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10 Best Charcoal Grills 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Royal Gourmet CC1830S 30" BBQ Charcoal Grill and Offset Smoker | 811 Square Inch cooking surface, Outdoor for Camping | Black

The Royal Gourmet CC1830S Charcoal Grill and Offset Smoker offers a significant 811 square inches of cooking space, which includes a porcelain-enameled steel wire cooking grate, a chrome-plated warming rack, and an offset smoker. This ample space makes it suitable for hosting larger gatherings or camping trips. The build quality is solid, with the main body made from steel and an alloy steel exterior, ensuring durability.

The attached offset smoker is a great feature for those who enjoy smoky flavored food, and it helps with heat circulation. Moreover, the side door on the offset smoker makes adding charcoal and removing ashes more convenient, and an air vent helps to control the fire instantly. The two-level adjustable charcoal pan provides good heat control and can hold up to 4.4 lbs of coal, while the lid-mounted thermometer gauge allows you to monitor the cooking temperature accurately.

For added convenience, the grill has front and side tables for workspace and a bottom shelf for extra storage, although it can only hold up to 20 lbs of accessories when evenly distributed. The grill's dimensions and weight (around 50.3 pounds) suggest it is moderately portable. This grill is well-suited for outdoor cooking enthusiasts, particularly those looking for a versatile and spacious grilling area with added smoker capabilities.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Material and Build Quality
Assembly can be a bit tricky, but once together, the grill is very sturdy and well worth the money.
Ventilation and Temperature Control
For regular needs, this smoker is more than sufficient and holds temperature surprisingly well despite some leaks.
Additional Features
The perfect combo grill and smoker that is easy to assemble and frequently used.
#2

Royal Gourmet CC1830 30 Inch Barrel Charcoal Grill with Side Table, Outdoor BBQ Grill with 627 Sq. In. Cooking Space for Backyard, Patio and Parties, Black

The Royal Gourmet CC1830 30 Inch Barrel Charcoal Grill offers a generous 627 square inches of cooking space, making it a great option for backyard BBQs, patios, and parties. It's equipped with porcelain-enameled steel wire cooking grates and a chrome-plated warming rack, providing ample space to cook large cuts of meat simultaneously. The material and build quality are robust, featuring alloy steel and a powder-coated finish, ensuring durability and longevity. Users will appreciate the adjustable fire grates, which allow for controlled cooking and can hold up to 6 lbs. of coal, as well as the built-in thermometer and side air vent for precise heat control.

The grill also includes a side table for extra workspace and a mesh bottom shelf that can hold up to 20 lbs. of accessories, making it convenient for organizing tools and utensils. Portability is moderate with this grill, as it weighs nearly 38 pounds, which can be a bit cumbersome to move around frequently. However, its freestanding installation makes it a steady and reliable fixture in your outdoor space.

Cleanup is made easy with the removable charcoal pan, simplifying ash disposal. While there is some assembly required, the functionality and additional features like the tool holder and adjustable grates make it a versatile choice for outdoor grilling enthusiasts. This grill is well-suited for those who enjoy hosting gatherings and need a substantial cooking area with effective heat control and easy maintenance.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Size and Cooking Area
The Royal Gourmet CC1830 makes outdoor cooking a joy with its large cooking space, allowing for easy preparation of meals for family gatherings and backyard parties.
Material and Build Quality
The sturdy construction and sleek black finish hold up well against the elements, adding both durability and style to your grilling setup.
Ventilation and Temperature Control
Charcoal grilling is a pleasure with this model, heating up quickly and maintaining consistent temperatures for perfectly cooked steaks and burgers.
Portability
Easy to set up with clear instructions, and the wheels make it simple to move around despite its size.
Ease of Cleaning
Cleanup is straightforward thanks to the removable ash pan, making maintenance a breeze.
Additional Features
The side table is a game changer, providing ample space for prep work and keeping everything organized while grilling.
#3

Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill, 22-Inch, Black

The Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill is a well-rounded choice for those who enjoy outdoor grilling. Its 22-inch cooking area can hold up to 13 burgers, making it suitable for family gatherings or small parties. One of its standout features is the built-in lid thermometer, which enables easy temperature monitoring while cooking. The rust-resistant aluminum dampers allow for good ventilation and temperature control, ensuring your food cooks evenly.

The build quality is impressive, with a porcelain-enameled lid and bowl that retain heat effectively and resist rust and peeling. The grill is also designed for easy maintenance, thanks to the One-Touch cleaning system that includes a high-capacity ash catcher, simplifying the cleanup process after grilling.

Portability is decent, weighing in at 32.3 pounds; it's manageable to move around for outdoor use. The hinged cooking grate adds convenience by allowing you to add charcoal without lifting the entire grate, a thoughtful feature for uninterrupted grilling. There are a few drawbacks to consider. While the grill is sturdy, it requires some assembly, which might be a bit challenging for those unfamiliar with putting together products. Additionally, while it excels in many areas, it may not offer as many advanced features as some high-end models, which could limit options for serious grilling enthusiasts. The absence of extras like a side table or storage space might also be a concern for those who value additional cooking accessories.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Material and Build Quality
The grill's sturdy build and thoughtful design features make it a reliable choice for outdoor cooking.
Ventilation and Temperature Control
The ability to control the temperature with the vents is a huge advantage, ensuring even cooking.
Ease of Cleaning
The ash catcher is a game-changer, making clean-up incredibly easy.

Buying Guide for the Best Charcoal Grills

Choosing the right charcoal grill can significantly enhance your outdoor cooking experience. Charcoal grills are known for their ability to impart a rich, smoky flavor to food, making them a favorite among barbecue enthusiasts. When selecting a charcoal grill, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you get the best fit for your needs. Here are the main factors to keep in mind and how to navigate them.
Size and Cooking AreaThe size and cooking area of a charcoal grill determine how much food you can cook at once. This is important because it affects how many people you can serve in one go. Small grills are suitable for individuals or small families, typically offering around 150-300 square inches of cooking space. Medium grills, with 300-500 square inches, are great for small gatherings. Large grills, offering over 500 square inches, are ideal for big parties or if you like to cook multiple items simultaneously. Consider how often you entertain and the number of people you usually cook for to choose the right size.
Material and Build QualityThe material and build quality of a charcoal grill affect its durability and heat retention. High-quality materials like stainless steel or cast iron are more durable and retain heat better, leading to more consistent cooking results. Lower-quality materials may rust or degrade faster. If you plan to use your grill frequently or leave it outdoors, investing in a grill made from high-quality materials is advisable. For occasional use, a grill with a decent build quality should suffice.
Ventilation and Temperature ControlVentilation and temperature control are crucial for managing the heat and cooking your food evenly. Good ventilation systems allow you to control the airflow, which in turn controls the temperature. Look for grills with adjustable vents on both the top and bottom. More vents provide better control. If you are new to grilling, a model with easy-to-use vents will help you learn how to manage the temperature effectively. Experienced grillers might prefer more advanced systems for precise control.
PortabilityPortability is an important factor if you plan to move your grill around, whether it's for camping, tailgating, or simply storing it away when not in use. Portable grills are typically smaller and lighter, often with features like foldable legs or wheels. If you need a grill that you can easily transport, look for these features. For stationary use, a heavier, more robust grill might be more suitable.
Ease of CleaningEase of cleaning is a significant consideration because it affects how much maintenance your grill will require. Grills with removable ash catchers and grates are easier to clean. Some models also have non-stick surfaces or porcelain-coated grates that make cleaning simpler. If you prefer a low-maintenance option, look for these features. If you don't mind a bit of extra work, you might prioritize other specifications over ease of cleaning.
Additional FeaturesAdditional features can enhance your grilling experience but are not always necessary. These can include built-in thermometers, side tables, warming racks, and storage shelves. Built-in thermometers help monitor the internal temperature without opening the lid. Side tables provide extra workspace, and warming racks keep food warm without overcooking. Consider which features will be most useful for your cooking style and choose accordingly.

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