Best Charcoal Grill Consumer Reports – 9 Smart Tips For Buying

You might be ready for some backyard action. Or traveling and camping might be something you enjoy a lot. Regardless of your fun activity, a charcoal grill can make your time more exciting.

However, if you end up buying the wrong charcoal grill, all the excitement might turn into your worst nightmare.

But, we don’t want you to suffer. That is why we have done extensive research, read hundreds of customer reviews, went through some expert opinions, and come up with the best charcoal grill consumer reports.

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Top 10 Best Charcoal Grill Consumer Reports [Expert Reviews & Buying Guide 2024]

1. Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill

Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill Review

If you are looking for a charcoal grill that is affordable and provides an amazing grilling experience then look no further. Some of the best Charcoal Grill Consumer Reports have considered this Weber Original Kettle Premium the best charcoal grill under 200 bucks.

This is a charcoal grill with stainless steel grates. The outer body is also made of porcelain enameled steel which can prevent corrosion and rust. And the lid handle comes with a heat shield that protects your hand from high temperatures.

Precise Temperature Control

Controlling the temperature in this weber charcoal grill is more convenient. You don’t need to lift up the lid if you want to reduce the heat. It comes with a no-rust aluminum vent that can ventilate the heat from inside.

You can increase or decrease the temperature just by rotating or sealing the vent. And there is a built-in thermometer to monitor the temperature in a precise way.

Amazing Cooking Grids

Inside the lid, the cooking grid of the charcoal grill weber is hinged on two sides and it’s made of stainless steel. You don’t have to remove the food if you need to add charcoal or smoking wood under the grill.

Just hinge the grate from the sides and put the fuel under the food without affecting your cooking. Also, the cooking grid has handles for easy removal.

One Touch Cleaning System

Below the cooking grid, you will see the charcoal grate and a one-touch cleaning system. It swipes the charcoal ash and debris into a high-capacity ash catcher which is mounted under the grill.

There is a lever in the removable ash catcher. Once you are done swiping, just remove the ash container and clean it properly.

Weight and Portability

The weight of this Weber Charcoal Grill is only 32.3 Pounds. In addition, it comes with crack free durable wheels. Moving this amazing grilling machine around the backyard or outdoor party is super convenient.

Down Sides

Sometimes, you may have to use a hammer to assemble everything (even though they say you don’t need that). Also, it doesn’t offer a grid lifter tool. So, it would be difficult for you to remove the cooking grid once it’s hot.

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2. Kamado Joe KJ23RHC Classic II Charcoal Grill

Kamado Joe KJ23RHC Review

If you are someone who is very passionate about charcoal grills then this Kamado Joe KJ23RHC is exactly what you are looking for. This is the best charcoal grill smoker combo available in the market.

It comes with the Kamado signature divide and conquers cooking system where you can cook at two different temperatures at the same time. This gives you a lot of flexibility when you are preparing a meal on the grill.

Temperature And Airflow Control

There are mainly two ventilation systems available to control the temperature of this cooking beast. A bottom draft door (made of stainless steel) that can be slid into any position. And a KONTROL Tower Vent which is made of aluminum and prevents rust and corrosion.

There is a cap that protects the tower vent from rain and still maintains the airflow.

Accessories Rack

Underneath the divide-and-conquer grids, there is an accessories rack. You can put a water pan beneath the cooking surface when you slowly smoke something like ribs.

This accessories rack can also be used for convocation baking.

Ceramic Heat Deflectors

There are two ceramic heat deflectors in this charcoal grill and each one looks like a half-moon. It protects your food from the direct heat of the charcoals and prevents burning.

There is enough space beside the accessories rack to put extra coals. So, you can put a layer of heat diffusion beneath the food you are cooking. Amazing, right?

Grid Lifter Tool

Unlike the traditional charcoal grills, Kamado Joe KJ23RHC comes with a grid lifter tool. It helps you to remove the hot cooking grid and add charcoal whenever you need it.

AMP FireBox

This heavy-duty charcoal grill and smoker has a multi-panel ceramic firebox design. All the panels are wrapped by a stainless-steel ring for maximum durability. Despite that, the grill ceramic body is backed by a lifetime warranty.

Folding Side Shelves

It’s a stainless-steel charcoal grill smoker that has two folding side shelves. Preparing your food on these shelves is more convenient than ever before. Also, you can do both grilling and smoking in it. And that is why this is the best charcoal grill smoker.

Down Sides

There are only two things we don’t like about this grilling beast. First of all, the ceramic body needs some extra care. It can be broken easily if you don’t be very careful with it.

Also, this is a professional quality grill and smoker. So, the price may not be affordable for everyone.

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3. Char-Griller E1224 Smokin Pro

Char-Griller E1224 Smokin Pro Review

How about a traditional charcoal grill that has the largest cooking surface? This Char-Griller E1224 Smokin Pro is the best vertical charcoal smoker that comes with a large cooking grid surface.

If you want to have a backyard party and make many barbecues at the same time then this is the best charcoal grills consumer reports have said.

Built Quality and Cooking Space

The Char-Griller E1224 Smokin Pro is a Texas-style BBQ smoker which is made of powder coated heavy duty steel. The grill is made of non-sticky cast iron and offers a total 580 square inches of cooking space.  The additional side firebox space is 250 square inches which is able to give you Texas smoke flavor.

Cooking Shelves

There are three side shelves on this grill. No matter how much cooking essentials you have, you can fit almost everything on these big shelves for cooking

Temperature Control

The Char-Griller E1224 Smokin Pro comes with an adjustable fire grate. And a heat gage that provides better control over grilling temperature. All you have to do is move the fire grate up and down to keep your food warm.

Also, there are adjustable dampers for optimal heat ventilation. You can seal the dampers to maintain high temperature while cooking. 

Down Sides

As the lid is made of thin metal, a decent amount of smoke leaks during cooking. You may lose some heat because of that and need extra time to cook something properly.

And this charcoal grill is not for you if you are looking for a compact small one.

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4. Dyna-Glo Signature Series DGSS1382VCS-D

Dyna-Glo Signature Series DGSS1382VCS-D Review

How about something with more cooking space that doesn’t take too much area to stand?

Unlike a traditional charcoal grill, this Dyna-Glo Signature Series DGSS1382VCS-D offers more than 1300 square inches of cooking space. And the interesting thing is, you don’t need that much space in your home to use this.

This charcoal grill smoker has a steel smoking chamber. And there are five chrome-plated cooking grates one under another. You can cook different types of foods like pizza, chicken, BBQ, steamed vegetables, and many more. This is one of the best charcoal grills under 300.

Classic Smokehouse Flavor

The Dyna-Glo Signature Series DGSS1382VCS-D is the best charcoal grills under 300. The smoker’s body is capable of providing low and slow cooking with steamy smoke. If you are a fan of smoky flavors, this is the best charcoal grill within your budget.

Sausage Hooks

It has pre-installed hooks where you can hang your sausages. This may put a smile on your face since grilling sausage is more convenient and flexible in this Dyna-Glo smoker.

Removable Fuel Grate and Ash Pan

There is a removable side tray to put the charcoal or smoky wood. It reduces heat loss and ensures an optimal cooking experience with the hassle-free cleanup. Accessing the fuel section and disposing of ashes is easier and faster.

Down Sides

There is a high chance the paint of this charcoal grill will peel off within a very short time. Though it’s a great smoker, the temperature thermometer will be foggy as soon as you start cooking.

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5. Weber Jumbo Joe Charcoal Grill

Weber Jumbo Joe Charcoal Grill Review

Do you need a charcoal grill that you can carry with your hands? If so, the Weber Jumbo Joe is the best compact charcoal grill you can go for. It has 18 inches of cooking diameter where you can grill sausages, vegetables, burger patty, BBQ, and many more.

Hosting a backyard party and making hassle free BBQ has never been so easy.

Material and Build Quality

The design and look of this Jumbo Joe Charcoal Grill are very similar to the Weber Original Kettle Premium. The lid and bowl are made of pure porcelain enameled steel. It protects the grill from rust and peel.

There is a handle at the top of the lid which is covered with a heat shield. If you want to open the lid, you never have to worry about the heat.

Temperature and Air Ventilation

There are mainly two vents in the Jumbo Joe Charcoal Grill to control airflow. One is at the bottom and the other is on the top which is a damper. Both of them give you full control over the cooking temperature.

You can rotate the top damper and adjust the heat according to your cooking style.

Removable Ash Catcher

The Weber Jumbo Joe Charcoal Grill comes with a removable ash catcher which is made of aluminum. All the ashes are dumped into it during the cooking. Once you are done, you can simply remove it and clean accordingly.

3D Instruction App

This is one of the most interesting features of Weber grills. They offer a BILT app that provides assembly instructions through 3D modeling. It makes the installation process very easy for a new person.

Also, the price is super low. In our opinion, this is the best charcoal grill under $100

Super Portable

As the weight of this charcoal grill is only 18 pounds, you can carry the Weber Jumbo Joe with one hand. Now, it’s very easy to make a quick meal on your patio. Also, you can enjoy an amazing grilling experience while traveling. This is the best portable charcoal grill according to our expert opinion.

Down Sides

Sometimes, the parts are missing from the delivery package. Though, the manufacturer is not alone responsible for this issue.

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6. Classic Pit Barrel Cooker

Classic Pit Barrel Cooker Review

If you don’t like traditional charcoal grills then how about a drum smoker?

The Classic Pit Barrel Cooker is something that can grab your attention very easily. It may look like an ugly drum. However, let me assure you this is by far the best pit barrel smoker for grilling your meals.

Materials and Accessories

This pit barrel smoker is made of pure steel and comes with many accessories. It has a stand where the barrel sits on, a lid with a handle and a drum.

In addition, it has eight hooks where you can hang your meat, ribs or turkeys. All you have to do is, just put the charcoal basket underneath the cooking grate and hang all the meats by using hooks and metal posts.

Minimal Assembly

Sometimes, it is very difficult to assemble a charcoal grill for a new grilling enthusiastic person. However, this 18.5″ CLASSIC pit barrel doesn’t require any complex assembly which is amazing. This is the best pit barrel smoker for beginners I must say.

Multi-Function Cooking Grate

The Pit Barrel Cooker comes with an additional cooking grate which is multi-functional. You can make smoky BBQ on one side and hang four or five ribs on the other side.

Down Sides

The only downside of this pit barrel cooker is; its temperature control. There is only one vent for airflow control and it doesn’t have any special feature for heat measurement. So, it’s very easy to overcook or undercook your food and make other mistakes.

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7. Weber 15501001 Performer Deluxe Charcoal Grill

Weber 15501001 Performer Deluxe Charcoal Grill Review

The most unique feature of this Weber 15501001 Performer is, it’s a cheap gas and charcoal grill. There is an electric touch-n-go push button under the cooking shelve that can ignite your charcoals very fast. It can save you a lot of time and hassle. 

Lid Thermometer

There is a lid thermometer in the Weber 15501001 Performer Deluxe Charcoal Grill. It allows you to see the current internal heat and adjust your grill according to your needs.

Heat Control

With the help of the ventilation dampers, controlling the temperature is very easy in this Weber 15501001 Performer. This is the best stainless-steel charcoal grill that gives you the ability to open the airflow or seal it completely by rotating the damper.

Thus, you will save a significant amount of heat and your food will be cooked without using too much coals.

Heat Shield

There is a heat shield in the handle bar that protects you from heat. No matter how hot your lid becomes, you can touch the handle anytime.

Lid Hanger and Timer

With this grill, you never have to place the lid on the ground. When you open the lid, it will slide over to the other side and a steel hanger will hold it with the cooker.

It also, it comes with a removable LED timer. You can set a timer to preheat the grill and prepare for cooking sessions.

Down Sides

It may take some extra time to cook something compared to the other grills available in the market. If you need to cook your food very fast, you may have to go for a high-budget grill.

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8. PK Grill and Smoker

PK Grill and Smoker Review

If you need your grill to heat very fast and keep the temperature consistent then PK Grill and Smoker is the best choice. This grill is made of cast aluminum which can heat the cooking area 4 times faster.

Also, this aluminum grill can preserve heat for a long time. So, your food will remain warm even after cooking.

Tow Zone Heating

With the PK Grill and Smoker, you can do two types of cooking. You can cook your meat very fast by putting them directly above the charcoal. That is called direct heating. For example, BBQ, burger patty, steaks, etc.

On the other hand, you can use indirect heat to roast your meat. Just keep your meat to one side and put the charcoals on the other side. Thus, it works as both a grill and a smoker.

Four Air Vents for Temperature Control

You will see two air vents at the top and two at the bottom of this grill and smoker. It allows you to control the cooking heat in a more precise way. If you utilize the ventilation system properly, you will have 180 to 750 F temperature.

Durability

As it is made of sturdy aluminum, you don’t need to worry about rust and corrosion. It will protect the grill from any damage and give you more durability.

Down Sides

It’s a medium size charcoal grill that can handle casual cooking. If you expect to grill big chunks of meat or cook many foods at the same time, you may have to find another one.

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9. Weber Go-Anywhere Charcoal Grill

Weber Go-Anywhere Charcoal Grill Review

If you are looking for the best small charcoal grill for camping, this Weber Go-Anywhere is the perfect match. This is also the cheapest charcoal grill available in the market.

It’s a lightweight charcoal grill which is only 8 pounds. You can fit this into your car and travel with it anywhere you want.

Enough Cooking Area

Despite being one of the best compact charcoal grills, it can easily grill enough food for two people. The dimension of the cooking area is 12.2 x 21 x 14.5 inches which is enough to cook food for two or three people.

Rust Protection

The lid of this Weber Go-Anywhere Charcoal Grill is made of porcelain-enameled steel. It protects the grill from rust and will have a longer lifespan.

Dampers for Temperature Control

There are two main dampers in this weber charcoal grill. Both of them are made of aluminum and rust resistant. You can adjust the cooking temperature by controlling the airflow inside the grill.

Down Sides

You must use a mild dish scrubber while cleaning. If you use a hard one, the coating of the grill might be removed. Also, the grilling area may not be enough if you want to cook for many people.

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10. Char-Broil Classic 360

Char-Broil Classic 360 Review

How about a gas-powered grill that is similar to a charcoal grill?

The Char-Broil Classic 360 is the best backyard gas grill that works similar to a charcoal grill. It runs on propane gas which is more convenient and easier to use.

Burners and Heating Power

Grilling your steaks, Vegetables, sausages may need different heating temperatures. That is where it helps you.

There are mainly 3 burners in the Char-Broil Classic 360 that can produce 30000 BTU heat. You can customize the temperature according to your cooking style.

Also, there is a side burner that can produce heat worth 8000 BTU. You can warm your food or make side dishes in it.

Warming Rack

It has a 170 square inches of warming rack right above the main cooking area. You can use it to toast your buns or vegetables.

Side Shelf and Wheels

The Char-Broil Classic 360 offers two big wheels to ensure better portability. And also has a side shelf that is 12 inches wide and 13 inches Long. Preparing your food for grilling is easier with this shelf.

Down Sides

It’s a gas grill with lots of functionality. If you are new to grilling then the assembly might be difficult for you. Also, charcoal grill lovers may not like the flavor after cooking.

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Buying Guide: How to choose the best charcoal grill consumer reports

Doing the research and selecting the best charcoal grill might be a painful job. There are lots of charcoal grill reviews and many parameters to look for when it comes to finding the best charcoal grill consumer reports.

But don’t worry! We would love to assist you with the process. After reading this buying guide, you will know about charcoal grills and their functionalities.

1. Heating Capacity

This is the most important feature of a charcoal grill. If a grill can’t produce enough heat, your meat may not be cooked very well. Nobody likes that, right?

The USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) recommends 145 F to 165 F temperature for different meats. Always go for a charcoal grill that can produce heat more than that.

2. Heating Time

Nobody loves to wait all day just to make a juicy steak. That is why you must know how much time it takes to heat the charcoal. It would be better to go for a grill that can heat the charcoal within a short time. Generally, a good charcoal grill takes 10 to 15 minutes to be ready for cooking.

3. Temperature Control

It doesn’t matter how much heat the grill can produce unless there is a temperature control system. Your food will be overcooked or undercooked if you don’t know how to play with the temperature. Sometimes, it can even burn the meat which is worse!

You should consider a grill that offers more control over the heat production.

4. Air Ventilation

Air ventilation system plays the most crucial role when it comes to control the grill temperature. More efficient ventilation system means you have more control over the heat production. Usually, we recommend having a charcoal grill that has multiple dampers.

5. Build Quality and Material

If your charcoal grill is made of good quality materials, it will have a longer lifespan. Also, you may have some additional advantages in cooking. For example, an aluminum charcoal grill takes less time and can preserve heat for a long duration.

6. Grill Size and Purpose

Before you make a purchase, you must determine your purpose. If you want to have a charcoal grill only for two or three people, it would be wise to go for a small one. However, you may need a big grill if you love to do parties very often.

7. Accessible Coal Bed and Gate

You may need to add coals after 20 minutes when cooking large quantities of food. You can control the heat by using an adjustable coal bed or cooking grates. In addition, you can add more coals to your fire or rearrange the coals while you cook with a grill with hinged grates.

8. Size and Shape

The shape and size of your grill will determine how much heat it concentrates and diffuses. You can cook more food on the wider barrel grills, but the coal beds are thinner, so they’re better for cooking burgers and bratwursts. Kettles or kamados have a deeper coal bed, which can focus heat for searing or slow down the burning of coals to allow for long, slow roasting.

9. Types of Grills

Generally speaking, there are only 3 types of charcoal grills.

1. Kettle grills are small, easily maintained, and affordable. Because they are spherical, heat is distributed evenly, and they are more portable than other grills.
2. Barrels can be used both to grill and to smoke food. They cost more but have a larger cooking surface.
3. Ceramic grills are expensive and heavy charcoal grills. They provide better temperature control than others and are great for large groups.

How To Use a Charcoal Grill?

• Once the coals are glowing red, remove the cooking grate and set them on the fuel grate. This allows indirect grilling.
• Reposition the cooking grate over the coals, and open all vents. Heat the grill for around 10 to 15 minutes with the lid closed.
• After preheating the grill, clean it with a wet rag over a spoon. Next, put slow-cooking foods in indirect zones and fast-cooking foods in direct zones.
• Monitor the temperature on the grill with a high-quality meat thermometer. Cover the grill with a lid and adjust the air vents to adjust the temperature.
• Cover the grill to cool it off after cooking, and then dispose of the ashes.

Are there any tips for grilling with charcoal successfully?

You must build a fire from scratch on a charcoal grill, unlike on a gas or pellet grill, where you can control the heat and flames by knobs. Adding too much charcoal to the grill can damage it or cause a fire out of control.

Since the fire is often higher and harder to control, only use grilling tools with long handles, such as tongs and spatulas. You should wear Short-sleeved shirts and tight-fitting shirts to prevent fabric draping over the flames. When grilling with charcoal, keep an extinguisher on hand. Keep a safe distance when spraying water on lit coals; because it can ignite grease and spread.

Also, maintain the cold chain by keeping food in the refrigerator. Please don’t do it at room temperature; use it to thaw.

To ensure that fish and meats remain tender and flavorful, only turn them once during cooking. After cooking the meat, it is advisable to salt it so that it doesn’t dry out. Forks can dry out the meat, so always handle it with tongs.

Here are some tips for charcoal grilling:

1. Start with the right amount of coals.
2. Use a chimney starter to light your coals so they don’t flare up when you first start cooking.
3. Never use liquid lighter fluid or gas on your grill, it will ruin the flavor of your food and may lead to a fire!
4. To save time, pre-heat your grill before adding the food on top and cook in batches if needed.
5. Consider saving the cold burgers and hot dogs until you are ready to serve them, as opposed to grilling both at once!
6. Don’t over-cook your meat on a charcoal grill – it will taste dry and rubbery. This is because heat from the flame can only travel so far through thin pieces of food that get tough fast when cooked too long or with too much exposure to a heat source.
7. Always keep the fire under control at all times and never leave it unattended! Have a sand shovel handy if you need to clean off cooking debris from the grate with little or no room between coals.
8. Use long skewers and wooden toothpicks instead of metal as some metals generated flames may ignite your food, especially when they are in contact with high heat like coals on an open flame grill can face.
9. Don’t use wood chunks or other natural hardwood as these may cause flare-ups with items on the grill such as meat in which case you will have food safety problems.
10. Whenever adding a new batch of pancakes or other cooked food, do not only add fresh coals – wait at least an hour so you don’t put extra high heat on your grill as this can cause browning too fast and undercook the item instead.

Know more: How often to clean green mountain grill?

Final Words

During the research, this best charcoal grill consumer reports found that the Weber Original Kettle Premium is best overall. However, the Kamado Joe KJ23RHC Classic II is the best if you want to go pro. And Weber Jumbo Joe charcoal grills are the best affordable and portable charcoal grills.

We believe this in-depth research helped you to choose the best charcoal grill according to your needs. If you still have any confusions then feel free to comment down below. We are always ready to assist.

Best Charcoal Grill Consumer Reports (FAQs)

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