Charcoal grills are a classic backyard cooking appliance preferred by many grill masters. Using charcoal as fuel, these grills sear meat and veggies over high heat while infusing food with a delicious smoky flavor. Charcoal grills come in a range of styles from small portable models to large built-in grills. Key features include durable steel or cast iron construction, adjustable cooking grates, multiple vents for airflow and temperature control, ash catchers, and more. With proper technique, charcoal grills can create the trademark char lines and caramelization that make restaurant steaks so appetizing. Strategies like direct vs indirect cooking zones allow cooking a full meal at once. Investing in a high quality charcoal grill provides exceptional grilling performance to craft mouthwatering barbecue fare all summer long. With some fire starter and charcoal, charcoal grills offer an affordable and flavorful grilling solution for backyard chefs.
Our Top Picks For 2025
Royal Gourmet Barrel Charcoal Grill
The Royal Gourmet CC1830 barrel charcoal grill offers 627 square inches of cooking space across porcelain-enameled steel wire cooking grates and a chrome-plated warming rack. This versatile charcoal grill allows for direct and indirect grilling, smoking, and searing. Features include adjustable charcoal grates, temperature monitoring, and easy ash cleanup.
The Royal Gourmet CC1830 30-inch barrel charcoal grill is an excellent option for backyard barbecuing, patio parties, and outdoor cooking. This durable steel grill provides ample cooking space to handle meals for couples or larger gatherings.
Key Features and Benefits:
- 627 square inches of total cooking space across two levels
- Porcelain-enameled steel wire cooking grates are durable and easy to clean
- Chrome-plated warming rack for keeping food warm
- Adjustable charcoal tray accommodates direct or indirect grilling
- Lid-mounted temperature gauge for monitoring heat
- Side air vent for temperature control
- Removable ash pan makes cleanup simple
- Two fixed wheels and two casters allow easy mobility
- Side prep table provides added workspace
The Royal Gourmet CC1830 charcoal grill is an affordable, heavy-duty option for authentic barbecue flavor in your own backyard. Its versatile design allows for smoking, grilling, and searing while controlling heat and temperature.
Cuisinart Portable 14-Inch Charcoal Grill
The Cuisinart 14-Inch Portable Charcoal Grill is a lightweight, compact grill perfect for tailgating, camping, picnics, and more. This portable charcoal grill from Cuisinart features 196 sq. in. of cooking space and a dual venting system for temperature control.
The Cuisinart Portable 14-Inch Charcoal Grill is the perfect solution for on-the-go grilling. This lightweight, compact charcoal grill from Cuisinart provides 196 sq. in. of cooking space, enough room to grill for small gatherings. Key features of this portable grill include:
- 196-square-inch porcelain-enameled grate provides ample cooking surface.
- Compact 14-inch size and lightweight design make it easy to transport.
- Dual venting system gives you charcoal and temperature management.
- Three lid locks keep the lid secure for easy transport.
- Enamel-coated firebox is durable and easy to clean.
- Ash catcher allows for simple ash removal after grilling.
With its portable, go-anywhere design, the Cuisinart 14-Inch Portable Charcoal Grill is perfect for tailgating, camping, picnics, beach trips, and backyard barbecuing. Its versatile performance lets you grill anything from burgers to steaks wherever you go.
Royal Gourmet 24-Inch Charcoal Grill with Foldable Side Table
This 24-inch charcoal grill from Royal Gourmet provides 490 square inches of cooking space across porcelain-enameled steel wire cooking grates and a stainless steel warming rack. It features a height-adjustable charcoal pan, front charcoal access door, foldable side table, and removable ash tray.
The Royal Gourmet 24-Inch Charcoal Grill is a versatile backyard grill perfect for outdoor picnics, patio grilling, and backyard barbecues. This heavy-duty charcoal BBQ grill provides ample cooking space for gatherings with family and friends.
Key Features and Benefits:
- Spacious Cooking Area: 490 total square inches including 384 square inches of porcelain-enameled steel wire cooking grates and 106 square inches stainless steel warming rack.
- Height-Adjustable Charcoal Pan: Regulate temperature by raising or lowering the charcoal pan using the crank handle. Holds up to 4.5 lbs of charcoal.
- Convenient Charcoal Door: Front-access charcoal door with heat-resistant spring handle minimizes heat loss when adding charcoal.
- Air Circulation: Adjustable air damper controls airflow for efficient charcoal burning. Stack provides additional airflow.
- Extra Workspace: Foldable side table offers prep space for seasonings and tools. Bottom shelf provides storage.
With quality construction and versatile features, the Royal Gourmet 24-Inch Charcoal Grill is an excellent option for backyard barbecuing and outdoor cooking.
Megamaster Premium 18-Inch Portable Charcoal Grill
The Megamaster Premium 18-Inch Portable Charcoal Grill is a durable and versatile kettle grill perfect for backyard barbecues, camping, tailgating and more. With 245 sq. in. of cooking space, it can handle cooking for small to medium gatherings.
The Megamaster Premium 18-Inch Portable Charcoal Grill is a high-quality and affordable charcoal grill perfect for all your outdoor cooking needs. This versatile kettle grill features a heavy-duty steel construction with porcelain-enameled firebox that retains heat and prevents rusting. Ideal for backyard barbecues, camping, tailgating and more, it provides 245 sq. in. of cooking space to handle burgers, steaks, vegetables and more for small to medium gatherings.
Key Features and Benefits:
- Cooking Space: With 245 sq. in. of cooking space, you can grill up to 12 burgers at a time, making it great for backyard BBQs, camping meals, tailgating parties, and more.
- Portability: At just 22 x 22 x 35 inches and weighing only 16 lbs, this grill is lightweight and compact for easy transport and storage. Perfect for camping, tailgating, picnics, beach trips, and use in small patios.
- Temperature Control: The adjustable lid vent allows you to control airflow and temperature while porcelain-enameled bowl retains heat for optimal grilling.
- Easy to Clean: Features removable ash catcher for fast and simple cleanup, along with rust-resistant porcelain coating for durability and easy maintenance.
- Storage Rack: Comes with storage rack at bottom to keep grilling tools and accessories within reach.
Weber Original Kettle 22-Inch Charcoal Grill
The Weber Original Kettle 22-inch charcoal grill is a classic, kettle-shaped grill made by Weber. It provides precise heat control, superior heat retention, and easy cleanup.
The Weber Original Kettle 22-Inch Charcoal Grill is the classic backyard grill that started it all. This iconic charcoal grill has been a backyard staple for over 65 years. Weber’s kettle design provides superior heat retention and allows you to easily control the temperature. This durable and versatile grill can handle everything from searing steaks to smoking large cuts of meat.
Key Features and Benefits:
- Porcelain-enameled bowl and lid retain heat well and won’t rust or peel. Durable for high heat grilling.
- Hinged cooking grate allows easy addition of charcoal while grilling.
- Aluminum ash catcher simplifies cleanup.
- Dampers allow heat control by adjusting airflow.
- Heat shield on handle prevents burns.
- One-touch cleaning system sweeps ash into removable catcher.
- Rust-resistant aluminum ventilated bowl and lid.
- Wheels make the grill easy to move.
The Weber Original Kettle lives up to its legendary reputation. Its heat retention, temperature control, and classic kettle design make it the ideal charcoal grill for searing steaks, smoking meat low and slow, or anything in between. Weber grills are built to last, so you can enjoy delicious grilled food for years to come.
Royal Gourmet CC1830V 30 Barrel Charcoal Grill
Durable charcoal grill with 627 sq in cooking space. Features adjustable charcoal pan, lid-mounted temperature gauge, side air vents for heat control, and wheeled design for portability. Porcelain-enameled steel wire cooking grates retain heat and prevent food from sticking.
The Royal Gourmet CC1830V barrel charcoal grill provides ample cooking space for backyard BBQs and parties. This versatile charcoal grill features 443 sq in of main cooking space on porcelain-enameled steel wire cooking grates that retain heat evenly. An additional 184 sq in chrome-plated warming rack provides secondary cooking or warming space.
Key Features and Benefits:
- 627 total square inches cooking surface for grilling burgers, steaks, chicken, or vegetables for a crowd
- Durable steel construction with porcelain-enameled steel wire cooking grates
- Adjustable charcoal pan allows you to control heat by raising or lowering pan
- Lid-mounted temperature gauge lets you easily monitor internal temperature
- Side air vents give precise control over oxygen flow and heat
- Wheeled design and side handles allow you to easily move the grill
- Front and side tables provide prep space and hold grilling tools and plates
- Removable ash pan allows for quick and easy cleanup
The Royal Gourmet CC1830V charcoal grill is an excellent option for backyard BBQs, parties, or camping trips when you need to feed a crowd. Durable construction and ample cooking space make grilling for a group effortless.
Royal Gourmet CD2030AN 30-Inch Charcoal Grill
Spacious 764 square inch cooking area with porcelain enameled steel wire cooking grates. Height adjustable charcoal pan for temperature control. Front charcoal access door to tend fire without heat loss. Built-in thermometer and adjustable dampers for precise heat control. Side shelves, hooks, and bottom shelf for storage.
Enjoy delicious smoky barbecue flavor with the Royal Gourmet CD2030AN 30-inch charcoal grill. This versatile backyard grill is packed with features to help you cook mouthwatering steaks, burgers, chicken, ribs, vegetables, and more for your family and friends.
Key Features and Benefits:
- Cooking Area: Massive 764 square inch total cooking surface with 511 square inch primary cooking grate and 253 square inch warming rack to grill up meals for a crowd.
- Charcoal Pan: Innovative height adjustable charcoal pan with crank handle allows you to raise or lower the coals for direct or indirect grilling and temperature control.
- Charcoal Access: Front-facing door provides easy access to the charcoal chamber so you can tend the fire without lifting the lid and losing heat.
- Temperature Control: Built-in lid thermometer and adjustable dampers give you precise control over the internal temperature.
- Storage Space: Side shelves, hooks, and bottom shelf offer ample space to keep grilling tools and accessories organized and within reach.
The Royal Gourmet CD2030AN charcoal grill is expertly crafted with quality materials to provide exceptional grilling performance. Fire it up and enjoy delicious barbecue with family and friends in your backyard.
Mueller BBQ Buddy Portable Charcoal Grill
The Mueller BBQ Buddy is a lightweight, portable 14-inch charcoal grill perfect for tailgating, camping, picnics and small patio spaces. It features 150 sq. in. of cooking space, stainless steel construction, dual vents for temperature control, and an ash catcher for easy cleanup.
The Mueller BBQ Buddy Portable Charcoal Grill is the perfect grilling companion for barbecue lovers on the go. This compact 14-inch grill weighs only 4.4 lbs but still packs 150 sq. in. of cooking space, enough room for about 4-6 burgers. Ideal for tailgating, camping, picnics, RVs or small patios, the BBQ Buddy delivers authentic charcoal flavor wherever you need it.
Key Features:
- Lightweight and portable at only 4.4 lbs for easy transport and storage
- 150 sq. in. cooking surface fits up to 4-6 burgers
- Dome-shaped lid allows for convection-style cooking
- Dual adjustable vents provide precision temperature control
- Stainless steel construction for durability
- Ash catcher for safer grilling and easier cleanup
- Assembles quickly and folds down flat for compact storage
- Carry handle for easy transport
The Mueller BBQ Buddy brings charcoal grilling versatility for barbecue lovers on the go. Its thoughtful design allows you to enjoy that rich, smoky flavor anywhere your adventures take you.
Char-Broil Kettleman 22.5-inch Charcoal Grill
The Char-Broil Kettleman charcoal grill is a 22.5-inch porcelain-coated steel charcoal grill that uses TRU-Infrared technology for even heating and preventing flare-ups. It has 360 sq. in. of cooking space and features an adjustable charcoal grate, slide-out ash pan, and large temperature gauge.
The Char-Broil Kettleman 22.5-inch Charcoal Grill is an innovative charcoal grill that provides excellent cooking performance. This sturdy and durable grill features several useful design elements that enhance the grilling experience.
Key Features:
- TRU-Infrared Cooking System prevents flare-ups and delivers even heat for better cooking results. The special cooking grate spreads heat evenly across the grill.
- Porcelain-coated steel cooking grate is rust resistant and easy to clean. The grate retains heat well and provides 360 sq. in. of cooking space.
- Adjustable charcoal grate allows you to position the charcoal closer or farther from the food as desired.
- Large temperature gauge on lid makes it easy to monitor grill temperature.
- Slide-out ash pan simplifies cleanup by containing ashes neatly until you’re ready to dispose of them.
- Hinged lid with large damper provides easy access to food and allows good airflow control for temperature regulation.
With innovative TRU-Infrared technology and several convenient design features, the Char-Broil Kettleman 22.5-inch Charcoal Grill delivers excellent grilling performance and lasting durability. It’s a great option for your outdoor cooking needs.
Royal Gourmet CC1830S 30" Charcoal Grill and Smoker
The Royal Gourmet CC1830S is a versatile charcoal grill and smoker with 811 square inches of cooking space, including a 443 square inch porcelain-enameled cooking grate and 184 square inch offset smoker box. It allows you to grill and smoke at the same time.
The Royal Gourmet CC1830S 30″ Charcoal Grill and Smoker is the perfect choice for any grilling and smoking enthusiast. This dual-function grill provides ample cooking space to handle all your backyard BBQ needs.
Key Features:
- 811 total square inches of cooking space, including a 443 square inch main cooking grate and 184 square inch offset smoker box
- Offset smoker box allows you to grill and smoke at the same time
- Porcelain-enameled steel cooking grates retain heat and sear food beautifully
- Adjustable charcoal tray lets you control heat and temperature
- Large side shelves provide prep space and tool hooks
- Built-in thermometer on lid for monitoring cooking temp
- Durable steel construction with powder-coated finish
- Wheels for easy mobility around patio or yard
With generous cooking capacity and the ability to infuse food with delicious smoky flavor, the Royal Gourmet CC1830S Charcoal Grill and Smoker is the ultimate backyard BBQ companion.
