You have complete power over the cooking process when using a charcoal barbecue, so you can consistently produce mouthwatering dishes.
To obtain the ideal cooking temperature, use as many coals as you wish and distribute them over the grill to create distinct cooking areas. If you want a scorched surface, cook directly over the embers; if you want a more delicate cooking method and a smokey flavor, transfer the dish to a cooler place.
Cooking may need a refueling of the coals, so keep a close check on them. Also, don’t forget to thoroughly clean your grill before putting it away.
Locking wheels and large handles, as well as strong construction, make our suggested options safe and simple to clean; they’re also designed to help manage temperature. Based on our research, these are the best charcoal grills you can purchase in 2023:
Best Overall Charcoal Grill: Weber
Weber is well-known for its gas and charcoal barbecues. The Original Kettle, which we highly suggest, is somewhat better than this type. It is the ash collector that makes the most difference.
This premium edition comes with a closed container, in contrast to the standard version, which just includes an open plate. It is, however, possible to remove the ash from the bottom of a kettle with only one touch. (Ashes fall from a grate onto the coals below.)
The premium grill’s cooking grate includes two movable sides that make it possible to add extra coal without having to raise the whole piece.
Tool holders are included into the lid’s side handles as well as a second layer of heat protection under the lid’s handle. Additionally, Weber has cart-style charcoal barbecues with additional shelves, premium models with propane ignition, and compact, portable charcoal grills that you can carry with you.
What we like:
- Design with a timeless feel
- ash receptacle enclosed, easy-to-clean design
- It is possible to add more coal to a grill without taking out its grate.
What we don’t like:
- A little bottom shelf for storing things
Best Charcoal Grill And Smoker: Masterbuilt Gravity Series 560 Digital Charcoal Grill + Smoker
Masterbuilt is famous for their smokers, which come in a variety of different electric and propane types. We now have a digital charcoal grill and smoker all in one with the Gravity Series 560. Charcoal should be loaded into the hopper at a rate of one hour per hour of cooking time, and a fan should be used to draw hot air into the grill.
In addition, wood chips can be used for the smoking process. A computerized temperature screen allows the grill to achieve temperatures ranging from 225 degrees Fahrenheit, which are ideal for low and slow smoking, to 700 degrees Fahrenheit, which are optimal for searing.
Cast iron grates on both sides of the grill make it possible to smoke food in addition to cooking it. In addition to this, it has a meat temperature sensor that can be linked to an app. This allows you to monitor the heat from a distance and make adjustments as required.
What we like:
- The ability to adapt to a variety of situations (grills and smokes)
- Temperature is easily managd and monitored.
What we don’t like:
- Covered and dry storage is necessary.
- Large footprint
Best Tabletop Charcoal Grill: Oklahoma Joe’s Rambler Tabletop Charcoal Grill
In the event that you currently own a gas grill but miss the flavor of charcoal, this grill is the answer. It’s also suitable for compact places or the occasional griller. Oklahoma Joe’s Rambler has two broad handles, which make it simple to carry about.
Additionally, Joe’s Rambler has a compact footprint, yet it is still quite strong. It comes with a tool that may be used to raise the hot grates while you are cooking, allowing you to add more coal as required. In addition to it, there is a charcoal tray that can be adjusted and is easily accessed during cooking.
During our evaluations, this grill was successful in producing good grill marks on chicken and in keeping the temperature stable. After cooking, the mess was simple to wipe up as well.
You can find more Oklahoma Joe’s products here at Oklahoma Joe’s Reverse Smokers Complete Reviews For BBQ Lovers.
What we like:
- Compact
- Moving it around is made simple by the inclusion of side handles.
- A well-thought-out design
What we don’t like:
- The domed design and large front handle make it difficult to transport.
Best Charcoal Grill For Camping: Biolite Outdoor Smokeless Firepit+ And Grill
This fire pit serves as a charcoal BBQ. You may start a bonfire with it by adding wood, or you can use it to cook food by adding charcoal.
Also, it comes with two metal grates, one of which is used to retain the wood or charcoal, and the other of which may be put onto the top to be used for cooking.
Because the body is perforated, you can see what’s going on within the grill, and it gives off the appearance of floating flames.
The amount of the flames is controlled by a fan that is powered by a rechargeable battery pack that is attached to the side of the device. More air equals more fire.
The fan is also meant to assist decrease the smoke that generally accompanies with fire pits. You have the option of controlling the power pack either directly from the device itself or via an app.
An additional USB port may power other devices such as outside string lights or even charge your cell phone. When fully charged, the air flow system can operate for up to five hours on the highest setting, or for up to 24 hours on the lowest setting.
What we like:
- An excellent fire pit that doubles as a dining table.
- Fire level may be adjusted using the fan speed on the device or on the phone.
What we don’t like:
- Changes color when it gets hot.
Buying Guides To Choose Best Charcoal Grills
Shape
It’s common to see round charcoal grills. Because of its design, the coals are more likely to be placed in the middle of the bottom of the grate, creating indirect cooking surfaces all the way around the perimeter. There are also charcoal grills that are rectangular in shape. They enable for the creation of more distinct cooking zones, which makes them more comparable to a gas grill, which is something that some people may be more acquainted with.
Size
Charcoal grills differ in size from tiny portable versions to bulkier tabletop units and enormous ones meant to serve a crowd. Although smaller grills are simpler to maintain, larger grills are better when it comes to simultaneously cooking larger amounts of food. The majority of smaller grills can accommodate one to four people and are ideal for the occasional griller, whilst the typical kettle size of 22 inches is well suited for families that grill on a regular basis.
Remarkable Features
When conducting our tests on charcoal barbecues, we check for specific characteristics like as storage shelves, tool holders, and big handles. One of the features that we find most useful is an adjustable charcoal tray. This feature enables you to more easily manage the temperature of the grates as well as the proximity of the coals to the food that you are cooking. Even while they often come at a greater cost, these kinds of minute improvements may make even the most mundane tasks more delightful.
Flexibility
There is no need to go out and get anything extravagant if all you plan on doing is using a charcoal barbecue to prepare a supper every once in a while. For a small gathering, a basic model with ample cooking space will suffice. Consider purchasing a more insulated brand of charcoal grill if you want to be able to use it for smoking. This type of grill can keep the temperature more consistently for a longer period of time.
