CHARCOAL GRILLS RANKING
- If you are on the hunt for the perfect grill to accompany you on your next outdoor cooking adventure, give the Captiva Designs a try - its the winner in its class in our opinion. What sets it apart from the competition, you ask? Two charcoal trays that are adjustable, so you can make a small BBQ out of this big machine, or use both trays at once and cook for even 12 people.
- Are you a fan of not only grilling but also smoking meats and other foods? If so, the Royal Gourmet is the perfect machine for your garden. With a large cooking area and side smoker, this grill has everything you need to create mouthwatering smoked dishes that will impress all your guests!
- The Weber Performer may be smaller than some of the other grills in our ranking, but everyone knows that the Weber brand is synonymous with outstanding quality. And with its compact size, the Performer is perfect for those with limited outdoor space or who want a portable grill for their next outdoor adventure.
- The Royal Gourmet CD2030AN is a solid performer with a spacious cooking area and foldable side tables that make it easy to store when not in use. With its sleek and sturdy design, its a grill that will definitely impress your guests and make your garden cooking experience truly pleasurable.
- If youre looking for a high-capacity grill with a smoker for some serious outdoor cooking, the Char-Griller E1224 Smoking Pro which is the second grill in our ranking with a smoker is definitely worth considering. This built-in side firebox will make it perfect for Texas-style BBQ even in Wyoming!
- If youre looking for a solidly built and spacious grill thats perfect for family get-togethers, the Dyna-Glo is definitely worth considering. While its the last product on our list, it offers a lot of great features that make it a fantastic choice for summer outdoor cooking.
If you’re interested in finding the perfect charcoal grill for your outdoor cooking needs, then you’ve come to the right place. In the paragraphs above, we’ve provided a brief overview of six of the best charcoal grills on the market today. But if you want to learn more about each product in detail, including their features, pros and cons, and our expert opinions, then keep reading. We’ve prepared comprehensive reviews that will help you make an informed decision and find the best charcoal grill for your backyard barbecues and cookouts.
1. Captiva Designs GR005
Two Charcoal Trays
The GR005 offers plenty of space to cook up a storm with a primary grilling area of 505 square inches and a warming area of 289 square inches. The enamel-coated steel grates are easy to clean, so you don’t have to worry about spending hours scrubbing away.
Plenty of Cooking Space
But that’s not all – this grill is packed with additional features that make it stand out from the crowd. It comes with a large ashtray, temperature gauge, and adjustable chimney on top of the device. You can easily control the heat and smoke with the air vent on the side, and the hooks and bottle opener are just some of the added bonuses that make this grill a great addition to your outdoor cooking arsenal. The GR005 also boasts cool-touch metal handles, large foldable side tables, and a solid shelf on the bottom of the device.
| ADVANTAGES ✔ 2 adjustable charcoal trays ✔ solid legs quality ✔ great quality grates ✔ easy to assemble |
| DISADVANTAGES ❌ side tables could have been foldable |
2. Royal Gourmet CC1830SC
Grill and Smoke Like a Pro
The CC1830SC offers a spacious main cooking area of 443 sq. in., which includes a 184 sq. in. warming rack. But that’s not all – it also comes with a 184 sq. in. side smoker that is perfect for smoking all kinds of foods. You can easily adjust the temperature by moving the manual adjustable charcoal tray up and down as well as setting up a side air vent which gives you full control over your smoking experience.
Great Value for Money
In addition to its cooking capabilities, this model also boasts a number of other features. It has a large front table that is one of the largest among the grills described, as well as a sturdy side table with three hooks. You can keep all your utensils and accessories within easy reach. Moreover, similarly to the others, the temperature gauge and adjustable chimney ensure that you can monitor and control your cooking easily. It also comes with wheels and a shelf at the bottom, though we would definitely note that it could have more wires.
| ADVANTAGES ✔ smoker attached ✔ large front table ✔ one of the largest grilling area ✔ easy to empty ashtray |
| DISADVANTAGES ❌ casing materials could have been a bit thicker |
3. Weber Performer
Quality and Convenience
With a cooking area of 363 sq. in., the Performer may be smaller than some of its competitors, but it still packs a punch. The grate is made with the Gourmet BBQ System hinged design, which means that it can be replaced with other accessories from Weber that are sold separately. You can customize your grill to suit your cooking needs, from grilling to baking and more.
Smart Features
The Performer also boasts a number of convenient features that make it a pleasure to use. It also has a built-in thermometer and timer, so you can keep an eye on your food without having to open the lid. When it comes to the lid this one can be placed behind the device, which is useful when you need to access the grill or when you’re finished cooking. It also comes with a bottom shelf and three hooks for your grilling equipment, as well as a weather-protected CharBin under the table for keeping your working space clean. Cleaning the Performer is a snap thanks to the ash catcher, which makes it easy to dispose of the ashes after cooking. The large side table is perfect for prepping and serving food, and the superior quality of the Weber brand signifies that this grill is just constructed to endure.
| ADVANTAGES ✔ fantastic quality and support ✔ built-in timer ✔ side bin ✔ one-touch cleaning system |
| DISADVANTAGES ❌ it’s quite pricey |
4. Royal Gourmet CD2030AN
Foldable Side Tables
This model of Royal Gourmet has a cooking area of 511 sq. in. and a warming space of 253 sq. in., providing ample space to cook for a large group of people. The charcoal tray is large and adjustable, making it easy to control the heat and create the perfect cooking environment. The two side tables and one bottom solid shelf provide plenty of space for storing plates, utensils, and condiments, and the side ones can be folded down when not in use to save you some space.
Solid Design
The CD2030AN also has a couple of convenient features that make it friendly to use. The cool-to-touch handles make it easy to open and close the lid, and the temperature gauge helps you keep an eye on the heat level. The large ash tray makes cleaning up after cooking a breeze, and the adjustable chimney and air vent control let you control the airflow and temperature of the grill.
| ADVANTAGES ✔ solid construction ✔ foldable side tables ✔ excellent price to value ✔ easy to assemble |
| DISADVANTAGES ❌ charcoal tray should be designed better because sometimes it’s unsteady |
5. Char-Griller E1224 Smoking Pro
Serious Capacity with…
With a total cooking area of 830 square inches, the Char-Griller E1224 has the largest cooking surface in our review. The main grilling area measures 580 square inches, while the firebox adds an additional 250 square inches of space. The grates are also adjustable, so you can easily adjust the height of the grilling surface to suit your needs.
…Built-in Smoker
In terms of design, the Char-Griller E1224 is well-built and durable. It comes with solid wheels for easy mobility, as well as two wooden shelves for storage and preparation. The bottom shelf is solid and provides additional storage space next to the wheels. This product is not lacking a temperature gauge, hooks for accessories, cool-to-touch wood handles, and non-stick cast iron grates. The grill is also designed with a double bottom for added durability, and it features an ash disposal system that makes the cleanup really straightforward process.
| ADVANTAGES ✔ nice wooden finish ✔ great smoker ✔ the largest cooking area |
| DISADVANTAGES ❌ there should be more nuts and bolts in the package |
6. Dyna-Glo DGN486DNC-D
Plenty of Grilling Space
With a total grilling space of 686 sq. in., this grill offers plenty of room for burgers, steaks, and more. The adjustable charcoal tray allows for precise temperature control, while the three heavy-duty porcelain enameled grates make cleaning extremely easy.
Deep Bottom Shelf
The grill also comes with two side tables and a large, deep shelf at the bottom, perfect for storing your grilling tools and accessories. The most important feature of Dyna-Glo DGN486DNC-D is its design for sure. It doesn’t only look like that but it is built to last, with solid legs and cool-to-touch handles. And for those who like to enjoy a cold drink while they cook, there’s even a handy bottle opener built in.
| ADVANTAGES ✔ deep bottom shelves ✔ a shaped charcoal tray that makes it comfortable to use ✔ solid casted grates ✔ chimney with a roof that helps to distract the smoke |
| DISADVANTAGES ❌ ashtray could be deeper |
BUYERS GUIDE
If you’re thinking about buying a grill, you may be wondering if a charcoal grill is a right choice for you. While there are several types of grills available, charcoal grills offer a unique flavor and cooking experience that many people find appealing. Here’s what you need to know before making your decision:
Is it worth buying a charcoal grill?
A charcoal grill is a great option for people who love the taste of grilled food and enjoy the cooking process. Charcoal grills are affordable, easy to use, and can be used to cook a variety of foods. While they require a little more effort than gas grills, many people believe that the flavor of charcoal-grilled food is worth the extra work.
How do I start a charcoal grill?
Starting a charcoal grill is not a complicated process, but it’s important to do it safely and correctly to avoid any accidents. If you’re not familiar with how to start a charcoal grill, don’t worry! You can check out our article about this process, where we cover different methods for starting such a grill, including gas and pit grills. We provide step-by-step instructions and useful tips that will make the process easy and stress-free. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced griller, our guide will help you start your charcoal grill with confidence and get the perfect results every time.
What are the disadvantages of charcoal grills?
One disadvantage of a charcoal grill is that it takes longer to heat up than a gas grill, and you’ll need to spend time lighting the charcoal and waiting for it to reach the desired temperature. This kind of grill can also be more difficult to control than propane ones, and you may need to adjust the temperature frequently to ensure that your food is cooked properly. Additionally, remember that charcoal grills can produce more smoke, which can be a concern for some people.
How do I choose a charcoal grill?
When choosing a charcoal grill, you’ll want to consider a few key factors. First, think about the size of the grill you need. If you’ll be cooking for a large family or group, you’ll want a larger grill with a greater cooking surface. Next, consider the materials the grill is made of. Stainless steel is a durable and easy-to-clean option, while cast iron may provide more even heat distribution. You’ll also want to look for features like adjustable vents, ash catchers, and built-in thermometers.
Do steaks taste better on a charcoal grill?
Many people believe that steaks taste better when cooked on a charcoal grill. The high heat of a charcoal fire can create a delicious crust on the outside of the steak while keeping the inside tender and juicy. Additionally, the smoke produced by the charcoal can infuse the steak with a rich, smoky flavor. And we are sure – everybody loves it!
