The 9 Best Charcoal Grills To Consider In 2023

Barbecues with charcoal were the mainstay of backyard grillers for a long time. Since 1948, Hasty-Bake has developed its wonderful cooker with a crank to raise and lower the charcoal rack, and it remains one of our favorite brands today. With its now iconic charcoal kettles, Weber-Stephen lit a fire in backyards across the country in 1952 and barbecue grew to become a national pastime.

In the early 1960s, gas grills were introduced into the market and gained popularity, eventually becoming the fuel of choice for the majority of residential grillers. Charcoal, however, is still very popular, and lately, we are seeing an increase in its use. There’s no denying the convenience of gas grills. You can cook on them in minutes without much effort once they’re set up.

Even though starting a charcoal fire requires a bit more skill and labor than cooking with gas. While you do have to remove ash from a charcoal grill, unlike a gas grill, where most of the grease will collect at the bottom, most of the grease will burn up on the hot coals instead. No disrespect to gas grills, but if it comes to cleaning a charcoal grill over a gasser, I’ll choose the former any day.

Some people strongly believe charcoal has a better taste than gas. It’s just a fact that different fuels have different characteristics – and we aren’t even going to get into the multitude of charcoals grills available In 2023.  Does one fuel perform better than another? That is an ongoing debate. Everybody has their own opinion.

You may also like:

• Best Grill Covers

1. Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill

Kettle grills like this large one are extremely versatile. Approximately 13 hamburger patties can fit on the stainless-steel grill at a time. You can control the heat by opening and closing the bottom and lid vents, but there is no knob, so you can’t adjust the temperature.

When serving thick chops of pork or legs of chicken, close the vents and reduce the heat to prevent them from charring. With the hinges on both sides, you can easily lift one side of the grate and add more briquets if you’re hosting a party and serving hot dogs throughout the evening, or if you’re cooking a turkey or pork belly low and slow for hours.

This grill comes with lots of extras, making it easy to use. You’ll find a thermometer in the lid and a place to hang tools on the bottom. You can open the lid without singeing your hand because a heat shield surrounds the handle, and the lid rests on the side of the grill even as you are making kabobs or basting ribs.

There is a large bucket underneath the kettle called an ash catcher into which you sweep the ashes using a lever. What is lacking are side tables on which to put a platter of food. The Weber is available in black, green, or copper finishes.

2. Weber Original Kettle Charcoal Grill

Our first list on the list is one you’ve probably seen. Weber Original Kettle Grill is the same, original. Even though the simple design has changed a bit over the decades, a few things have been added or changed to keep pace.

There is a reason this network is widespread and consistent. Porcelain lids and linen tableware are specially designed to capture heat for a perfect meal! It is resistant to rust, cracking, or subsequent tearing, even at high temperatures.

The high and low valves allow you to fully control the temperature without lifting the lid. When it closes, the oxygen is completely trapped, which can extinguish and store your coals. Two permanent wheels allow felling at the bottom. Quickly step out into the garden and find the perfect spot to enjoy a delicious meal.

This net is very easy to clean. The sheet metal grill is easy to remove food residue especially if you use one of the grill cleaners and pull the handle to reach the cleaning system with one touch as below. At the end of the Braa, there is no time to spend the ashes. If you are still looking for a trivial network that delivers perfect results, this cult network is for you.

You may also like:

• Best Traeger Grills

3. Weber Go-Anywhere Charcoal Grill

The following net covers all of the amazing past parts on our list and combines them into one easy-to-carry net. This network gives you the reliability and stability of the Weber network, so you can get where you want to go. Whether you’re camping with a family, a sports enthusiast at a porch party, or a barbecue master to have a great sidewalk-less barbecue, you never stop.

With two steel feet, you can place the grid anywhere and access the work. When it’s time to move on, put your feet on the blanket, step up to the 14-pound lunch, and you’re good to go. Porcelain finishes and steel grates offer the same heat resistance as most.

Two lid flaps ensure quality control for a smooth cooking experience. It is not necessary to cook for several hours each. With a large 160-square-inch kitchen, the grill can hold six burgers or a few chops and a few veggies.

4. Char-Griller AKORN Kamado Charcoal Grill

Last (but not least) on the list of grills are the Char-Griller Akorn Kamado Kooker Grill and Smoker. Yes, the name is located, and you eat Bokata when you go to slaughter it.

The clean and elegant mesh is shaped like a tank top. The tank is made of 22 triple sheets of steel, with a stainless steel finish on the outside and porcelain steel on the inside. Translation: This versatile grill can withstand any level of heat, whether it burns quickly and easily or burns slowly.

The grill generates an even amount of heat and gives you an 80 square-inch cooking surface. The broken heater switch gives you an extra 133 inches, and there are double metal shelves to store everything else. This net is ready to feed a small army!

Top and bottom lids matter, so you can find the perfect environment for roasting or roasting meat. The temperature gauge will give you an accurate reading so that you get the best results. The Akorn Kamado sits on a steel cart with 8-inch front wheels and a rear lock that makes it easy to slide and lock.

You may also like:

• Best Tailgate Grills

5. Dyna-Glo Dual Zone Premium Charcoal Grill

Maybe you are planning a big event and need to feed a lot of people with different options. Then there’s the Dyna-Glo Dual Zone Grill, one of the grills to meet your needs. It consists of a two-chamber system on both sides with a steel handle to achieve the desired results for the height adjustment of the coals.

The two doors allow you to enter any charcoal room to add or maintain. If you’re not looking for a two-zone braai, remove the steel fire divider to get enough room to divide 576 square inches. A rotary heater that sits on charcoal when the lid closes takes up an entire 816 square-inch area. Lots of meat!

The grates are made of cast iron, ideal for retaining heat and saving fuel. They are covered with a porcelain enamel finish that allows heat to be transferred directly to the food and the juices to be mixed with the main juices. Heat and temperature control are on the front and center of the grill. The stainless steel lid is made with a double-walled lid for extra warmth.

The stainless steel fireplace chimney can be adjusted to control temperature and odor. Double shelves on both sides provide ample space for food preparation, with a charcoal basket and utensils you can use under the basket for storage. To fill it up, a stainless steel opener is attached to the side, so you can open it cold while you work. This is the multitasking list!

6. Oklahoma Joe’s Rambler Portable Charcoal Grill

Even if you already own a gas grill, this grill will give you that charcoal taste from time to time. This model is also a good choice for small spaces or the occasional BBQ. Oklahoma Joe’s Rambler comes with two large handles and a small but sturdy footprint, making it easy to transport. With the help of the supplied tool, you can lift the hot grate during cooking, so you can add more coal as needed.

This grill also has a charcoal tray that can be raised or lowered as desired. During our tests, we found this grill to produce good sear marks on chicken and maintain a cool temperature. After cooking, we also found it to be easy to clean.

You may also like:

• Best Hibachi Grills

7. Pk Original Outdoor Charcoal Portable Grill

If you are looking for sustainable food, the PK may be the original portable grill for you. Unlike most grills, PK porcelain is made in place of aluminum. Aluminum is generally a better conductor of heat, which allows you to cook these dishes quickly and evenly.

It is also light in weight and of course not corrosion-resistant, giving you quick transport while doing the test. At PK you get both products for the price of one. You use the same cooking zone technology for frying and roasting. The four ventilation points can be opened or closed to regulate the airflow to directly or indirectly heat your food.

The grid has a standard two-wheel drive, with two shelves for work and storage. It’s easy to log in without the need for tools. If you need to slowly engage door specialists or field specialists, this is easy to do. PK offers a 10-year warranty against rust or breakage. So keep the beat going for a whole decade with a calming heart!

8. Char-Broil Tru-Infrared Kettleman Charcoal Grill

While many of us have the benefits of charcoal frying, it can sometimes be difficult to reach the same temperature. But that’s not the reason for our next coal burner. The Char-Broil Kettleman grill uses TRU’s infrared technology to distribute heat evenly over the grill.

With this grill you increase the cooking level by 360 square meters, so you don’t have to worry about cold spots on the edges. The 22.5-inch porcelain in the kitchen is completely sealed rather than transparent, which means none of your food can remove cracks and really sing in the light.

You don’t have to worry about hanging the cover on its side or leaving it on the floor. Unlike most other grills, the Char-Broil Kettleman covers the lid for quick opening and closing. It also comes with a closed position so that it can be safe while on the move. You have full temperature control on this network. The large lid flap makes it easy to loosen or tighten the lid, while the temperature gauge provides precise resistance to the process.

9. Masterbuilt Digital Charcoal Grill

In addition to electric and propane smokers, Masterbuilt also manufactures a wide range of grills. You can now grill and smoke in one place thanks to the Gravity Series 560 Digital Charcoal Grill + Smoker. During the cooking process, charcoal should be fed into the hopper, while hot air is circulated into the grill by a fan. Smoking can also be accomplished with wood chips.

By regulating the temperature with a digital control panel, the grill maintains temperatures between 225°F for low-and-slow smoking and 700°F for searing. There are dual-sided cast iron grates on the grill, which can be used for grilling and smoking. Besides a temperature probe for meat, it can also be connected to an app for remote temperature monitoring and adjustment.

You may also like:

• Best Smoker Grill Combo

Buying Guide: Charcoal Grills

If you’ve read this article looking for charcoal, you probably know what you’re looking for. But even the most experienced chefs can be filled with details and new technology. That’s why we’ve put together this little customer guide of the important factors to consider before making a purchase.

Size

However, it all depends on your own needs. Do you always throw a party at the neighbors’ house and need a list that will surprise you? Or do you need to save space and have a quick schedule for camping or lodging in the city?

The grids we mentioned are on both ends of the spectrum, but many are in the middle. Over 300 or 400 square feet is probably more than enough for a family barbecue, but if you go below 200 inches you will probably spend a lot of time frying more than two or three people.

Grate Material

When it comes to the mesh material, there are usually two options: stainless steel or cast iron. Cast iron retains heat very well and gives meat the perfect fry mark that is always desirable. However, they must be constantly cleaned, maintained, and painted if they are not properly maintained. By the way, stainless steel is generally cheaper and easier to clean, but heat retention leaves a lot to be desired.

Temperature Control

If you’re trying to get meat as smooth and juicy as possible, make sure you have the temperature perfectly under control. When frying, you want to make sure you limit the airflow and have a high temperature. When you smoke food, you have to eat for a few hours and therefore you have a much lower temperature.

Everything that is done is accomplished with the help of a shock absorber. Open the vent and lower the temperature or turn it off and watch the temperature rise. The most efficient silencers are usually found at the top and bottom. However, some networks have additional silencers to achieve higher airflow. In addition to the registers, you also help the grill temperature gauge more accurately find the heat level you want.

Special Features

A good cat catcher makes the difference between clear or severe rapid neck pain. If you don’t have to remove the post from a grid, great. But if you move, lift and fold it all without bending over, you’ll be happy.

Workshop shelves or ironing supplies can be sold for time management and food preparation. You don’t want to spend the cost of the charcoal to get in and out of the house to get the next meat on the grill. It is also a good idea to prepare the dishes and wait for the final product.

Another little thing you can think of is the visor cover. Grabbing a hot cover and tying it to the grill or putting it on the floor can be boring and dangerous. The lid with the visor can be opened and closed quickly and easily to keep an eye on the food.

You may also like:

• Best RV Grills

Frequently Asked Questions