Charcoal gills are simple appliances but lack the luxurious looks and convenience of gas grills. However, these charcoal grills are easy to set up compared to gas gills and are quite affordable to maintain. With these grills, all you need to have is charcoal, a lighter, and the ingredients you want to prepare. The grills will make it possible to prepare tasty meals with a true smoky flavor. If you are looking for the best beginner grill or have a tight budget, then charcoal grills are the best choice for you.
Our top pick for best charcoal grill with smoker is the Royal Gourmet CC1830F Charcoal Grill with Offset Smoker. This heavy-duty grill comes with two sturdy wheels that enhance its portability. What is more amazing about this grill is that it has a large charcoal capacity and lifting handles for adjusting the charcoal’s height for better and even heating.
Quick Summary
Last update on 2024-12-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Top 6 Best Charcoal Grill with Smoker
#1, Royal Gourmet CC1830F Charcoal Grill with Offset Smoker- Best overall
- Ample Cooking Space: A total of 823 sq. in. cooking surface includes 443 sq. in. porcelain-enameled steel wire cooking grates, 191 sq. in. chrome-plated warming rack and 189 sq. in. offset smoker.
- Great Performance: With a firm combination of offset smoker, this charcoal grill delivers excellent performance. Experience grilled and smoked meat at the same time with no hassle.
- Heat Control System: 2-level height-adjustable charcoal pan creates better heat control. Cooking chamber maintains internal temperature and prevents air loss.
- Preparatory Space: Front shelf offers room for seasonings and bottom shelf provides extra storage space.
- Easy to Move: Two wagon-style wheels make this grill easy to move around, the side spring handle allows for extra convenience for transport.
Last update on 2024-12-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If you are shopping for the best all-round charcoal grill with a smoker, the Royal Gourmet CC1830F Charcoal Grill is the ultimate choice. Made by Royal Gourmet- a professional grill manufacturer, the charcoal grill comes with a sturdy construction and a functional design that enhances the ease of operating the grill. This reliable and hardy grill is reliable and thus ideal for use in outdoor spaces such as when camping. This grill is ideal for use for family lunches or when hosting a few friends over.
Porcelain Wire Cooking Surface
With 438 square inches and ¼” diameter porcelain wire, this charcoal grill prides itself in a large cooking surface. Porcelain wire retains and distributes heat evenly thereby promoting even cooking. Additionally, these wires make the meat tender and lock in juices thus allowing for flavorful and tasty meat barbeques. This wire is also rust-resistant, easy to clean and durable. As such, they enhance the overall performance and reliability of the charcoal grill.
The grill features a 2-level adjustable pan that accommodates up to 5lbs of charcoal. The lifting handles in this pan make it easy to adjust the height of the charcoal pan and thus allowing you to conveniently control the temperature so that you are able to grill the food at your preferred temperature. The black paint job on the pan is done expertly to prevent the paint from chipping or peeling off.
Easily readable thermometer
The thermometer in this charcoal grill by Royal Gourmet is strategically inbuilt in the main lid design for purposes of offering convenience when it comes to controlling the grilling temperature. This thermometer is easy to read. In addition to this, the charcoal grill features a 179 square inches Swing-Away (warming) rack that provides an additional cooking area.
There is an adjustable vent that allows for better air flow and hence providing you with great heat control. There are two durable wheels in the grill that are designed to make transport and mobility of the grill easy. The front mesh shelf in the grill provides space for storing various seasonings while the bottom shelf allows you to keep grill accessories easily accessible.
#2, CHAR-GRILLER 2137 OUTLAW 1063 SQUARE INCH CHARCOAL GRILL/SMOKER- BEST VERSATILE CHARCOAL GRILLER
- PREMIUM CHARCOAL GRILL - Barrel style Charcoal BBQ Grill & Smoker with heavy-duty steel construction and powder coating finish, perfect for high heat grilling and low and slow smoking
- XXL COOKING AREA - Massive 950 square inch total cooking area fits 38 burgers: 725 square inch primary cooking area with a 225 square inch warming rack
- BARBECUE GRILL FEATURES - Cast Iron Cooking Grates, Adjustable Fire Grate, Bottom Storage Shelf, Warming Rack, Stay Cool Wooden Handle, Wheels, and Front & Side Shelves with Barbecue Grill Tool Storage Hooks
- EASY TO USE & CLEAN - Control the heat levels with ease using the dual dampers and Thermometer, and quickly clean up using the Easy Dump Ash Pan
- DIMENSIONS - 29”L x 49”W x 50”H, 114 lbs (pairs with the Char-Griller 3737 Charcoal Grill Cover and Char-Griller E82424 Smoker Side Fire Box, both sold separately)
Last update on 2024-12-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Char-Griller 2137 Outlaw Charcoal Grill and Smoker is a perfect choice for large families and people who occasionally host backyard parties. With two cooking areas, this grill provides you with a sufficient cooking surface for grilling multiple food items at once. The primary cooking surface measures 725 square inches while the secondary one is 338 square inches large. Weighing an impressive 112 pounds and standing at a height of 50 inches, this grill comes with attached wheels that enhance its portability.
Sturdy construction
This grill by Char-Griller is made using heavy-duty steel that enhances a sturdy and solid construction of the grill. The powder coating on the grill coupled with this heavy-duty construction make the grill expressly durable for a couple of years. The cast iron grill ensures even heat distribution for uniform cooking. What is more about this grill is that it comes with large round wheels that not only provide the best support to the grill but also enhance its portability.
There are three shelves on the grill that allow you to keep all your essentials within close reach while grilling. This Outlaw grill comes with front and side shelves that provide storage space for grilling tools, sauces, & spices and a lower shelf (beneath the grill) that provides space for storing unused charcoal.
Total control
Ideally, this Char-Griller is designed to provide its users with ultimate control for efficient grilling and customizable cooking. True to this, the charcoal grill comes with an adjustable fire grate that allows you to regulate the heat in the grill. Additionally, the grill has a heat gauge in its hood that provides users with great heat control. You can lift the grate up and down to regulate heating and also use the warming grate on the grill to keep your food warm.
There is an easy dump ash pan in the grill that makes ash disposal quick, effortless, and convenient. With this grill, you do not need to scoop up ash using your hands or even tipping over the whole grill. You just need to remove the ash pan to dispose ash appropriately. Overall, this grill is user-friendly for convenient grilling even by less experienced chefs and cooks.
#3, Char-Griller E16620 Akorn Kamado Charcoal Grill, Graphite- Best versatile Kamado grill
- KAMADO CHARCOAL GRILL - Kamado style BBQ Grill & Smoker perfect for both high heat grilling and low and slow cooking
- LARGE COOKING AREA - 20 inch Cooking Diameter with 447 square inch total Cooking Area can cook up to 27 burgers at once
- BEST IN CLASS FEATURES - Triple-Walled Steel Insulated Design, Cast Iron Grates, Locking Lid, 8" Locking Caster Wheels, Removable Warming Rack, Bottom Storage Shelf, and Foldable Side Shelf Workstations with BBQ Tool Storage Hooks
- EASY TO USE & CLEAN - Control the heat levels with ease using the indexed adjustable dual dampers and thermometer, and quickly clean up after grilling using the removable Easy Dump Ash Pan
- DIMENSIONS - 31”L x 45”W x 47”H, 97 lbs (pairs with the Char-Griller 6755 AKORN Grill Cover and 6201 AKORN Smokin' Stone, both sold separately)
Last update on 2024-12-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The history of Kamado-style grills dates back to over three millenniums ago in Asia. Over the years, these oval-shaped grills have become popular across the globe due to their versatility. True to this, the Char-Griller E16620 Akorn Kamado Charcoal Grill is a compact and versatile grill for a modest family. If you are keen on enjoying the best Kamado style cooking, then you should invest in this Char-Griller E16620 Akorn Charcoal Grill. With this grill, you can easily sear your meat in high heat or roast it slow on low heat. The versatility of this grill is one of its strongest selling points.
Solid steel construction
The 22-gauge steel construction in this grill provides for its solidness, sturdiness, and strength. The exterior surface of this charcoal griller is finished with powder coated steel while the interior surface features a porcelain coated steel finish. This construction not only enhances the durability and reliability of the grill but also provides for the stability and strength of the grill for heavy-duty grilling.
The two large 8-inch front wheels combined with a rear rocking caster wheel provide for easy moving. These wheels make this compact charcoal grill ideal for use in outdoor spaces for backyard parties and other events. There are two convenient folding side shelves that come with utensil hooks. These shelves fold away easily when storing the grill or transporting it.
Easy heat control
This Arkon Kamado Grill by Char-Griller features a triple wall design that makes it possible for the grill to retain heat as well as maintain temperatures as high as 200-700 degrees Fahrenheit. Consequently, this makes it possible to keep your food warm for long while at the same time guaranteeing that the grill is efficient and economical on the charcoal. This grill comes with a large 314 square inches cast iron cooking space and a 133 square-inch warming rack that is removable.
The adjustable top damper in this grill maintains constant airflow and heat control. In addition to this, there is an inbuilt temperature range in the grill that allows you to monitor the temperature in the grill. This heat control capability of the grill makes it ideal for slow smoke or high heat. There is also a bottom damper in the grill that allows you to control airflow thereby allowing for precise and accurate temperature control.
#4, Char-Griller E06614 Charcoal Grill- Best lightweight charcoal grill
- PORTABLE CHARCOAL GRILL - Kamado style Portable BBQ Grill & Smoker perfect for both high heat grilling and low-and-slow cooking
- GRILL ANYWHERE - Grilling on-the-go has never been easier thanks to the convenient handles and compact frame, perfect for tailgating, camping, barbecuing at the park, or at home in the backyard
- BEST IN CLASS FEATURES - Insulated design with locking lid traps smoke, heat, and moisture like expensive ceramic kamados producing flavorful barbecue and allowing you to use less charcoal
- HEAVY-DUTY CONSTRUCTION - Made from heavy-gauge powder coated Steel with thick Cast Iron cooking grates for maximum durability and heat retention
- EASY TO USE & CLEAN - Control the heat levels with ease using the indexed adjustable dual dampers and thermometer, and quickly clean up after grilling using the removable Easy Dump Ash Pan
Last update on 2024-12-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If you are in the market for a compact and stylish Kamado charcoal grill, then this Char-Griller E06614 Charcoal Grill is the ultimate choice for you. This charcoal grill features a sturdy and solid design that makes it perfect for use in outdoor spaces. This three-legged grill features convenient handles that provide for portability and convenient grilling when on the move while camping, tailgating, and even for use in an RV. This Kamado style grill is designed to promote even and uniform heating thereby enhancing flavor.
Superior construction
The overall construction of this charcoal grill is designed uniquely to provide the best grilling experience. For starters, the construction of this grill features a hinged locking lid, dual air-flow dampers, a triple wall construction with insulation and a heat gauge. Overall, the construction of the grill makes it ideal for all-round grilling even when on the go.
The firm and stable handles in this charcoal grill provide for portability and mobility when carrying the grill around. In addition to this, the three-legged base design provides for stability when in outdoor spaces and even on the patio. It is worth noting that the construction of the grill makes it durable and ideal for use in all conditions including on harsh and extreme terrains.
Large cooking surface
The 153 square-inch cooking area in the grill provides its users with a large cooking surface for all your grilling needs. The cast iron grates in this grill enhance even and uniform heat distribution to ensure that your food cooks evenly and tastes as flavorful as you would wish it to be. The air dampers on the top and bottom of the grill allow for precise temperature control so that you are able to regulate heating for a personalized grilling session.
This charcoal grill holds heat in a better way just like expensive ceramic grills. This convenience comes in handy when grilling a lot of ingredients for a mouthwatering delicacy. The ash pan in the grill allows for easy ash dumping thereby providing for a fast and simple clean-up after every grilling session. The grill is 25 inches tall and 21 inches in diameter and thus, it is not excessively large.
#5, WEBER 14402001 ORIGINAL KETTLE PREMIUM CHARCOAL GRILL, 22-INCH- BEST FOR CONVENIENT GRILLING
- 22-inch diameter porcelain-enameled bowl and lid with a cooking area of 363 square inch
- Plated steel hinged cooking grate
- Aluminized steel One-Touch cleaning system with removable, high-capacity, aluminum ash catcher
- Rust-resistant aluminum damper and two glass-reinforced nylon handles with tool hooks
- Assembled dimensions are 38.5-inch by 27-inch by 22.5-inch
Last update on 2024-12-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Featuring an impressive 363 square-inch cooking space, this Original Kettle charcoal grill by Weber features a flexible and compact design that allows for convenient grilling. This charcoal grill comes with a factory assembled One-Touch cleaning system. This stainless-steel system allows for a clean and less messier grilling experience. Additionally, the grill has a heavy-gauge bowl and lid that enhance the durability and reliability of the charcoal grill.
Precision heat control
This charcoal grill allows you to control temperature and heat in the grill without having to lift the grill. This is possible by adjusting the dampers strategically positioned at the top and bottom of the grill. When you close the dampers completely, you cut the flow of oxygen completely thereby extinguishing the coals. Consequently, by opening the dampers, you increase oxygen flow into the grill and hence raise the temperature and heat.
This grill allows for flexible use by allowing you to arrange your charcoal on the grate in whichever way you prefer for either a direct or indirect grilling experience. The grill is design to withstand high temperatures without the paint peeling off. What is more to note about this charcoal grill is that it comes with durable wheels that allow you to easily and conveniently move the grill around.
Convenient lid placement
The angled lid hook in this grill allows for the convenient hanging of the lid on the grill’s side instead of having to place it on the ground like in other charcoal grills. This provides for a hygienic grilling experience. The cooking grate in this grill is hinged for easy adding of charcoal while grilling. This grate is also easy to clean and retains heat for long. This enhances the convenience and reliability of using the grill in outdoor spaces.
The heat shields in the grill prevent the handle from getting excessively hot while grilling. Another unique aspect about this grill is that it provides you with hooks for hanging your grilling tools like tongs and spatulas for easy access and for creating an organized workspace. The grill is easy to clean as it comes with a removable ash catcher.
#6, Oklahoma Joe’s 19402088 Rambler Portable Charcoal Grill- Best budget large charcoal grill
- CHARCOAL GRILL: This grill is fueled by lump charcoal or briquettes, sold separately. It’s designed to cook food over hot coals, arranged in various configurations to provide direct and indirect heat options.
- COOKING AREA: Grill up to 6 burgers, 4 steaks or 12 brats on the 218-square-inch grate.
- GRATES: These cast-iron grates retain heat to cook food evenly and leave impressive grill marks.
- CHARCOAL TRAY: Raise and lower the height adjustable charcoal tray to regulate temperatures when grilling.
- ASH PAN: A removable ash pan neatly collects ash from cooking, making clean-up simple.
Last update on 2024-12-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
For people who are shopping for a tough and sturdy charcoal grill, the Oklahoma Joe Rambler Portable Charcoal Grill is designed to meet all your grilling needs. This versatile charcoal grill features a heavy-duty construction that makes the grill sturdy and reliable. This dynamic grill is ideal for use both indoors and outdoors. The steel construction in this grill provides for supreme durability. The height adjustable tray in the grill allows for convenient grilling.
Adjustable charcoal tray
The height-adjustable charcoal tray in this grill can be easily raised or lowered through 3 fixed settings using side handles on the grill. This adjustability allows you to regulate the heat and temperature of the cooking grate. Raising the tray increases the heat while lowering the tray reduces the heat thereby allowing you to grill your food slowly using low heat.
The removable ash pan in the grill is designed to catch any grease or drippings and ash for a mess-free cleanup. This ash pan slides out at the front of the grill for easy and convenient access. The sturdy side handles provide for convenient and easy portability and transport of the grill. There are large air dampers allow you to control airflow into the grill the grill and consequently enabling you to regulate temperature.
Buying guide
So, how do you identify the right and best charcoal grill to buy? What parameters should you put into consideration? What should you look for in the best charcoal grill that will withstand repeated blasts of intense heat and temperatures over the years? Here is a detailed checklist of the features and considerations that you should keep in mind when you are shopping around for the best grill:
Build quality
Which are the materials used in the design and build of the charcoal grill of choice? How well with these materials stand up to intense heat and heavy use? These aspects determine the durability and reliability of a charcoal grill. Thick materials such as cast iron, cast aluminum or heavy ceramic are the best choices for the ideal charcoal grill. Whichever material you settle for, it is necessary to ensure that you only choose a material that will hold up well against wear and tear and provide you with reliable service over the years.
Cooking area
How much food do you intend to be grilling with your charcoal grill at a time? Are you looking for a grill that you can use for preparing food for a large family and a few friends? Usually, it is advisable that you only opt for a charcoal grill that will meet your grilling needs. However, a charcoal grill with a large cooking surface is the best choice as it comes with great grilling flexibility. You can also opt for a small size grill if you are looking for a grill for preparing tasty food for your small family only.
Size
How large do you want your preferred grill to be? It is important to note that large grills are often bulky to move around but provide you with limitless grilling options. When choosing a large and bulky charcoal grill, it is necessary that you only opt for models that come with large wheels for easy portability. Small grills are quite portable and easy to move around when you want to use the grill in outdoor spaces such as when camping. A large charcoal grill may end up using more fuel unnecessarily if you under use it.
Temperature control
If you are a pro in grilling, then you can easily handle inconsistencies with heat and temperature. However, if you are a beginner at grilling, then temperature control should be a priority to you. This is so that you do not end up burning your food or overcooking your meat. It is recommendable to settle on a charcoal grill that comes with excellent temperature control. Such a grill is easy to operate and allows you to regulate temperature and heat accordingly.
Ease of use and cleaning
Grilling is a fun and exciting experience but cleaning the grill after use is not always an exciting experience. This is why you need to ensure that you only settle on a grill that is easy to use and clean. Ideally, grilling is a simple process regardless of the grill you are using. Even so, you should only opt for grill models that are easy to operate and those that provide you with the best grilling experience. When it comes to cleaning a grill, it is recommendable that you settle for a model with a removable ash pan.
Cost
Charcoal grills come with a wide cost range. Some models and brands are quite affordable while others cost a considerable amount of money. Due to this, you should draft a budget that will stipulate the amount of money you are willing to spend on the best charcoal grill. Avoid spending too much money on these grills unless you can afford them. This is because there are tons of affordable charcoal grills in the market that are less expensive and are equally reliable and efficient like the expensive models.
The secret to finding the best charcoal grills is having a checklist of the features of what you are looking for in the ideal charcoal grill for you. This is because grilling needs vary from one person to the other. As such, the best charcoal grill for one person may be not be a great choice for the other.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I clean a charcoal grill after each use?
Yes. It is recommendable to clean a charcoal grill after every use instead of having to wait for a few grilling sessions. Cleaning the grill regularly prevents build up of grease and other mess that may interfere with the flavor and taste of your food.
How long does a charcoal grill stay hot?
About 1 hour. Charcoal briquettes burn about for approximately one hour at steady temperatures. However, due to differences between grill models and brands, some charcoal grills stay hot for longer periods.
How long should I burn off a new charcoal grill?
When you buy a new charcoal grill, clean away the dust, coatings, adhesives, and any other debris that may be on the grill. Once it is clean, let the charcoal grill burn off for 20-30 minutes before you start grilling your food.
Conclusion
Taking the best care of your charcoal grill will prolong its life while at the same time ensure that it provides you with the best performance and reliability at all times. There are tons of recipes that you can try out with a charcoal grill. These grills are designed to provide you with the best grilling experience and enjoy tasty and delicious grilled foods.
I am Chasidy M. Watson. I’m from Seattle and since I was 13 years old I have had a great enthusiasm for cooking. My dad’s cooking genes were laid in the cradle, so to speak, and while he always stood behind the stove, I like to sit at the computer and talk about her cooking and enjoyment experiences in Seattle and the wide world.
Sine 2008 I have worked also as a Product Designer and Product Manager with companies like AMC Culinary, Bosch, Teka, counting over 7 years of professional experience in the kitchen field.
I’ve started PigIronBBQ.net, because I’m dedicated to providing you the best of kitchen products, with a focus on dependability, customer service, and my own experience.