Top 10 Charcoal Grills
Charcoal Grill Royal Gourmet CC1830W
The Charcoal Grill Royal Gourmet CC1830W stands out with its XXL Cooking Area that includes 443 sq. in. porcelain-enameled steel wire cooking grates, a 184 sq. in. chrome-plated steel wire warming rack, and an additional 184 sq. in. offset smoker. This ample space allows you to cook large quantities of food simultaneously, making it ideal for family gatherings and parties.
One of the most impressive features is the Offset Smoker, which provides authentic smoky flavors. This is particularly useful for those who love traditional BBQ taste. The adjustable fire grates are another highlight, offering 2-level height adjustments for better heat control and the ability to hold up to 4.4 lbs. of coal.
The grill also excels in terms of prep and storage space. It comes with a wood-painted front table and side table, which offer additional workspace for preparation. Three extra “S” hooks are included for hanging grilling utensils, and the mesh bottom shelf can hold up to 20 lbs. of accessories, making it extremely convenient.
Airflow management is another strong point. The side air damper can be closed completely to shut off oxygen flow, improving charcoal burning efficiency. The smoke stack can also be regulated for more precise heat control.
Compared to other grills, the Royal Gourmet CC1830W offers a more comprehensive cooking and smoking experience. While other models like the Royal Gourmet CC1830V and CC1830 have similar features, the CC1830W’s combination of cooking space, adjustable fire grates, and ample storage make it a top choice.
Pros
XXL Cooking Area Offset Smoker
Cons
Holds only up to 4.4 lbs. of coal
Tip #1
Consider the size of the grill based on your cooking needs.
Charcoal Grill Royal Gourmet CC1830V
Ranked at number 2, the Charcoal Grill Royal Gourmet CC1830V offers a comprehensive grilling experience with its main smoking area of 443 sq. in. porcelain-enameled steel wire cooking grates and an additional 184 sq. in. chrome-plated steel wire warming rack. This ample space allows you to cook large cuts of meat efficiently.
One of the standout features of this grill is its heat control system. By closing the side air vent, you can cut off the oxygen flow to help extinguish coals, and the smoke stack can be adjusted for extra heat control. This level of control ensures your food is cooked to perfection.
The grill also boasts adjustable fire grates, allowing you to raise or lower the charcoal pan to two different heights with lifting handles. This feature helps in controlling the distance between the charcoal and the food, providing a more customized cooking experience.
Additionally, the lid-mounted gauge is a practical addition, enabling you to monitor the inner temperature fluctuations and check the timely point to smoke meat and vegetables. Cleanup is made easy with the adjustable fire grate that doubles as an easy-to-dump ash pan, ensuring a quick and mess-free cleanup after cooking.
Compared to other models in the same price range, the Royal Gourmet CC1830V stands out for its meticulous heat control and ease of use. However, it may lack some of the storage space and portability features found in other models like the Portable Charcoal Grill Everdure.
Pros
Excellent heat control system Adjustable fire grates for customized cooking
Cons
Limited storage space Less portable compared to other models
Tip #2
Look for grills with adjustable fire grates for better heat control.
Charcoal Grill Royal Gourmet CC1830
The Charcoal Grill Royal Gourmet CC1830 ranks third in our list, offering a solid balance of features and affordability. With a total of 627 sq. in. of smoking space, including 443 sq. in. of porcelain-enameled steel wire cooking grates and a 184 sq. in. chrome-plated steel wire warming rack, this grill provides ample room to cook large cuts of meat simultaneously.
One of the standout features is its heat control capabilities. The side air vent can be closed completely to cut off the oxygen flow, helping to extinguish coals, while the smoke stack can be adjusted for extra heat control. This ensures that you can manage the cooking temperature with precision.
The grill also includes a 2-level height-adjustable fire pan, which holds up to 6 lbs. of coal, allowing for more controlled cooking. Additionally, the removable charcoal pan makes ash disposal easy and efficient, a feature that simplifies the post-cooking cleanup process.
Storage is another area where the Royal Gourmet CC1830 excels. The mesh bottom shelf can hold up to 20 lbs. of accessories, and three integrated extensions are perfect for hanging grilling tools and utensils, making it a convenient option for those who need extra prep space.
Compared to other grills in our lineup, the Royal Gourmet CC1830 offers good value for its price, though it does fall short in some areas. For instance, while it is well-equipped with features, it lacks the portability found in more compact models like the Portable Charcoal Grill Everdure.
Pros
Ample cooking space Good heat control Easy cleanup
Cons
Lacks portability
Tip #3
Check for additional features like ash catchers for easy cleanup.
Portable Charcoal Grill Everdure
The Portable Charcoal Grill Everdure ranks 4th on our list, and it's easy to see why. This tabletop grill is both portable and compact, making it a versatile option for various occasions such as BBQs, picnics, and camping trips. Its built-in carrying handles add to its portability, allowing you to transport it with ease.
One of the standout features is its durability. Made from heavy-duty, 100% cast iron, the grill is finished with a scratch-resistant enamel coating, ensuring a high-quality cooking surface that will last. The cast iron material retains heat exceptionally well, making it ideal for long cook times and multiple uses. The built-in vent allows for temperature-controlled cooking, ensuring your food is cooked to perfection.
The grill is also easy to clean and store. Once cool, you can disassemble the grill, scrub the removable grates, wipe down the enamel coating, and store it in the included weather-resistant nylon cover. This makes it a convenient option for those who want a hassle-free grilling experience.
However, when compared to other products on our list, the Portable Charcoal Grill Everdure does have some drawbacks. It lacks the extensive cooking space that some larger models offer, which might be a limitation if you're cooking for a large group. Additionally, while the grill is durable, its cast iron construction makes it heavier than some other portable options.
In summary, the Portable Charcoal Grill Everdure is a solid choice for those who need a reliable, portable grill for small gatherings or on-the-go grilling. While it may not have the cooking capacity of larger models, its durability and ease of use make it a worthwhile investment.
Compared to other products like the Royal Gourmet CC1830W, which offers more cooking space and adjustable fire grates, the Portable Charcoal Grill Everdure stands out for its portability and durability.
Pros
Highly portable with built-in carrying handles Durable cast iron construction Easy to clean and store
Cons
Limited cooking space Heavier than other portable options
Tip #4
Consider the portability if you plan to take the grill on trips.
Folding Portable BBQ Grill Uten
The Folding Portable BBQ Grill Uten is a versatile and convenient option for those who love to grill on the go. With its large 430 stainless steel construction, this grill promises durability and the ability to cook delicious smoky BBQ foods anywhere, making it perfect for family and friends gatherings.
One of the standout features is its foldable grill legs and carry handles, which provide excellent portability for parties, camping, tailgating, and other outdoor events. It includes grill tongs and both small and large BBQ racks, allowing you to cook a variety of foods, from meats to vegetables.
The grill also comes with eight long 23” Brazilian-style BBQ skewers, designed with a flatbed to hold larger food portions and prevent spinning, ensuring even cooking. These skewers are made of thick 2mm stainless steel with wood handles, making them ideal for heavy-duty kabob grilling.
When compared to other grills, the Uten model stands out for its portability and the inclusion of multiple grilling accessories. However, it lacks some of the advanced heat control features found in other models like the Royal Gourmet series.
Pros
Highly portable with foldable legs and carry handles Includes multiple grilling accessories
Cons
Lacks advanced heat control features
Tip #5
Evaluate the build quality and materials for durability.
Portable Barbecue Grill Gas One 14-inch
Ranked at number 6, the Portable Barbecue Grill Gas One 14-inch offers a compact and portable grilling solution for those who love outdoor cooking. With its 3-point locking lid, this grill ensures that heat is trapped efficiently, cooking your food uniformly like in a smoker or oven. This feature also makes transportation easy and safe.
The grill's dual ventilation system is designed to provide a constant airflow, which keeps the fire going and maintains the optimal temperature for perfect cooking. Additionally, the grill is equipped with a special ash catcher located under the grill to capture impurities, dirt, ash, and residues, preventing any mess around the grilling area.
This 14-inch grill boasts a spacious 150-square inch cooking surface, which is sufficient for preparing steaks or vegetables while ensuring even heat distribution. Its compact and lightweight design makes it easy to carry and move around, whether you're in the backyard, patio, or at a campsite.
While the Portable Barbecue Grill Gas One 14-inch excels in portability and heat retention, it does lack some of the larger cooking areas and advanced features found in higher-ranked models like the Charcoal Grill Royal Gourmet CC1830W, which offers an XXL cooking area and adjustable fire grates.
Pros
Compact and portable Efficient heat retention
Cons
Smaller cooking area compared to higher-ranked models Lacks advanced features like adjustable fire grates
Charcoal Grill HaSteeL
The Charcoal Grill HaSteeL ranks 7th on our list, offering a substantial 780 sq. in. cooking area that can serve 4-10 people. This grill includes a 460.5 sq. in. grilling area, a 170.8 sq. in. warming area, and a 148.8 sq. in. cooking area in the firebox chamber. The cooking grates are made of extra heavy stainless steel with a chrome-plated surface, ensuring they are easy to clean, food-safe, and rust-resistant.
Constructed from thick iron, this grill is both durable and stable, resisting wind and retaining heat effectively. Its black powder-coated surface further enhances its anti-rust and anti-corrosion properties, promising long-term service life. The grill also features two wheels for easy mobility, allowing you to change its location effortlessly.
The HaSteeL grill comes with a smoke chamber firmly attached to the main body, enabling the creation of a smoke-filled environment. This is perfect for smoke flavor enthusiasts who can add different wood chips in the firebox chamber. The chimney and side air vent can be adjusted to control airflow and release smoke effectively.
Temperature control is a breeze with the 3-level height adjustable charcoal pan, allowing you to adjust the distance between the burned coal and food. The top lid-mounted thermometer gauge provides instant temperature readings, so you can cook your food to perfection.
Convenience is key with this grill, offering 760 sq. in. of storage space across a front table, side table, and bottom shelf. The side table features six S-shaped hooks, ideal for hanging grilling utensils. The package also includes two large screwdrivers and a double-ended wrench for easy installation.
Compared to other grills, the HaSteeL model offers a larger cooking area and ample storage space, making it ideal for large BBQ parties. However, it is heavier and less portable than some other models like the Portable Barbecue Grill Gas One 14-inch.
Pros
Large cooking area Ample storage space
Cons
Heavier and less portable
Charcoal Grill HaSteeL 18 Inch
Ranked 8th in our list, the Charcoal Grill HaSteeL 18 Inch offers a unique 2-in-1 design that allows for both standing and sitting barbecuing. Its fire bowl and lid are made of 0.5mm thick iron steel with a glossy black enamel finish, ensuring heat and rust resistance. This grill features a 250 sq.in. cooking area, suitable for 3-6 people, making it perfect for small gatherings.
The grill’s two adjustable dampers provide better control of internal airflow and temperature, while the thickened legs enhance stability. The chrome-plated cooking grate is safe for direct contact with food and is supported by four rivet points to prevent tipping. Additionally, the ergonomic plastic handles ensure comfortable lifting.
Other convenient features include strong blowing wheels for easy mobility, a lid hook for handy hanging, and a slide-out ash tray for easy cleanup. The grill also comes with two stainless steel rack lifters and a bottom shelf for additional storage.
However, compared to other models on our list, this grill has a smaller cooking area and lacks some advanced features like integrated thermometers and multiple height-adjustable grates.
In summary, the Charcoal Grill HaSteeL 18 Inch is a versatile and portable option for small outdoor gatherings, but it may not meet the needs of those looking for more advanced grilling features.
Pros
Versatile 2-in-1 design Portable and easy to move
Cons
Smaller cooking area Lacks advanced features like integrated thermometers
Portable Charcoal Grill Papapacks
The Portable Charcoal Grill Papapacks, ranked 9th on our list, is a compact and lightweight grill that is ideal for those who love to grill on the go. With its 18-inch round design, this grill is small and easy to install, making it perfect for beach trips, farmhouses, and other outdoor locations.
One of the standout features of this grill is its stability, thanks to its four legs and durable material. The grill also comes with two handles and durable wheels, allowing for easy transportation from one place to another. Additionally, the one-touch cleaning system makes post-cooking cleanup a breeze.
The grill is made of high-quality steel, which makes it rust-resistant and sturdy. This makes it a more economical alternative to other high-end grills like Weber. However, it is important to note that the basic tools required for installation are not included in the packaging.
While the Portable Charcoal Grill Papapacks offers excellent portability and ease of use, it may not provide the same level of cooking performance as some of the higher-ranked grills on our list. The cooking surface is relatively small, which may not be ideal for larger gatherings.
In comparison to other products, this grill is more affordable and easier to transport, but it lacks some of the advanced features and larger cooking areas found in other models.
Pros
Affordable Easy to transport
Cons
Small cooking surface Basic tools not included for installation
Charcoal Grill HaSteeL 14 Inch
The HaSteeL Charcoal Grill 14 Inch offers a compact and portable grilling solution, ideal for small family gatherings or outdoor activities. Made of 0.8mm thick steel iron, the grill features a glossy black enamel coating that ensures great heat resistance up to 400°, wear-proof, and rust-free properties. The double ventilating system provides optimal temperature control, making it easy to adjust the airflow and charcoal burning.
Equipped with a 150 sq.in. cooking area, this grill is perfect for grilling various foods, including cheese burger patties, steaks, sausages, kabobs, and vegetables. The chrome-plated grill grate is safe for direct contact with food and is sturdy enough to handle multiple items without deformation. Additionally, the PP plastic handle protects users from scalding, and the 3.5-inch height keeps a safe distance from the heat source.
The lightweight structure and three secure lid locks make it easy to carry around, whether you're heading to the backyard, patio, camping, garden, picnic, park, beach, tailgating, or RV. The reinforced legs provide stability, ensuring the grill remains balanced on various surfaces.
However, compared to other grills in the same category, the HaSteeL 14 Inch may fall short in terms of cooking space and additional features. Its compact size limits the amount of food that can be grilled at once, making it less suitable for larger gatherings.
In comparison to other products reviewed, such as the Charcoal Grill Royal Gourmet CC1830W, which offers a more spacious cooking area and additional storage space, the HaSteeL 14 Inch is more suited for smaller, more intimate grilling sessions.
Pros
Compact and portable design Excellent heat resistance Easy to carry and stable on various surfaces
Cons
Limited cooking space Fewer additional features compared to larger models
What is the best type of Charcoal Grill to buy?
When selecting the best type of charcoal grill, consider the following factors:
- Grill Size: Choose a size that fits your cooking needs. Larger grills are suitable for big families or gatherings, while smaller grills are ideal for intimate settings.
- Material: Look for grills made of durable materials like stainless steel or cast iron, which offer longevity and better heat retention.
- Adjustable Vents: Ensure the grill has adjustable vents to control airflow and temperature effectively.
- Ease of Cleaning: Opt for grills with removable ash catchers and easy-to-clean grates to simplify maintenance.
- Portability: If you plan to move the grill frequently, consider portable options with wheels and lightweight designs.
- Price: Balance your budget with the features you need. Higher-end models offer more durability and advanced features.
How to find the right Charcoal Grill?
When selecting a charcoal grill, consider the following key factors to ensure you make the right choice:
- Size and Cooking Area: Determine the amount of cooking space you need based on how many people you typically cook for. Smaller grills are suitable for 2-4 people, while larger grills can accommodate bigger gatherings.
- Material and Build Quality: Look for grills made of durable materials like stainless steel or cast iron. High-quality materials ensure longevity and better heat retention.
- Ventilation and Temperature Control: Check for adjustable vents that allow you to control the airflow and maintain the desired cooking temperature. Good ventilation is crucial for effective grilling.
- Portability: If you plan to take your grill on the go, consider portable options with wheels or compact designs that are easy to transport.
- Accessories and Features: Look for additional features such as ash catchers, built-in thermometers, and side shelves. These can enhance your grilling experience and make maintenance easier.
- Price: Set a budget and compare different models within your price range. Remember that higher-priced grills often come with better features and build quality.