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10 Best Charcoal Grills 2026 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0 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 who enjoys outdoor grilling with charcoal. It offers a decent cooking area that can hold up to 13 burgers at once, making it suitable for small to medium gatherings. The grill is built with durable porcelain-coated steel, which helps it resist rust and retain heat well, ensuring even cooking. One of its stand-out features is the hinged cooking grate compatible with Weber's Gourmet BBQ System, allowing you to easily add charcoal mid-cook without removing the grate. It also includes a built-in lid thermometer, which helps you monitor temperature without lifting the lid and losing heat.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,247
Size and Cooking Area
Material and Build Quality
Ventilation and Temperature Control

Most important from
4086 reviews

Size and Cooking Area
The grill offers a spacious cooking area with practical charcoal rails and adjustable charcoal trays that enhance heat management and versatility.
Material and Build Quality
Durable porcelain-coated steel finish maintains a pristine look even after extensive use, ensuring long-lasting quality.
Ventilation and Temperature Control
Built-in lid thermometer and vents provide precise temperature control and smoke circulation, improving cooking accuracy and flavor.
Ease of Cleaning
The one-touch ash cleaning system simplifies cleanup, making post-grill maintenance quick and hassle-free.
Additional Features
The hinged cooking grate and flip-open design make adding charcoal or wood chips mid-cook effortless and convenient.
#2
9.7 score

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

The Weber Original Kettle Premium is a 22-inch charcoal grill that offers a generous cooking area suitable for about 13 burgers at once, making it a good choice for family gatherings or small parties. Its build quality is impressive, with a porcelain-enameled lid and bowl that resist rust and hold heat well, helping your food cook evenly and retain flavor. The grill’s steel cooking grate is strong and built to last, while the glass-reinforced nylon handles stay cool and sturdy even with frequent use.

Rating
9.7
Material and Build Quality
Ventilation and Temperature Control
Portability

Most important from
12653 reviews

Material and Build Quality
Its sturdy build and porcelain-enameled finish promise long-lasting durability, with many users noting this grill lasts for decades.
Ventilation and Temperature Control
Temperature control is intuitive via easily adjustable top and bottom vents, helping achieve consistent heat and great flavor.
Portability
Portability is decent with all-weather wheels and a manageable weight, making it easy to move around your outdoor space.
Ease of Cleaning
The ash catcher system significantly simplifies cleanup, letting you spend more time grilling and less time maintaining.
Additional Features
Convenient features like built-in tool hooks and a lid hook add practical value to everyday grilling.
#3
9.4 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 is a standout option in the charcoal grill category, particularly for those who enjoy versatility and high-quality cooking experiences. One of its key strengths is the generous cooking area of 450 square inches, enhanced by the exclusive divide & conquer flexible cooking system. This allows for multilevel cooking, enabling users to prepare different foods simultaneously, which is ideal for gatherings or family meals. The air lift hinge is another excellent feature, making it effortless to lift the grill dome, providing comfort while grilling.

Rating
9.4
Size and Cooking Area
Material and Build Quality
Additional Features

Most important from
359 reviews

Size and Cooking Area
The Kamado Joe Big Joe Series II is massive, far larger than expected from photos, and handles a variety of foods exceptionally well, from pulled pork to pizza.
Material and Build Quality
This grill is a significant investment but offers excellent durability and longevity, making it worth the higher price compared to other models.
Additional Features
Pairing the Big Joe with a Joe Jr creates a perfect setup, enhancing the overall grilling experience with versatility and convenience.

Top 10 Best Charcoal Grills 2026 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0  score

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 Temperature Control: Single-barrel, built-in lid thermometer
Portability: Moderate, tuck-away lid holder, hooks
Ease of Cleaning: One-Touch Cleaning System
Additional Features: Gourmet BBQ grate, heat retention, rack

Chosen by 1247 this week

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, steel grate, alloy steel
Ventilation and Temperature Control: Aluminum damper, built-in lid thermometer
Portability: All-weather wheels, 32.3 pounds
Ease of Cleaning: One-touch cleaning, removable ash catcher
Additional Features: Tool hooks, angled lid hook

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

Size and Cooking Area: 750 sq in grill, 281 sq in firebox
Material and Build Quality: Painted steel inside, stainless steel outside
Ventilation and Temperature Control: Adjustable dampers, 3-burner gas grill
Portability: 196 lbs, two rubber-tread wheels
Ease of Cleaning: Removable ash pan
Additional Features: Tool hooks, shelves, cool-touch handles, warranty

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 Original Kettle Charcoal Grill for Outdoor Cooking and Barbecue, 22-Inch, Black

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

Kamado Joe Konnected Joe 18 in. Digital Charcoal Grill and Smoker with Auto-Ignition and Wi-Fi Temperature Control KJ15041123

Size and Cooking Area: 18-inch, 250 sq. in.
Material and Build Quality: ceramic exterior
Ventilation and Temperature Control: Digital Kontrol Board, AFS
Portability: 175 pounds, limited portability
Additional Features: Air Lift Hinge

Royal Gourmet CC1830S BBQ Charcoal Grill and Offset Smoker | 823 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

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
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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.

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