Elevate Your Summer Dinners With the Help of These Charcoal Grills
Elevate Your Summer Dinners With the Help of These Charcoal Grills
No matter how old you get, a few things about summer will still remain true: Cannonballs into the pool will always be awesome, the sound of the ice cream truck will fill you with joy, and the smell of a good BBQ will make your mouth water — especially if it’s coming from a charcoal grill. Sure, they may not look as fancy as gas-powered grills, but that’s all part of their charm. That distinct wood-flavored aroma is second to none, and (bonus) they’re way more travel-friendly. Plus, even some of the best charcoal grills tend to be more affordable than state-of-the-art propane options.
It’s no wonder then that charcoal grills have been making a comeback lately, with plenty of new options on the market. Whether you’re looking for an old-school cooker that reminds you of childhood summers, or something a bit more high-tech, consider these top-rated charcoal grills before you start cooking.
Cuisinart 14-inch Portable Charcoal Grill
Cuisinart
amazon.com
$29.99
New to grilling? This trusty little cooker is perfect for getting your feet wet, at an affordable price to boot. The Cuisinart comes with a 150-square-inch chrome plated cooking rack, a dual venting system, and a mess-free ash catcher that makes clean-up a breeze. Plus, customers love that it’s easy to put together, and its compact design makes it easy to travel with.
Weber 22 in. Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill with Built-In Thermometer
Weber
homedepot.com
$165.00
This sleek little number isn’t your grandpa’s grill. Available in black, copper, or a vibrant green, the Original Kettle Premium grill has a classic style with plenty of modern upgrades. You’ll love its built-in thermometer, removable ash-catcher, and the fact that it’s built to last, with a porcelain-enameled lid and bowl that’ll guarantee it stays with you for many summers to come.
Char-Griller AKORN 20-in Black Kamado Charcoal Grill
Char-Griller
lowes.com
$298.00
Want a grill that pulls double-duty? The Akorn works as a charcoal grill and a smoker to create some mouth-wateringly delicious meals. It may look small in stature, but make no mistake — this thing packs a big punch. Customers love its versatility and ability to retain heat over a long time. (For a smaller, but more affordable option, you can also check out the Akorn Jr.)
Kitchen Aid Cart-Style Charcoal Grill
KitchenAid
homedepot.com
$249.00
Maybe you still want the size and style of a typical gas-powered grill, without giving up that traditional charcoal feel. Say no more. This cart-style grill from Kitchen Aid sports the design of a modern gas grill, and even includes foldable side shelves. Best of all, it has loads of positive reviews from customers who rave about its quality and ample grill space.
Lodge Outdoor Charcoal Grill
Lodge
walmart.com
$143.66
There are old-school grills and then there are old old-school grills. This outdoor cooker has an antique feel to it that’s like traveling back in time. The cast-iron design features a coal door to toss in your kindling, and its superior heat retention means the grill requires less charcoal while you’re cooking, which will save money in the long-run. The Lodge may not be fancy, but it sure is cool.
ISUMER Charcoal Grill BBQ
ISUMER
amazon.com
$28.99
Perfect for campouts, overnight trips, and more, this lightweight grill is designed to be easily portable so you can take it virtually anywhere. It’s also pretty wallet-friendly, if you’re not looking to invest in something pricey right now. Customers say this small but trusty grill gets the job done, making it ideal for small gatherings.
Weber Performer Deluxe Charcoal Grill
Weber
amazon.com
When it comes to having all the bells and whistles, the Performer Deluxe checks all of the boxes. It sports a 22-inch diameter porcelain-enameled bowl and lid with ample cooking space inside, as well an electronic Touch-N-Go gas ignition system that makes it easy to operate. Grillers also love its One-Touch cleaning system with removable ash catcher, LCD cook timer, and built-in lid thermometer.
Char-Griller Smokin' Champ Charcoal Grill Horizontal Smoker
Char-Griller
homedepot.com
$199.00
There’s no denying this heavy-duty grill is built to last. And just like the Akorn, it does two jobs in one, by featuring a grill and a smoker. But the Smokin’ Champ also has another major bonus: It features even more cooking space than the Akorn, making it ideal for larger backyard parties and BBQs. An attached side fire box will keep it well-heated, too, along with the authentic cast iron cooking grates.
Weber Jumbo Joe 18-inch Portable Charcoal Grill
Weber
amazon.com
$69.99
There’s a reason why this pint-sized grill has hundreds of positive reviews on Amazon. The Jumbo Joe cooker can grill up to eight burgers at a time, and with its lightweight and compact design, it was basically made for grilling on the go. The Tuck-N-Carry lid lock also works as a lid holder, so you won’t have to place it on the ground, and its dampers allow you to easily control the temperature inside your grill. It may be small, but it sure is mighty.
Broil King Keg 5000 Steel Charcoal Kamado Grill
bbq guys
bbqguys.com
$899.00
For the serious grillmaster, the Broil King Keg will definitely take you to the next level. This top-rated grill earns high marks for doubling as a smoker, as well as its durable design. Some reviewers noted, however, that it can be a bit tricky to work for the first-timer, so if you’re a newbie to the grilling game, you may want to opt for something a bit more simple.
Titan Great Outdoors Charcoal Grill
TITAN GREAT OUTDOORS
amazon.com
$189.99
Talk about the ultimate camping companion. This simple, yet classic grill was literally made for all your outdoor adventures, whether you’re pitching a tent in the woods or having a picnic with your family. Its solid construction will stand the test of time, and the easy-to-follow set-up will make it a no-brainer to bring along on trips. If you’re looking for no-fuss grilling, this is it.
Dyna-Glo Dual-Zone Premium Charcoal Grill
Dyna-Glo
amazon.com
$301.53
There’s a great debate in the grilling world over whether gas-powered or charcoal is best. And the fact is, it all boils down to preference. But this grill does offer some of those gas-powered perks — like two cooking zones and precise temperature control, which allow you to heat multiple types of food at once, at different temperatures. (Bonus: It also doubles as a smoker!)
Weber Go-Anywhere Portable Charcoal Grill - 121020
bbq guys
bbqguys.com
$54.99
The name pretty much says it all: This grill can go literally anywhere. It gets two thumbs up for its space-saving design, which includes heavy-duty fold-down legs that also pivot to lock the lid in place. Looks like tailgating just got a lot more fun …
Marsh Allen 30052 Cast Iron Hibachi 10 x 18-Inch Charcoal Grill
bbq guys
bbqguys.com
$52.99
Craving hibachi? Why not make some at home! This simple charcoal grill has three adjustable cooking grids, air vents for controlling the burn rate, and an easy set-up that’ll get you grilling in no time. Customers rave about its convenience and no-fuss clean-up.
Char-Griller Double-Play 3-Burner Gas and Charcoal Grill
Char-Griller
homedepot.com
$348.00
If you really can’t decide between gas and charcoal, the Double-Play offers you the best of both worlds. You can literally cook with both at the same time on this impressive machine — so you’ve got the ease of a modern propane grill, but can still achieve that smokey, perfectly-roasted flavor you love from a charcoal grill.
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Break out the tongs and throw on some ribs!