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10 Best Charcoal Bbq Grill 2026 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0 score

Kamado Joe Big Joe Series II 24-inch Ceramic Charcoal Grill and Smoker with Cart, Side Shelves, Stainless Steel Grates and 450 Cooking Square Inches in Red, Model BJ24RHC

The Kamado Joe Big Joe Series II 24-inch Ceramic Charcoal Grill and Smoker is a versatile and high-quality option for outdoor cooking enthusiasts. With a substantial 450 square inch cooking area, it accommodates a large amount of food, making it ideal for gatherings. The ceramic material ensures excellent heat retention and durability, while the stainless steel grates offer a sturdy cooking surface. The grill's air lift hinge is a standout feature, significantly reducing the dome's weight and making it easy to lift with a single finger, enhancing user comfort.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,495
Size and Cooking Area
Additional Features

Most important from
359 reviews

Size and Cooking Area
The grill is incredibly spacious, handling everything from pulled pork to pizza with ease, and the food comes out great.
Additional Features
The Big Joe allows direct grilling almost a foot above the coals, providing the benefits of direct grilling without scorching the outside.
#2
9.7 score

Weber Master-Touch Charcoal Grill, Deep Ocean Blue

The Weber Master-Touch Charcoal Grill in Deep Ocean Blue is a solid choice for anyone looking to enjoy classic charcoal grilling. It offers a good cooking area that can handle about 13 burgers at once, making it suitable for small gatherings or family meals. The build quality is strong, featuring porcelain-coated steel which helps with heat retention and durability. One standout is the Gourmet BBQ System hinged cooking grate, allowing you to easily add charcoal mid-cook without losing heat.

Rating
9.7
Additional Features
Ease of Cleaning
Material and Build Quality

Most important from
4088 reviews

Additional Features
The grill’s flip-open grates make adding charcoal or wood chips during cooking incredibly simple and efficient.
Ease of Cleaning
Cleaning is effortless thanks to the clever ash pan design that quickly removes ashes without hassle.
Material and Build Quality
The sturdy porcelain-coated finish keeps the grill looking pristine even after many uses.
Ventilation and Airflow Control
Despite some listing inaccuracies, the grill includes charcoal rails (or boxes) that function well for heat management.
#3
9.7 score

Kamado Joe® Classic Joe™ I Premium 18-inch Ceramic Charcoal Grill and Smoker in Red with Cart, Side Shelves, Grill Gripper, and Ash Tool. 250 Cooking Square Inches, 2 Tier Cooking System, Model KJ23RH

The Kamado Joe Classic Joe I is a robust and versatile charcoal BBQ grill with a ceramic build, which ensures excellent heat retention and durability. With a cooking surface of 250 square inches and a 2-tier system, this grill offers ample space and flexibility to cook different foods at varying temperatures simultaneously. The Divide and Conquer Flexible Cooking System's unique multi-level design enhances its usability, making it a great tool for both grilling and smoking.

Rating
9.7
Material and Build Quality
Ventilation and Airflow Control
Ease of Cleaning

Most important from
1599 reviews

Material and Build Quality
This grill's ceramic build ensures it heats differently, getting hotter and holding heat longer, making it incredibly efficient.
Ventilation and Airflow Control
The Control Tower Top Vent provides precise airflow control, which is crucial for maintaining consistent temperatures.
Ease of Cleaning
The slide-out ash drawer makes cleaning significantly easier compared to other Kamado-style grills.
Portability
Assembly can be challenging due to the grill's weight, so having an extra pair of hands is highly recommended.
Additional Features
The grill's versatility is unmatched, with accessories like the joetisserie and pizza stone expanding its capabilities.

Top 10 Best Charcoal Bbq Grill 2026 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0  score

Kamado Joe Big Joe Series II 24-inch Ceramic Charcoal Grill and Smoker with Cart, Side Shelves, Stainless Steel Grates and 450 Cooking Square Inches in Red, Model BJ24RHC

Size and Cooking Area: 450 sq inches
Material and Build Quality: Ceramic, Stainless Steel
Ventilation and Airflow Control: Patented no-rust control tower vent
Portability: 394 pounds
Additional Features: Air Lift Hinge, Divide & Conquer

Chosen by 1495 this week

Weber Master-Touch Charcoal Grill, Deep Ocean Blue

Size and Cooking Area: 24"D x 29.5"W x 42"H, 13 burgers
Material and Build Quality: Porcelain Coated Steel
Ventilation and Airflow Control: Adjustable air vents
Ease of Cleaning: One-Touch Cleaning System
Portability: Portable, best for backyard use
Additional Features: Gourmet BBQ System, Thermometer, Hooks

Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill for Outdoor Cooking and Barbecue, 22-Inch, Copper

Size and Cooking Area: 22-Inch, 363 sq. inches
Material and Build Quality: Porcelain lid and bowl, steel frame
Ventilation and Airflow Control: Rust-resistant aluminum damper
Ease of Cleaning: One-touch cleaning, removable ash catcher
Portability: All-weather wheels, 32.3 lbs, nylon handles
Additional Features: Built-in lid thermometer, tool hooks

Weber Master-Touch Charcoal Grill for Outdoor Cooking and Barbecue, 22-Inch, Black

Size and Cooking Area: 443 sq inches
Material and Build Quality: high-quality materials
Ventilation and Airflow Control: efficient
Ease of Cleaning: One-Touch Cleaning System
Portability: manageable dimensions
Additional Features: lid thermometer, hinged grate, BBQ System

Kamado Joe Big Joe Series I 24-inch Ceramic Charcoal Grill and Smoker with Cart, Side Shelves, Stainless Steel Grates and 450 Cooking Square Inches in Red, Model BJ24Rh

Size and Cooking Area: 24-inch, 450 sq. inches
Material and Build Quality: Thick ceramic, stainless steel grates, handle
Ventilation and Airflow Control: Cast iron top vent
Ease of Cleaning: Patented slide-out ash drawer
Portability: 350 pounds, wheeled cart
Additional Features: 2-tier Divide & Conquer system, shelves

Char-Griller® AKORN® Kamado Charcoal Grill and Smoker with Cast Iron Grates, Warming Rack and Locking Lid with 445 Cooking Square Inches in Graphite, Model E16620

Size and Cooking Area: 447 sq inches
Material and Build Quality: Alloy steel outer; cold rolled steel inner
Ventilation and Airflow Control: Locking lid; adjustable dual dampers
Ease of Cleaning: Removable ash pan
Portability: 97 lbs; 8-inch locking caster wheels
Additional Features: Removable rack; foldable shelves; tool hooks

Oklahoma Joe's Canyon Combo Charcoal and Gas Smoker & Grill, Black - 24203004

Size and Cooking Area: 750 sq in grate, 281 sq in firebox
Material and Build Quality: Painted Steel
Ventilation and Airflow Control: Adjustable firebox and smokestack dampers
Ease of Cleaning: Removable ash pan
Portability: Steel wheels, cool handles, 196 lbs
Additional Features: Tool hooks, shelves, 2-year warranty
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Buying Guide for the Best Charcoal Bbq Grill

Choosing the right charcoal BBQ grill can greatly enhance your outdoor cooking experience. It's important to consider various factors to ensure you get a grill that meets your needs and preferences. Here are some key specifications to look at when selecting a charcoal BBQ grill, along with explanations to help you understand their importance and how to choose the best fit for you.
Size and Cooking AreaThe size and cooking area of a charcoal BBQ grill determine how much food you can cook at once. This is important because it affects how many people you can serve and the types of meals you can prepare. Grills come in various sizes, from small portable models to large ones with extensive cooking surfaces. If you often cook for a large group, opt for a grill with a larger cooking area. For occasional use or smaller gatherings, a compact grill may be sufficient.
Material and Build QualityThe material and build quality of a charcoal BBQ grill affect its durability and heat retention. Common materials include stainless steel, cast iron, and porcelain-coated steel. Stainless steel is rust-resistant and easy to clean, while cast iron retains heat well but requires more maintenance. Porcelain-coated steel offers a balance of durability and heat retention. Choose a grill made from high-quality materials to ensure it lasts longer and performs better.
Ventilation and Airflow ControlVentilation and airflow control are crucial for managing the temperature inside the grill. Good airflow allows for better heat control and more efficient cooking. Look for grills with adjustable vents and dampers that let you control the amount of air entering and exiting the grill. This helps you maintain consistent cooking temperatures and achieve the desired level of smokiness in your food.
Ease of CleaningEase of cleaning is an important factor to consider, as it affects how much effort you'll need to put into maintaining your grill. Features like removable ash catchers, grease trays, and easy-to-clean grates can make the cleaning process simpler. Choose a grill with these features to save time and effort in keeping your grill clean and ready for the next use.
PortabilityPortability is a key consideration if you plan to take your grill on camping trips, picnics, or tailgating events. Portable grills are typically smaller and lighter, making them easier to transport. Look for models with sturdy handles, wheels, or compact designs that facilitate easy movement. If you primarily use your grill at home, portability may be less important, and you can opt for a larger, more stationary model.
Additional FeaturesAdditional features can enhance your grilling experience and provide added convenience. These may include built-in thermometers, side tables, warming racks, and tool hooks. While not essential, these features can make cooking more enjoyable and efficient. Consider which additional features would be most useful for your grilling style and choose a grill that offers them.

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