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The Best Charcoal Grills You Can Buy in 2019

April 17, 2018 By Brad Hanson Leave a Comment

The Best Charcoal Grills You Can Buy in 2019
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The best charcoal grill is one that’s easy to use and clean, has good durability, airflow control, and more. We used these features as well as numerous of customer reviews when creating our top seven list of the best charcoal grills for 2018. Each review focuses on their advantages and disadvantages as well as their specs. They’re listed based on ratings from lowest to highest.

Best Charcoal Grills Comparison Table

Preview Product Price
Broil King 911470 Keg 5000 Kamado Grill, 18.5-IN Diameter, Metallic... Broil King 911470 Keg 5000 Kamado Grill, 18.5-IN Diameter, Metallic... $949.00 Buy on Amazon
Char-Griller E16620 Akorn Kamado Charcoal Grill, Graphite Char-Griller E16620 Akorn Kamado Charcoal Grill, Graphite $336.70 Buy on Amazon
Weber 741001 Original Kettle 22-Inch Charcoal Grill Weber 741001 Original Kettle 22-Inch Charcoal Grill $119.00 Buy on Amazon
Char-Broil TRU-Infrared Kettleman Charcoal Grill, 22.5 Inch Char-Broil TRU-Infrared Kettleman Charcoal Grill, 22.5 Inch $139.47 Buy on Amazon
Weber 15501001 Performer Deluxe Charcoal Grill, 22-Inch, Touch-N-Go... Weber 15501001 Performer Deluxe Charcoal Grill, 22-Inch, Touch-N-Go... $459.00 Buy on Amazon

10. Cuisinart Portable Charcoal Grill

Cuisinart Portable Charcoal Grill
Material: Enamel-coated | chrome-plated grates
Dimensions: 14.5″ x 14.5″ x 15″ | 36.9cm x 36.9cm x 38.1cm
Total cooking space: 150sq/in | 967.8sq/cm
Weight: 2lbs | 0.9kg
Price category: Cheap

First on our best charcoal grill list is the Portable Charcoal Grill from Cuisinart. This product is designed for versatility and it can work for one person or a small group. It is lightweight and compact for portability. For safety purposes, the lid locks on the bowl. It features a dual venting system as well as an ash catcher. Even with the vents, however, it may not have the best circulation as food can get heated too fast. Assembly is quick, but the materials could be better in quality.

First up in the countdown for the best wood pellet grill is a classic Louisiana Pellet Grill. It features an easy-to-operate Digital Control Center that ranges from 180ºF (82ºC) to 600ºF (315.6ºC). It heats up well and quick, yet it has a hard time maintaining lower temperatures for that “low and slow” cooking method. Additional features include a functional meat probe and two separate cooking racks.

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Pro
Compact/lightweight
Locking system
Con
Minimal circulation

9. Char-Broil American Gourmet 800 Series Charcoal Grill

Char Broil American Gourmet 800 Series Charcoal Grill
Material: Cast iron grate
Dimensions: 29.5″ x 42″ x 49.5″ | 74.9cm x 106.7cm x 125.7cm
Total cooking space: 840sq/in | 5419.3sq/cm
Weight: 73lbs | 33.1kg
Price category: Affordable-Medium

The Char-Broil 800 Series comes with two separate cooking areas. Controlling the heat and smoke is done via an adjustable height steel fire grate and multiple dampers. Some may have trouble adjusting it at first though. You can monitor the temperature with ease by looking at the temperature gauge mounted on the hood.

Moreover, for cleaning purposes, there’s a removable ash pan. The grill offers mobility with two attached wheels. Additional features are the folding full-length front shelf, a folding side shelf, and three tool hooks. Assembling this grill may take some time, and it may or may not come with instructions.

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Pro
Even heating
Simple clean-up
Con
Adjusting isn’t always simple

8. Broil King Keg 5000 Charcoal Barbeque Grill

Broil King Keg 5000 Charcoal Barbeque Grill
Material: Stainless steel body | cast iron grate (primary) | chrome-plated grate (secondary)
Dimensions: 27.5″ x 41″ x 47″ | 69.9cm x 104.1cm x 119.4cm
Total cooking space: 480sq/in | 3097.8sq/cm
Weight: 126lbs | 57.2kg
Price category: High

Next on our best charcoal grill list is the Broil King Keg that uses an insulated steel setup to retain more heat. It has two cooking surfaces, the second of which can be rotated out of the way. For portability, it can hitch onto a trailer. It also has a wheeled base. Though it can heat up fast, it can be difficult to lower the heat. There is, however, a good damper system for low and slow smoking. To provide additional prep space, there are two removable side shelves with tool hooks.

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Pro
Good portability
Additional prep space
Con
Tough to lower heat

7. Char-Griller 1515 Patio Pro Charcoal Grill

Char Griller 1515 Patio Pro Charcoal Grill
Material: Steel construction | Cast iron grate
Dimensions: 31″ x 21″ x 44″ | 78.7cm x 53.3cm x 111.8cm
Total cooking space: 250sq/in | 1612.9sq/cm
Weight: 50lbs | 22.7kg
Price category: Affordable

The Char-Griller Patio Pro is compact in size in save on space, yet still has a roomy cooking area. The added two wheels are designed to give it mobility. Assembly is required, but it can be done by one person. It comes with a number of other features like an ash pan for easier cleaning, a bottom storage rack, side shelf, and utensil hooks.

There’s also a side air vent, adjustable dampers, and a double bottom for heat control. This is made with a large wooden handle on the lid that fights off heat. Concerning the lid itself, however, it doesn’t sit flush, so heat/smoke may still escape.

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Pro
Storage options
Quality cast iron grates
Con
Isn’t sealed well

6. Old Smokey Charcoal Grill

Old Smokey Charcoal Grill
Material: Aluminized steel
Dimensions: 22.5″ x 22.5″ x 27″ | 57.2cm x 57.2cm x 68.6cm
Total cooking space: 333sq/in | 2148.4sq/cm
Weight: 22lbs | 10kg
Price category: Affordable

With the Old Smokey Charcoal Grill, you get a large space whether you want to smoke or grill. It heats up well, and it can maintain its heat. The grate sits high above the fire so there’s little chance of burning the food. Concerning its build, it has solid legs and two handles on either side to make moving it easier. However, the quality of the aluminum construction seems poor as it is prone to rust.

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Pro
Maintains heat
Roomy
Con
Low-quality build

5. Char-Griller Table Top Charcoal Grill

Char Griller Table Top Charcoal Grill
Material: Steel construction | Cast iron grates
Dimensions: 18.5″ x 17″ x 16″ | 47cm x 43.2cm x 40.6cm
Total cooking space: 250sq/in | 1612.9sq/cm
Weight: 40lbs | 18.1kg
Price category: Cheap-Affordable

This Char-Griller Table Top is the best charcoal grill that can be used two ways: on its own or mounted as a side fire box on larger Char-Griller barrel grills. As it stands on its own, this grill can go anywhere you need it to go. It features solid steel construction to withstand multiple trips too. Moreover, with the adjustable dampers, you can control the heat well.

This can maintain temperatures enough so that it can be used as both a grill and a smoker. However, with such high heats, the paint can curl up and peel after just one use. Among its other features is a dump ash pan for quicker cleaning. It also has a sliding drawer to give instant access to the ash pan and coal.

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Pro
Multiple uses
Maintains temperature
Con
Paint can peel

4. Weber Original Kettle 22-Inch Charcoal Grill

Weber Original Kettle 22 Inch Charcoal Grill
Material: Plated & heavy-gauge steel grates | aluminum vent | porcelain-enameled bowl/lid
Dimensions: 22.5″ x 25″ x 38.5″ | 57.2cm x 63.5cm x 97.8cm
Total cooking space: 363sq/in | 2341.9sq/cm
Weight: 33.2lbs | 15.1kg
Price category: Affordable-Medium

Next on our best charcoal grill list we have the Weber Original Kettle 22-Inch Charcoal Grill that comes with a hinged cooking grate. This design grants you access to the fuel without you having to stop cooking. Underneath the charcoal grate, there’s enough room to cook two ways: indirect or direct. Moreover, to provide airflow inside, on top of the lid there is an aluminum, adjustable damper.

For cleaning, it has a One-Touch Cleaning System. By rotating the handle, the three blades inside move the ash down into the ash catcher, which then lifts out for disposal. Though made of good material, the quality control can be low sometimes (e.g. missing parts, bent parts).

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Pro
Versatile cooking
One-Touch Cleaning System
Con
Poor quality control

3. Char-Broil TRU-Infrared Kettleman Charcoal Grill

Char Broil Tru Infrared Kettleman Charcoal Grill
Material: Porcelain coated steel
Dimensions: 25.8″ x 25.8″ x 38.8″ | 65.5cm x 65.5cm x 98.6cm
Total cooking space: 360sq/in | 2322.6sq/cm
Weight: 44lbs | 20kg
Price category: Affordable-Medium

The TRU-Infrared Kettleman Charcoal Grill uses an infrared cooking method to help food cook evenly. In addition, it attempts to help you use less charcoal. The grates are designed so that food can’t fall through. However, there’s little room between the cooking rack and the coal rack. The lid is hinged so you don’t have to completely remove it.

Furthermore, it can lock in place to remain open. However, it does seem like the lid doesn’t seal completely, which can let heat out. On top of the lid is a large, adjustable damper, and there is also a mounted temperature gauge. For airflow, underneath the grill, there is a 360-degree air inlet. There’s also a removable, slide-in ash pan for quick clean-up.

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Pro
Controls flare-ups
Hinged Lid
Con
Little room between grates and charcoal

2. Weber Performer Deluxe Charcoal Grill

Weber Performer Deluxe Charcoal Grill
Material: Plated & heavy-gauge steel grates/cart frame | painted metal table | porcelain-enameled bowl/lid
Dimensions: 30″ x 48″ x 43.5″ | 76.2cm x 121.9cm x 110.5cm
Total cooking space: 363sq/in | 2341.9sq/cm
Weight: 91lbs | 41.3kg
Price category: High

The Weber Performer Deluxe is the best charcoal grill that utilizes an electronic gas ignition. It’s a Touch-N-Go system that starts the grill with a push of a button. There’s a removable backlit LCD timer as well. With its open-cart design (and four wheels for mobility), it provides numerous storage options. However, the ash pan, bin, and hanging tools can limit access to it. Other features are a tuck-away lid holder, work table, char-bin storage container, and tool hooks.

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Pro
Large work surface
Easy charcoal lighting
Con
Limited access to bottom shelf

1. ISUMER Portable Foldable Tabletop Charcoal BBQ Grill

Isumer Portable Foldable Tabletop Charcoal BBQ Grill
Material: Steel construction | porcelain enamel finish
Dimensions: 17.1″ x 15.2″ x 5.1″ | 43.4cm x 38.6cm x 13cm
Total cooking space: 278sq/in | 1793.5sq/cm
Weight: 8.6lbs | 3.9kg
Price category: Cheap

This is the best charcoal grill for portability as it features four foldable legs and a handle on the lid so you can pack it up and move it wherever you need it to go. Even though it’s small in size, it isn’t the easiest to assemble as it comes with many small parts to put together.

There are two racks inside: a warming rack and a cooling rack. The lid can remain open or stay closed depending on how you want to cook. For ventilation, this grill features an adjustable damper that comes with six vent holes. Also, there is additional ventilation on the side of the grill.

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Pro
Easy portability
Good ventilation
Con
Assembly can be difficult/time consuming

Conclusion

For those looking for the best charcoal grill, the above list provides an assortment of options whether you want something portable or one that stays at home. Also, if you are interested in getting a smoker only, you can check out our best smoker grills recommendations. Grilled on any of the products on our list? Let us know what you think of them in the comments below.

Broil King 911470 Keg 5000 Kamado Grill, 18.5-IN Diameter, Metallic...
Broil King 911470 Keg 5000 Kamado Grill, 18.5-IN...
$949.00
Buy on Amazon

Last update on 2021-08-04 at 23:33 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Filed Under: Charcoal Grills

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