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10 Best Charcoal Grills 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0 score

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

The Kamado Joe Classic Joe Series III 18-inch Charcoal Grill & Smoker is a versatile and high-quality grill that stands out in several key areas. With a generous 510 square inches of cooking surface, this grill is perfect for hosting gatherings and cooking various types of food simultaneously. Its construction features durable ceramic and stainless steel materials, ensuring longevity and robust performance. The heavy-duty galvanized steel cart with locking wheels adds stability and makes it relatively easy to move around despite its hefty 316-pound weight. However, due to its weight and size, portability might be challenging for some users, especially if frequent transportation is needed.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,396
Material and Build Quality
Ventilation and Temperature Control
Ease of Cleaning

Most important from
141 reviews

Material and Build Quality
Aluminum side tables are a superior upgrade over wooden ones, offering more durability and convenience.
Ventilation and Temperature Control
The iKamand Smart Temp Controller is a recommended accessory for making long cooks super convenient.
Ease of Cleaning
The ash tray is a major improvement, making cleanup super simple, clean, and quick.
Additional Features
The SloRoller insert enhances smoke flavor while preventing flare-ups and burning, making it perfect for saucing ribs.
#2
10.0 score

Kamado Joe Konnected Joe Digital Charcoal Grill and Smoker with Auto-Ignition and Temperature Control - KJ15041123

The Kamado Joe Konnected Joe Digital Charcoal Grill and Smoker stands out as a versatile option for grilling enthusiasts who appreciate both traditional charcoal cooking and modern technology. Its 18-inch cooking area provides ample space for preparing meals for a small gathering, while the 250 sq. in. cooking space allows for a variety of foods to be cooked simultaneously, making it a great choice for family barbecues or outdoor parties.

Rating
10.0
Material and Build Quality
Ventilation and Temperature Control
Additional Features

Most important from
9 reviews

Material and Build Quality
There are some quality control issues, such as improperly assembled parts and slow customer support response.
Ventilation and Temperature Control
Temperature control is a breeze with the app, allowing precise adjustments and consistent cooking results.
Additional Features
The Automatic Fire Starter simplifies the cooking process, making it easy to start the grill with just a push of a button.
#3
9.7 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
9.7
Size and Cooking Area
Material and Build Quality
Ventilation and Temperature Control

Most important from
360 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.

Top 10 Best Charcoal Grills 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0  score

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

Chosen by 1396 this week

Kamado Joe Konnected Joe Digital Charcoal Grill and Smoker with Auto-Ignition and 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

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 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

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, 22-Inch, Black

Size and Cooking Area: 22-inch cooking area, 22.5"D x 22.5"W
Material and Build Quality: Porcelain-enameled lid, rust-resistant dampers
Ventilation and Temperature Control: Built-in thermometer, rust-resistant dampers
Portability: 32.3 pounds
Ease of Cleaning: One-Touch system, high-capacity ash catcher
Additional Features: Hinged cooking grate, heat shield

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

Weber Master-Touch Charcoal Grill for Outdoor Cooking and Barbecue, 22-Inch, Black

Size and Cooking Area: 22-inch grill, 443 sq inches
Material and Build Quality: High-quality materials, heat retention
Ventilation and Temperature Control: Built-in lid thermometer
Portability: Less ideal for portability
Ease of Cleaning: One-Touch Cleaning System
Additional Features: Tuck-Away lid holder, tool hooks

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
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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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