10 Best Charcoal Grills 2026 in the United States

The Kamado Joe Big Joe Series II is a standout option in the charcoal grill category, particularly for those who enjoy versatility and high-quality cooking experiences. One of its key strengths is the generous cooking area of 450 square inches, enhanced by the exclusive divide & conquer flexible cooking system. This allows for multilevel cooking, enabling users to prepare different foods simultaneously, which is ideal for gatherings or family meals. The air lift hinge is another excellent feature, making it effortless to lift the grill dome, providing comfort while grilling.

The build quality is impressive, with a ceramic body and stainless steel grates, ensuring durability and excellent heat retention. The patented control tower vent allows for fine-tuned airflow management, which is crucial for achieving the desired cooking temperature. Additionally, the innovative fiberglass gasket enhances the grill's airtight seal, extending the life of the grill.

There are some considerations to keep in mind. The size and weight of the grill may make it less portable than some users might prefer, particularly those who need to move it frequently for storage or transport. While it has features that enhance ease of cleaning, the ceramic material can still require careful handling to avoid damage. This grill is particularly suited for enthusiasts who prioritize a versatile cooking experience and appreciate quality craftsmanship. It might be less ideal for those seeking a lightweight or easily transportable option. If you're looking for a high-performance charcoal grill that excels in functionality and design, the Kamado Joe Big Joe Series II is worth considering.

The Oklahoma Joe's Canyon Combo is a versatile charcoal and gas smoker-grill combo designed for BBQ lovers who want both smoking and grilling options in one unit. It offers a large cooking area with 750 square inches on the main grill and an extra 281 square inches on the firebox, enough to handle big meals like multiple pork shoulders and a dozen burgers at once. The build feels solid with painted steel inside and stainless steel outside, which should hold up well over time but also means the grill is quite heavy at 196 pounds, making it less ideal if you need to move it often. However, it does have two big rubber-treaded wheels that help with mobility across different surfaces.

Temperature control is strong here thanks to adjustable dampers on both the firebox and smokestack, allowing precise heat and smoke management for consistent cooking results. The 3-burner gas grill heats quickly and maintains steady heat, offering a convenient alternative to charcoal when you want faster cooking. Clean-up is easier with a removable ash pan that collects charcoal residue without a mess. Extra touches like tool hooks, multiple shelves, and cool-touch handles add convenience during cooking. The combo requires separate purchase of wood chunks for smoking and a propane tank for the gas grill, which are worth remembering.

It comes with a 2-year parts warranty and has a decent customer rating of 4.2 out of 5. For those looking for a robust, dual-fuel smoker and grill with lots of space and good heat control who do not mind its weight, this unit can be a great choice. If portability is a top priority or a lighter model is preferred, exploring smaller or simpler alternatives might be advisable.

The Weber Master-Touch Charcoal Grill in Deep Ocean Blue is a solid choice for anyone who enjoys outdoor grilling with charcoal. It offers a decent cooking area that can hold up to 13 burgers at once, making it suitable for small to medium gatherings. The grill is built with durable porcelain-coated steel, which helps it resist rust and retain heat well, ensuring even cooking. One of its stand-out features is the hinged cooking grate compatible with Weber's Gourmet BBQ System, allowing you to easily add charcoal mid-cook without removing the grate. It also includes a built-in lid thermometer, which helps you monitor temperature without lifting the lid and losing heat.

Ventilation and temperature control are handled through the design but might take some practice to master since it has a single-barrel configuration. Portability is moderate; while it's not ultra-lightweight, it has a tuck-away lid holder to keep the lid off the ground while grilling and tool hooks for convenience. The one-touch cleaning system simplifies ash removal, making post-cook cleanup less of a hassle. However, assembly is required, which may need some patience if you’re not used to putting grills together. The grill’s size is good but might feel a bit bulky for very small outdoor spaces or for frequent transport.

This grill balances quality, useful features, and ease of use, making it a great pick if you want reliable performance and some thoughtful extras without complicated tech.