For that authentic grilling experiencer, you can’t beat a charcoal grill and we’ve rounded up the best options.
When it comes to backyard grilling, people love the benefits of a charcoal grill. Grillmasters swear by the flavor, of course, but also the greater control they get over the heat, not to mention the longer cooking times they can get without having to add additional fuel. What is the best charcoal grill in 2024?
Charcoal grills come in a wide range of sizes — some are portable and can easily be taken camping or a tailgate party, while others are designed to be a permanent fixture in a back yard or on a patio. These bigger models tend to offer a ton of extra features, not to mention the ability to prep food for more folks at the same time.
Whatever your needs and budget, we’ve curated this roundup of the best charcoal grill options you can get right now. But if you’re looking for a grill that offers the latest smart tech — and makes outdoor grilling practically foolproof — be sure to check our list of the . Or, if you’re looking to give your entire patio a makeover, you’ll definitely want to see our favorite 10 ways to upgrade your patio with picks from Amazon, Walmart, West Elm and more.
Best charcoal grill overall: Weber Original Kettle Premium
Best portable charcoal grill: Cuisinart CC-190
Best value charcoal grill: Royal Gourmet CC1830S
Best charcoal grill for large groups: Royal Gourmet CC2036F
Best premium charcoal grill: Kamado Joe Classic Joe Grill Series II
For reviews, roundups and more, be sure to read our continuously updated tech and home, kitchen and outdoor coverage.Best charcoal grill overall: Weber Original Kettle Premium
When it comes to charcoal grills, this one is a classic. It offers excellent heat retention, a one-touch cleaning system, a thermometer built into the lid and durable steel construction. The grill is also available in your choice of copper, black or green.
Enjoy 363 square inches of premium cooking space from this 22-inch grill. This is enough space to prepare 13 burgers at once. It offers a porcelain-enameled bowl and lid, along with a plated steel hinged cooking grate. The lid height is 7.5 inches.
As you’re cooking, the charcoal ash falls into a high-capacity catcher tray that’s easily removable when it needs to be emptied out. Without even having to lift the lid, you can control the grill’s temperature by adjusting its dampers. When you close the dampers completely, this cuts off oxygen flow and extinguishes the coals. And the lid’s handle has a built-in heat shield that keeps it from getting too hot.
Between its classic design, durability and easy of use, you can go wrong with this Original Kettle Premium grill from Weber. And it’s offered at a great price, too.Best portable charcoal grill: Cuisinart CCG-190
The biggest benefit of this charcoal grill is that it can be set up virtually anywhere outdoors, so you can take it on a camping trip, set it up at a tailgate party, park it on a patio, or tuck it onto a deck.
