Best Charcoal Grills for 2021

February 15, 2018April 26, 2021 Derrick Riches

For the purist griller, nothing beats charcoal. Fortunately, charcoal grills come in a wide range of styles, so there is something for everyone. You can spend less than $40USD on a charcoal grill (thought I don't recommend it) or several thousand dollars. There are even charcoal grills that can cost over ten thousand, but I don't address those here. This list reflects the versatility and easy of use that charcoal grills can offer. Certainly charcoal isn't as convenient as gas, but nothing can produce the authentic flavor that a real fire does. Some of these grills are straight up, direct fire cookers, while others can grill and smoke. Choose wisely and you can buy a charcoal grill that will outlast any gas grill and provide hundreds of great cookout experiences.

Read the Full Review of the Weber Kettle Original 22

Weber is synonymous with charcoal cooking. This is the grill that launched the company, the biggest grill maker in the world. While Weber offers many varieties of this grill, this version is simple and relatively inexpensive, making it the perfect choice for the charcoal grill beginner. The efficiency of the design of this grill makes it easy to use and control and because of its superior temperature control, this grill makes a very good smoker as well. A little practice and you just might find that this is the only backyard cooker you need.

Read the Full Review of the Original PK Grill & Smoker

If this charcoal grill looks primitive, it is because it hasn't changed since it was first introduced in the 1950's. The reason for this is because it is practically perfect in design. The cast aluminum body holds heat, making this a very efficient charcoal grill. The airflow control allows it to grill hot and fast as well as low and slow, so this grill is also a good smoker. While relatively small in size, this incredibly durable grill (there are models in use today that are over 60 years old) can fill the needs of most any backyard cook.

Also consider the larger and more functional PK360 Charcoal Grill

Read the Full Review of the Big Green Egg Large

There is a reason that this is the best selling Kamado grill in the world. Big Green Egg has become the standard by which all other Kamado grills are measured. At around $850USD and with an 18-inch diameter cooking surface, this is the Kamado to beat. Certainly it is a basic unit, but with a huge line of accessories to back it up and excellent attention to quality, this is the first grill to look at when shopping for this style of charcoal grill.

Also see the Best Kamado Grills

Read the Full Review of the Old Smokey #22 Charcoal Grill

Another of the venerable charcoal grills, the Old Smokey is simple, easy to use and small enough to fit most anywhere while large enough to meet the needs of most families. This company has existed for decades and while not as well known as other brands, has always managed to put quality above everything else. This charcoal grill is also a great portable unit. It is lightweight and can be taken anywhere. It is also very durable provided that it is cared for.

It might seem that this list favors products for the past. Haste Bake is yet another company that has been around for decades. There is a reason that grills like this one remain popular. They are built very well. To be honest, a charcoal grill doesn't need a lot of technology or innovation. These are simple grills and this model makes the most of the power of charcoal. The cooking grate is adjustable so food can be put inches from the fire, or pulled away for a slower roast. The airflow and lid design make this a great smoker as well as a great grill. While more expensive than most charcoal grills, it is built to last and perform.

It is true that the traditional Kamado grill is ceramic. But by switching to a metal body, Broil King has made a kamado that can be taken on the road. This is one of the most efficient Kamado grills on the market thanks to the innovative insulation between the metal shells. It is so efficient that you will find it saves money in charcoal over the long run. With all the benefits of Kamado cooking, this is the perfect grill and smoker combination and it can be hitched up and taken places that most Kamado grills can't. For the person that wants it all, I highly recommend this versatile charcoal grill.

Read the Full Review of The Puma by Nuke Made in Argentina, the Nuke Puma is a very traditional example of the Gaucho Grill. You get everything you need to do some serious grilling. This unit has a large, 500 square inch cooking surface of V-shaped stainless steel. There is a basket to the left for burning whole logs down to coals (though, of course, you can use charcoal). The cooking surface moves from 4 inches to 19 inches above the fire. At around $2,600USD, this grill is an investment but taken care of, it should last you for many years of pure grilling enjoyment.

Yes, there is a Weber at the top of this list already, but the Performer series adds some incredible features. This charcoal grill has all the benefits of the basic Weber kettle, but comes on a large, stable cart and has a gas assisted ignition system. All you have to do is pour in charcoal, turn a knob, push a button, and the coals will be hot and ready to grill in ten minutes. This is Weber's answer to gas convenience with charcoal flavor. Also, all Weber charcoal accessories work with this grill.