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10 Best Charcoal Grills 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0  score

Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill, 22-Inch, Black

Size and Cooking Area: 22-inch cooking area, 22.5"D x 22.5"W
Material and Build Quality: Porcelain-enameled lid, rust-resistant dampers
Ventilation and Temperature Control: Built-in thermometer, rust-resistant dampers
Portability: 32.3 pounds
Ease of Cleaning: One-Touch system, high-capacity ash catcher
Additional Features: Hinged cooking grate, heat shield

Chosen by 1104 this week

Weber Master-Touch Charcoal Grill, 22-Inch, Black

Size and Cooking Area: 22-inch grill, 443 sq inches
Material and Build Quality: High-quality materials, heat retention
Ventilation and Temperature Control: Built-in lid thermometer
Portability: Less ideal for portability
Ease of Cleaning: One-Touch Cleaning System
Additional Features: Tuck-Away lid holder, tool hooks

Weber Original Kettle 22-Inch Charcoal Grill

Size and Cooking Area: 22-inch diameter, 363 sq inches
Material and Build Quality: Porcelain-enameled lid, Alloy Steel
Ventilation and Temperature Control: Adjustable dampers
Portability: 3.3 pounds
Ease of Cleaning: One-Touch system, removable ash catcher
Additional Features: Heat shield, lid hook, 3D instructions

Royal Gourmet CC1830S 30" BBQ Charcoal Grill and Offset Smoker | 811 Square Inch cooking surface, Outdoor for Camping | Black

Size and Cooking Area: 811 sq inches
Material and Build Quality: Steel, Alloy Steel
Ventilation and Temperature Control: Air vent, thermometer gauge
Portability: 50.3 pounds
Ease of Cleaning: Side door for ash removal
Additional Features: Offset smoker, adjustable charcoal pan

Char-Griller® AKORN® Kamado Charcoal Grill and Smoker with Cast Iron Grates, Warming Rack and Locking Lid with 445 Cooking Square Inches in Graphite, Model E16620

Size and Cooking Area: 445 Square Inches
Material and Build Quality: Triple-walled steel, cast iron grates
Ventilation and Temperature Control: Adjustable dampers, built-in thermometer
Portability: 8-inch locking caster wheels
Ease of Cleaning: Removable Easy Dump Ash Pan
Additional Features: Removable rack, storage shelf, tool hooks

Royal Gourmet CC1830V 30 Barrel Charcoal Grill with Wood-Painted Side Front Table, 627 Square Inches Cooking Space, for Outdoor Backyard, Patio and Parties, Black

Size and Cooking Area: 27.95"D x 42.56"W x 48.66"H, 627 sq in
Material and Build Quality: Porcelain steel grates, powder-coated frame
Ventilation and Temperature Control: Adjustable grates, air vent, smoke stack
Portability: 37.9 lbs, best for backyard use
Ease of Cleaning: Easy-dump ash pan, adjustable grate
Additional Features: Tool holder, front & side tables

Kamado Joe Classic Joe Series II 18-inch Ceramic Charcoal Grill and Smoker with Cart, Side Shelves, Stainless Steel Grates and 250 Cooking Square Inches in Red, Model KJ-23RHC

Size and Cooking Area: 250 sq inches
Material and Build Quality: Aluminum, cast iron, ceramic
Ventilation and Temperature Control: Kontrol Tower vent, adjustable air vent
Portability: 232 lbs, cart with locking wheels
Ease of Cleaning: Firebox design prevents cracking
Additional Features: Tool holder, folding table, heat handle

Weber Performer Deluxe Charcoal Grill, 22-Inch, Touch-N-Go Gas Ignition System, Black

Size and Cooking Area: 22-inch diameter, 363 sq inch surface
Material and Build Quality: Porcelain-enameled, Aluminum, Alloy Steel
Ventilation and Temperature Control: Lid thermometer, adjustable dampers
Portability: 91 pounds, bulky and heavy
Ease of Cleaning: One-Touch system, high-capacity ash catcher
Additional Features: Touch-N-Go ignition, LCD timer, tool hooks

Weber Performer Charcoal Grill, 22-Inch, Black

Size and Cooking Area: 363 sq inches
Material and Build Quality: Steel with porcelain-enamel
Ventilation and Temperature Control: Built-in lid thermometer
Portability: 66.2 pounds
Ease of Cleaning: Aluminized steel cleaning system
Additional Features: BBQ System Grate; Fold-Down Table; Tool hooks

Royal Gourmet CC1830W 30-Inch Charcoal Grill with Offset Smoker and Wood-Painted Side Table, Outdoor Smoker Grill with 811 Sq. In. Cooking Area for Outdoor Barbecue Event, Black

Size and Cooking Area: 27.95"D x 53.39"W x 48.82"H, 811 sq in
Material and Build Quality: Steel, Porcelain-enameled grates, Alloy frame
Ventilation and Temperature Control: Built-in thermometer, adjustable charcoal pan
Portability: Not portable, weighs 49.4 pounds
Ease of Cleaning: Enamel coating, multiple surfaces to clean
Additional Features: Offset smoker, wood tables, tool holder
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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill, 22-Inch, Black

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,104
Material and Build Quality
Ventilation and Temperature Control
Ease of Cleaning

Most important from
7139 reviews

Material and Build Quality
The grill's sturdy build and thoughtful design features make it a reliable choice for outdoor cooking.
Ventilation and Temperature Control
The ability to control the temperature with the vents is a huge advantage, ensuring even cooking.
Ease of Cleaning
The ash catcher is a game-changer, making clean-up incredibly easy.

The Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill is a well-rounded choice for those who enjoy outdoor grilling. Its 22-inch cooking area can hold up to 13 burgers, making it suitable for family gatherings or small parties. One of its standout features is the built-in lid thermometer, which enables easy temperature monitoring while cooking. The rust-resistant aluminum dampers allow for good ventilation and temperature control, ensuring your food cooks evenly.

The build quality is impressive, with a porcelain-enameled lid and bowl that retain heat effectively and resist rust and peeling. The grill is also designed for easy maintenance, thanks to the One-Touch cleaning system that includes a high-capacity ash catcher, simplifying the cleanup process after grilling.

Portability is decent, weighing in at 32.3 pounds; it's manageable to move around for outdoor use. The hinged cooking grate adds convenience by allowing you to add charcoal without lifting the entire grate, a thoughtful feature for uninterrupted grilling. There are a few drawbacks to consider. While the grill is sturdy, it requires some assembly, which might be a bit challenging for those unfamiliar with putting together products. Additionally, while it excels in many areas, it may not offer as many advanced features as some high-end models, which could limit options for serious grilling enthusiasts. The absence of extras like a side table or storage space might also be a concern for those who value additional cooking accessories.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,104
Material and Build Quality
Ventilation and Temperature Control
Ease of Cleaning

Most important from
7139 reviews

Material and Build Quality
The grill's sturdy build and thoughtful design features make it a reliable choice for outdoor cooking.
Ventilation and Temperature Control
The ability to control the temperature with the vents is a huge advantage, ensuring even cooking.
Ease of Cleaning
The ash catcher is a game-changer, making clean-up incredibly easy.
#2

Weber Master-Touch Charcoal Grill, 22-Inch, Black

Rating
10.0
Material and Build Quality
Ventilation and Temperature Control
Ease of Cleaning

Most important from
2730 reviews

Material and Build Quality
The grill is packed with quality materials and top-notch packaging, making it perfect right out of the box.
Ventilation and Temperature Control
The built-in temperature gauge and effective vent system offer excellent control over heat and smoke.
Ease of Cleaning
The removable aluminum ash catcher simplifies cleanup, making it a breeze compared to traditional methods.
Additional Features
The Gourmet BBQ system is a standout feature, with versatile inserts that enhance the grilling experience.

The Weber Master-Touch Charcoal Grill is a versatile 22-inch grill that can cook up to 13 burgers, making it ideal for medium to large gatherings. With a total cooking area of 443 square inches, it offers ample space for grilling. The grill is constructed from high-quality materials, ensuring durability and superior heat retention, which is crucial for consistent cooking results.

The built-in lid thermometer helps you monitor the internal temperature without lifting the lid, adding to its convenience. The Tuck-Away lid holder is a thoughtful feature that keeps the lid off the ground and out of the way, which is especially handy during busy grill sessions. The hinged cooking grate allows for easy addition of charcoal, and its compatibility with GBS inserts offers versatility in cooking different types of food. Tool hooks provide a convenient spot for hanging grilling tools, keeping everything within reach.

The grill's size and weight may affect portability, making it less ideal for those needing a highly portable option. The One-Touch Cleaning System simplifies the ash cleanup process, but it still requires some effort, which might be a downside for users looking for minimal maintenance. The Weber Master-Touch Charcoal Grill excels in build quality, cooking area, and additional features, though its portability and cleaning might be less appealing for some users.

Rating
10.0
Material and Build Quality
Ventilation and Temperature Control
Ease of Cleaning

Most important from
2730 reviews

Material and Build Quality
The grill is packed with quality materials and top-notch packaging, making it perfect right out of the box.
Ventilation and Temperature Control
The built-in temperature gauge and effective vent system offer excellent control over heat and smoke.
Ease of Cleaning
The removable aluminum ash catcher simplifies cleanup, making it a breeze compared to traditional methods.
Additional Features
The Gourmet BBQ system is a standout feature, with versatile inserts that enhance the grilling experience.
#3

Weber Original Kettle 22-Inch Charcoal Grill

Rating
9.9
Size and Cooking Area
Material and Build Quality
Ventilation and Temperature Control

Most important from
9925 reviews

Size and Cooking Area
The 22-inch grill is easy to assemble and manipulate, even for those with mobility issues.
Material and Build Quality
The airtight nature of this grill allows for charcoal recycling, making it efficient and economical.
Ventilation and Temperature Control
The grill is highly adjustable, and easy to control heat levels with the upper and lower vent.
Portability
The lightweight design makes it easy to move around or take apart for camping trips.
Additional Features
The grill can be used as a very effective indirect heat smoker, adding versatility to its use.

The Weber Original Kettle 22-Inch Charcoal Grill is a classic choice for those who enjoy grilling with charcoal. It has a 22-inch diameter cooking area, which translates to 363 square inches of grilling space, enough to hold up to 13 burgers at once. This makes it suitable for small to medium gatherings. The grill's material and build quality are impressive, with a porcelain-enameled lid and bowl that retain heat well and resist rusting and peeling. The durable cooking grate also adds to its longevity.

One of its standout features is the One-Touch cleaning system, which makes ash cleanup quick and hassle-free, complemented by a removable aluminum ash catcher. Ventilation and temperature control are handled by adjustable dampers, allowing precise control over the grilling temperature, which is crucial for achieving the perfect cook. It also features a handy lid hook to keep the lid off the ground while grilling.

In terms of portability, the grill is relatively lightweight at 3.3 pounds, making it easy to move around your backyard or transport to another location. However, its size might make it a bit cumbersome for frequent transportation. Assembly is required, but the 3D interactive instructions available through the BILT app can help simplify the process. Additional features include a heat shield and a durable cooking grate, which enhance safety and extend the grill's lifespan. On the downside, this grill may not be ideal for those who need a very large cooking area or who prefer the convenience of gas or electric grills. Additionally, while it is easy to clean, the assembly might be intimidating for some users. Nevertheless, for traditional charcoal grill enthusiasts, the Weber Original Kettle 22-Inch offers a reliable and enjoyable grilling experience.

Rating
9.9
Size and Cooking Area
Material and Build Quality
Ventilation and Temperature Control

Most important from
9925 reviews

Size and Cooking Area
The 22-inch grill is easy to assemble and manipulate, even for those with mobility issues.
Material and Build Quality
The airtight nature of this grill allows for charcoal recycling, making it efficient and economical.
Ventilation and Temperature Control
The grill is highly adjustable, and easy to control heat levels with the upper and lower vent.
Portability
The lightweight design makes it easy to move around or take apart for camping trips.
Additional Features
The grill can be used as a very effective indirect heat smoker, adding versatility to its use.

Buying Guide for the Best Charcoal Grills

Choosing the right charcoal grill can significantly enhance your outdoor cooking experience. Charcoal grills are known for their ability to impart a rich, smoky flavor to food, making them a favorite among barbecue enthusiasts. When selecting a charcoal grill, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you get the best fit for your needs. Here are the main factors to keep in mind and how to navigate them.
Size and Cooking AreaThe size and cooking area of a charcoal grill determine how much food you can cook at once. This is important because it affects how many people you can serve in one go. Small grills are suitable for individuals or small families, typically offering around 150-300 square inches of cooking space. Medium grills, with 300-500 square inches, are great for small gatherings. Large grills, offering over 500 square inches, are ideal for big parties or if you like to cook multiple items simultaneously. Consider how often you entertain and the number of people you usually cook for to choose the right size.
Material and Build QualityThe material and build quality of a charcoal grill affect its durability and heat retention. High-quality materials like stainless steel or cast iron are more durable and retain heat better, leading to more consistent cooking results. Lower-quality materials may rust or degrade faster. If you plan to use your grill frequently or leave it outdoors, investing in a grill made from high-quality materials is advisable. For occasional use, a grill with a decent build quality should suffice.
Ventilation and Temperature ControlVentilation and temperature control are crucial for managing the heat and cooking your food evenly. Good ventilation systems allow you to control the airflow, which in turn controls the temperature. Look for grills with adjustable vents on both the top and bottom. More vents provide better control. If you are new to grilling, a model with easy-to-use vents will help you learn how to manage the temperature effectively. Experienced grillers might prefer more advanced systems for precise control.
PortabilityPortability is an important factor if you plan to move your grill around, whether it's for camping, tailgating, or simply storing it away when not in use. Portable grills are typically smaller and lighter, often with features like foldable legs or wheels. If you need a grill that you can easily transport, look for these features. For stationary use, a heavier, more robust grill might be more suitable.
Ease of CleaningEase of cleaning is a significant consideration because it affects how much maintenance your grill will require. Grills with removable ash catchers and grates are easier to clean. Some models also have non-stick surfaces or porcelain-coated grates that make cleaning simpler. If you prefer a low-maintenance option, look for these features. If you don't mind a bit of extra work, you might prioritize other specifications over ease of cleaning.
Additional FeaturesAdditional features can enhance your grilling experience but are not always necessary. These can include built-in thermometers, side tables, warming racks, and storage shelves. Built-in thermometers help monitor the internal temperature without opening the lid. Side tables provide extra workspace, and warming racks keep food warm without overcooking. Consider which features will be most useful for your cooking style and choose accordingly.

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