Getting the grill out on a warm, or at least not rainy, day is one of those little joys in life. But choosing the right grill can be tougher than it seems. Sometimes you can pick up the cheapest grill in the store and it works a dream. Other times an expensive, highly recommended grill is a nightmare. Fortunately for you, we got together with some friends, shared our experiences, and did some research. So now we can present you with our top ten best charcoal grills.
Contents
The Top 10 Best Charcoal Grills Reviews
Best Charcoal Grills Under $500
1. Weber 15502001 Performer Deluxe Charcoal Grill, 22-Inch, Copper
This one is a great choice for people who want the dual options of coal and gas. It comes in quite a bit above industry average prices, but it’s worth it. With many features, an extended prep area, and easy to control heat settings, it is very simple to use. And although the grill tray itself is small, it will deliver great results.
Our Rating: 
(4.6 / 5)
Pros
- Dual fuel.
- Many features.
- Easy to use.
- Great grill.
Cons
- Expensive
- Small grilling area.
- Takes up a lot of space for a small grill.
Best Charcoal Grills Under $400
2. Char-Broil CB940X 08301390-26 Charcoal Grill
Starting out with a proper badboy, if you are serious about your BBQ, this might be the perfect machine for you. It has multiple cooking options, and features such as a removable ash pan, front access door for your coals, and a secondary cooking area. It comes in a bit more expensive than the industry average. That said, it will deliver almost professional results in the right hands.
Our Rating: 
(3.9 / 5)
Pros
- Multiple cooking options.
- Easy to clean.
- Easy to tend the coals.
- Heats up nicely.
Cons
- You have to know what you’re doing.
- Expensive
Best Charcoal Grills Under $300
3. Dyna-Glo DGN576SNC-D Dual Zone Premium Charcoal Grill
If you have the money to spare and are a fire master, this grill could suit you perfectly. It comes with two separate charcoal baskets, allowing multiple temperature cooking. The cooking grates are heavy duty and heat up well. It has loads of cooking space. The only shame is it is more expensive than average, but you’d expect that for all those features, right?
Our Rating: 
(4.0 / 5)
Pros
- Multiple cooking options.
- Lots of cooking space.
- Heats well.
Cons
- Expensive
- Needs expert hands.
4. Weber 16401001 Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill, 26-Inch, Black
If you want a smaller. Space-saving grill, but still want a little more room for cooking, this grill may be right for you. Although it’s small and compact, with no space-hogging attachments, it has enough room to feed a family. It is also weatherproof and not too expensive for the brand. That said, it runs high for average industry prices.
Our Rating: 
(4.4 / 5)
Pros
- Bigger than usual space savers.
- Still small enough to store.
- Good price for a Weber.
- Heats nicely.
Cons
- Expensive.
Best Charcoal Grills Under $250
5. Weber 15301001 Performer Charcoal Grill, 22-Inch, Black
Coming in at a more average industry price, this grill is a great basic grill. Although it is small and therefore an excellent space-saver, don’t let its size fool you. This little grill boasts a professional cooking system and a high temperature capacity. Best of all, you don’t need to be a pro to work it. That said, it really could do with more size and/or options.
Our Rating: 
(4.5 / 5)
Pros
- Saves space.
- Easy to use.
- Professional results.
Cons
- Small.
- Not many options.
Best Charcoal Grills Under $200
6. Char-Griller 1224 Smokin Pro 830 Square Inch Charcoal Grill with Side Fire Box
Coming in below average industry prices and with an attached smoker, this grill won us over. It comes with piles of amazing features, including multiple shelves and prep areas. Not to mention the all-important smoke box. We love it. On the downside, it needs to be assembled and professional assembly will cost you quite a bit. We also found that when assembled it leaked heat a bit. This can be fixed, but means even greater additional costs.
Our Rating: 
(3.6 / 5)
Pros
- Cheap buying price.
- Smoker included.
- Loads of features.
- Good size.
Cons
- Needs assembling.
- Assembly and upgrades could add up in costs.
Best Charcoal Grills Under $150
7. Weber 14401001 Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill, 22-Inch, Black
If you want a cheaper space-saver, this model comes in well below average industry prices. But it also comes in at well below average size. And the cover and extras, as well as assembly, will cost you. But this one was easier to put together and heated well. Over all, a great small grill for a small family.
Our Rating: 
(4.7 / 5)
Pros
- Cheap buying price.
- Small and portable.
- Easy to assemble.
- Heats well.
Cons
- Too small for larger BBQs.
- Assembly and extras may cost a bit.
Best Charcoal Grills Under $100
8. Lodge L410 Pre-Seasoned Sportsman’s Charcoal Grill
If you prefer your meats fresh, this grill is a portable dream. It is small enough to carry around, but big enough for a couple of portions of BBQ. You can set the grill at whatever height you need to get the cooking time perfect. And as it’s made of cast iron, you know you can cart it around when hunting or fishing.
Our Rating: 
(4.8 / 5)
Pros
- Great camping grill.
- Makes a couple of portions.
- Multiple cooking options.
- Cheap.
- Cast iron.
Cons
- Very small.
9. Char-Broil American Gourmet Offset Smoker, Standard
If you want a smoker, but the above model is a bit too expensive and elaborate, this may be a better grill for you. It is a very cheap grill, but it does the job well. It has a lot of cooking space and a lot of smoking space too. But as it’s cheap it will not withstand the test of time. Plus, assembly is annoying. Great first time smoker.
Our Rating: (3.6 / 5)
Pros
- Very cheap buying price.
- Smoker and essential features.
- Good size.
Cons
- Needs assembly.
- Not durable.
Best Charcoal Grills Under $50
10. Weber 121020 Go-Anywhere Charcoal Grill
If you’re less into hunting and more into grilling some family-friendly meals on a roadtrip, this is a nice alternative. It’s small and portable, but has enough room for a few portions. It also packs up neatly. It isn’t as robust as the Lodge Sportsman’s Grill, but it is still a good choice. It also comes in cheaper.
Our Rating: (4.6 / 5)
Pros
- Small.
- Cheap.
- Enough room for a few portions.
- Portable.
Cons
- Very small.
- Not so robust.
Charcoal Grill Buying Guide
When choosing a grill you need to consider your needs. Firstly, ask yourself how often you will be using it. If you will use your grill rarely, you may want to get a simpler, less robust one, but take good care of it. It won’t degrade as much from use, and if it degrades from lack of use, at least it wasn’t expensive. But if you will use it monthly or more often, you need a more robust model.
Secondly, ask yourself how many people you will be serving. If you will be serving more than four or five people, you will need a large grill. Weber grills, for example, may not be enough for you. Unless you are very space-restricted, always shop for a grill that works for the people you will be serving.
Finally, ask yourself how versatile your cooking will be. If you will be cooking out and about, you will need a portable grill. If you want to cook different meats at once, multiple charcoal pits are a must. And a smoker is amazing if you will use it regularly. Consider how creative you plan on getting, and shop accordingly.
Our Favourite Charcoal Grill
All in all, we had to choose the Char-Griller 1224 Smokin Pro 830 Square Inch Charcoal Grill with Side Fire Box as our favourite. It is very cheap to buy, and even after assembling and upgrading it comes in under average price. But it is big, versatile, and includes a smoker. To boot, it is so easy to use that anyone could make whatever they like on it. A great all-round grill.
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