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10 Best Charcoal Bbq Grill 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Kamado Joe Big Joe Series II 24-inch Ceramic Charcoal Grill and Smoker with Cart, Side Shelves, Stainless Steel Grates and 450 Cooking Square Inches in Red, Model BJ24RHC

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,399
Size and Cooking Area
Additional Features

Most important from
360 reviews

Size and Cooking Area
The grill is incredibly spacious, handling everything from pulled pork to pizza with ease, and the food comes out great.
Additional Features
The Big Joe allows direct grilling almost a foot above the coals, providing the benefits of direct grilling without scorching the outside.

The Kamado Joe Big Joe Series II 24-inch Ceramic Charcoal Grill and Smoker is a versatile and high-quality option for outdoor cooking enthusiasts. With a substantial 450 square inch cooking area, it accommodates a large amount of food, making it ideal for gatherings. The ceramic material ensures excellent heat retention and durability, while the stainless steel grates offer a sturdy cooking surface. The grill's air lift hinge is a standout feature, significantly reducing the dome's weight and making it easy to lift with a single finger, enhancing user comfort.

The Divide & Conquer system adds flexibility by allowing different foods to be cooked at varying temperatures on separate levels, effectively doubling the cooking space. Precise airflow control is achieved with the patented all-aluminum, no-rust control tower top vent, which maintains consistent settings and is rain-proof. The advanced multi-panel firebox design reduces the risk of breakage, and the double-thick wire mesh fiberglass gasket provides an airtight seal, ensuring long-lasting performance.

However, at 394 pounds, this grill is quite heavy, which limits its portability. It's more suitable for a permanent spot in your backyard rather than for frequent moving. While it excels in build quality and additional features, the hefty weight and price point might be a consideration for some users. This grill is perfect for serious grillers who value quality and are looking for a durable, versatile, and feature-rich cooking companion.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,399
Size and Cooking Area
Additional Features

Most important from
360 reviews

Size and Cooking Area
The grill is incredibly spacious, handling everything from pulled pork to pizza with ease, and the food comes out great.
Additional Features
The Big Joe allows direct grilling almost a foot above the coals, providing the benefits of direct grilling without scorching the outside.
#2

Kamado Joe® Classic Joe™ I Premium 18-inch Ceramic Charcoal Grill and Smoker in Red with Cart, Side Shelves, Grill Gripper, and Ash Tool. 250 Cooking Square Inches, 2 Tier Cooking System, Model KJ23RH

Rating
9.1
Material and Build Quality
Ventilation and Airflow Control
Ease of Cleaning

Most important from
1587 reviews

Material and Build Quality
This grill's ceramic build ensures it heats differently, getting hotter and holding heat longer, making it incredibly efficient.
Ventilation and Airflow Control
The Control Tower Top Vent provides precise airflow control, which is crucial for maintaining consistent temperatures.
Ease of Cleaning
The slide-out ash drawer makes cleaning significantly easier compared to other Kamado-style grills.
Portability
Assembly can be challenging due to the grill's weight, so having an extra pair of hands is highly recommended.
Additional Features
The grill's versatility is unmatched, with accessories like the joetisserie and pizza stone expanding its capabilities.

The Kamado Joe Classic Joe I is a robust and versatile charcoal BBQ grill with a ceramic build, which ensures excellent heat retention and durability. With a cooking surface of 250 square inches and a 2-tier system, this grill offers ample space and flexibility to cook different foods at varying temperatures simultaneously. The Divide and Conquer Flexible Cooking System's unique multi-level design enhances its usability, making it a great tool for both grilling and smoking.

The Control Tower Top Vent allows precise airflow control, which is essential for maintaining consistent temperatures from low and slow smoking to high-temperature searing. The built-in thermometer also aids in monitoring cooking temperatures accurately. One standout feature is the slide-out ash drawer, which makes cleaning the grill much easier compared to other Kamado-style grills that require more effort to remove ashes.

However, the grill is quite heavy at 188 pounds, which may limit its portability despite having a cart with side shelves. The grill is made with high-quality materials, including stainless steel grates, ensuring long-lasting performance. It also comes with handy accessories like a grill gripper and ash tool. While its price might be on the higher side, the quality and additional features make it a worthy investment for serious grilling enthusiasts who value durability, versatility, and ease of use.

Rating
9.1
Material and Build Quality
Ventilation and Airflow Control
Ease of Cleaning

Most important from
1587 reviews

Material and Build Quality
This grill's ceramic build ensures it heats differently, getting hotter and holding heat longer, making it incredibly efficient.
Ventilation and Airflow Control
The Control Tower Top Vent provides precise airflow control, which is crucial for maintaining consistent temperatures.
Ease of Cleaning
The slide-out ash drawer makes cleaning significantly easier compared to other Kamado-style grills.
Portability
Assembly can be challenging due to the grill's weight, so having an extra pair of hands is highly recommended.
Additional Features
The grill's versatility is unmatched, with accessories like the joetisserie and pizza stone expanding its capabilities.
#3

Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill, 22-Inch, Black

Rating
8.8
Material and Build Quality
Ventilation and Airflow Control
Ease of Cleaning

Most important from
12547 reviews

Material and Build Quality
The grill's build quality is sturdy, and it holds up well for various cooking needs, from casual burgers to gourmet steaks.
Ventilation and Airflow Control
The adjustable vents are key for temperature control, allowing for perfect grill marks and evenly cooked meat.
Ease of Cleaning
The grill's ash catcher is a crucial feature, making cleanup much easier and keeping the grilling area tidy.
Portability
Assembly is straightforward, but having a rubber mallet on hand can help secure parts like the wheels.
Additional Features
Using a charcoal chimney and fire starter cubes makes lighting the coals quick and efficient, ready in about 20 minutes.

The Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill, 22-Inch, Black is a solid choice for both casual grillers and BBQ enthusiasts. It has a generous cooking area, capable of holding up to 13 burgers at once, making it suitable for gatherings. The grill's build quality is impressive, with a porcelain-enameled lid and bowl that retain heat well and resist rust and peeling. This durability ensures that the grill can withstand various weather conditions and last for years with proper care. Ventilation and airflow control are managed by rust-resistant aluminum dampers, which help in maintaining the desired cooking temperature, a key feature for effective grilling.

Cleaning is simplified with the One-Touch cleaning system and high-capacity ash catcher, reducing the mess typically associated with charcoal grills. The hinged cooking grate is a thoughtful addition, allowing easy access to add more charcoal without disturbing the cooking process. Portability is a bit limited due to its size and weight (32.3 pounds), but it is still manageable for outdoor use. Additional features like the built-in lid thermometer and lid hook add convenience, as you can monitor the temperature easily and avoid placing the lid on the ground.

The grill also comes with 3D interactive assembly instructions via the BILT app, making setup straightforward. However, assembly is required, which might be a minor inconvenience for some users. The grill's design and features make it a top contender in the charcoal BBQ grill category, especially with its 10-year limited warranty providing extra peace of mind.

Rating
8.8
Material and Build Quality
Ventilation and Airflow Control
Ease of Cleaning

Most important from
12547 reviews

Material and Build Quality
The grill's build quality is sturdy, and it holds up well for various cooking needs, from casual burgers to gourmet steaks.
Ventilation and Airflow Control
The adjustable vents are key for temperature control, allowing for perfect grill marks and evenly cooked meat.
Ease of Cleaning
The grill's ash catcher is a crucial feature, making cleanup much easier and keeping the grilling area tidy.
Portability
Assembly is straightforward, but having a rubber mallet on hand can help secure parts like the wheels.
Additional Features
Using a charcoal chimney and fire starter cubes makes lighting the coals quick and efficient, ready in about 20 minutes.

Buying Guide for the Best Charcoal Bbq Grill

Choosing the right charcoal BBQ grill can greatly enhance your outdoor cooking experience. It's important to consider various factors to ensure you get a grill that meets your needs and preferences. Here are some key specifications to look at when selecting a charcoal BBQ grill, along with explanations to help you understand their importance and how to choose the best fit for you.
Size and Cooking AreaThe size and cooking area of a charcoal BBQ grill determine how much food you can cook at once. This is important because it affects how many people you can serve and the types of meals you can prepare. Grills come in various sizes, from small portable models to large ones with extensive cooking surfaces. If you often cook for a large group, opt for a grill with a larger cooking area. For occasional use or smaller gatherings, a compact grill may be sufficient.
Material and Build QualityThe material and build quality of a charcoal BBQ grill affect its durability and heat retention. Common materials include stainless steel, cast iron, and porcelain-coated steel. Stainless steel is rust-resistant and easy to clean, while cast iron retains heat well but requires more maintenance. Porcelain-coated steel offers a balance of durability and heat retention. Choose a grill made from high-quality materials to ensure it lasts longer and performs better.
Ventilation and Airflow ControlVentilation and airflow control are crucial for managing the temperature inside the grill. Good airflow allows for better heat control and more efficient cooking. Look for grills with adjustable vents and dampers that let you control the amount of air entering and exiting the grill. This helps you maintain consistent cooking temperatures and achieve the desired level of smokiness in your food.
Ease of CleaningEase of cleaning is an important factor to consider, as it affects how much effort you'll need to put into maintaining your grill. Features like removable ash catchers, grease trays, and easy-to-clean grates can make the cleaning process simpler. Choose a grill with these features to save time and effort in keeping your grill clean and ready for the next use.
PortabilityPortability is a key consideration if you plan to take your grill on camping trips, picnics, or tailgating events. Portable grills are typically smaller and lighter, making them easier to transport. Look for models with sturdy handles, wheels, or compact designs that facilitate easy movement. If you primarily use your grill at home, portability may be less important, and you can opt for a larger, more stationary model.
Additional FeaturesAdditional features can enhance your grilling experience and provide added convenience. These may include built-in thermometers, side tables, warming racks, and tool hooks. While not essential, these features can make cooking more enjoyable and efficient. Consider which additional features would be most useful for your grilling style and choose a grill that offers them.

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