Charcoal Grills: Get Fired Up for Flavorful Fun!

Grill with Superior Charcoal The Top 7 Picks of 2023 Examined and Reviewed

Top 7 charcoal grills of 2023, tested and reviewed

Charcoal grill set up outdoors Charcoal grilling lends unparalleled flavor to meat, seafood, and veggies. – Owen Burke/Insider

Are you ready to ignite your taste buds and add some sizzle to your summer? Then look no further than charcoal grills—the ultimate way to get closer to nature while cooking. We’ve tested dozens of grills, interviewed top chefs, and scoured the market to bring you our top picks for the best charcoal grills.

Our Top Picks for the Best Charcoal Grills

Best overall: Weber Original Kettle 22”

Weber Original Kettle 22” Pros: Easy to use, clean, outfit, and repair. Cons: Thin steel, the porcelain-enameled coating can crack easily. – Owen Burke/Insider

The Weber Original Kettle 22” is a classic charcoal grill that stands the test of time. With its tried and true design, it grills perfectly, lasts for years, and won’t break the bank. Its simple circular shape ensures even heat distribution, and the top and bottom vents allow for precise heat control. Plus, it’s weatherproof and highly mobile, making it perfect for backyard barbecues or on-the-go grilling adventures.

Best barrel grill: Char-Griller Grand Champ XD

Char-Griller Grand Champ XD Pros: Thick steel, weather-resistant, expanded steel grates, good warranty. Cons: Felt gaskets could be better, brand no longer manufactures dedicated cover. – Owen Burke/Insider

For true barbecue enthusiasts, the Char-Griller Grand Champ XD is the grill of your dreams. With its 12-gauge thick steel barrel, excellent heat retention, and sturdy build, this grill offers impressive performance at an affordable price. Whether you’re smoking pork shoulders or grilling chicken wings, this grill does it all with finesse.

Best upgrade: Kamado Joe Classic II

Kamado Joe Classic II Pros: Excellent insulation and heat retention, fuel-efficient, doubles as a smoker, grates set at different heights, sturdy wheel locks. Cons: Heavy, tricky to learn how much charcoal to use (easy to overheat). – Owen Burke/Insider

If you’re willing to splurge, the Kamado Joe Classic II is the ultimate charcoal grill investment. This ceramic grill is a beast when it comes to efficiency and heat retention. With its multiple grate levels, ash catchment system, and weatherproof construction, you’ll have complete control over your grilling experience. Plus, it’s a breeze to clean and maintain, ensuring years of grilling pleasure.

Best self-feeding: Masterbuilt Gravity Series 1050

Masterbuilt Gravity Series 1050 Pros: Large capacity, self-feeding, keeps relatively steady temperature. Cons: Only works with briquettes (not hardwood lump), tough to build (took us several hours). – Owen Burke/Insider

Want to enjoy charcoal grilling without the hassle of tending to the fire? Look no further than the Masterbuilt Gravity Series 1050. This innovative grill works like an electric-powered pellet grill, but with the unbeatable flavor of charcoal. With its large cooking area and real-time temperature control, you can easily feed a hungry crowd without breaking a sweat.

Best cart-style: PK300 Grill and Smoker

PK300 Grill and Smoker Pros: Great heat retention and weather resistance, easy coal access with fold-up grate, 20-year warranty. Cons: No thermometer included. – Owen Burke/Insider

Looking for a reliable and efficient charcoal grill for your backyard? The PK300 Grill and Smoker is the perfect choice. Made from thick, cast aluminum, this grill offers excellent heat retention and durability. With its easy coal access and versatile cooking area, you’ll have everything you need to impress your guests. Plus, it comes with a 20-year warranty, so you know it’s built to last.

Best portable: Weber Smokey Joe

Weber Smokey Joe Pros: Lightweight, same design as our top pick. Cons: Not entirely spill-proof, bulky for a portable grill. – Owen Burke/Insider

For those grill enthusiasts on the go, the Weber Smokey Joe is a must-have. This compact version of our top pick, the Weber Original Kettle, offers the same convenience and ease of use in a portable size. Whether you’re camping, tailgating, or picnicking, this grill will be your trusty companion, delivering delicious grilled flavors wherever you go.

Best for entertaining: Nuke Delta 40-Inch Gaucho Grill

Nuke Delta 40-Inch Gaucho Grill Pros: Tons of cooking space, sears meat very well, adjustable grill grates give an extra layer of heat control, lid allows for smoking meat and weather protection while cooking outdoors, comes with many accessories, can easily be wheeled on flat surfaces once assembled. Cons: Some small pieces came damaged (but were covered by the warranty), assembly takes some heavy lifting, expensive. – Nuke BBQ

Ready to impress your guests with a showstopping grill? The Nuke Delta 40-Inch Gaucho Grill is your ticket to grilling greatness. With its large cooking surface, adjustable grill grates, and lid for smoking and weather protection, this grill offers unmatched versatility and control. It may come with a hefty price tag, but when it comes to entertaining, this grill is worth every penny.

What to Look for in a Charcoal Grill

When choosing the best charcoal grill for your grilling adventures, consider these factors:

  1. Size: Determine how much cooking surface you need based on the number of people you’ll be grilling for. Also, consider the height of the grill for accommodating larger cuts of meat.

  2. Material quality: Look for grills made of durable materials like stainless steel, cast iron, or cast aluminum. Thicker steel or ceramic options offer better heat retention and longevity.

  3. Temperature control: Opt for grills with adjustable vents and grates to achieve precise heat control. This will ensure that your food cooks perfectly every time.

  4. Smoking capacity: If you’re into smoking meat, choose a charcoal grill with ample interior space for larger cuts.

How We Tested Charcoal Grills

At VoiceAngel Reviews, we take grilling seriously. We tested our top picks to ensure their performance, durability, and ease of use. Our team of experts, including top chefs and grilling enthusiasts, weighed in on the quality of materials, setup process, and overall performance of each grill. We also considered factors like warranty coverage and customer satisfaction.

Now that you know the best charcoal grills on the market, it’s time to get cooking! Fire up your grill, gather your friends and family, and create mouthwatering meals that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Happy grilling!

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Have any grilling tips or favorite charcoal grill recipes? Share them with us in the comments below! Let’s keep the flavor conversation going.