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Charcoal grills are a quintessential part of outdoor cooking, loved by BBQ enthusiasts worldwide for the unique, smoky flavor they impart to food. No summer is complete without the sizzle of burgers and steaks on a well-used, quality charcoal grill. However, like adding fuel to the fire, picking the best charcoal grill for your needs can play a critical role in the quality of your culinary creations.
The best charcoal grills are a perfect blend of durability, performance, and portability. They should be able to maintain a consistent, high heat for searing, but also offer the flexibility to cook at lower heat for longer periods as needed. Beyond heat control, the ideal charcoal grill should be easy to set up, simple to clean, and robust enough to last for many summers. Investing in the wrong model can lead to a frustrating and unsatisfactory grilling experience.
Before purchasing a charcoal grill, it’s essential to consider several key features. The grill’s size and cooking area should correspond to the amount of food you typically cook. Airflow control and ash disposal systems will help manage the heat and keep the grill clean. Likewise, items like a built-in thermometer, side shelves, and cart or stand are often indispensable accessories. Without these features, you might miss out on necessary convenience and utility.
In this article, we guide you through the process of choosing the best charcoal grill. We have painstakingly examined, rigorously tested, and thoroughly researched a multitude of models to identify the ones that provide superior grilling experiences. Armed with our insightful analysis, you’ll be able to confidently select a charcoal grill that can precisely cook your favorite meals and deliver that tantalizing smoky flavor.
Best Charcoal Grills
Selecting the right charcoal grill is a crucial decision that directly impacts your grilling passion and enjoyment. A good grill melds operational versatility, easy maintenance, durable design, and sizeable cooking area. With a multitude of models flooding the market, honing in on the best can be daunting. Hence, after extensive usage and careful scrutiny, we’ve compiled a list of the best charcoal grills that cater to an array of culinary needs and preferences.
Cuisinart CCG190RB Inch BBQ, 14″ x 14″ x 15″, Portable Charcoal Grill, 14″ (Red)
If you’re looking for a portable charcoal grill that can deliver excellent grilled food on the go, the Cuisinart CCG190RB Inch BBQ is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The 14-inch diameter grate provides ample cooking space for a variety of foods.
- The adjustable height dampers allow for precise temperature control, ensuring even heating and perfect grill marks.
- The folding side table provides extra workspace and convenience when grilling.
Cons
- The legs and lid are poorly designed, making them difficult to assemble and disassemble.
- The lid doesn’t fit well, causing smoke to escape and affecting the grilling process.
- The grill’s small size may not be suitable for larger gatherings or events.
We’ve had the opportunity to use and test the Cuisinart CCG190RB Inch BBQ, and we can confidently say that it’s a reliable and efficient portable charcoal grill. The 14-inch diameter grate is perfect for grilling a variety of foods, whether you’re cooking for yourself or a small group of people.
One of the standout features of this grill is the adjustable height dampers. They allow for precise temperature control, ensuring that your food is cooked evenly and to your desired level of doneness. The folding side table is also a nice touch, providing extra workspace and convenience when grilling.
However, there are a few downsides to this grill that we should mention. The legs and lid are poorly designed, making them difficult to assemble and disassemble. Additionally, the lid doesn’t fit well, causing smoke to escape and affecting the grilling process. Finally, the grill’s small size may not be suitable for larger gatherings or events.
Overall, we would recommend the Cuisinart CCG190RB Inch BBQ to anyone in the market for a portable charcoal grill. While it may have a few quirks, it’s a reliable and efficient grill that can deliver excellent grilled food on the go.
Royal Gourmet CC1830W 30 Barrel Charcoal Grill with Side Table, 627 Square Inches, Outdoor Backyard, Patio and Parties, Black
If you’re looking for a charcoal grill that can handle a large amount of food, the Royal Gourmet CC1830W might be the perfect choice for you.
Pros
- The 30-inch cooking surface and 30 barrels of cooking space make it ideal for outdoor parties and family gatherings.
- The double-layer lid with thermometer allows for better heat insulation and temperature control.
- The side table with built-in thermometer and hooks for hanging grilling tools provides added convenience.
Cons
- The assembly process can be time-consuming and requires careful attention to detail.
- The wheels can be a bit wobbly and may not provide the most stable platform for moving the grill around.
- The price point may be a bit high for some budget-conscious consumers.
We’ve used the Royal Gourmet CC1830W for several outdoor gatherings, and it has performed well each time. The large cooking surface and ample cooking space have allowed us to prepare a variety of dishes for our guests without feeling cramped for space. The double-layer lid with thermometer has also been a nice feature, as it allows us to monitor the grill’s temperature more closely and adjust the vents as needed.
One thing to note is that the assembly process can be a bit time-consuming and requires some patience. It’s important to follow the instructions carefully and tighten all of the bolts securely to ensure that the grill is stable and safe to use. Additionally, the wheels can be a bit wobbly, which may make it difficult to maneuver the grill around on uneven surfaces.
Overall, if you’re looking for a charcoal grill that can handle a large amount of food and provide added convenience with its side table and built-in thermometer, the Royal Gourmet CC1830W is definitely worth considering.
Royal Gourmet CC1830V 30 Barrel Charcoal Grill with Wood-Painted Side Front Table, 627 Square Inches Cooking Space, for Outdoor Backyard, Patio and Parties, Black
If you’re looking for a charcoal grill that can handle a large amount of food, the Royal Gourmet CC1830V might be the one for you.
Pros
- The grill has a total cooking area of 627 square inches, which is plenty of space to cook a feast for your family and friends.
- The side front table with a wooden-painted finish is very useful for prepping and plating your food.
- The grill comes with a powder-coated finish that is resistant to rust and corrosion, making it a durable choice for outdoor cooking.
Cons
- The grill’s cooking grate is made of cast iron, which can be heavy to move around.
- The grill’s lid vent and temperature gauge are located in the same place, which can make it difficult to read the temperature accurately.
- The grill’s assembly instructions can be confusing, making it difficult to put together.
We’ve used the Royal Gourmet CC1830V to cook a variety of foods, from burgers and hot dogs to chicken and ribs. The grill’s large cooking area and adjustable charcoal grate height make it easy to cook a variety of foods to perfection. The side front table is also very convenient for prepping and plating your food, saving you time and effort.
One thing to keep in mind is that the grill’s cast iron cooking grate can be heavy to move around, so you’ll need to be careful when transporting it. Additionally, the grill’s lid vent and temperature gauge are located in the same place, which can make it difficult to read the temperature accurately. Finally, the assembly instructions can be confusing, so be sure to take your time and follow them carefully.
Overall, if you’re looking for a charcoal grill that can handle a large amount of food and comes with some useful features, the Royal Gourmet CC1830V is definitely worth considering.
18 Inch Portable Charcoal Grill with Wheels for Outdoor Cooking Barbecue Camping BBQ Coal Kettle Grill – Heavy Duty Round with Thickened Grilling Bowl Wheels for Small Patio Backyard
If you’re looking for a portable charcoal grill that’s perfect for camping, tailgating, or small patio grilling, the 18 Inch Portable Charcoal Grill with Wheels is a great option.
Pros
- The thickened grilling bowl retains heat well and reduces air flow, resulting in a more even cook.
- The side air vents allow for precise temperature control.
- The removable coal grate and coal grate support make it easy to add or remove coal for grilling.
Cons
- The paint on the grill can chip easily, but this is a common issue with most portable grills.
- The wheels can be a bit wobbly, but they do make the grill easy to move around.
- The grill is a bit smaller than some other portable options, which may limit how much food you can cook at once.
We’ve used this grill for a few camping trips and backyard cookouts, and we’re generally impressed with its performance. The thickened grilling bowl does a great job of retaining heat and reducing air flow, which results in a more even cook. The side air vents also make it easy to adjust the temperature and get a perfect sear on your food.
One thing to keep in mind is that the paint on the grill can chip easily, so it’s important to handle it with care. The wheels can also be a bit wobbly, but they do make it easy to move the grill around. Finally, the grill is a bit smaller than some other portable options, so it may not be the best choice if you’re planning to cook for a large group.
Overall, if you’re looking for a portable charcoal grill that’s easy to move around and delivers great results, the 18 Inch Portable Charcoal Grill with Wheels is definitely worth considering.
Gas One – 14-inch Portable Barbecue Grill with 3-Point Locking Lid for Heat Preservation – Dual Venting System – Small Charcoal Grill for Backyard, Camping, Boat
If you’re looking for a portable charcoal grill that’s easy to carry and perfect for camping, then the Gas One portable charcoal grill is worth considering.
Pros
- The 3-point locking system ensures the lid is secured during transportation, making it safer to carry.
- The dual venting system allows for precise temperature control, ensuring your food is cooked to perfection.
- The grill grate is made of thickened iron, ensuring long-lasting durability.
Cons
- The grill’s size may be too small for some users, limiting the amount of food that can be cooked at once.
- The assembly process may require some trial and error, as the instructions can be difficult to follow.
- The grill’s legs may be prone to rust, requiring regular maintenance to prevent damage.
We’ve used the Gas One portable charcoal grill on several camping trips and found it to be a reliable and convenient option for cooking on the go. The 3-point locking system is a standout feature, as it ensures the lid is securely fastened during transportation, preventing any accidents from happening.
The dual venting system is also a plus, as it allows for precise temperature control, ensuring your food is cooked evenly and to your desired level of doneness. The thickened iron grill grate is another great feature, as it ensures the grill will last for years to come.
However, the grill’s size may be too small for some users, limiting the amount of food that can be cooked at once. Additionally, the assembly process may require some trial and error, as the instructions can be difficult to follow. Finally, the grill’s legs may be prone to rust, requiring regular maintenance to prevent damage.
Overall, if you’re looking for a portable charcoal grill that’s easy to carry and perfect for camping, then the Gas One portable charcoal grill is a solid option to consider.
Buying Guide
When looking for the best charcoal grill, there are several factors to consider. We have used and tested various models to identify the key features that make a charcoal grill stand out.
Cooking Area
The cooking area is one of the most important factors to consider when buying a charcoal grill. It determines how much food you can cook at once. If you plan on cooking for a large family or group of people, a larger cooking area is recommended. However, if you have limited outdoor space or only plan on cooking for a few people, a smaller cooking area may be sufficient.
Grate Material
The material of the cooking grate is also an important factor to consider. The most common materials are cast iron and stainless steel. Cast iron grates are durable and retain heat well, making them ideal for searing. Stainless steel grates are lightweight and easy to clean, but may not retain heat as well as cast iron.
Hopper Capacity
The hopper capacity determines how long you can cook without having to add more charcoal. If you plan on cooking for an extended period of time, a larger hopper capacity is recommended. However, keep in mind that a larger hopper capacity also means a heavier grill.
Portability
If you plan on taking your grill on the go, portability is an important factor to consider. Look for a grill with lightweight materials and wheels for easy transport.
Ash Removal
Ash removal is another important factor to consider. A grill with easy ash removal will save you time and hassle when cleaning up after cooking.
In summary, when looking for the best charcoal grill, consider the cooking area, grate material, hopper capacity, portability, and ash removal. By keeping these factors in mind, you can find a grill that meets your needs and preferences.
