10 Best Charcoal Bbq Grill 2026 in the United States

The Kamado Joe Big Joe Series II 24-inch Ceramic Charcoal Grill and Smoker is a versatile and high-quality option for outdoor cooking enthusiasts. With a substantial 450 square inch cooking area, it accommodates a large amount of food, making it ideal for gatherings. The ceramic material ensures excellent heat retention and durability, while the stainless steel grates offer a sturdy cooking surface. The grill's air lift hinge is a standout feature, significantly reducing the dome's weight and making it easy to lift with a single finger, enhancing user comfort.

The Divide & Conquer system adds flexibility by allowing different foods to be cooked at varying temperatures on separate levels, effectively doubling the cooking space. Precise airflow control is achieved with the patented all-aluminum, no-rust control tower top vent, which maintains consistent settings and is rain-proof. The advanced multi-panel firebox design reduces the risk of breakage, and the double-thick wire mesh fiberglass gasket provides an airtight seal, ensuring long-lasting performance.

However, at 394 pounds, this grill is quite heavy, which limits its portability. It's more suitable for a permanent spot in your backyard rather than for frequent moving. While it excels in build quality and additional features, the hefty weight and price point might be a consideration for some users. This grill is perfect for serious grillers who value quality and are looking for a durable, versatile, and feature-rich cooking companion.

The Weber Master-Touch Charcoal Grill in Deep Ocean Blue is a solid choice for anyone looking to enjoy classic charcoal grilling. It offers a good cooking area that can handle about 13 burgers at once, making it suitable for small gatherings or family meals. The build quality is strong, featuring porcelain-coated steel which helps with heat retention and durability. One standout is the Gourmet BBQ System hinged cooking grate, allowing you to easily add charcoal mid-cook without losing heat.

Ventilation is well-managed with adjustable air vents, giving you decent control over airflow and cooking temperature. Cleaning is made easier by the One-Touch Cleaning System that helps remove ashes quickly. The grill includes handy extras like a built-in lid thermometer to monitor cooking temperature, a tuck-away lid holder to keep the lid off the ground, and tool hooks for convenience. While the grill is reasonably portable for a charcoal model, it’s not the lightest option out there, so it’s best for backyard use or places where you can roll it around easily.

This grill is a well-designed product that balances ease of use, cooking performance, and convenience, especially for those who appreciate traditional charcoal flavor and want a dependable grill that lasts. The main downside is that it requires some assembly and isn't the most compact for taking on trips, but for at-home grilling, it fits the bill nicely.

The Weber Original Kettle Premium 22-inch charcoal grill offers a spacious cooking surface of 363 square inches, enough to cook about 13 burgers at once, which suits small to medium outdoor gatherings. Its porcelain-enameled lid and bowl are designed for durability, resisting rust and retaining heat well to provide consistent cooking temperatures. The grill includes a built-in lid thermometer, making it easier to monitor cooking temperatures without lifting the lid.

Airflow control is handled by a rust-resistant aluminum damper that allows precise regulation of heat and smoke. Cleaning is simplified with the One-Touch cleaning system and a large removable ash catcher, reducing the hassle of ash removal after grilling sessions. Portability is decent thanks to all-weather wheels and tool hooks add convenience for storing grilling tools nearby. Handles are reinforced with glass-reinforced nylon, making them durable and heat resistant. However, weighing about 32 pounds, it’s moderately portable but might be less ideal for frequent long-distance transport.

Assembly is required, which might be a bit challenging for absolute beginners. This grill is a solid choice for anyone who enjoys traditional charcoal grilling with reliable build quality, ease of temperature control, and straightforward maintenance. It works especially well for outdoor cooking at home or casual gatherings but may not suit those needing a very lightweight or highly compact grill for travel.