aren’t many of us who can resist the lure of a charcoal grill, the incredible aromas, and the knockout flavors it produces. There’s something primal about cooking with fire in this way, even when it takes a little time.

Or perhaps especially because it takes time. With charcoal grills, it’s all about process, and it’s the art, skill, and technique involved as much as the
delicious results that keep us coming back for more. To see our picks keep reading our Best Charcoal Grill Review Guide For 2023.

Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill – Amazon’s Choice

It’s a crime to go through life without ever having owned a Weber Original Kettle. This all-American backyard icon boasts simplicity of design (think: easy-to-assemble), reliability and consistently scores big with users on a delicious end product. Yup, it grills up a great burger and then some!

Thanks to this grill’s excellent temperature control, it can even be used as a smoker.

And the famous spherical shape allows for unparalleled heat convection, which is why the design hasn’t changed much in all these years!

There’s something about the Weber Original’s sleek classic black design which is comfortingly timeless, and the premium upgrade adds features that improve its ease of use and enjoyment when cooking on it.

Right out of the box, it seems like a pretty basic grill design, but you know it’s stood the test of time precisely because it does the job, and does it incredibly well.

This 22 inch diameter, durable and capable grill offers 363 square inches of cooking area, and comes with a 10-year limited warranty.

There’s not much you can’t do on this grill from cooking with high direct or low indirect heat and smoking.

I love that the hinged cooking grate allows you access to the coals (adjust, add more, etc) without having to remove the entire grate or the food.

Two wheels make the Weber kettle easily movable around the yard too which I like because sometimes I’m looking to get out of the wind or the sun, and this allows me to move it wherever I need it.

Easy to clean. Once the grill is cool, simply work the One-Touch Cleaning lever back and forth to shake ash into the ash catcher, and you can use left-over coals for next time.

Excellent airflow and temperature control with lid vents, allowing you to adjust the heat up and down as needed. When done, just close the vents to kill the fire, and this will also stop remaining coals from continued burning so you can use them for your next cook.

Product Details:

• Holds up to 13 burgers made with a Weber burger press; Built-in lid thermometer. Rust-resistant aluminum dampers
• One-Touch cleaning system with high-capacity ash catcher provides hassle-free ash cleanup
• Porcelain-enameled lid and bowl retain heat, and won’t rust or peel
• Use the lid hook to avoid placing the lid on the ground while grilling
• Cooking grate is hinged for easily adding charcoal while grilling
• 3D interactive assembly instructions for this product are available through the free BILT app.

Weber 15501001 Performer Deluxe Charcoal Grill

All that stuff you hear about charcoal grills being tricky to light, maintain, control, clean up? Forget it!

The Weber Performance charcoal grill is charcoal grilling at its easy-peasy best! There are so many built-in convenience features on this grill that I’m kind of surprised there isn’t a button that marinates and flips the meat for you too!

Right out of the box, you can see this isn’t basic, but is a very feature filled modern charcoal grill.

The grill body is there, but it’s nestled in an array of extras that do all the work for you, from a handy charcoal storage bin to a unique Touch-N-Go electronic coal ignition button (and I thought I’d seen it all!) to a removable LCD timer.

With this truly premium, top of the line charcoal grill, you can almost just sit back and let it happen!

Product Details:

• Electronic Touch-N-Go with Propane Gas powered ignition system (propane tank not included)
• Dimensions – Lid Closed: 43.5″H x 48″W x 30″D | Weight: 91 lbs
• 22-inch diameter porcelain-enameled bowl and lid with a cooking area of 363 square inch
• Aluminized steel One-Touch cleaning system with removable, high-capacity, aluminum ash catcher
• Removable LCD cook timer and built-in lid thermometer
• 3D interactive assembly instructions for this product are available through the free BILT app.

Kamado Joe KJ23RHCI-A, Classic Joe III Charcoal Grill

With its dazzling cherry-red body and sleek black wings, the KJ Classic III brings to mind an ‘Angry Bird’ or a Mustang Fighter Plane!

But it’s purpose is much more appealing… ground-breaking design innovation and a thick-walled ceramic shell give this baby grilling AND smoking mastery like you’ve never seen before!

You may already be a BGE fan (join the thousands) and be wondering how that cornerstone of grilling could possibly be improved?

Well, Kamado Joe has combined innovation and craftsmanship to take ceramic grill design to a new level.

With features like the Airlift Hinge for effortless opening and closing, the ‘Divide and Conquer Flexible Cooking System’ that gives you unparalleled versatility to cook with different grate configurations, and the ‘Kontrol Tower Top Vent’ for maximum control and precision when managing temperature.

And new in the version 3 is the Harvard science engineered, hyperbolic smoke chamber insert called the ‘slo-roller.’

This accessory is designed to perfect the circulation of heat and smoke more evenly throughout the cooking chamber, eliminating hot spots and making sure all food is equally exposed to heat and smoke, cooking more evenly and absorbing those lush smoky flavors.

You can click here to learn more about the slo-roller, it’s an incredible addition to what was already a fantastic piece of kit.

I personally own the Kamado Joe classic version 1, and the Kamado Joe ‘Big Joe’ version 3. They are my favorite grills by far. The version 3 is simply fantastic to cook with, producing amazing food and being real fun and easy to use.

I’m recommending the Classic 18″ version 3 here, and not the far larger Big Joe 24″ version 3 like I have, because they are all but the same except for size. And to be perfectly honest, the big Joe would be too big and overkill for most people…not to mention also far more costly to buy!

The classic is the one to go with most people, it can easily cook for a good sized crowd.

Product Details:

• Premium 18” ceramic grill
• Heavy-duty Galvanized steel rolling cart
• Patented slōroller hyperbolic smoke chamber
• 3-Tier divide & Conquer flexible cooking system
• Air Lift hinge

Weber 121020 Go-Anywhere Charcoal Grill – Amazon’s Choice

Think beach…camping…tailgate. You need a portable charcoal grill with enough square inches of cooking space able to crank out food for a crowd, but which is also reasonably small and light. Enter the Weber Go Anywhere.

This one came out top in our research when looking for the best portable charcoal grills because it boasts features every bit as good as the big boys such as porcelain-enameled coating, adjustable dampers and a very respectable 160 square inches of cooking space.

All this at just 14 pounds means you can “Go Anywhere” with it…carrying it with just one hand. It’s the grill I own and use myself for when I’m camping and short staycations.

With the Weber Go Anywhere, you get all the quality construction and support of this renowned manufacturer, but in a clever, compact and manageable size.

Plated-steel legs that flip up to lock the lid closed and 3 handles to grab and go makes this the perfect grill for tossing in the back of your car.

It also has an impressive cook area that can handle four sizable steaks at a time, so you aren’t overly compromising on space.

I also love the efficiency of this model. The pivoting legs double as the lid lock so that when you are carrying it, all is safely secured with no rattling or falling apart.

The lid handle with a heat deflector is great, staying cool to the touch during cooking.

And the two dampers enable you to control heat and cook time in a way that is rare to see in such a compact grill.

The built-in lid hangers are super-useful if there’s wind because you can rest the lid on the side to create a wind barrier.

And the porcelain-enameled coating prevents rusting and fading keeping your game looking good!

Because of its size, it is a budget choice when it comes to charcoal usage too, which is nice. Oh, and the no-assembly required is pretty sweet too!

Product Details:

• While spending most days on your way to somewhere else, the Go-Anywhere portable charcoal grill brings a taste of home wherever you go. The lid locks for easy portability, and its rectangular shape fits perfectly in the back of most cars.
• Holds up to six burgers made with a Weber burger press
• Compact and lightweight for grilling on the go
• Porcelain-enameled lid and base retain heat, and won’t rust or peel
• The lid locks for easy portability and dampers allow you to easily control the temperature inside your grill
• Durable plated steel cooking grate retains heat and is easy to clean.Primary cooking area (square inches):160
• 3D interactive assembly instructions for this product are available through the free BILT app.

PK Grills PKO-SCAX-X Original PK Grill & Smoker Grill Smoker – Amazon’s Choice

This heavy-duty big boy weighs in at a whopping 45 lbs. Not a grill for the faint-hearted. And with its cool retro design, it pleases the eye right out of the box.

Simple but sturdy, the cast aluminum construction promises “the best airflow control, heat retention and temperature control of any full-size charcoal grill” (Consumers Digest 2017) High praise for sure!

Even the hinges are cast aluminum meaning there’s nothing to break or rust. In fact, aluminum is renowned for being inherently rust-proof, so out of all the charcoal BBQs in this guide, this one will probably suffer the least with the ravages of time and being out in the elements season after season. It could last a lifetime (Disclaimer: Not guaranteed to! :p )

The PK Grill & Smoker has four vents which enables easy switching from high heat searing to low and slow barbecue. And I especially love that the body simply lifts right off the cart making it portable too. Read more about the PK here.

Product Details:

• A charcoal grill and smoker – pks unique capsule shape and 4 vents make it easy to grill hot and fast or low and slow.
• Cast aluminum construction – aluminum is rust-proof, durable, lightweight and conducts heat 4x more efficiently than Steel Charcoal grills.
• 10-Year – buy with confidence. Pk cast aluminum charcoal grills are covered against rust, burnout or breakage for a full decade.
• Portable – the Original pk grill & smoker Detaches easily from any of it’s available stand options for transport. As a portable smoker grill, pack’s are great for Tailgating, camping, fishing/hunting cabins, etc.
• Built to cook – with 300 square inches of cooking surface, This charcoal grill can handle everything from brats to a Thanksgiving Turkey.
• AWARD WINNING CHARCOAL GRILLS – Consumers Digest Best Buy 2017, AmazingRibs Pitmaster Best Value Pitmaster Award 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2018 Official Grill of Steak Cookoff Association.

Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Sportsman’s Grill With Coal Door

This rugged little worker is tough for its size. 100% all cast iron construction means it will keep trucking on for you, year after year.

The cooking grate comes naturally pre-seasoned (AKA non-stick) with no chemicals, and features a flip-down door to access the charcoal, a draft door to regulate heat and two adjustable cooking heights.

The hibachi design makes it perfect for tossing in the car before heading to the tailgate or the beach. This grill comes highly recommended in many peoples lists of charcoal grill reviews, particularly those for camping and tailgating, and is our number one pick in our best hibachi grills guide.

It doesn’t have a lid, but there is a carrying handle and a built-in shelf for resting utensils.

Its fuel efficiency is excellent because of its superior heat retention, but since there is no lid or dampers to kill the fire, you would have to scoop out hot coals into a metal bin after cooking if you wanted to save them.

Plus, like all cast iron, it loves a little pampering between uses…a light oiling to maintain the seasoning goes a long way. Click here for more info on this little dynamo.

Product Details:

• One Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Sportsman’s Grill With Coal Door
• Door allows for coals to be added
• Sliding mechanism enhances airflow
• Superior heat retention requires less charcoal
• 17¼ Inch x 9 Inch, Unit size: 19 Inch x 10¼ Inch x 8¼ Inch

Dyna-Glo Dual Zone Premium Charcoal Grill Dyna-Glo DGN576SNC-D Dual Zone Premium Charcoal Grill

I was skeptical about this grill at first. Dyna-Glo? Sounds a bit like those luminous lite sticks my kid’s love! But hold up there because this grill has some really interesting and pretty unique features.

It’s set up with two chambers (“charcoal basket adjustment tray systems”) with steel cranks that allow you to raise and lower the charcoal heat source according to your needs. Ok, that’s a first for me! 2 doors access the 2 charcoal chambers. Folks, this is 2-zone grilling at its very easiest!

Don’t want 2-zone? Simply remove the steel firebox divider to create one huge cooking surface. And I mean huge, we’re talking 816 square inches of cooking space / grilling area. That’s 30 burgers. Wow!

Construction is a solid combination of porcelain-enameled cast iron and stainless steel and the Dyna-Glo has a ton of very cool and convenient extras such as a double-wall liner in the lid, stainless steel smoke stack with adjustable flu cap, side shelves, cook thermometer, huge ash pan, storage basket and even a built-in bottle opener. What more could you ask from your grill?!

Product Details:

• Removable firebox divider for single or dual cooking zone
• Primary cooking area is 576 square inches
• Secondary cooking area is 240 square inches
• TOTAL cooking area is 816 square inches
• Protect your grill with a custom-fit Dyna-Glo premium cover – Model # DG576CC (Sold Separately)

Char-Griller E1515 Patio Pro Charcoal Grill – Amazon’s Choice

This grill has a very pleasing classic shape and despite a generous 250 square inch cooking surface, will work well for small gardens and patios or other places where space is a premium.

Dimensions are just 31 x 21 x 44 inches but with heavy steel construction and cast-iron cooking grates, don’t be thinking this little guy is a light-weight. The Char-Griller 1515 can easily handle a tri-tip or whole roast chicken.

Clean-up is made easy with a removable ash pan and storage is a cinch with a nice-looking wooden side shelf. This grill may be a small package, but it’s got the looks and performance of some of the big players in the field. Here’s where you can find pricing and more info on this grill.

Product Details:

• 250 square inches of cooking space, cast iron cooking grates, side drawer
• Ideal for small decks or patios
• Features Stay Cool wood handle, side shelf, double steel bottom and side air vent
• Wheels make this grill easy to move
• Assembly required

Char-Broil TRU-Infrared Kettleman Charcoal Grill

Our final pick brings us full circle back to the classic black 3-legged kettle. This is a you-get-what-you-see nice sturdy grill. No bells and whistles, just a dependable workhorse that, thanks to its rust-resistant, porcelain-coated cooking grate, will give you years of great grilling.

While a simple construction, this grill has some great features. The patented Char-Broil TRU-Infrared cooking system allows more even cooking with greater temperature control, using infrared technology. The Infrared heat helps prevent hot and cold spots on the cooking surface and enables faster cooking less charcoal, and fewer flare-ups too.

I also like that the domed lid is hinged, unlike most kettle grills. With one hand, you can raise it, enjoy a little protection from any wind on your cooking, and replace it again. Also, and again unlike most kettle grills, the cooking grate is adjustable allowing you to raise and lower it to control heat.

The Kettleman boasts a very nice 360 square inches of cooking surface with a “no fall-through” grate and 360° air inlets which results in more even cooking. This is a medium-size very sound grill that will suit many seeking quality, reliability and performance. For further information, click here.

Product Details:

• Charcoal kettle grill with a 360- square inch total cooking surface.
• 22.5-inch diameter porcelain-coated cooking grate keeps food on top and prevents flare-ups.
• Hinged lid with mounted temperature gauge for ease of operation and temperature monitoring.
• Removable ash bowl for simple clean-up; engineered to operate with less charcoal than others.
• 25.8-inches long x 25.8-inches wide x 38.8-inches high. 10-year limited warranty.

Best Charcoal Grill Buyers Guide For 2023

What to Consider When Buying a Charcoal Grill:

So let’s talk about what to look for in a good charcoal grill that’s going to stand up to repeated blasts of intense heat over the years.

Here is a comprehensive checklist of all the features and considerations you should keep in mind as you shop around for the best charcoal grill.

Build Quality:

The materials used, and how they stand up to heavy use and intense heat will determine the quality of a charcoal grill. Thick materials like cast aluminum, cast iron or heavy ceramic grills are pro-choices for a top-of-the-line grill.

Not looking for high end at a high price? Porcelain-coated and chrome-plated will do the job for less, but these thinner materials will not necessarily stand up to intensive use over time.

Size and Cooking Area:

Who or how many are you grilling for?

Think about how much cooking space you need on the grill and also how much space you have to store and operate a grill.

If you but too small, you might occasionally struggle to feed large numbers. But if you buy too big unnecessarily, you will use more fuel unnecessarily.

Temperature Control and Stability:

If you’re already a pro at taming the flame, great. You can handle quirks and inconsistencies with temperature. But for many, assurance that the grill will respond to your touch and maintain steady heat when necessary is a huge bonus.

The design of some grills will give you more assistance with this than others. And many models feature a built-in thermometer.

Overall Ease of Use:

Vents that open easily, grill racks that sit steadily, hoods that hang conveniently on the side – It’s the small stuff that can make the difference between a smooth and pleasant grilling experience, and frustration or even burnt fingers!

So make sure to look for a grill that’s known for its thoughtful design and ease of use.

Ease of Cleaning and Maintenance:

Nobody likes this job, so while it’s rarely top-of-mind when you’re grill-shopping, it’s important to think about how easily the grill can be taken apart, cleaned and maintained.

If this is important to you, look for good-sized ash pans and handy levers to work back and forth that will empty ash from the grill body.

Durability:

Again, think about your own use.

If you grill infrequently, a mid-range to budget choice may work for you because the cheaper building materials will not be constantly tested.

If however, you grill regularly, go for tough build materials – cast iron and heavy-gauge steel – and Fort-Knox durability.

Warranty:

This is your insurance on your purchase – don’t skimp!

A solid 10-year warranty will back up heavy usage, providing you with easy replacement parts should they wear out.

Check out also what other owners say about Customer Service.

Current Owners Opinions:

This is pretty much where I start with any purchase, from dish soap to dishwasher, the first thing I need to know is what everyone else thinks about it!

Unbiased and honest, most reviewers can really help you sift through your buying options to make the right choice for you. Plus, online forums and social media communities are great places to share opinions, questions, recipes, and tips.

Cost:

With a range from $50 to $2,000+, there’s going to be a charcoal grill out there that fits your budget. But do set a budget, otherwise creep sets in, you desire the slightly better one, and then the next one up is only fractionally more expensive, and before you know it…

We’ve all been there.

How often you plan to grill and what features and level of durability you require will drive your decision and the price point, but do set a budget, and stick to it.

Accessories and Additional Features:

Dampers, vents, drawers for charcoal, cover, side tables, temperature probe holes, ash catchers and more are the bells and whistles of charcoal grills. There are tons of grilling accessories available. Some you won’t need, some you won’t want to live without.

Think about your own habits. Hate mess? Get an ash catcher. A little OCD about temperature? Be sure there’s a temperature probe hole. Like everything at hand? Pick a model with a built-in side table. Let’s look at some of the accessories we at FoodFireFriends recommend for charcoal grilling before you go.

Charcoal Grilling Tools and Accessories You’ll Also Need:

When you cook with charcoal grills, there are some essential accessories you’re going to need. Items to make the cooking experience easier, more enjoyable and safer.

Check out some of the recommended equipment below before you go!

A Way to Light Your Charcoal:

Unlike with gas grills, there’s no push-button starter for a charcoal grill. You need to get the coals lit yourself. And whether using lump charcoal or briquettes, a charcoal chimney starter is the tool of choice for getting a charcoal fire going quickly and easily.

You simply ball up some newspaper or place a firelighter or two under a full chimney of coal, then light it.

Within 15 minutes or so, you will have glowing red coals, ready to be poured into your grill for cooking over. Simple, effective and a huge time saver.

Heat-Resistant Gloves:

Using a charcoal chimney starter to fill a grill with coals

You always have to be conscious of hot surfaces with any type of grill, but there is even more handling of hot stuff when using a charcoal grill.

There’s the handling of the chimney full of hot coals to get started. You may need to move the grates around to top up with more charcoal mid-cook. The lid and fire chamber can get very hot, and your hand is very close to the flames when adding, turning or removing food. It can be easy to get burned.

Therefore it’s highly recommended to get yourself a pair of heat-resistant grilling gloves. Always think safety first! A pair of suitable grilling gloves is essential.

Grilling Tools:

Whatever you’re cooking, you need to be able to add, turn over and reposition, and finally remove items from the grill. To do this, you need, at minimum, a good spatula and some BBQ tongs.

It can make sense to buy individual BBQ tools, though there are some fantastic grilling tool sets available too. However you choose to buy them, they are essential.

Thermometers:

You will hear me repeatedly say throughout this site that we cook to temperature and feel, not to time. And the only way to know the temperature of your food is to use an instant-read thermometer.

But that’s not all. The inside of your charcoal grill can be at any temperature between 200 and 750 degrees Fahrenheit! To follow a recipe correctly and to get the best results, you need to be able to control the temperatures in your grill, and this means also knowing them.

The built-in lid thermometers are almost always sub-par and not to be relied on. Therefore you want to get yourself a good dual probe smoker and grill thermometer.

With this one unit, you can monitor the temperature of your grill and the internal temperature of your food. Indispensable and one of the best tools to own if you want to master the grill.

Finally, regardless of the types of grills you own, you will need to clean down your grates after cooking. The best item for this is a good grill brush.

Aim for a bristle free version, as I’m sure we’ve all heard the horror stories by now of people who have consumed a wire bristle from a grill brush? It can be wise to avoid bristles altogether, to take away that worry.

Conclusion:

Intense smoky flavor. Screaming hot grates. Absolute control over the elements of fire and air. These are the things we all love about charcoal grilling. Thanks for taking the time to read our Best Charcoal Grill Review Guide For 2023.