Best Charcoal Grills for 2024

Top Rated Charcoal Grills

Charcoal grills are the masters of everything from mouthwateringly tender low-and-slow brisket to juicy, smoky, fall-off-the-bone ribs. With the right grill in your outdoor kitchen, you, too, can be a master — a grill master, smoking your competition. From modern smokers to historic kamados, the world of charcoal grilling is a wide one indeed. Our private experts have put their heads together to provide this list of their best-in-class charcoal choices based on their quality, performance, and features.

  • Quality - When judging charcoal grills, our experts look for quality construction with great warranties and the best materials around. For charcoal grills, this usually means stainless steel — thanks to its superior high heat handling and weathering resistance. These models should feel solid as a stone; freestanding grills should enjoy sturdy wheels and easy mobility.

  • Performance - With charcoal grills, versatility is key. The best charcoal grills reach any reasonable temperature — from the smoking sweet spot of 225–250 degrees Fahrenheit to that perfect sear at 600 degrees (or higher). Airflow gives you the reins to this steed, so its control must be absolute while effortless.

  • Features - Charcoal grill manufacturers must work much harder to distinguish themselves from the market. For freestanding models, an ideal bonus could be a quality cart with convenient built-in perks like storage, towel racks, and bottle openers. We will always love a charcoal grill with a great thermometer near grate level.

Best Freestanding Charcoal Grills

Everdure By Heston Blumenthal HUB II Charcoal Grill

Everdure By Heston Blumenthal HUB II Charcoal Grill

Expert Review Rating 4.3 out of 5.

What We Love:

  • Fast Flame Ignition System ignites the charcoals in 10 minutes making startup simple and quick
  • Built-In Rotiscope Technology rotisserie with multi-level height adjustment gives you extra cooking versatility
  • Cool to touch chrome handles allow you to remove grill grates for easy reloading of charcoal
We found plenty to love about the Everdure HUB II charcoal grill, from its quality and design to a surprising degree of performance and collection of thoughtful features developed with backyard chefs in mind.
Team BBQGuys Read full expert review

Honorable Mentions:

Best Built-In Charcoal Grills

Blaze Charcoal Grill

Blaze Charcoal Grill

What We Love:

  • Best in class Lifetime warranty keeps you free of worry for the life of the grill
  • Heavy-duty 304 stainless steel construction creates a long lasting, durable product
  • Adjustable height charcoal tray give you more freedom to adjust temperatures on the fly

Honorable Mentions:

Best Kettle Charcoal Grills

Weber Ranch Kettle 37-Inch Charcoal BBQ Grill

Weber Ranch Kettle Charcoal BBQ Grill

What We Love:

  • Enormous 1,104 sq.inch cooking zone is ideal for feeding a crowd
  • Premium-grade US steel coated in black porcelain enamel can withstand the elements
  • Tuck-away lid holder provides easy and convenient lid storage while you grill

Honorable Mentions:

Best Argentinian Style Charcoal Grills

Tagwood BBQ Argentine Santa Maria Wood Fire & Charcoal Grill

Tagwood BBQ Argentine Santa Maria Wood Fire & Charcoal Grill

What We Love:

  • 4 different cooking areas give you a variety of cooking options in one grill
  • Height-adjustable grates give you full control over the grilling temperature
  • Included meat hooks set you up for low and slow cooking or smoking

Honorable Mentions:

Best Portable Charcoal Grills

Everdure By Heston Blumenthal CUBE Portable Charcoal Grill

Everdure By Heston Blumenthal CUBE Charcoal Grill

What We Love:

  • Chrome handles remain cool to the touch while grilling
  • Heat protection shield allows you to grill on most surfaces
  • Removable charcoal tray makes clean-up quick and effortless

Honorable Mentions: