We Use CookiesWe use cookies to enhance the security, performance, functionality and for analytical and promotional activities. By continuing to browse this site you are agreeing to our privacy policy

10 Best Charcoal Grills 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

9.9 score

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.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,255
Material and Build Quality
Ventilation and Temperature Control
Ease of Cleaning

Most important from
7139 reviews

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.
#2
9.8 score

Weber Master-Touch Charcoal Grill, 22-Inch, Black

The Weber Master-Touch Charcoal Grill is a versatile 22-inch grill that can cook up to 13 burgers, making it ideal for medium to large gatherings. With a total cooking area of 443 square inches, it offers ample space for grilling. The grill is constructed from high-quality materials, ensuring durability and superior heat retention, which is crucial for consistent cooking results.

Rating
9.8
Material and Build Quality
Ventilation and Temperature Control
Ease of Cleaning

Most important from
2731 reviews

Material and Build Quality
The grill is packed with quality materials and top-notch packaging, making it perfect right out of the box.
Ventilation and Temperature Control
The built-in temperature gauge and effective vent system offer excellent control over heat and smoke.
Ease of Cleaning
The removable aluminum ash catcher simplifies cleanup, making it a breeze compared to traditional methods.
Additional Features
The Gourmet BBQ system is a standout feature, with versatile inserts that enhance the grilling experience.
#3
9.7 score

Kamado Joe Classic Joe Series II 18-inch Ceramic Charcoal Grill and Smoker with Cart, Side Shelves, Stainless Steel Grates and 250 Cooking Square Inches in Red, Model KJ-23RHC

The Kamado Joe Classic Joe Series II is a high-quality ceramic charcoal grill that offers a good cooking area of 250 square inches, ideal for family or small group grilling. Its thick ceramic build traps heat efficiently, allowing for consistent temperatures whether you're smoking low or searing high—thanks in part to the smart Kontrol Tower top vent for easy airflow control. The grill also features an innovative 2-tier cooking system, which lets you cook different foods at once with separate temperature zones.

Rating
9.7
Size and Cooking Area
Material and Build Quality
Ventilation and Temperature Control

Most important from
1577 reviews

Size and Cooking Area
The grill's size is ideal for family cooking, balancing ample space with manageable footprint on the patio.
Material and Build Quality
The grill's thick ceramic construction traps heat exceptionally well, delivering consistent temperatures for both low-and-slow smoking and high-heat searing.
Ventilation and Temperature Control
Using quality lump charcoal and investing in remote temperature probes significantly improves cooking control and outcomes.
Portability
Despite its considerable weight, the sturdy cart with locking wheels and the air lift hinge make handling and opening the grill surprisingly manageable.
Ease of Cleaning
The grill cleans itself efficiently by burning off residue at high temperatures, simplifying maintenance compared to other charcoal grills.
Additional Features
The innovative 2-tier cooking system allows preparing multiple dishes at once with separate temperature zones, expanding versatility.

Top 10 Best Charcoal Grills 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

9.9  score

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

Size and Cooking Area: 22-inch cooking area, 22.5"D x 22.5"W
Material and Build Quality: Porcelain-enameled lid, rust-resistant dampers
Ventilation and Temperature Control: Built-in thermometer, rust-resistant dampers
Portability: 32.3 pounds
Ease of Cleaning: One-Touch system, high-capacity ash catcher
Additional Features: Hinged cooking grate, heat shield

Chosen by 1255 this week

Weber Master-Touch Charcoal Grill, 22-Inch, Black

Size and Cooking Area: 22-inch grill, 443 sq inches
Material and Build Quality: High-quality materials, heat retention
Ventilation and Temperature Control: Built-in lid thermometer
Portability: Less ideal for portability
Ease of Cleaning: One-Touch Cleaning System
Additional Features: Tuck-Away lid holder, tool hooks

Kamado Joe Classic Joe Series II 18-inch Ceramic Charcoal Grill and Smoker with Cart, Side Shelves, Stainless Steel Grates and 250 Cooking Square Inches in Red, Model KJ-23RHC

Size and Cooking Area: 250 sq inches
Material and Build Quality: Aluminum, cast iron, ceramic
Ventilation and Temperature Control: Kontrol Tower vent, adjustable air vent
Portability: 232 lbs, cart with locking wheels
Ease of Cleaning: Firebox design prevents cracking
Additional Features: Tool holder, folding table, heat handle

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

Size and Cooking Area: 811 sq inches
Material and Build Quality: Steel, Alloy Steel
Ventilation and Temperature Control: Air vent, thermometer gauge
Portability: 50.3 pounds
Ease of Cleaning: Side door for ash removal
Additional Features: Offset smoker, adjustable charcoal pan

Weber Original Kettle 22-Inch Charcoal Grill

Size and Cooking Area: 22-inch diameter, 363 sq inches
Material and Build Quality: Porcelain-enameled lid, Alloy Steel
Ventilation and Temperature Control: Adjustable dampers
Portability: 3.3 pounds
Ease of Cleaning: One-Touch system, removable ash catcher
Additional Features: Heat shield, lid hook, 3D instructions

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: 445 Square Inches
Material and Build Quality: Triple-walled steel, cast iron grates
Ventilation and Temperature Control: Adjustable dampers, built-in thermometer
Portability: 8-inch locking caster wheels
Ease of Cleaning: Removable Easy Dump Ash Pan
Additional Features: Removable rack, storage shelf, tool hooks

Weber The Ranch Charcoal Kettle Grill

Size and Cooking Area: 44.75"D x 37.75"W x 42"H, steel grate
Material and Build Quality: Steel body, porcelain enamel, stainless grate
Ventilation and Temperature Control: Adjustable vents, lid thermometer, heat control
Portability: 134.5 pounds, limited portability
Ease of Cleaning: Removable ash catcher
Additional Features: Fuel grate, lid holder, tool hooks

Kamado Joe Big Joe Series III 24-inch Ceramic Charcoal Grill and Smoker with Premium Cart, SloRoller Insert and 450 Cooking Square Inches in Red, Model KJ15041021

Size and Cooking Area: 450 sq in; 18"D x 18.11"W x 54"H
Material and Build Quality: Ceramic, Stainless Steel, Painted finish
Ventilation and Temperature Control: Adjustable vents; 225°F to 750°F range
Portability: Rolling cart with locking wheels; 445 lbs
Additional Features: SlōRoller; 3-tier Divide & Conquer; hinge

Weber Performer Deluxe Charcoal Grill, 22-Inch, Touch-N-Go Gas Ignition System, Black

Size and Cooking Area: 22-inch diameter, 363 sq inch surface
Material and Build Quality: Porcelain-enameled, Aluminum, Alloy Steel
Ventilation and Temperature Control: Lid thermometer, adjustable dampers
Portability: 91 pounds, bulky and heavy
Ease of Cleaning: One-Touch system, high-capacity ash catcher
Additional Features: Touch-N-Go ignition, LCD timer, tool hooks
How do we rank products for you?

Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

headphones-stars

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.

FAQ