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10 Best Charcoal Grills 2025 in the United States

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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.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

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

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,100
Material and Build Quality
Ventilation and Temperature Control
Ease of Cleaning

Most important from
7120 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.

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.

The build quality is impressive, with a porcelain-enameled lid and bowl that retain heat effectively and resist rust and peeling. The grill is also designed for easy maintenance, thanks to the One-Touch cleaning system that includes a high-capacity ash catcher, simplifying the cleanup process after grilling.

Portability is decent, weighing in at 32.3 pounds; it's manageable to move around for outdoor use. The hinged cooking grate adds convenience by allowing you to add charcoal without lifting the entire grate, a thoughtful feature for uninterrupted grilling. There are a few drawbacks to consider. While the grill is sturdy, it requires some assembly, which might be a bit challenging for those unfamiliar with putting together products. Additionally, while it excels in many areas, it may not offer as many advanced features as some high-end models, which could limit options for serious grilling enthusiasts. The absence of extras like a side table or storage space might also be a concern for those who value additional cooking accessories.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,100
Material and Build Quality
Ventilation and Temperature Control
Ease of Cleaning

Most important from
7120 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

Weber Original Kettle 22-Inch Charcoal Grill

Rating
9.8
Size and Cooking Area
Material and Build Quality
Ventilation and Temperature Control

Most important from
9897 reviews

Size and Cooking Area
The 22-inch grill is easy to assemble and manipulate, even for those with mobility issues.
Material and Build Quality
The airtight nature of this grill allows for charcoal recycling, making it efficient and economical.
Ventilation and Temperature Control
The grill is highly adjustable, and easy to control heat levels with the upper and lower vent.
Portability
The lightweight design makes it easy to move around or take apart for camping trips.
Additional Features
The grill can be used as a very effective indirect heat smoker, adding versatility to its use.

The Weber Original Kettle 22-Inch Charcoal Grill is a classic choice for those who enjoy grilling with charcoal. It has a 22-inch diameter cooking area, which translates to 363 square inches of grilling space, enough to hold up to 13 burgers at once. This makes it suitable for small to medium gatherings. The grill's material and build quality are impressive, with a porcelain-enameled lid and bowl that retain heat well and resist rusting and peeling. The durable cooking grate also adds to its longevity.

One of its standout features is the One-Touch cleaning system, which makes ash cleanup quick and hassle-free, complemented by a removable aluminum ash catcher. Ventilation and temperature control are handled by adjustable dampers, allowing precise control over the grilling temperature, which is crucial for achieving the perfect cook. It also features a handy lid hook to keep the lid off the ground while grilling.

In terms of portability, the grill is relatively lightweight at 3.3 pounds, making it easy to move around your backyard or transport to another location. However, its size might make it a bit cumbersome for frequent transportation. Assembly is required, but the 3D interactive instructions available through the BILT app can help simplify the process. Additional features include a heat shield and a durable cooking grate, which enhance safety and extend the grill's lifespan. On the downside, this grill may not be ideal for those who need a very large cooking area or who prefer the convenience of gas or electric grills. Additionally, while it is easy to clean, the assembly might be intimidating for some users. Nevertheless, for traditional charcoal grill enthusiasts, the Weber Original Kettle 22-Inch offers a reliable and enjoyable grilling experience.

Rating
9.8
Size and Cooking Area
Material and Build Quality
Ventilation and Temperature Control

Most important from
9897 reviews

Size and Cooking Area
The 22-inch grill is easy to assemble and manipulate, even for those with mobility issues.
Material and Build Quality
The airtight nature of this grill allows for charcoal recycling, making it efficient and economical.
Ventilation and Temperature Control
The grill is highly adjustable, and easy to control heat levels with the upper and lower vent.
Portability
The lightweight design makes it easy to move around or take apart for camping trips.
Additional Features
The grill can be used as a very effective indirect heat smoker, adding versatility to its use.
#3

Weber The Ranch Charcoal Kettle Grill

Rating
9.6
Size and Cooking Area
Material and Build Quality
Ventilation and Temperature Control

Most important from
95 reviews

Size and Cooking Area
Its large size offers ample cooking space, making it possible to grill vast amounts of food with ease.
Material and Build Quality
The grill maintains outstanding quality, continuing a legacy of durability and performance over decades.
Ventilation and Temperature Control
Built-in lid thermometer and adjustable vents give precise control over cooking temperatures for better results.
Portability
While heavy and less portable, the grill excels as a backyard staple for casual to intermediate grillers seeking robust construction and reliable heat control.
Ease of Cleaning
A removable ash catcher makes cleanup straightforward by collecting debris in one place for easy disposal.
Additional Features
The hinged stainless steel grate simplifies adding charcoal mid-cook without disrupting the grilling process.

The Weber The Ranch Charcoal Kettle Grill is a solid choice for outdoor cooking thanks to its sturdy steel body coated with porcelain enamel, which helps keep heat in and protects the grill from rust. Its size offers a decent cooking area with one hinged stainless steel grate that makes adding charcoal mid-grill easy without removing the whole grate. The built-in lid thermometer lets you monitor the internal temperature, aiding precise heat control for better cooking results. Ventilation is managed through the standard adjustable vents, allowing you to regulate airflow and temperature effectively.

Portability is somewhat limited due to its weight (over 130 pounds), so it’s better suited for a fixed spot in your backyard rather than frequent moving. Cleaning is simplified by a removable ash catcher that collects debris for easy disposal. Practical features like the tuck-away lid holder keep the lid off the ground when you need both hands free, and tool hooks help keep utensils organized and close by.

Assembly is required and might take some time. While the single cooking grate and rack are functional, there’s limited space if you want to grill large meals or multiple items at once. This grill is best suited for casual to intermediate grillers who value durable build and good heat control but don’t need high portability or extra cooking racks.

Rating
9.6
Size and Cooking Area
Material and Build Quality
Ventilation and Temperature Control

Most important from
95 reviews

Size and Cooking Area
Its large size offers ample cooking space, making it possible to grill vast amounts of food with ease.
Material and Build Quality
The grill maintains outstanding quality, continuing a legacy of durability and performance over decades.
Ventilation and Temperature Control
Built-in lid thermometer and adjustable vents give precise control over cooking temperatures for better results.
Portability
While heavy and less portable, the grill excels as a backyard staple for casual to intermediate grillers seeking robust construction and reliable heat control.
Ease of Cleaning
A removable ash catcher makes cleanup straightforward by collecting debris in one place for easy disposal.
Additional Features
The hinged stainless steel grate simplifies adding charcoal mid-cook without disrupting the grilling process.

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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