The 5 Best Charcoal Grills for Every Budget and Grilling Style, According to Our Extensive Tests (2024)

Despite being touted as a simpler alternative to gas and pellet grills, charcoal grills can be pretty flashy. The bells and whistles, like push-start buttons and double-decker cooking grates, are enticing. But are they worth it? We compiled 11 wildly different charcoal grills—representing price points and designs across the spectrum—and put them to the test. Many tests!

Alas, after hours of assembling, searing, smoking, and cleaning there was no clear answer as to whether simpler was better, or flashy features were worth the cash. It's all about personal grilling style, and what you value in a grill. That said: After cooking steaks and ribs, we found five truly standout grills. The best charcoal grill for you depends on your skill level, how often you want to use it, and the type of grilling or smoking you like best.

The Winners, at a Glance

This grill is a classic for a reason. You probably know someone who has one: “This is the grill your parents or grandparents used,” says Steven Schrimpf, our procurement and inventory manager and resident grilling expert/aficionado/superfan. He's used many of the grills on this list and stands by this pick as the best.

The Original Kettle is easy to use but still beloved by skilled grillers. It has just enough helpful features (like hinged grates) without being overwhelming, and it scored stunningly well in terms of heating speed and distribution.

The PK300 presents the best of both worlds for serious grillers who want the option to smoke large cuts of meat. There are four dampers to control the heat, a hinged lid that can be removed entirely, and a 20-year warranty which is, frankly, outstanding. Schrimpf admits he originally dismissed the damper design as a marketing gimmick, but after testing he considers the PK300 to be “unprecedented” in terms of temperature control.

There’s no need to master a chimney when lighting this charcoal grill because it comes fitted with a propane-fueled start knob. Cleaning it is as easy as pushing a button: The ash automatically empties into a catch below the kettle. It wasn’t our favorite option for smoking (it burned through wood quickly), but it grilled a mean steak with enviable grill marks.

Although lacking the pizazz of other grill-smoker hybrids, this is a solid option for the hybrid griller who wants versatility at an affordable price. It excels at two-zone cooking, giving it added value in the grilling department. We had complaints about the cumbersome assembly and cleaning processes, but we sure did like the steak and ribs.

This enormous grill is optimized for low-and-slow cooking, and we swooned over its front-loading door for adding fuel mid-smoke. There’s 550 square inches of cooking space—enough for three-zone cooking—and a secondary grate for vegetables and buns. We liked the two prep tables, a feature more commonly seen on gas grills. Beginner grillers may find it hard to maintain a consistent temperature, but practice makes perfect, and this is a very pleasurable grill to improve your skills with.

The Tests

• Assembly Test: After reading the manufacturer’s instructions, we assembled each grill, docking points for complications and frustrations. We noted instances where a grill was challenging to assemble without a helper.
• Temperature Control Test: We used a grill thermometer to monitor the grill's temperature as we fired it up, tracking how quickly it reached our desired temperature and whether there were any hot spots.
• Steak Test: We cooked steaks on each grill to evaluate their performance in searing and grilling. Here, we noted the grill’s ability to cook in zones, and whether it had features that enhanced quick cooking, like adjustable grates or dampers.
• Ribs Test: We smoked baby back ribs on each grill, to see how they did with low and slow heat. In addition to monitoring the temperature over time and the ribs’ taste and appearance, we tracked how efficiently—or not—the grill burned through fuel.
• Usability and Cleanup Tests: Throughout testing, we evaluated how easy the grills were to use, move, and clean. Grills with wheels were great, so long as they felt stable when not on the move. Cleanup was enhanced by features like easily accessible grates and well-placed ash catches.

What We Learned

Grill Shape Mattered When It Came to Smoking

Circular grills, like the Weber Original, might first come to mind if you hear the phrase “charcoal grill.” But some of the models we tested, like the PK300, had oblong cooking areas, which were preferable for smoking and accommodating large cuts of meat.

Adjustable Grates Were, Uh, Great

Having a few height options for the charcoal and cooking grates was a true pleasure, especially when cooking things like steaks and fish. This allowed us to get the flames close enough for a great sear. (However, we could work around stationary grates with extra charcoal.) We loved cooking on grills that had hinged cooking grates, which allowed us to scoot the food over and add more charcoal in the middle of a grilling session.

Dampers vs. Vented Lids Were a Matter of Preference

Dampers allow for greater control over a grill’s temperature. The more dampers there are, the more options you’ll have. (The PK300 wins with four.) Seasoned grillers and anyone who wants to use their grill as a smoker should look for charcoal grills with dampers. However, multiple dampers might provide too much control for a beginner. In that case, we recommend grills with vented lids that allow you to close off a little or a lot of air with just a quick slide.

Lids Mattered More Than You Might Assume

Not all grill lids could be fully removed, which we found mildly annoying during use and cleanup. Being able to grill without worrying about a lid slamming shut was obviously enjoyable. But there were pros to hinged lids too, as in the case of the Char-Griller, which had a secondary grate for veggies and buns. The most important element of a quality lid is construction. Heavy multi-clad metals kept in the heat during testing. Watch out for plastic accessories: The hook on the inside of the Weber Original Kettle’s lid got so hot, it melted the plastic handle it’s meant to hang from.

How to Use a Chimney Starter with a Charcoal Grill

Lighting charcoal briquettes or lump charcoal can be tricky if you don't have a chimney starter. Chimneys are helpful because they keep the heat contained and control airflow. To use one, place a couple pieces of crumpled newspaper in the bottom, then fill with charcoal. Set the chimney on top of the fuel grate and use a lighter to ignite the newspaper. The flame will rise, catching the charcoal. Once the coals at the top of the chimney are glowing and powdery white-gray, dump them out onto the grate and set up the cooking grate.

The Criteria: What to Look for in a Charcoal Grill

The best charcoal grills can maintain consistent temperatures without excessive monitoring or adjustments. Vented lids and dampers help get the job done, so your grill should have at least one of those features. Look for grills large enough to accommodate zoned cooking and large cuts of meat, should you choose to use your grill as a smoker. We preferred grills with height-adjustable and hinged grates. All that said, more user-controlled features aren’t always better—especially when they come at a prohibitive cost, or if you’re a beginning griller.

The Top-Performing Charcoal Grills

What we liked: Weber’s Original 22-inch grill has name recognition going for it, and it certainly delivered on the high standards. During testing, it was equally adept at grilling and smoking, thanks to a highly adjustable damper and rotational lid. The Original Kettle has just enough upgrade features without being showy, like hinged grates that allow for additional fuel while grilling. Although its simple design makes the Original Weber beginner-friendly, we’re confident seasoned grillers will find plenty to like here, too. It earned perfect scores in our heating speed and distribution tests (meaning: it gets hot fast, and doesn’t have rogue hot spots). It also aced the following tests: ease of assembly (we put it together in under 15 minutes with just two basic tools), depth, venting, and sticking/flare-ups.

What we didn’t like: The ash catch was difficult to clean, and we thought the construction could have been more stable—but those are minor quibbles, considering it’s priced at less than $250 and often on sale.

Key Specs

• Cooking area: 127 square inches
• Dimensions: 22.5 x 22.5 x 27 inches
• Weight: 32.3 pounds
• Special features: Hinged grates
• Warranty: 10 years

What we liked: This model is marketed as a grill and smoker, so we had high expectations for it in both categories. It did not disappoint. The PK300 is thoughtfully designed, with a lid that hinges open but can also be removed entirely. When closed, it creates a strong seal imperative for smoking success. With a hinged charcoal grate, adding coals during the cooking process was simple and safe. The shape and size of the kettle were ideal for smoking larger cuts of meat, making this a hybrid model that truly excelled in all arenas (smoking and searing, but also roasting and steaming, too). With four dampers to control the heat, this is a luxe option for those looking to boost their grilling skills. The PK300 comes with a very generous 20-year warranty, making the higher price tag more palatable.

What we didn’t like: This isn’t a good buy for beginners, because the proximity of the charcoal grate to the cooking grate makes searing tricky without a strong knowledge of zone cooking.

Key Specs

• Cooking area: 320 square inches
• Dimensions: 42.79 x 16.21 x 37.35 inches (with lid closed)
• Weight: 60 pounds
• Special features: Cooking chamber is constructed from aluminum; surface area designed specifically for two-zone cooking
• Warranty: 20 years

What we liked: Now here is an ideal grill for beginners. You don’t even need to master the use of a chimney to get the coals lit thanks to a propane starter. “I seriously wonder if the conversation in Weber's design dept went something like this: ‘What if we took the original kettle and gave it every bell and whistle imaginable?’” says Schrimpf. We’re inclined to agree. With four smooth-rolling wheels that lock into place, it’s easy to maneuver around your patio or yard. It scored high for performance, creating attractive Maillard reaction grill marks during the steak test. As a smoker, it burned through wood quickly, but with regular monitoring, the temperature was consistent and accurate. A push button is all you need to empty the ash into a catch below the kettle. And it’s hard to say no to a weather-resistant charcoal storage space! Although it was awkward to put together without a second person, The Performer Deluxe is a sturdy, well-built grill you’ll feel confident about using once assembled.

What we didn’t like: It’s priced higher than most basic, entry-level grills (but the included prep area is a worthwhile feature). Neither the coal grates or cooking grates are adjustable, which might annoy more seasoned grillers who prefer more control.

Key Specs

• Cooking area: 363 square inches
• Dimensions: 43.5 x 48 x 30 inches
• Weight: 91 pounds
• Special features: Automatic propane starter; attached work table
• Warranty: 10 years

What we liked: Smaller than most of the other models we tested, the SNS Original Charcoal Grill is a solid performer that can hold its own in grilling and smoking. The circular cooking surface area is 22 inches in diameter, but when set up as a smoker it could still handle three racks of ribs. And about those ribs! They had a quarter-inch pale pink smoke ring and a nicely glossy, caramelized exterior. The SNS also produced a very nicely cooked steak without sticking or flare-ups. SNS is one of Schrimpf’s favorite brands, and he notes that the Slow ‘N Sear is constructed with two-zone cooking in mind. “The SNS Deluxe insert separates lit coals to one area of the firebox to allow for this more advanced technique and the Easy Spin grill grate simplifies moving your food between cooking zones,” he explains.

What we didn’t like: This grill struggled to keep up with some of the flashier features of our other models. It’s cumbersome to set up, and removing the grates for cleaning took some finagling. The ash removal mechanism was similarly fussy. But we’re still pleased with the general ease of use with this affordable grill.

Key Specs

• Cooking area: 121 square inches
• Dimensions: 41.75 x 41.75 x 41.67 inches
• Weight: 38 pounds
• Special features: Hinged workbench attached; smoking made possible with a specific insert (can be sold separately)
• Warranty: 10 years

What we liked: You’d be forgiven for thinking the Char-Griller was just a smoker thanks to its design. True, it does optimize low-and-slow smoking, but this handsome grill does it all and provides a spacious workspace. The cost is justified with thoughtful design features, like a hinged lid with a large handle. We liked the front-loading fuel door when it came time to add charcoal or wood. It’s also super sturdy, with four wheels and an under-grill storage rack. It’s a great size for large families or gatherings. At 550 square inches, it’s big enough to create a three-zone cooking area. There’s also a secondary grate (270 square inches) for vegetables and buns. The smoked ribs were nearly perfect with a glossy, deep red exterior and juicy texture. It can grill like a boss, too: We’re still thinking about the perfect T-bone steak with defined grill marks.

What we didn’t like: The damper on the door was poorly placed; we wished it was smaller, and located on the bottom right side of the grill. Brand-new grillers may struggle with maintaining an ideal temperature, but the ability to smoke and grill will please experts and those looking to make the switch from gas grilling.

Key Specs

• Cooking area: 820 square inches (distributed over two-tiered cooking spaces)
• Dimensions: 27 x 57.35 x 51.70 inches
• Weight: 88 pounds
• Special features: Charcoal access door; stainless steel smokestack for better temperature control
• Warranty: 5 years

The Competition

• Char-Griller Deluxe Griller Charcoal Grill (E2828): This hefty, barrel-style grill has a hinged lid and four separate removable, adjustable grates, but its lackluster venting and propensity for flare-ups weren’t enough to make it stand out from the crowd.
• Char-Broil Kettleman TRU-Infrared 22.5” Charcoal Grill: This tripod-style grill has an attractive price tag, but it’s lightweight and slightly unstable, and we struggled to get the hang of its damper heat adjustment system. The grill grates must be removed entirely to add fuel midway through.
• Oklahoma Joe’s Judge Charcoal Grill: This snazzy-looking grill excels as a smoker (unsurprisingly, as Oklahoma Joe’s primarily makes smokers). It’s heavy and it’s not cheap, but experts or smoking fanatics may want to take a second look.
• Char-Broil Performance 580 Charcoal Grill: In this grill, coals sit on a barely perforated tray, rather than a grate, which didn’t allow for adequate airflow. The steaks lacked that signature charcoal flavor. However, its spacious, rectangular design excelled in the smoking test.
• Dyna-Glo X-Large Heavy Duty 32-Inch Charcoal Grill: Damper design issues caused excessive temperature fluctuations with this smoker-style grill, but we appreciated how easy it was to clean: Just use the insulated handle to slide the ash catch tray right out.
• Expert Grill Charcoal Kettle Grill: This was one of our top picks, but it appears to have been discontinued.

FAQs

What’s the difference between a gas and charcoal grill?

Charcoal grills are powered by, uh, charcoal—either briquettes or lump, whereas gas grills rely on propane. Charcoal grilling purists tend to praise the smokier flavor that comes from this style of grilling but gas grills offer plenty to boast about (namely quicker cooking and easy cleanup). You can read more about the differences between gas and charcoal grills here.

Is lump charcoal better?

In our review of lump charcoal, we noted that this style is often thought of as a more "premium" charcoal offering because of its clean, efficient burn, and the fact that it can burn quite hot or nice and low and slow (it's also not coated in fire-starter like some briquettes are). That said, it usually is on the pricier side.

How do you clean a charcoal grill?

The grill grates should be scrubbed clean with a durable grill brush when the grill is screaming hot: The best time to do this is at the beginning of a grilling session before you add any food. Oiling your grill brush with a cloth (held with tongs) will minimize sticking and crusted-on food. Remove ash once it’s cooled and store it in a fire-proof bucket, like a metal trash can. Once your bucket is full, the ash should be thrown away. Never put hot ashes or coals in a trash can! (Please!) Although it may be hard for some to hear, leaving a grill dirty is the best way to protect it between cookouts.

How do you use a charcoal grill?

What a question! We’ve got answers: First, check out this comprehensive guide to charcoal grilling. Or this one, on smoking on a charcoal kettle grill. Or this one, about baking on a grill! Finally, might we suggest bookmarking this page, which houses all of our grilling how-tos, recipes, and equipment reviews?

Why We’re the Experts

• Rochelle Bilow is a commerce editor at Serious Eats; previously she wrote for the site as a freelancer.
• She has been writing about food professionally for over a decade, and reviewing cooking equipment since 2021.
• She has written extensively about grilling for Serious Eats, including articles on lump charcoal and gas smokers.
• For this article, we tested 11 charcoal grills according to a rigorous methodology that included temperature monitoring, fuel burn, and user experience.