Few smells are as sweet as the scent of a succulent steak simmering on the grill on a late summer afternoon. Whether you’re a self-proclaimed grillmaster or someone who’s looking to up their grill game, having the right grill can make all the difference between a mediocre meal and an excellent one. And when it comes to getting the perfect flavor, there’s no better medium than charcoal.
Sure, charcoal grills might be a little more work to clean and maintain, but most experts will tell you that they’re truly worth it. From budget options to high-powered models and more, we’ve rounded up our six favorite charcoal grills on Amazon.
1. Weber Original Kettle Premium 26 Inch Charcoal Grill
BEST OVERALL
Easily the best bang for your buck, the Weber 26-inch charcoal grill comes with more than enough space to hold 19 burgers at once. And unlike other charcoal grills, where cleaning is a serious chore, the Weber utilizes a smart one-touch cleaning system and comes with a handy ash catcher so you don’t have to spend minutes (or hours) making it sparkle once you’re done. The premium stainless steel-hinged cooking grate makes it easy to add your charcoal, and it even comes with a built-in thermometer so you can keep an eye on the temp without having to risk opening the grill half-way through.
2. Weber 15501001 Performer Deluxe Charcoal Grill
BEST VALUE
This powerhouse grill is able to cook up to 13 burgers at once. With simple one-touch ignition controls, built-in lid thermometer, high-temperature frame and a mounted timer, it’s got everything you need to get your grill on in no time. And with extra storage space and its own handy charcoal storage container, it’s basically an all-in-one grill station where you can prep, cook and clean your meats all at once. Mix that with the smart precision heat control system and you got a powerful grill that’s sure to please.
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3. Royal Gourmet BBQ Charcoal Grill and Offset Smoker
GREAT FOR LARGE COOKOUTS
This gorgeous grill sports a classic look and works as both a traditional charcoal grill and an offset smoker for when you have large(r) gatherings. With a grill area of 30 inches, it offers more than enough room to handle burgers, steaks, dogs and basically any and everything you deem fit to eat. With two adjustable heat dampers to help you control the temperature and various fire pan levels, you can choose to opt for a faster grilling experience or let your meats simmer for a while. The removable ash pan also makes cleanup a breeze.
4. Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill, 22-Inch
MOST PORTABLE
Basically the first grill but a lot smaller, the 22-inch Weber model can hold up to 13 burgers and comes with the same great one-touch cleanup design for stress-free cleaning. The cooking grate is hinged for easy charcoal access, and the precision temperature controls make it easy for you to keep an eye on your meats. The porcelain-enameled lid and bowl are designed to withstand both rust and everyday wear, and the durable wheels make it a great option for any occasion.
5. Kamado Joe KJ23RH Classic Joe Grill
BEST SPLURGE
This classic red grill gets high marks in nearly every review, and considering just how robust and well-built this bad boy is, it makes sense. The Kamado Joe features a flexible cooking system with built-in side shelves and gorgeous stainless steel grates. It also comes standard with a super convenient sliding ash drawer and sports an impressive 225 to 750-degree cooking range. In other words, it can withstand some serious heat. At roughly 190 pounds, it’s definitely not a lightweight, but if you’re an experienced grill master looking for a grill that’s able to meet all your grilling needs, the Kamado Joe is a top choice.
6. Portable Charcoal Grill for Outdoor Grilling
MOST PORTABLE
This lightweight charcoal grill may not offer the same cooking power as the other models, but it’s a great budget option that’s just begging to be packed up and taken for a ride. Great for everyday cookouts, bringing to a friend’s place or taking on the road for camping trips, this grill’s 18-inch cooking frame offers plenty of room for some burgers, and built-in heat control vents help regulate the temperature so you don’t have to worry about it getting too stuffy. And at under 20 pounds, it’s incredibly portable.