10 Best Charcoal Grills 2025 in the United States

The Royal Gourmet CC1830S Charcoal Grill and Offset Smoker offers a significant 811 square inches of cooking space, which includes a porcelain-enameled steel wire cooking grate, a chrome-plated warming rack, and an offset smoker. This ample space makes it suitable for hosting larger gatherings or camping trips. The build quality is solid, with the main body made from steel and an alloy steel exterior, ensuring durability.

The attached offset smoker is a great feature for those who enjoy smoky flavored food, and it helps with heat circulation. Moreover, the side door on the offset smoker makes adding charcoal and removing ashes more convenient, and an air vent helps to control the fire instantly. The two-level adjustable charcoal pan provides good heat control and can hold up to 4.4 lbs of coal, while the lid-mounted thermometer gauge allows you to monitor the cooking temperature accurately.

For added convenience, the grill has front and side tables for workspace and a bottom shelf for extra storage, although it can only hold up to 20 lbs of accessories when evenly distributed. The grill's dimensions and weight (around 50.3 pounds) suggest it is moderately portable. This grill is well-suited for outdoor cooking enthusiasts, particularly those looking for a versatile and spacious grilling area with added smoker capabilities.

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 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.