10 Best Charcoal Grills 2025 in the United States

The Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill is a well-rounded choice for those who enjoy outdoor grilling. Its 22-inch cooking area can hold up to 13 burgers, making it suitable for family gatherings or small parties. One of its standout features is the built-in lid thermometer, which enables easy temperature monitoring while cooking. The rust-resistant aluminum dampers allow for good ventilation and temperature control, ensuring your food cooks evenly.

The build quality is impressive, with a porcelain-enameled lid and bowl that retain heat effectively and resist rust and peeling. The grill is also designed for easy maintenance, thanks to the One-Touch cleaning system that includes a high-capacity ash catcher, simplifying the cleanup process after grilling.

Portability is decent, weighing in at 32.3 pounds; it's manageable to move around for outdoor use. The hinged cooking grate adds convenience by allowing you to add charcoal without lifting the entire grate, a thoughtful feature for uninterrupted grilling. There are a few drawbacks to consider. While the grill is sturdy, it requires some assembly, which might be a bit challenging for those unfamiliar with putting together products. Additionally, while it excels in many areas, it may not offer as many advanced features as some high-end models, which could limit options for serious grilling enthusiasts. The absence of extras like a side table or storage space might also be a concern for those who value additional cooking accessories.

The Royal Gourmet CC1830 30 Inch Barrel Charcoal Grill offers a generous 627 square inches of cooking space, making it a great option for backyard BBQs, patios, and parties. It's equipped with porcelain-enameled steel wire cooking grates and a chrome-plated warming rack, providing ample space to cook large cuts of meat simultaneously. The material and build quality are robust, featuring alloy steel and a powder-coated finish, ensuring durability and longevity. Users will appreciate the adjustable fire grates, which allow for controlled cooking and can hold up to 6 lbs. of coal, as well as the built-in thermometer and side air vent for precise heat control.

The grill also includes a side table for extra workspace and a mesh bottom shelf that can hold up to 20 lbs. of accessories, making it convenient for organizing tools and utensils. Portability is moderate with this grill, as it weighs nearly 38 pounds, which can be a bit cumbersome to move around frequently. However, its freestanding installation makes it a steady and reliable fixture in your outdoor space.

Cleanup is made easy with the removable charcoal pan, simplifying ash disposal. While there is some assembly required, the functionality and additional features like the tool holder and adjustable grates make it a versatile choice for outdoor grilling enthusiasts. This grill is well-suited for those who enjoy hosting gatherings and need a substantial cooking area with effective heat control and easy maintenance.

The Royal Gourmet CC1830W is a large charcoal grill that offers a generous 811 square inches of cooking space, making it ideal for outdoor gatherings and barbecues. It features a combination of porcelain-enameled steel cooking grates and chrome-plated warming racks, which are durable and help with even heat distribution. The offset smoker box is a useful addition for those who want to add authentic smoky flavors without needing a separate smoker. You can adjust the charcoal pan to two levels, allowing better control over cooking temperature, which is great for different types of grilling.

The grill has solid steel construction with a powder-coated finish, giving it decent durability, though it does require assembly out of the box. It has a built-in thermometer to monitor heat, plus practical wood-painted side and front tables that provide extra space for food prep and tools. Three hooks and a bottom mesh shelf offer convenient storage for utensils and grilling accessories. However, the grill weighs nearly 50 pounds and is not designed for easy portability, so it’s better suited for a fixed spot in your backyard or patio.

Cleaning might take some effort due to the multiple cooking surfaces and smoker box, though the enamel coating helps reduce sticking. The wooden tables add to the aesthetic but may need protection from weather over time. This grill represents a solid choice for those seeking a spacious, versatile charcoal grill with smoker capability and ample prep space, while users needing a lightweight or easily movable grill may want to consider other options.