Charcoal Grills

Budget charcoal grills

While gas grills account for most of the grills sold in America, charcoal grills still make up a full third of the market and are praised by grilling purists as the only way to truly cook a burger. While taste tests between gas and charcoal grills have proven inconclusive, most experts claim that charcoal grilling infuses food with a more natural, smoky flavor. Charcoal grills also tend to be cheaper, lighter and more portable than gas grills, though they do require a bit more skill to use properly. Charcoal briquettes take more time to heat, and charcoal grills require more cleaning than gas grills. You also need an open, well-ventilated area due to the smoke they produce.

When it comes to charcoal grilling, one name stands out in reviews: Weber. Its oval-shaped kettle grills have been around for over 50 years. While this brand may not appear at the top of every reviewer's list, it's mentioned in every single review, which can't be said for any other grill manufacturer. Weber's current standard charcoal models are the Weber One-Touch Silver (*est. $75 to $100, depending on size) and the Weber One-Touch Gold (*est. $120 to $150, depending on size) . The difference between the two comes from the quality of components; the Weber Gold features a stainless steel cleaning system, while the Silver offers a slightly less durable aluminized version. Both models receive high praise for their oval design, which reviewers say helps distribute heat evenly for better cooking. Reviewers' favorite feature, though, is the one-touch ash-cleaning mechanism that directs all ashes into an easily removable tray. Other features include aluminum vents both above and below the cooking grate to allow for better temperature control, hinged cooking grates and glass-reinforced nylon handles that stay cool during cooking. Derrick Riches of About.com sums up his review of the Weber One-Touch Silver charcoal grill by simply saying, "It's the best."

Of course, Weber charcoal grills are not without their flaws. For one, both the Silver and Gold lack many of the accessories common on most grills, such as side tables, a built-in thermometer and a lid-catcher. Furthermore, the exterior of the bowl is porcelain-enameled (as opposed to a powder-coated exterior), which users say can crack and rust over time. Even About.com's Riches admits that the steel cooking grates can rust if not taken care of properly. Yet despite these setbacks, almost every reviewer agrees that Weber charcoal kettle grills are the most versatile and user-friendly models on the market.

Char-Griller also makes a decent showing in this price range with its Char-Griller Outlaw (*est. $160) , a barrel-style charcoal grill. Barrel-style and box grills differ from kettle grills like the Weber due to their rectangular shapes, which allow for a greater cooking surface and make it easier to manipulate coals for indirect cooking. However, due to the larger size, these grills can be inconvenient for cooking smaller amounts due to the increased time it takes to heat up and cool down the coals. While the Outlaw charcoal grill doesn't appear in many reviews, it draws notice for its array of accessories and low price. Aside from an enormous 1,000 square inches of cooking space, the Outlaw offers a wooden worktable, three shelves beneath the grill, a warming rack, a thermometer and an adjustable coal grate for better heat control. Furthermore, the charcoal grill's cast iron grates and powder coat finish make it extremely durable. The grill does lack the airflow control available on the Weber, however, making it hard to extinguish the coals.

We also found reviews for Char-Griller's step up model, the Char-Griller Smokin' Pro (*est. $180) . While this charcoal grill actually offers less cooking area -- 830 square inches -- it comes with a side fire box for smoking meats. With this option, Doug from The Barbecue Grill and Smoker Source blog insists that the Smokin' Pro is the best grill for feeding large groups of people. Reviews from owners at Amazon.com tend to agree, saying the Smokin' Pro is a great charcoal grill for its price range, but some complain about the long hours of assembly the grill requires.

So with all of these extra features, why does the Weber still get more attention than the Char-Griller? For many reviewers, it comes down to the comfort of owning a Weber. Weber offers a ten-year warranty on its grills' exteriors and one year on the grates, one of the best warranties available. In contrast, Char-Griller only offers a five-year warranty on its grills' exteriors, and one year on the remaining parts. Weber also provides 24/7 customer service and prompt replacement of any broken parts.

The Meco Swinger Line of charcoal grills also draws attention from a few reviewers. Cook's Illustrated reviews the Swinger II Deluxe Smoker Grill (*est. $150), and says that while the grill is a fine performer for its price range, the lack of a hinged grate for accessing the coals and the messy clean-up caused them to leave it at the bottom of their list. Amazon.com reviewers state that while the grill can be tricky to set up, it has a solid construction and will hold up over time. Still, the many negative reviews put this hard-to-find charcoal grill well below the ones offered by Weber and Char-Griller.

Mid-range charcoal grills

While the more moderately priced charcoal grills from Weber and Char-Griller will satisfy most casual outdoor chefs, more expensive grills offer a wider range of accessories and add-ons that provide for a more convenient and precise cooking experience. You'll also find slightly better components such as stainless steel exteriors and cast iron grates that improve the overall durability of the grill.

The Weber Performer Charcoal Grill (*est. $300) includes many of the accessories and features lacking in the Weber One-Touch Silver and Gold models. Aside from standard Weber features, such as a hinged cooking grate and one-touch cleaning system, the Performer offers grillers a work table, built-in thermometer, lid-catcher and storage areas for utensils and extra charcoal. Yet the feature that sets the Performer apart from almost every other charcoal grill on the market is its unique gas-assist lighting system. The use of gas and an ignition switch means grillers can have hot coals ready in ten minutes with little effort. About.com's Derrick Riches insists that this feature alone makes the Performer well worth the cost, naming it one of his top picks for charcoal grills. The Performer also receives citations from the CBS Early Show and the Today Show, who both featured it as the best charcoal buy in segments on grilling. The only complaints about the grill come from its plastic worktable, which users say isn't as trustworthy as wooden or metal tables, though so far no users have reported any specific problems. The gas ignition system uses small disposable propane cylinders for fuel.

The Weber Performer stands out so much because lighting coals and bringing them to temperature can be one of the bigger hassles of owning a charcoal grill. Of the options available, using lighter fluid is the most basic, though experts usually dismiss this method since it doesn't always heat coals evenly and can leave behind lingering chemicals that affect food. Solid fire starters, made from wax and wood fibers, are also available and are generally easy to use. With these, you build a small pyramid out of your coals, insert one of the fire starters at the base, and light. Experts say that while this is a relatively safer and more reliable way to start a fire, it can be inconvenient, as it requires continually purchasing new starters. The method recommended by almost all experts and amateur grillers is to buy a charcoal chimney starter. This is basically a small metal tube, with one chamber for charcoal and another chamber beneath it for kindling (usually newspaper). Lighting the newspaper will slowly heat the bottom coals, which will in turn help heat the remainder. Most charcoal chimneys cost between $10 and $20.

Some companies have capitalized on this method and built charcoal chimneys directly into their grills. One such grill is the Napoleon Apollo (*est. $220) , which has its kettle-style grill sitting on top of a pedestal that acts as a chimney. The chimney also functions as an ash receptacle, making for easy clean-up afterward. The grill features 310 square inches of grilling space, two wooden side tables and a convenient sliding lid. About.com's Riches points out that the Apollo is slightly more expensive than similar kettle grills, so it might be easier to simply buy a cheaper grill along with a separate chimney starter. Riches also claims that the Apollo's pedestal support (as opposed to multiple legs) makes it a little top-heavy.

The Barbecook Oyster Standard (*est. $250) sports a similar design, though it adds support to its built-in chimney grill with a wider base. Along with its chimney, this charcoal grill has an innovative system for cooling down coals -- a small pool of water beneath the coal grate. Once you're finished cooking, simply removing the grate drops the remaining coals into the water, dowsing them immediately. The water also helps provide more weight at the bottom of the grill, making it more stable. Riches gives this grill the same review as the Napoleon Apollo, saying that while it's an innovative and well-built grill, its extra features don't quite justify its price. Furthermore, Barbecook has limited distribution outside of Europe, so finding one in the United States can be difficult.

For box and barrel-style charcoal grills in this price range, the Bar-B-Chef Charcoal Barbecue Built-In (*est. $500) receives some of the highest praise in expert and user reviews. Also known as the Bar-B-Chef Texas Charcoal Barbecue, the Bar-B-Chef offers a large 770 square inches of cooking space along with charcoal dividers, which are ideal for indirect cooking. It also features a door in the front of the grill so you can access the coals without disturbing the food. Cook's Illustrated gives the Texas Charcoal grill a perfect score for each of its criteria, specifically praising it for its easy adjustability and full array of extras, including tool hooks, a warming rack and a built-in thermometer. Opting for the built-in cart adds side tables and storage shelves, giving this grill almost every conceivable extra. Comment boards are full of users praising the Bar-B-Chef grill, saying it offers an incredibly convenient design and great accessibility to the coals for more precise cooking. Some do comment, however, that the Texas Charcoal's top vents don't close all the way, reducing control for airflow and making it harder to smoke meats. For straight grilling, though, all agree that this is one of the best charcoal grills in this price range.

The Char-Broil CB940X (*est. $450) is often compared to the Bar-B-Chef, though users generally rate it lower. Like the Bar-B-Chef, the Char-Broil offers an adjustable coal grate with an access door. It's made from 12-gauge steel and comes standard with heavy wooden worktables on each side that can be used for cutting and preparing food. Users report, however, that the Char-Broil charcoal grill simply isn't as durable as the Bar-B-Chef and dislike its smaller cooking area (540 square inches). About.com's Riches points out that while the Char-Broil offers sturdy construction, if it gets scratched or left out to the elements it can rust out quickly.

We also found many positive reviews for the Portable Kitchen Cast Aluminum Grill and Smoker (*est. $270) , both from Derrick Riches and from user reviews at Amazon.com. Riches' review doesn't go into much detail aside from saying that the grill's aluminum construction makes it a solid, durable grill. User reviews tend to be overwhelmingly positive (Portable Kitchen grills have a bit of a cult following), though there are a few stories of the grill's legs falling apart or the bottom falling out over time. This wouldn't be such a problem if Portable Kitchen's website contained any information about a warranty. With its otherwise limited features, the high price of this grill compared to similar models such as the Weber One-Touch makes it an iffy buy.

Luxury charcoal grills

Luxury charcoal grills aren't recommended by all reviewers. Many experts feel that the basic features of a moderately priced kettle grill are all the average griller will ever need. These grills are more intended for expert grillers looking for absolute precision in temperature control and the widest set of cooking options and accessories.

The grill that stands out in this price range is The Big Green Egg (*est. $870) , though it's a bit different than most regular charcoal grills. Instead of a kettle or box shape, The Big Green Egg is shaped like its name suggests. It is a Kamado-style ceramic cooker, which means it's designed to hold a specific temperature for extended periods of time. Its cooking grate is completely sealed by its ceramic exterior -- which remains cool to the touch even as the grill reaches high temperatures -- and can cook for hours on only a few coals. Users on Epinions all say the grill is one of the most versatile on the market, with the ability to grill, smoke and bake all kinds of dishes quickly and efficiently. The grill doesn't have as much space as some other charcoal grills (the large Egg's grill has an 18-inch diameter, smaller than any Weber One-Touch), though users insist the grill's versatility more than makes up for its size. Be aware that the company doesn't provide a warranty for grills bought over the Internet, and its ceramic components can chip, say some owners.

The Cajun Charcoal Grill (*est. $780) offers a traditional box-style grill with easily adjustable features. Its coal tray can be raised and lowered to several different settings for searing, baking and smoking. The coal tray also has a unique V shape which makes the coals easier to light, though reviewers at Cook's Illustrated say that it unevenly distributes heat, making for cold spots on the cooking grate. The Cajun's components are all very durable, including a heavy 16-gauge steel exterior and 12-gauge steel for its coal grate. Its cooking grate, on the other hand, is 4-gauge and coated in porcelain, which experts say allows for delicate cooking, though it needs careful maintenance to prevent wear. Blogger "Doug" of The Barbecue Grill and Smoker Source gives this grill his top rating and says it's a grill that will last a lifetime. While Cook's Illustrated admits that the grill is solidly built and very versatile, it gives it a low overall rating due to the uneven heat distribution and lack of a hinged cooking grate.

For equally high-grade components and cooking versatility, the Hasty-Bake Continental (*est. $1,000) offers everything the Cajun grill does with the addition of a viewing window. This way, you can check on your food without letting any heat or smoke escape. The Hasty-Bake prides itself on its ability to retain smoke and flavors, though it's unclear how much this smoke interferes with the window's visibility. Not many reviews exist for the Hasty-Bake, unfortunately, though the BBQ Guys, a grill manufacturer and retailer, lists Hasty-Bake as one of its top-rated companies. Like the Cajun Grill, the Hasty-Bake Continental offers a five-year warranty on workmanship and parts and a ten-year warranty on stainless steel components.

It makes sense that Weber would have a grill in this luxury set, though its model, the Weber Ranch Kettle (*est. $1,000) , doesn't perform as well as other grills in this price range. The Ranch Kettle is certainly impressive. It offers a massive 1,104 square inches of cooking space, which Weber claims is enough to cook 19 Cornish hens. The grill also offers a better cooking grate than a normal Weber, manufactured out of heavy-gauge steel. Yet aside from these upgrades, not much separates the Ranch Kettle from a regular Weber One-Touch charcoal grill. It features the same ash cleaning and venting system, and still lacks many useful accessories, such as side tables and an adjustable coal grate. The Ranch Kettle may be a good buy if you plan on cooking for large groups, but even then the Cajun and Hasty-Bake models mentioned above might be a better buy.

Portable charcoal grills

All portable grills or small charcoal grills are intended to be easily movable and able to cook enough food for a small group (two to three people). While many are designed for easy transport for tailgating and camping, the main purpose is simply a compact grilling space. It's easy to find unstable or poorly-made portable grills, so experts say that you should look to spend at least $30 on a dependable grill. Furthermore, if you do plan on traveling with your grill, make sure it has a locking lid.

Weber comes back to the front of the pack in this category with the Weber Smokey Joe Silver (*est. $30) and Smokey Joe Gold (*est. $35) . These are basically versions of Weber's One-Touch models with smaller domes and shorter legs. The Smokey Joe comes with several useful features, such as a lid that locks both to the top of grill and to the side, to act as a wind screen. Slate's reviewer rates the Smokey Joe as the top portable grill, even compared to portable gas and electric grills, saying that it is stable, easy to use and cooks food properly every time. About.com's Derrick Riches adds that it's one of the most solidly built portable grills available. Weber also offers the slightly more compact Go-Anywhere Charcoal Grill (*est. $45) , which users on Amazon.com say is more fit for travel due to its smaller design and convenient top-mounted handle, though they add that the lack of space can be frustrating while grilling. Like all Weber grills, the Smokey Joe and Go-Anywhere charcoal grills are backed by a ten-year warranty on the bowl and lid and one year on the grates.

While Weber receives the most attention for cheap portable grills, other similar grills exist, such as the Old Smokey Classic (*est. $25 to $65, depending on size). This grill offers a slightly different design, with a portable grill shaped like a small keg. Old Smokey has been in business for over 80 years. While its grills aren't the most popular, it has built up a small but devoted following. This charcoal grill is made of rust-resistant aluminum and only weighs around eight pounds, making it good for traveling. It even persuaded Derrick Riches, usually a Weber-lover, to call it his top grill under $50.

We also found reviews for the Charcoal Tool Box (*est. $50) . Like Weber's Go-Anywhere Charcoal grill, this model makes itself more portable with a handle on the top and boasts 173 square inches of cooking space, which is not bad for grills in this category. While users say it's a convenient grill to stow for car trips, its thin steel exterior makes it less durable than other portable grills, and it costs more than some others.

If you're willing to spend a little extra money, more innovative portable charcoal grills exist. The Cobb Premier (*est. $120) features a creative dome design that distributes heat so well that the grill can function on eight charcoal briquettes for up to eight hours, which can come in handy when camping. The stainless steel exterior is extremely durable and stays cool to the touch even while inside temperatures reach 500 degrees. Riches praises this grill for its versatility and ease of use, calling it "virtually fool-proof." The actual cooking surface is only 12" wide, which makes it a bit more limited than the Weber Smokey Joe in terms of cooking space, but if price isn't an issue, it's an option for campers and tailgaters. It should be noted that Cobb America, Inc. released a statement in October 2006 warning consumers not to use the Premier indoors as it, like all charcoal grills, releases carbon monoxide gas.

If you're not looking to lug your grill up a mountain but instead just want a model that will fit in a compact space, a hibachi-style grill might be a good fit. Hibachis are traditionally small-but-heavy cast iron grills that feature a heavy grate over a bed of very hot coals. They were originally designed to quickly sear thin strips of meat, though today's models can easily handle thicker items such as burgers and steaks. While small hibachi grills were once easy to find, today only a few models exist.

The best of these models is the Sportsman's Grill Hibachi (*est. $85) by Lodge Manufacturers. This grill doesn't have many extra features aside from its iron coal basin and cooking grid, but it can reach very hot temperatures and cooks meats quickly. Its cooking grid has two adjustable heights, though at either height experts say you should be careful not to cook too long to prevent burning. Derrick Riches lists this model as the best "heavy but movable" portable grill available and says its iron grate cooks food perfectly. He adds that while this charcoal grill doesn't perform well in nasty weather, its durable materials mean it can withstand the outdoors, making it well-suited for tailgating.

Another hibachi-style charcoal grill is the BBQ Guys Hibachi Grill (*est. $25) , which, instead of one large grid like the Sportsman, features two smaller grids that can each be set to three different heights. The adjustments make cooking on this model a little easier, though users on Amazon.com claim that the hooks used to keep the grids in place are flimsy and can sometimes cause food to fall off. There are also many reports of the dye on the handles for the grids coming off on user's hands, though later comments suggest that this problem has since been fixed.

The Big Green Egg also offers a smaller grill with The Big Green Egg Mini (*est. $230). This grill offers all the versatility and efficiency of the regular-sized Egg in a model compact enough to fit under a table. The grill itself only offers a 9" cooking grid, which is roughly enough space to cook two chicken breasts. The only issue with this grill is its actual portability. As with its full-sized sibling, ceramic components are more fragile, making transportation risky -- plus the Mini weighs a full 30 pounds. Derrick Riches recommends this grill for a small apartment or patio with limited storage space rather than for traveling.

Important features: Charcoal grills

Reviewers say the following about shopping for a charcoal grill.

• Look for at least 300 square inches of cooking space. This allows room for six burgers and six hot dogs, enough to feed a family with space left over for guests. If you plan on entertaining larger groups, look for grills with at least 500 square inches.

• Invest in a charcoal chimney starter. These allow you to start your coals quickly and cheaply without any residues left over from lighter fluid.

• Consider where the grill will live. If you think you'll be leaving your grill outdoors often, you'll want to invest in a sturdier model made of heavy-gauge or stainless steel. Even then, it's still a good idea to invest in a grill cover to prevent wear and rust.

• Look for grills with vents above and below the cooking grid. This allows for better temperature control and gives the option of slower cooking. Also, look for vents that can completely close to help the grill cool down quicker.

• Look for a hinged cooking grate. Hinged cooking grates allow you to easily add more charcoal without disturbing your food. Not only is this more convenient, it's essential if you plan to do long, slow grilling.

• Consider the grill's cleaning mechanism. Cleaning out charcoal grills can be one of their biggest hassles, so make sure your grill has a good system of collecting ashes as well as a slide-out tray for easy disposal.

• For portable grills, look for a locking lid. If you plan on moving your grill around a lot, a locking lid is key to prevent ashes and coals from spilling.

Our Consensus Report shows how many times products are top-ranked by reviewers included in our
All The Reviews Reviewed chart.

# of Picks	Model(With Retailer Links)	Details from Amazon.com
3	Weber Performer (*est. $300)	details
2	Weber One-Touch Silver (*est. $75 to $100, depending on size)	details
2	Weber Smokey Joe Silver (*est. $30)	details
2	The Big Green Egg (*est. $870)	details
1 each	Bar-B-Chef Charcoal Barbecue Built-In, Portable Kitchen , Cajun Charcoal Grill, Big Green Egg Mini , Cobb Premier , Napoleon Apollo , Lodge Hibachi

Because it’s the most recognized name in grills, Weber tends to dominate most of the coverage given to charcoal grills. Often its grills are selected simply because they’re the most widely available. Its One-Touch Silver, Performer and Smokey Joe Silver models all receive two or more picks each. The Big Green Egg also gets two recommendations for its unique design and precise temperature control. Most lesser-known models only receive one pick, but for many grills, including the Bar-B-Chef and Cajun grill models, that top pick is very emphatic.

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