Nothing tempts the taste buds more when the weather starts to warm than the nostalgic scent of burgers grilling and the plumes of smoke from backyard grills filling the air. Since 1952, when Weber-Stephen rolled out their classic charcoal kettles, cooks have leaned on grills to deliver heat-kissed corn on the cob, smoky whole fish, low and slow pork, and all the summertime barbecue staples.

Although starting a charcoal grill requires a little more effort than propane grills, charcoal evangelists like pitmaster Patrick Feges, owner of Feges BBQ in Houston, firmly believe the effort is worth the difference in flavor. He loves grilling steak over coals because they get high heat for a perfect sear.

Not sure if charcoal is right for you? Here are a few pros and cons to consider when it comes to charcoal grilling:

　　 Charcoal Grills Pros & Cons

Pros Natural smoky flavor you can’t get with gas

Higher heat capability

Usually more portable than propane grills

More affordable

Usually designed with direct and indirect heat zones

Easy to use, even for beginners

Fuel is easy to store

Cons Challenging to control the temperature

Requires more time and attention than propane grills

Cleanup can be cumbersome

Takes some time to heat up

The field is wide when it comes to choosing the best charcoal grill—some have gas ignition systems, others offer smoking capabilities, there are small and large models, and options that sit on a tabletop to make perfect tailgating or beach-going additions.

To come up with our list of the best charcoal grills, we spent hours researching products and considered factors like cooking area, material construction, style, operational ease, and more. In addition to Feges, we received expert insight on what to look for in a charcoal grill from Spencer Capps, pitmaster and chef at Walter Pig BBQ in Pensacola, Florida.

Our Top Picks Best Overall Charcoal Grill: Weber Original Kettle Charcoal Grill at Amazon ($219) Jump to Review Best Budget Charcoal Grill: Nexgrill Charcoal Grill With Side Shelf at Home Depot ($149) Jump to Review Best Splurge Charcoal Grill: Weber Performer Deluxe Charcoal Grill at Amazon ($549) Jump to Review Best Cart-Style Charcoal Grill: Char-Griller Classic Charcoal Grill at Home Depot ($299) Jump to Review Best Charcoal Grill with Smoker: PK Grills Original PK300 Grill and Smoker at Amazon ($525) Jump to Review Best Kamado-Style Charcoal Grill: Big Green Egg Large Charcoal Kamado Grill and Smoker at Bbqgalore.com (See Price) Jump to Review Best Charcoal-Gas Combo Grill: Char-Griller 5050 Duo Gas-and-Charcoal Grill at Amazon (See Price) Jump to Review Best Portable Charcoal Grill: Masterbuilt Portable Charcoal Grill and Smoker with Cart at Amazon ($313) Jump to Review Best Large Charcoal Grill: Dyna-Glo X-Large Charcoal Grill at Amazon ($384) Jump to Review Best Tabletop Charcoal Grill: Cuisinart 14-Inch Portable Charcoal Grill at Amazon ($25) Jump to Review

　　 Best Overall Charcoal Grill

Weber Original Kettle Charcoal Grill

View On Amazon View On Ace Hardware View On Farmandfleet.com What’s Great About It Compact design

Built-in thermometer

Great heat retention

Easy to operate and clean

What Could Be Better Cooking area on the smaller side

Small triangular shelf not very useful

When you think about charcoal grills, the brand Weber probably comes to mind. They have been making the top-rated kettle grill since 1952 and it still tops all the best of lists, including ours. 

This is an affordable full-size grill—only our budget pick, the Nexgrill Cart-Style Charcoal Grill, came in at a lower price. The porcelain-enameled steel lid and bowl provide excellent heat circulation and retention. And even though the diameter is only 22 inches, it has an enviable 363 square inches of cooking area. According to the manufacturer, this means it can hold 13 burgers made with a Weber burger press, but if you are planning a big backyard shindig, you might wish you had more cooking area.

One of the key features when cooking with charcoal is a thermometer, and this one has it. The dampeners can be positioned to control the temperature without having to lift the lid. It also has Weber’s thoughtful one-touch cleaning system with a high-capacity ash catcher, making cleaning up easy. Best of all, it only takes 15 minutes to set up.

We wish the triangular shelf underneath the kettle was bigger so it would offer more functionality, but at this price, the thoughtfully designed charcoal grill is a great choice whether you’re replacing a well-loved grill or buying your first one. 

Cooking Area: 363 square inches | Weight: 37 pounds | Dimensions: 27 x 39.5 x 22.5 inches

　　 Best Budget Charcoal Grill

Nexgrill Charcoal Grill With Side Shelf

View On Home Depot What’s Great About It Compact

Side shelf

Built-in thermometer

Enormous cooking area

What Could Be Better Exterior paint can peel and rust

If you are looking to enter the world of charcoal grilling, this budget pick has a lot to love for an affordable price tag. With 572 square inches of cooking area, porcelain cast iron grids that provide excellent heat retention and easy cleanup, a convenient side shelf for basting sauce or prep, an adjustable vent to control temperature, and a lid thermometer, it’s a great buy. But when you add in the adjustable charcoal tray, you have all the features of a more expensive grill. 

The powder coat, matte black finish makes this a stunning addition to your patio or backyard, though we do wish it was a more bonded surface so the paint would not peel or rust. We do love how easy the removable ash tray makes cleaning and the 41-pound weight plus two wheels make it easy to move around. 

You would be hard-pressed to find a better value in this size grill, especially if you are responsible for the barbecue chicken at the next family reunion.

Cooking Area: 572 square inches | Weight: 41 pounds | Dimensions: 36 x 42.25 x 24.75 inches

　　 Best Splurge Charcoal Grill

Weber Performer Deluxe Charcoal Grill

View On Amazon View On Wayfair View On Crate & Barrel What’s Great About It Large side area to prep and store food

Easy gas ignition system

Easy to adjust the dampers

Weather-resistant charcoal bin

What Could Be Better Cooking area is on the smaller side

You have to remove a grate to load charcoal

The better-apportioned sibling to our Best Overall pick, this Weber charcoal grill still has a 363-square-inch cooking area, built-in thermometer, effective venting system, and one-touch cleaning. Where they diverge is this model is set into a cart to make mobility easy, has a large work table for prep, a weather-protected bin for storing charcoal, a large bottom shelf, a tuck away lid holder, and a Touch-N-Go gas ignition system that takes the work out of lighting your grill.

And once you have the coals nice and hot, the dampers are easy to adjust so maintaining optimal temperature is a snap whether you are grilling baby back ribs for hours or just cooking a batch of corn on the cob.

For a grill this size—it’s one of the heaviest on our list at 96 pounds—we do wish it had more cooking area and that adding charcoal could be easier, but the ease of operation, cleanup, and all the intuitive bells and whistles make this a worthy buy.

Cooking Area: 363 square inches | Weight: 96 pounds | Dimensions: 48 x 44.1 x 30 inches

　　 Best Cart-Style Charcoal Grill

Char-Griller Classic Charcoal Grill

View On Home Depot What’s Great About It Smoking and grilling options

Large cooking area

Great heat retention

Front door for adding charcoal

Adjustable charcoal tray

What Could Be Better Front vent could be smaller

Has a learning curve

Exterior paint peels and may cause rusting

The great thing about a cart-style grill is you get mobility and a large cooking area. And this model has smoking and grilling options, making it ultra versatile. Its 820-square-inch cooking area is the second largest from our list but comes in at only 88 pounds, and the porcelain-coated cast iron grates wipe clean easily. Perhaps the best feature of this grill is the adjustable charcoal tray which allows you to easily control the temperature inside your grill. 

The venting system is another shining point—the vent in the front provides oxygen for the fire without opening the lid, and the vent on the top lets smoke escape while feeding the fire. Though we do wish the vent on the front was slightly smaller to help feed the flames, and like the Nexgrill Cart-Style Charcoal Grill, the exterior paint tends to peel and cause rusting over time.

At just $80 more than our Best Overall pick, this grill is a bargain for the extra features and cooking space. The built-in stainless steel thermometer for temperature monitoring and the possibility of three cooking zones for a variety of foods make this a great choice for grillers who like to entertain.

Cooking Area: 820 square inches | Weight: 88 pounds | Dimensions: 57.35 x 51.7 x 27 inches

　　 Best Charcoal Grill with Smoker

PK Grills Original PK300 Grill and Smoker

View On Amazon View On Pkgrills.com View On Home Depot What’s Great About It Easy setup

Excellent heat retention and control

Portable

Built-in side table

Versatile

What Could Be Better Venting system has learning curve

No built-in thermometer

Grilling and smoking utilize different approaches when it comes to cooking food—grilling needs high heat and cooks food quickly while smoking cooks food slowly relying on indirect heat and lower temperatures. This charcoal grill is designed to deliver both, making it a versatile choice. 

The cast aluminum construction means superior heat conduction and the two-wheeled design coupled with a light 60-pound body make this grill easy to maneuver. A side table provides workspace and though the four-point venting system has a slight learning curve, it allows it to excel at low and slow and fast high-heat cooking. 

It has 320 square inches of cooking area, enough room for a tender smoked Thanksgiving turkey or a slew of sausages. With so much capability, we do wish it had a built-in thermometer rather than just an opening for a probe thermometer. But assembly right out of the box is easy, and the shape lends itself well to two-zone cooking so you can get more done at one time.

Cooking Area: 320 square inches | Weight: 60 pounds | Dimensions: 42.75 x 37.35 x 16.21 inches

　　 Best Kamado-Style Charcoal Grill

Big Green Egg Large Charcoal Kamado Grill and Smoker

View On Bbqgalore.com View On Ace Hardware What’s Great About It Heavy-duty construction

Precise temperature control

Easy to clean

Uses natural lump charcoal which produces less ash

Ready to cook in minutes

What Could Be Better Very heavy

Pricey

If you are ready to splurge on one of the best names in the grilling business, the Big Green Egg kamado-style grill offers a heavy-duty design that is not only easy to clean but ultimately versatile—it can grill, roast, smoke, sear, and bake, and it’s ready to go in minutes. 

This model is 18 inches in diameter and has 262 square inches of cooking area. That’s enough to cook a 20-pound turkey. This starter package comes with the base large-sized Egg, an Egg Nest with locking wheels, a convEGGtor, grid gripper, ash tool, SpeediLight charcoal starters, and charcoal. 

Crafted from powder-coated steel, the exterior is durable and weather resistant while inside the ceramic coating retains heat and moisture so well that 18-hour brisket will stay juicy and ribs will be fall-off-the-bone tender. 

We do wish this grill was more affordable (it’s the most expensive on the list) and weighed less (it’s the heaviest on the list), but it’s hard to not be impressed by its capabilities. Weekend cookouts, weekday pizza parties, multi-night meatloaf, or even an eight-person steak dinner are a cinch with this reliable, precisely calibrated temperature gauge and patented air flow systems.

Cooking Area: 262 square inches | Weight: 162 pounds | Dimensions: 22 x 31 x 22 inches

　　 Best Charcoal-Gas Combo Grill

Char-Griller 5050 Duo Gas-and-Charcoal Grill

View On Amazon View On Home Depot View On Lowe's What’s Great About It Versatile

Large cooking area

Adjustable charcoal grate

Grill cover included

Wheels and lift bar for mobility

What Could Be Better Steel exterior susceptible to rust and corrosion

Heavy weight makes it cumbersome to move

Versatility is the calling card with this grill which has one side for gas grilling and the other for charcoal grilling. We love it so much that it made our Best Propane Grills list as the top pick for dual-fuel propane grills. It has three burners on the gas side, plus an additional side burner and then you add in the charcoal side and you get 1,260 square inches of total cooking area—enough to grill up to a staggering 56 burgers.

Like a couple of our other picks, the exterior of this grill is constructed of steel, making it susceptible to rust and corrosion. But, the adjustable charcoal grate allows for temperature control while grilling, and the chrome-plated warming rack lets you move through different foods while still keeping everything toasty.

There is an easy-to-dump ash pan, stainless steel heat gauges, and a grill cover to protect your investment when not in use. Convenient features like accessory hooks and wheels plus a lift bar for mobility—though we do wish it weighed less— make this a great investment. 

Cooking Area: 1,260 square inches | Weight: 162 pounds | Dimensions: 64.4 x 49.2 x 27 inches

　　 Best Portable Charcoal Grill

Masterbuilt Portable Charcoal Grill and Smoker with Cart

View On Amazon View On Wayfair View On Masterbuilt.com What’s Great About It Temperature control knob

Locking lid

Foldable body

Charcoal mini-hopper for longer cook times

What Could Be Better Heavy to move

No grill cover included

Another entry from our Best Tailgate Grills list, this cart-style grill has many desirable features like a temperature control knob that lets you adjust heat while cooking, side shelves for holding condiments and prep items, and a fold-down body with a locking lid that makes it easy to transport. Plus those side tables have beverage holders to keep drinks nearby while grilling.

Its 200-square-inch cooking area is adequate for a family of four, and the charcoal mini-hopper holds 1.5 pounds of briquettes that last up to four hours. We do wish it weighed less to make moving it easier, but the affordable price tag coupled with all the features make this grill a bargain, especially if you picnic, camp, tailgate, or road trip often.

Cooking Area: 200 square inches | Weight: 52 pounds | Dimensions: 36 x 45 x 19 inches

　　 Best Large Charcoal Grill

Dyna-Glo X-Large Charcoal Grill

View On Amazon View On Wayfair View On Walmart What’s Great About It Heats quickly and evenly

Temperature gauge for monitoring

Adjustable charcoal tray

Side tables for prep

Lightweight for a large grill

What Could Be Better Assembly is challenging

No grill cover included

If your house is the destination for weekend gatherings, pool parties, or backyard barbecues, this model’s 816 square inches of total cooking area will light your fire. Right out of the box, it does take some time to assemble, but once it's set up, the 96-pound frame is pretty easy to maneuver with its four-wheel system. 

There are so many great features with the grill like a bottle opener, two side shelves, a charcoal door on the front to refill if needed, easy to remove ash pan, and removable grates. But what makes this one shine is its ability to heat quickly and evenly and the adjustable charcoal tray that allows you ultimate control over regulating heat. 

The stainless smoke stack has an adjustable flue for added temperature control and you won’t need to open the lid since it has a built-in temperature gauge. We do wish it came with a grill cover, but with all the capability this grill has, it’s hard to argue with the price.

Cooking Area: 816 square inches | Weight: 96 pounds | Dimensions: 60 x 50.5 x 28.16 inches

　　 Best Tabletop Charcoal Grill

Cuisinart 14-Inch Portable Charcoal Grill

View On Amazon View On Wayfair View On Target What’s Great About It Compact design with almost 200 square inches of cooking area

Locking lid

Very portable

Easy assembly

What Could Be Better Thin metal construction gets too hot to touch

No temperature control knob

If you dream of loading up the car and heading to the stadium for a little pre-game tailgating, this is the grill to pack. At only 15 inches high and a featherlight 5 pounds, it won't take up much room and is easy to transport. And best of all, the lid locks so you can carry it with one hand. We like it so much that we cited it as our Best Budget pick for tailgate grills.

It may seem diminutive, but the Cuisinart Portable Charcoal Grill has 196 square inches of cooking area for grilling burgers, hot dogs, or batches of veggie kabobs to satisfy the crowd. Even though this is the smallest grill on our list, it has a dual venting system to control the heat so you can sear at hot temperatures or cook slow and low. 

We do wish the metal construction was thicker, because as the temperatures heat up so does the lid, making the vents too hot to touch without gloves, and the lack of a temperature control knob means manual adjustment of coals.

The charcoal ash tray and firebox sit below the racks making for easy disposal when you finish grilling. Though this model doesn't have the bells and whistles of others on our list, it offers a compact, lightweight solution for picnics, tailgating, camping trips, and more. 

Cooking Area: 196 square inches | Weight: 5 pounds | Dimensions: 14 x 15 x 14 inches

　　 The Bottom Line

If you are looking for a classic grill that has been the reliable standard since 1952, we recommend the Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill for its compact design, 363 square inches of cooking area, great heat retention, one-touch cleaning system, and ease of assembly and operation.

If you want a more budget-friendly option that doesn’t skimp on versatility and design, choose the Nexgrill Charcoal Grill With Side Shelf. Its adjustable vent system and excellent heat retention deliver on performance, and the 572-square-inch cooking area is almost twice the amount of our overall best pick.

　　 Tips for Choosing the Right Charcoal Grill

Type Whether you are smoking briskets for family gatherings or packing your grill for a camping trip to the state park, be sure to familiarize yourself with the different types of charcoal grills before you start shopping:

Kettle Grills

The classic round shape is designed for excellent heat retention that can be used for high-heat searing to low and slow-cooking, like our Best Overall pick the Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill. The simple construction usually includes a lid, grilling grate, air vents, and ash compartment.

Who It’s For: The smaller cooking surface makes these perfect for singles and couples, and they’re often portable enough to bring to tailgates or campsites.

Barrel Grills

These grills feature a large body, usually with sections for direct and indirect heat. The long body and lid help with even heat distribution, creating an almost convection-like cooking atmosphere. They often come with desirable features like built-in thermometers, adjustable grates, and other accessories, but tend to be less portable than kettle grills.

Who It’s For: Anyone who regularly cooks for a crowd. The large cooking areas can accommodate large proteins like racks of ribs and burgers. (Our Best Large pick, the Dyna-Glo X-Large Heavy-Duty Charcoal Grill, is a barrel grill with 816 square inches of cooking area.)

Ceramic/Kamado Grills

Kamado-style grills like the Big Green Egg feature an egg-shaped body made from a thick ceramic material that retains heat and moisture like no other model, allowing food to cook evenly while retaining its natural juices. There is a learning curve when it comes to air flow, but once you’ve got it going you don't have to add fuel. Plus, there are lots of accessories available that make it the most versatile model.

Who It’s For: People who want flexibility for cooking and smoking different types of food, like pizza and paella.

Cart-Style Grills

Similar in performance, cooking area, and versatility to the barrel style, cart-style grills like the Char-Griller Classic Charcoal Grill are typically rectangular in shape attached to a cart for easy mobility.

Who It’s For: Those who want a grill can easily maneuver around a porch, patio, or deck.

Size There are two considerations when discussing the size of a charcoal grill. The first is how much space it will take up. For those with cozy patios or looking for a portable model, there are several options on the list including the Cuisinart Portable Charcoal Grill, Masterbuilt Portable Charcoal Grill and Smoker with Cart, and even our top pick the Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill.

The real factor when shopping for a charcoal grill though is the cooking area. Grills with 22-inch grates usually accommodate 12-13 burgers, a 16-pound brisket, or two pork butts. Think about how much food you will regularly cook on the grill, but also consider if your house is the spot for weekend gatherings or larger dinner parties. If a big holiday weekend barbecue at your house is on the horizon, opt for the Dyna-Glo X-Large or the Char-Griller Double Play from our list to handle those big batches of hot dogs, corn, and barbecue chicken.

Materials From alloy steel to cast aluminum to ceramic, grills are made in a wide variety of materials, and that’s before you open them up and examine the grates. They come in cast iron, stainless steel, and more. 

Lighter-weight grills made from thinner metal will be easier to move around and some have enamel coating which extends the life of the grill. But they may also be less adept at heat retention.  Feges adds, “A ceramic or cast iron grill can last a lifetime. A cheap flimsy metal grill will rust out a lot quicker.”

When it comes to grates, easier to clean is better. Cast iron or cast aluminum grates impart great grill marks because of their heat conductivity, but stainless steel or porcelain wipe off easily. It’s also really nice if the grates are removable for cleaning. It all comes down to what is most important to you while grilling.

Features Charcoal grills are not known for their bells and whistles like their propane cousins, but some features make using them a much better experience. Some models like the PK Grills Original PK300 from our list double as smokers. Others can double their versatility by coupling gas and charcoal capability like the Char-Griller Double Play Gas & Charcoal Grill. Some have side tables or are designed to be portable. You must decide what’s most important to you when grilling.

Storage shelves, adjustable charcoal trays, temperature gauges, nonstick-coated grates, second shelves for indirect heat, and easy-to-access ash pans all make the grilling experience easier.  

　　 Questions and Answers

What is the lifespan of a charcoal grill? This one all comes down to care—proper cleaning is the longevity key when it comes to charcoal grills. Ash left in the bottom of your grill can be highly alkaline and eat away at your grill’s body. Remember when dumping those ashes that the same high alkalinity that is toxic to your grills can also burn pets’ paws. 

Covering your grill is another way to extend its life. Capps adds, “You can get about 10 years out of a grill if you take care of your grill by cleaning it and covering it.” 

How much should you expect to spend on a charcoal grill? The good news is charcoal grills tend to be far less expensive than gas grills. On our list you have options as budget-friendly as the Nexgrill Cart-Style Charcoal Grill coming in at $129 to our splurge pick, the Weber Performer Deluxe Charcoal Grill at $549, which still beats the cost of most propane grills. But even our best overall pick, the Weber Original Kettle only costs $219. When you start to look at specialty charcoal grills like the Kamado-style Big Green Egg, you will be in for more of an investment.

Feges adds, “You can get a cheap, small grill for about $50. If you use it often, it won't last very long. My advice is to buy a grill that will last a long time. You will end up paying $500-$1,000 for a grill that will last a couple of decades, versus $100-200 for a grill that you will end up replacing every five or so years.”

　　 Why Trust Southern Living

Carrie Honaker is a food and travel writer who loves good grill marks on her steak and smoky heat-kissed grilled romaine salads. As a restaurateur and avid home cook, she has seared and smoked hundreds of ingredients—she knows the importance of the proper grill to ensure peak flavor and ideal cook temperature. To compile this list, Carrie spent hours researching what to consider when shopping for charcoal grills, including cooking area, ease of cleaning, styles of grill, and available features. For expert tips on what to look for in propane grills, she spoke to Patrick Feges, pitmaster and owner of Feges BBQ in Houston, as well as Spencer Capps, pitmaster and chef at Walter Pig BBQ in Pensacola, Florida.