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10 Best Charcoal Grills 2026 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 The Ranch Charcoal Kettle Grill

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,148
Size and Cooking Area
Material and Build Quality
Ventilation and Temperature Control

Most important from
99 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
10.0
Chosen by1,148
Size and Cooking Area
Material and Build Quality
Ventilation and Temperature Control

Most important from
99 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.
#2

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

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

Most important from
76 reviews

Size and Cooking Area
The expansive cooking area perfectly accommodates large family meals and varied dishes all at once.
Material and Build Quality
The grill impresses with heavy-duty construction and superior quality parts that feel built to last.
Ventilation and Temperature Control
The smoker performs well, though adding seals and latches (sold separately) would enhance heat retention and convenience.
Additional Features
Combining charcoal, gas, and offset smoking in one unit offers unmatched versatility for every cooking style.

The Oklahoma Joe's Canyon Combo is a versatile charcoal and gas smoker-grill combo designed for BBQ lovers who want both smoking and grilling options in one unit. It offers a large cooking area with 750 square inches on the main grill and an extra 281 square inches on the firebox, enough to handle big meals like multiple pork shoulders and a dozen burgers at once. The build feels solid with painted steel inside and stainless steel outside, which should hold up well over time but also means the grill is quite heavy at 196 pounds, making it less ideal if you need to move it often. However, it does have two big rubber-treaded wheels that help with mobility across different surfaces.

Temperature control is strong here thanks to adjustable dampers on both the firebox and smokestack, allowing precise heat and smoke management for consistent cooking results. The 3-burner gas grill heats quickly and maintains steady heat, offering a convenient alternative to charcoal when you want faster cooking. Clean-up is easier with a removable ash pan that collects charcoal residue without a mess. Extra touches like tool hooks, multiple shelves, and cool-touch handles add convenience during cooking. The combo requires separate purchase of wood chunks for smoking and a propane tank for the gas grill, which are worth remembering.

It comes with a 2-year parts warranty and has a decent customer rating of 4.2 out of 5. For those looking for a robust, dual-fuel smoker and grill with lots of space and good heat control who do not mind its weight, this unit can be a great choice. If portability is a top priority or a lighter model is preferred, exploring smaller or simpler alternatives might be advisable.

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

Most important from
76 reviews

Size and Cooking Area
The expansive cooking area perfectly accommodates large family meals and varied dishes all at once.
Material and Build Quality
The grill impresses with heavy-duty construction and superior quality parts that feel built to last.
Ventilation and Temperature Control
The smoker performs well, though adding seals and latches (sold separately) would enhance heat retention and convenience.
Additional Features
Combining charcoal, gas, and offset smoking in one unit offers unmatched versatility for every cooking style.
#3

Weber Master-Touch Charcoal Grill, Deep Ocean Blue

Rating
8.5
Size and Cooking Area
Material and Build Quality
Ventilation and Temperature Control

Most important from
4077 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.

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.

Ventilation and temperature control are handled through the design but might take some practice to master since it has a single-barrel configuration. Portability is moderate; while it's not ultra-lightweight, it has a tuck-away lid holder to keep the lid off the ground while grilling and tool hooks for convenience. The one-touch cleaning system simplifies ash removal, making post-cook cleanup less of a hassle. However, assembly is required, which may need some patience if you’re not used to putting grills together. The grill’s size is good but might feel a bit bulky for very small outdoor spaces or for frequent transport.

This grill balances quality, useful features, and ease of use, making it a great pick if you want reliable performance and some thoughtful extras without complicated tech.

Rating
8.5
Size and Cooking Area
Material and Build Quality
Ventilation and Temperature Control

Most important from
4077 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.

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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