Charcoal Grills: Reviews

Reviewers say the Weber One-Touch Silver kettle grill is the best budget charcoal grill, thanks to its proven design, efficient heating and convenient cleaning system, which is what gives the grill its name. Ashes are… expanddirected into a removable tray for easy clean-up. This feature, as well as the 10-year warranty on the exterior (one year for the grates) and 24-hour customer service, helps make the Weber One-Touch Silver one of the most user-friendly grills available. It's offered in two sizes: 363 square inches (*Est. $90) and 240 square inches (*Est. $70). collapse

The Weber Performer is the most widely praised charcoal grill in reviews. It combines the functional details and excellent customer service standard of less expensive Weber grills with add-on features such as a worktable,… expandbuilt-in thermometer, lid catcher and storage areas. Reviewers are very impressed with the Weber Performer's most unusual feature, a gas ignition system. Thanks to this, they say, the Performer blends the convenience of a gas grill with the cooking characteristics of charcoal grilling that grilling purists love. The Weber Performer is available in one size only -- 22.5 inches in diameter -- but three different exterior colors are offered. collapse

Barrel-style charcoal grills are ideal for cooking large amounts of food at one time, and the Char-Griller Outlaw features a 1,000-square-inch cooking surface, making it an excellent choice for a family gathering or… expandbackyard party. In addition to durable steel construction, a powder-coat finish and cast-iron grilling surfaces, the Outlaw is kitted out with a number of accessories, including multiple shelves, a wooden worktable, warming rack and thermometer. An optional side firebox is available if you'd like to use your Outlaw as a smoker. For cooking smaller portions, however, the Char-Griller Outlaw may be unwieldy. The Char-Griller Smokin' Pro (*Est. $200) is nearly identical save for a smaller cooking area (830 square inches), and it includes a side fire box. collapse

Compact tailgating and camping grills generally draw mixed reviews, but the Weber Smokey Joe Silver (*Est. $30) gets more consistent feedback than most. With a 14.5-inch-diameter cooking space, the Smokey Joe is large… expandenough to grill for a small group. Its short legs offer plenty of support, provided the grill is on a level surface. Like the Weber One-Touch, this portable Weber charcoal grill is backed by a 10-year warranty on the exterior and a one-year warranty on the grates. The Smokey Joe Gold retails for around $35 and adds a lid lock. Both Weber Smokey Joe portable grill models get excellent user reviews. collapse

This Kamado-style grill isn't the biggest on the market, but what it lacks in space it makes up for in versatility and temperature control. Its sealed ceramic chamber can cook at an incredibly high heat or at low… expandtemperatures for long periods without needing new coals. This gives grillers the option to sear or slow-cook meats. The Big Green Egg's exterior stays cool even when grilling at temperatures as high as 750 degrees Fahrenheit. Critics say it can be fragile, however, and the Big Green Egg Company only offers its lifetime warranty for grills purchased from licensed dealers (not online). You can buy the Big Green Egg in four other sizes -- mini, small, medium and extra large -- ranging in price from around $250 to over $1,000. collapse