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 Weber Original Kettle 22-Inch Charcoal Grill is a classic choice for those who enjoy grilling with charcoal. It has a 22-inch diameter cooking area, which translates to 363 square inches of grilling space, enough to hold up to 13 burgers at once. This makes it suitable for small to medium gatherings. The grill's material and build quality are impressive, with a porcelain-enameled lid and bowl that retain heat well and resist rusting and peeling. The durable cooking grate also adds to its longevity.

One of its standout features is the One-Touch cleaning system, which makes ash cleanup quick and hassle-free, complemented by a removable aluminum ash catcher. Ventilation and temperature control are handled by adjustable dampers, allowing precise control over the grilling temperature, which is crucial for achieving the perfect cook. It also features a handy lid hook to keep the lid off the ground while grilling.

In terms of portability, the grill is relatively lightweight at 3.3 pounds, making it easy to move around your backyard or transport to another location. However, its size might make it a bit cumbersome for frequent transportation. Assembly is required, but the 3D interactive instructions available through the BILT app can help simplify the process. Additional features include a heat shield and a durable cooking grate, which enhance safety and extend the grill's lifespan. On the downside, this grill may not be ideal for those who need a very large cooking area or who prefer the convenience of gas or electric grills. Additionally, while it is easy to clean, the assembly might be intimidating for some users. Nevertheless, for traditional charcoal grill enthusiasts, the Weber Original Kettle 22-Inch offers a reliable and enjoyable grilling experience.

The Char-Griller AKORN Kamado Charcoal Grill and Smoker offers a versatile cooking experience, perfect for both high-heat grilling and low-and-slow smoking. With a generous cooking area of 445 square inches, it’s capable of handling up to 27 burgers at once, making it ideal for large gatherings. Its triple-walled steel insulated design and cast iron grates ensure excellent heat retention and durability, though they also contribute to the grill’s considerable weight of 97 pounds, which might pose challenges for portability despite its 8-inch locking caster wheels.

Temperature control is straightforward with indexed adjustable dual dampers and a built-in thermometer, allowing for precise heat management. Cleaning is simplified with a removable Easy Dump Ash Pan, though the grill does require some assembly. Additional features like the removable warming rack, bottom storage shelf, and foldable side shelf workstations with tool hooks add to its convenience and functionality.

While the grill is built solidly with a powder-coated finish for outdoor use, its large dimensions may require significant space in your backyard or patio. This grill is best suited for those who enjoy versatile cooking options and don’t mind the extra effort in assembly and moving it around. It offers robust features and a spacious cooking area for effective outdoor grilling and smoking.