Best Charcoal Grills Review

There is nothing more heart-warming than a celebratory cookout in the backyard, especially when the whole family can enjoy it. And while propane and electric grills have established themselves as go-to favorites in the past decades, many BBQ lovers still prefer the classic taste that comes with food cooked on a charcoal grill.

Charcoal grills are far from uniform in terms of style and come in a wide range of designs, each aimed to improve certain aspects of charcoal grilling. But it’s this mind-blowing abundance of choice that makes finding a charcoal grill on a budget a little tricky, and even less for the novice grillers. Below is the list of grills in the middle-tier price category with some of the best cheap charcoal grills in 2020 that will hopefully be of some help.

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Choosing a Charcoal Grill

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Even a cheap off-brand charcoal grill can get your food grilled one way or another but there is no guarantee how good the food will taste or how long such a grill can even last.

Many leading brands in the outdoor cooking segment strive to make their products more affordable, be it travel-sized charcoal grills, premium gas grills that go just under 200, or various iterations of outdoor gas griddles—all of it is manufactured without sacrificing the quality of materials and performance.

Though no matter how good a grill is, there is always the question of compatibility. So how do you exactly decide which of the lauded budget grills is for you? There are a few major defining factors, all of which also influence the final price, but the main focus should always be on the capacity of the grill.

Capacity

This is perhaps the first thing that many customers tend to notice. And for a good reason: no matter how praised large grills might be, not everyone needs an oversized cooking station or even has space for one.

If your patio or any other outdoor space is pretty limited, or maybe your family is small and doesn’t throw a lot of parties, then a more portable, modest-sized grill will do you just fine. Similar to popular portable propane grills you see at picnics and campsites, these typically measure between 150 square inches and 400 square inches, depending on the design of the rack, shape of the firebox, and width of the entire grill.

Anyone who plans to cook large servings in one evening or cook for the entire campsite might want to look into something more substantial, specifically heavy-duty grills with cooking spaces of 500 square inches and more. The optimal size for BBQ parties would be an 800-1000-square inch grill.

Style

Contrary to widespread belief, charcoal grills do not all look and work the same. Just as sandwich grills powered by electricity are different from tabletop electric griddles in a variety of ways though they may be classified into the same wider category, charcoal grills come in many forms categorized by design and application.

The main types of commercial charcoal grills can be shaved down to the basics:

• Kettle grills;
• Cart-style grills;
• Tabletop grills.

Kettle grills are your classic apple-shaped bowls with rounded grates, though they too can be made compact for travel. These are generally the easiest to master and they take less space in storage. The installation is also a breeze, and the cleaning can be done in a second provided the grill comes with a detachable ash pan.

Kamado-style grills made of ceramic or steel are also often grouped with other kettle grills due to their design, which is just as well—the differences in heat circulation inside the bowl are only minimal and in the end, it all comes down to the materials from which the firebox and lid are made.

Cart-style grills are a rather broad way to define such a diverse category, and you probably have seen the term used in gas grills reviews as well. But the crux of the concept is that a cart-style grill has four legs (typically on wheels, casters, or a combination of both) and also features a bottom storage shelf or a protective steel panel. These can be quite hefty but there are plenty of lightweight versions around. The main issue with these models is the difficulty of assembly and transportation unless a cart-style grill is fully foldable and made for travel.

Tabletop grills can generally be any model that can be carried like a suitcase thanks to its distinct design. These portable grills are designed for cooking on the road or in nature away from home, so they tend to be lighter and easier to set up, though sometimes this efficiency takes away from its grilling versatility.

Customizability

The efficiency of any charcoal grill is in the little details, though to be fair they are pretty essential. In general, the ability to customize a charcoal grill is made possible by dampers or vents, height-adjustable grates, the location and adjustability of the coal box.

Dampers or vents are vital for more precise control of grilling temperatures. They can be located on the side of the firebox, on top of the lid, or sometimes even in the front. Larger cart-style grills often feature multiple dampers that are adjusted with cranks, while lid vents on smaller grills are usually adjusted by closing the shutters manually.

Adjustable grates are often gound in larger grills and are sometimes a part of a two- or even three-tiered rack system. One of the smaller racks is usually designed for warming or side dishes, though it can always be removed to expand the primary area. The adjustable main grate can be set up at different heights to accommodate different types of grilling, so grills with this design are best suitable for anyone who prefers more variety in their cooking.

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List of Top-Rated Charcoal Grills

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Photo	Product	Cooking area	Style
	Royal Gourmet CC1830S	800 sq. in.	Cart
	Weber 14401001	363 sq. in.	Kettle
	PIT BOSS 71240	662 sq. in.	Kamado
	Dyna-Glo DGN576SNC-D	816 sq. in.	Cart
	Weber 10020	160 sq. in.	Kettle
	Char-Griller E16620	447 sq. in.	Kamado
	Char-Griller E1515	250 sq. in.	Cart
	Weber 60020	1104 sq. in.	Kettle
	Old Smokey 18	254 sq. in.	Kettle
	Expert Grill XG1910200103	573 sq. in.	Cart
	Weber 121020	160 sq. in.	Portable
	Char-Broil 465131014	1,000 sq. in.	Portable

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Reviews of the Best Charcoal Grills

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Royal Gourmet CC1830S

This multi-purpose charcoal grill from Royal Gourmet is a great choice for a backyard cooking station thanks to its dual design, caster support system, and a range of adjustable features allowing for precise user customization, making it probably the best charcoal grill smoker combo in this category.

What separates this model from other grills from this line is the addition of a side smoker box with built-in vents for simultaneous smoking and grilling, all of which make the overall heat control much easier. 

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Weber 14401001

This compact Weber 14401001 comes with a classic kettle-shaped grill bowl supported on three legs, two of which feature large durable wheels for easier mobility in the patio, backyard, or at a campsite.

As a more mobile and lightweight model with expansive grates and detachable ash pan, this grill will be the best addition for frequent travelers and campers given its easy assembly and stable support system designed for most terrains.

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PIT BOSS 71240

The Pit Boss K24 is one of the best residential grills from the ceramic series, featuring a two-tiered cooking area and heat-retaining firebox that give your charcoal grilling more authenticity and versatility.

Although rather heavy in its assembly due to the fully ceramic structure, the K24 is compact and efficient enough for quick installation while at the same time providing plenty of space for a large BBQ party.

The grill’s egg-shaped body and adjustable dampers provide better heat as well as its precise regulation, allowing it to reach inner temperatures as high as 770 degrees Fahrenheit. Moreover, its light but sturdy bamboo shelves give you more space for prep and storage.

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Dyna-Glo DGN576SNC-D

A more substantial outdoor option can be found in this full-sized premium charcoal grill by Dyna-Glo, offering a spacious two-tiered cooking area with a coal box placed in a separate chamber underneath the cooking box in the manner of a fireplace. 

In addition to the two-rack system, this model allows you to control your own cooking space with the help of a divider that separates the firebox from the primary cooking area. The chamber can be accessed through double doors, each leading to its separate firebox section, so you can exercise more control over the cooking conditions.

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Weber 10020

Another great portable option from Weber, this classic Smokey Joe grill is an indispensable addition for any camper and BBQ lover who prefers to cook away from home. Standing at 17 inches with a closed lid, this compact yet capacious Weber charcoal grill can fit up to five standard burgers in one go, while the porcelain-coated firebox and lid help preserve interior temperatures and facilitate fast cleaning.

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Char-Griller E16620

A great portable option for grill traditionalists, this heavy-duty Kamado grill from Char-Griller upgrades the classic ceramic design with a more enduring steel and porcelain combo in an acorn-shaped bowl and tall lid.

The dual insulation that comes with this design also means you will be able to ration your charcoal fuel much better while getting the same levels of heat, plus the cart-like structure with side shelves and bottom storage save space.

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Char-Griller E1515

Though not as expansive as other backyard models from this line, this Patio Pro grill from Char-Griller can rightfully be called one of the best cheap charcoal grills in 2020, particularly for limited outdoor spaces such as patios, verandas, and small gardens.

The rustic design of the Patio Pro makes it impressively compatible while its cooking capacity is much more generous than other portable patio grills, fitting up to six classic kebabs in one batch or even an entire chicken for indirect grilling.

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Weber 60020

Despite what its appearance at a first glance may suggest, this stocky Weber Ranch was originally devised as a kettle grill for professional caterers to serve large crowds at various outdoor events.

The grill’s simple yet effective design puts it at a comfortable distance from the ground while ensuring the cooking space is large enough to fit multiple batches of burgers for an entire party.  Moreover, the grill’s 37.5-inch grate is secured to the bowl by hinges to allow quick access to the firebox.

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Old Smokey 18

A truly lightweight and miniature camping companion, this classic Old Smokey charcoal grill works as the best budget grill for RV camping, tailgating, and home grilling in smaller spaces such as patios. For all its compact size, this grill can still feed between 4 and 6 people in one go, depending on the size of the burgers or hot dogs, or roast.

The grill’s stylish white exterior proves to be weather-resistant despite its lightness thanks to its composition consisting of aluminized steel with a protective layer. All in all, this 18-inch travel grill is easy to transport and install regardless of the terrain.

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Expert Grill XG1910200103

The heavy-duty-looking Expert Grill is more than just a grate and a charcoal bowl: combining the dual-tiered cooking area with a precisely-controlled bottom coal chamber, this 24-inch portable model serves as a perfect cooking station for a backyard of any size capable of feeding entire house parties.

The main cooking area and the warming rack give over five hundred square inches of space in total, allowing you to grill up to 20 burgers in one go, while the charcoal box is designed to be adjusted for better temperature and space control. All in all, this model is made to withstand any nasty weather as well as serve large groups of people.

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Weber 121020

If portability is something you look for in a charcoal grill above all else, this suitcase-style Weber Go-Anywhere was made for the lovers of nature and frequent campers, hikers, and tailgaters with its decent capacity of six standard burgers and lightweight body.

This compact model is probably the best charcoal grill under $200 in the category, designed for easy carrying and offering two comfortable handles that allow you to move the entire appliance however you deem most efficient. Additionally, the grill is equipped with flip-out wire supports for steady installation on soil, grass, pavement, and other surfaces.

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Char-Broil 465131014

A slightly simpler take on a modern carry-on grill, this portable Char-Broil 465131014 is light and easy in operation and transportation, featuring side and top handles for different grip styles and an impressive party-sized cooking area.

Despite its straightforward design, the grill features all required specs for precise kettle grilling, including adjustable dampers and foldable legs.

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Q&A

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