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10 Best Charcoal Grills 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0 score

Weber The Ranch Charcoal Kettle Grill

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.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,449
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
8.8 score

Kamado Joe Big Joe Series III 24-inch Ceramic Charcoal Grill and Smoker with Premium Cart, SloRoller Insert and 450 Cooking Square Inches in Red, Model KJ15041021

The Kamado Joe Big Joe Series III is a large and sturdy ceramic charcoal grill offering a generous 450 square inches of cooking area, suitable for anyone who wants to cook for a crowd or experiment with multiple foods at once. Its ceramic build ensures excellent heat retention and durability, though the grill is quite heavy at 445 pounds, which limits portability despite the included rolling cart with locking wheels. One standout feature is the SlōRoller insert, which uses advanced airflow science to distribute smoke and heat evenly, enhancing flavor while reducing hot spots—a big plus for smoking enthusiasts.

Rating
8.8
Size and Cooking Area
Material and Build Quality
Ventilation and Temperature Control

Most important from
359 reviews

Size and Cooking Area
The grill's massive size offers ample cooking space perfect for feeding a crowd or managing multiple dishes simultaneously.
Material and Build Quality
Its heavy ceramic construction ensures durability but demands careful handling and professional assembly due to significant weight.
Ventilation and Temperature Control
Exceptional heat retention and precise temperature control make it feel like cooking in an oven, maintaining steady temps for hours.
Portability
The included rolling cart with locking wheels helps mobility, but the grill remains cumbersome to move because of its size and weight.
Additional Features
The charcoal flavor is unbeatable, delivering superior taste compared to propane grills despite the extra effort required.
#3
8.5 score

Weber Performer Deluxe Charcoal Grill and BBQ, 22-Inch, Touch-No-Go Gas Ignition, Black

The Weber Performer Deluxe Charcoal Grill stands out with its 22-inch diameter cooking area, providing a sizable 363 square inch cooking surface, ideal for medium to large gatherings. The material and build quality are top-notch, featuring a porcelain-enameled bowl and lid that ensure durability and rust resistance. This grill also includes an aluminized steel One-Touch cleaning system with a high-capacity ash catcher, making post-cookout cleanup straightforward and hassle-free.

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

Most important from
1311 reviews

Size and Cooking Area
The huge work surface is a favorite feature, providing plenty of room for plates and prep work right next to the grill.
Material and Build Quality
The grill's build quality is exceptional, with a sturdy, textured painted metal work surface and a stable design that feels solid as a rock.
Ventilation and Temperature Control
The grill holds temperature well, with vents that help control the heat effectively.
Ease of Cleaning
The ash pan is a must-have feature, especially in windy conditions, preventing embers and ashes from blowing around.
Additional Features
Push-button lighting for charcoal is a game-changer, eliminating the need for lighter fluid or matches and reducing startup time.

Top 10 Best Charcoal Grills 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0  score

Weber The Ranch Charcoal Kettle Grill

Size and Cooking Area: 44.75"D x 37.75"W x 42"H, steel grate
Material and Build Quality: Steel body, porcelain enamel, stainless grate
Ventilation and Temperature Control: Adjustable vents, lid thermometer, heat control
Portability: 134.5 pounds, limited portability
Ease of Cleaning: Removable ash catcher
Additional Features: Fuel grate, lid holder, tool hooks

Chosen by 1449 this week

Kamado Joe Big Joe Series III 24-inch Ceramic Charcoal Grill and Smoker with Premium Cart, SloRoller Insert and 450 Cooking Square Inches in Red, Model KJ15041021

Size and Cooking Area: 450 sq in; 18"D x 18.11"W x 54"H
Material and Build Quality: Ceramic, Stainless Steel, Painted finish
Ventilation and Temperature Control: Adjustable vents; 225°F to 750°F range
Portability: Rolling cart with locking wheels; 445 lbs
Additional Features: SlōRoller; 3-tier Divide & Conquer; hinge

Weber Performer Deluxe Charcoal Grill and BBQ, 22-Inch, Touch-No-Go Gas Ignition, Black

Size and Cooking Area: 22-inch diameter, 363 sq inch surface
Material and Build Quality: Porcelain-enameled, Aluminum, Alloy Steel
Ventilation and Temperature Control: Lid thermometer, adjustable dampers
Portability: 91 pounds, bulky and heavy
Ease of Cleaning: One-Touch system, high-capacity ash catcher
Additional Features: Touch-N-Go ignition, LCD timer, tool hooks

Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill for Outdoor Cooking and Barbecue, 22-Inch, Copper

Size and Cooking Area: 22-Inch, 363 Sq Inches
Material and Build Quality: Porcelain lid, steel grate, alloy steel
Ventilation and Temperature Control: Aluminum damper, built-in lid thermometer
Portability: All-weather wheels, 32.3 pounds
Ease of Cleaning: One-touch cleaning, removable ash catcher
Additional Features: Tool hooks, angled lid hook

Char-Griller® AKORN® Kamado Charcoal Grill and Smoker with Cast Iron Grates, Warming Rack and Locking Lid with 445 Cooking Square Inches in Graphite, Model E16620

Size and Cooking Area: 445 Square Inches
Material and Build Quality: Triple-walled steel, cast iron grates
Ventilation and Temperature Control: Adjustable dampers, built-in thermometer
Portability: 8-inch locking caster wheels
Ease of Cleaning: Removable Easy Dump Ash Pan
Additional Features: Removable rack, storage shelf, tool hooks

Kamado Joe Classic Joe Series II 18-inch Ceramic Charcoal Grill and Smoker with Cart, Side Shelves, Stainless Steel Grates and 250 Cooking Square Inches in Red, Model KJ-23RHC

Size and Cooking Area: 250 sq inches
Material and Build Quality: Aluminum, cast iron, ceramic
Ventilation and Temperature Control: Kontrol Tower vent, adjustable air vent
Portability: 232 lbs, cart with locking wheels
Ease of Cleaning: Firebox design prevents cracking
Additional Features: Tool holder, folding table, heat handle

Kamado Joe® Classic Joe™ Series III 18-inch Charcoal Grill & Smoker, Red, with Cart, Side Shelves, Grill Gripper, and Ash Tool, 3 Tier Cooking System, Stainless Steel Cooking Grates, Model KJ23RHCI-A

Size and Cooking Area: 510 square inches
Material and Build Quality: Ceramic, stainless steel
Ventilation and Temperature Control: Kontrol Tower Vent, SlōRoller Chamber
Portability: Steel cart, locking wheels
Ease of Cleaning: Ash tool included
Additional Features: Side shelves, grill gripper, ash tool

Weber Original Kettle Charcoal Grill for Outdoor Cooking and Barbecue, 22-Inch, Black

Size and Cooking Area: 22-inch diameter, 363 sq inches
Material and Build Quality: Porcelain-enameled lid, Alloy Steel
Ventilation and Temperature Control: Adjustable dampers
Portability: 3.3 pounds
Ease of Cleaning: One-Touch system, removable ash catcher
Additional Features: Heat shield, lid hook, 3D instructions

Kamado Joe Konnected Joe 18 in. Digital Charcoal Grill and Smoker with Auto-Ignition and Wi-Fi Temperature Control KJ15041123

Size and Cooking Area: 18-inch, 250 sq. in.
Material and Build Quality: ceramic exterior
Ventilation and Temperature Control: Digital Kontrol Board, AFS
Portability: 175 pounds, limited portability
Additional Features: Air Lift Hinge
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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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