Charcoal grills have barely changed in 70 years, and there’s a good reason for that. The design works. You get real fire, real smoke, and real flavour. Things a gas grill will never fully replicate. But not all charcoal grills are built the same, and buying the wrong one means fighting with flimsy vents, warped grates, and ash everywhere.
We tested the most popular models across every price range. Here’s what we found.
How We Chose
We looked at five things: build quality (lid fit, vent durability, steel gauge), heat control (how well vents regulate temperature), cooking area, ash management, and long-term reliability based on owner reviews over multiple seasons. Not just first impressions.
The Best Charcoal Grills
1. Weber Original Kettle Premium 22″ – Best Overall
The kettle design Weber invented in 1952 is still the benchmark everything else is judged against. The 22″ cooking grate gives you 363 sq in of space, enough for a full rack of ribs or six large steaks. The hinged cooking grate lets you add charcoal without lifting food off. The One-Touch cleaning system sweeps ash into a removable catcher underneath.
What makes the Premium worth the step up from the base model: a built-in thermometer lid, a slightly better ash catcher, and a lid hook so you’re not balancing it on the ground.
Pros: Bulletproof build, replacement parts available everywhere, holds 225-275F for low-and-slow with practice, huge community of users means endless tips online.
Cons: No side tables, takes practice to nail temperature control, not ideal for smoking without add-ons.
Best for: Anyone who wants a grill that will last 20 years.
2. Weber Master-Touch 22″ – Best Upgrade
Same footprint as the Kettle Premium, but with a hinged grate, a gourmet system cooking grate with removable inserts, and a slightly improved ash system. The real upgrade is the expanded top. The lid sits on a wider rim that makes indirect cooking easier to manage.
Pros: Better ash catcher than the standard Kettle, gourmet insert system is great for cast iron, looks more premium.
Cons: About $50-80 more than the standard Kettle for incremental gains.
Best for: Home cooks who grill multiple times a week.
3. PK Grills PK300 – Best Premium Charcoal Grill
Cast aluminium body. Four vents for precise airflow control. The oval shape creates a natural two-zone fire. Built in the USA. The PK300 is what serious charcoal cooks use when they want something that outlasts a Weber. The aluminium won’t rust. Ever.
Pros: Unmatched build quality, excellent two-zone setup, four-vent system gives very fine temperature control, stands up to decades of use.
Cons: Expensive, smaller cooking area than the 22″ Kettle, takes getting used to.
Best for: Serious grillers who want a lifelong piece of kit.
4. Char-Griller E16620 Akorn Kamado – Best Budget Kamado
Kamado grills typically cost $800-1,500. The Akorn is a steel-bodied kamado at under $300 that gets you 90% of the cooking experience at a fraction of the price. The insulated steel walls hold heat surprisingly well, making it one of the most fuel-efficient charcoal grills at this price.
Pros: Excellent heat retention, works as smoker and grill, very fuel efficient.
Cons: Steel rusts if not maintained, heavier than it looks, lid gasket may need replacing after a few seasons.
Best for: Anyone curious about kamado cooking without the $1,000 commitment.
5. Royal Gourmet CD1824A – Best Budget Pick
If you want a serviceable charcoal grill for under $100 that doesn’t embarrass itself, the Royal Gourmet CD1824A does the job. It’s not a Weber. The steel is thinner, the vents are less precise, and it won’t last 15 years. But for occasional use or a first grill, it gets you cooking.
Pros: Cheap, large cooking surface for the price, side shelf included.
Cons: Thin steel, vents are imprecise, will rust if left out.
Best for: Casual grilling a few times a summer, or anyone not ready to spend on a Weber.
What to Look For When Buying a Charcoal Grill
Vent quality: Vents control your fire. Cheap vents stick, warp, or rust shut. A grill with bad vents is a grill you can’t control.
Lid fit: A tight lid seal keeps heat in and lets you smoke indirectly. A loose lid bleeds heat and makes temperature control nearly impossible.
Ash management: You’ll be dealing with ash every session. A proper ash catcher makes cleanup a 2-minute job instead of a mess.
Cooking area: 22″ (363 sq in) is the sweet spot for most households. Bigger grills need more charcoal and take longer to heat up.
Steel gauge: Thicker steel holds heat better and lasts longer. Weber’s porcelain-enamelled steel is the industry benchmark.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do charcoal grills last?
A Weber Kettle with basic care routinely lasts 20+ years. Budget grills from thinner steel typically last 3-5 seasons before rusting through.
Is charcoal better than gas for flavour?
Yes, for most types of grilling. Charcoal burns hotter and produces more smoke, which adds flavour. Gas is faster and more convenient, but can’t replicate the char and smokiness of charcoal.
How much charcoal do I need?
For a standard 22″ grill, a full chimney (about 100 briquettes) gets you a hot two-zone fire for around 45-60 minutes of grilling. For low-and-slow smoking, use a half chimney and add unlit coals as needed.
Can I smoke on a charcoal grill?
Yes. Use the indirect method: coals on one side, food on the other, with wood chunks added for smoke. A Weber Kettle with the Slow ‘N Sear insert turns into a very capable smoker.
What’s the difference between briquettes and lump charcoal?
Briquettes are compressed charcoal with binders. They burn consistently and are great for long cooks. Lump charcoal is pure carbonised wood. It burns hotter and cleaner but less predictably. Most pitmasters use briquettes for smoking, lump for searing.
Last updated June 2026. Prices and availability may vary.