From the aroma of freshly-lit coals to epic family get-togethers, nothing says summer’s finally here more than a good old fashioned BBQ.
In grilling circles, there’s a long-standing, heated debate about which is better: charcoal or gas grills. Both have their pros and cons, but if you’re looking for a more affordable grill that produces hotter temperatures and an authentic smoked flavor—welcome to Team Charcoal.
This year, we’re all fired up about these 9 top picks:
The Best Charcoal Grills to Buy in 2023
1. Weber Original Kettle Charcoal Grill
Fueling generations of grillers since 1952, the Weber Original is a classic choice that consistently upholds its outstanding reputation in the grilling game.
The secret to its success is in its circular shape, which creates a convection heating system that grills with direct heat as well as smokes meat and vegetables to perfection. Its tripod design (one standing leg and two wheels) is another plus that offers lightweight portability.
Features we like:
- Easy to clean removable ash catcher
- Aluminum dampers help control the temperature inside the grill
- Durable plated steel cooking grates
- Sturdy wheels for easy portability
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2. Char-Broil TRU-Infrared Kettleman Charcoal Grill
The Char-Broil TRU-Infrared’s hinged lid props open (making flipping burgers less of a hassle) and saves time as you easily organize food across 360-square-inch of cooking space.
Another characteristic that sets this Char-Broil apart from other kettle grills is the infrared, porcelain-coated, rust-resistant, cooking grate (no food falls through!). It provides advanced temperature control, prevents flare-ups, and cooks food more evenly across the grill top.
Features we like:
- Large, adjustable heat vent
- Slide-in, removable ash bowl for easy cleanup
- Construction that does more with less charcoal
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3. Weber Go-Anywhere Charcoal Grill
Take the flavor of charcoal-grilled foods wherever you go with the Weber Go-Anywhere Grill. This space-saving, portable grill cooks a lot of food in a small area quickly and then folds up nicely (with a locking lid) for a safe trip home.
It’s compact enough to toss in the trunk or backseat of your car, yet large enough for indirect cooking—grilling six burgers, 6 to 8 chicken pieces, or two large Porterhouse steaks at once. Note: This grill does not come with an ash pan, but it’s small and light enough that you can turn it over and dump out the ashes with no trouble.
Features we like:
- Two 3-hole vent dampers for easy temperature control
- Easy set up that holds and circulates heat well
- Quick cool down, plus a cool-grip lid for transport
You can choose free store pickup or home delivery on this grill and get 3% cash back at Lowe’s when you shop through Giving Assistant.
4. Kamado Joe Classic II Charcoal Grill
The egg-shaped Kamado Joe Charcoal Grill takes inspiration from Japanese tradition—it’s ceramic and features thicker walls that retain heat more efficiently.
Not only does this 18-inch model have a distinct red look, but it can run low and slow for hours, locking in moisture and smoke at any temperature as well as sear at high heat levels (juicy steaks, anyone?). You can also expand your BBQ horizons with Kamado Joe accessories, such as a reversible griddle, a pizza tray, or a rotisserie spit that spins up to 50 pounds of chicken, prime rib, and more.
Features we like:
- A 254-square-inch surface that cooks up to 12 fillets or chicken breasts at once
- The Divide & Conquer multilevel cooking arrangement that doubles cooking space
- A rust-proof aluminum top vent for precise airflow maintenance
- Premium cart-style design with locking casters and wheels
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5. Dyna-Glo Dual Chamber Premium Charcoal Grill
We consider the Dyna-Glo Dual Chamber Charcoal Grill as one of the best charcoal grills for entertaining because it cooks different foods at varying degrees of heat at the same time.
Two adjustable charcoal trays and a removable steel firebox divider provide maximum flexibility and separate temperature control. You can modify the grill’s cooking space according to the amount (and type) of food and the total number of people.
Features we like:
- Two easy-access front doors for adding or maneuvering hot coals
- Two side shelves and a bottom rack for storage
- A high-capacity ash drawer with pull-out tray
- A built-in, bottle opener
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6. KitchenAid Cart-Style Charcoal Grill
Got a big family? This KitchenAid Charcoal Grill is a real crowd-pleaser. A height-adjustable charcoal tray enhances temperature control (three different levels!), while the heavy-duty, porcelain-coated cast-iron grates handle all of your grilling needs.
There is more than enough room (850 square inches worth) that you can fill up with hot dogs, chicken wings, Italian sausage, and salmon steaks. This grill’s warming rack keeps buns toasty and seals in the heat of finished food, which gives you more time to perfect your side dishes (and gather everyone for mealtime).
Features we like:
- Two, foldable side shelves
- Built-in heat gauge
- Bottom rack for extra storage
- Slide-out, quick-cleaning, ash drawer
Get free store pickup or scheduled delivery on this grill and earn 2% cash back at The Home Depot when you shop with Giving Assistant.
7. Char-Griller Pro Deluxe Black Barrel Charcoal Grill
Although you need more coal to build an adequate fire, you can cover more territory in a barrel grill (like this Char-Griller Pro Deluxe Charcoal Grill) than with kettle or Kamado grills.
The Pro Deluxe offers a cart-style design that’s a bestseller among grillmasters who’ve come to appreciate its versatility. This model comes with cast-iron cooking grates, a side vent, and smoke stack for optimal temperature control.
Features we like:
- 850 square inches of grill surface
- Front condiment basket
- Side shelf for storage
- Easy dump ash pan
- Warming rack
Enjoy free store pickup or ground shipping for an additional fee, and find the best Menards coupon codes when you shop with Giving Assistant.
8. Icon Tabletop Charcoal Grill with Smoker
Bring a colorful cooking experience to the table (literally) with this 13-inch tabletop grill, which comes in vibrant shades of teal, orange, and red. Grill, smoke, sear, and bake all-year-round thanks to the thick, insulated ceramic walls of this Kamado-style grill. This is the only Kamado grill that offers interchangeable dual fuel capabilities; you can even go electric with a compatible slide-in electric insert (sold separately).
Features we like:
- 2-tier stainless steel cooking grates
- Lava stone for indirect cooking/smoking
- Color-coded heat zone controls
- Removable ash catcher for easy cleaning
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9. Oklahoma Joe’s Longhorn Combo Charcoal/Gas Smoker & Grill
When you absolutely cannot decide between lump coal and propane, let Oklahoma Joe’s Longhorn Combo Smoker Grill satisfy your grilling aspirations by offering the best of both worlds: separate charcoal and gas cooking chambers.
With this model, you can achieve high-capacity smoking, grill your favorite barbeque foods, and still have room to simmer a pot of hickory BBQ sauce on the side!
Features we like:
- Ample cooking space: 750 square inches (primary) and 310 square inches (secondary)
- Three separate burners in gas grill chamber (each with 12,000 BTUs)
- Easy-to-clean firebox door with air damper
- Large, wagon-style wheels for enhanced mobility
- Bottom, metal storage shelf
You can verify grill and shipping availability by entering your zip code on the product page. Earn 3% cash back at Tractor Supply Co. when you shop through Giving Assistant.
How Your New Charcoal Grill Can Help Nonprofits Fight Hunger
A new charcoal grill not only preps you for prime grilling holidays, like Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day but also helps you support your favorite charitable organizations.
You can also give back to a nonprofit that works to relieve food insecurity, like:
With Giving Assistant, it’s easier to donate to nonprofits and uplift the causes that you support. Learn more about how to use the Giving Assistant Button to locate the best summer deals (and find sales year-round) that earn you cash back you can effortlessly share with nonprofits.
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