12 Best Charcoal Grills to Buy for Smoky Flavor

As you search for the perfect grill to achieve that signature smoky flavor, you’re likely wondering which charcoal grill is right for you. With so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to narrow down your choices.

But what if you could find a grill that checks all your boxes – durability, temperature control, and cooking space? You’re about to discover the top 12 charcoal grills that will take your grilling game to the next level. From classic kettles to ceramic beauties, these grills promise to deliver unparalleled flavor and performance.

A Quick Overview

• Look for durable construction with heat-resistant materials like ceramic, porcelain-coated steel, or high-quality steel for even heat distribution.
• Opt for grills with precise temperature control, such as built-in thermometers or digital temperature control, to achieve perfect smoky flavor.
• Consider grills with large cooking spaces, like offset smokers or dual-zone grills, to cook multiple items at once and reduce overall cooking time.
• Choose grills with easy cleaning and maintenance features, such as porcelain-coated grates, removable ash pans, and smooth surfaces, to reduce post-cooking hassle.

Weber Original Kettle Premium

The Weber Original Kettle Premium charcoal grill, a timeless classic in the grilling world, boasts a sleek design and impressive cooking capabilities that make it a top choice among outdoor cooking enthusiasts.

You’ll appreciate the Kettle design, which allows for efficient airflow and even heat distribution, ensuring that your food is cooked to perfection every time.

The Premium features of this grill are what set it apart from others in its class. You’ll enjoy the convenience of a built-in thermometer, which takes the guesswork out of grilling, as well as the durable construction that will withstand the elements.

Additionally, the grill’s porcelain-coated bowl and lid provide excellent heat retention, allowing you to achieve that perfect smoky flavor.

With the Weber Original Kettle Premium, you’ll be able to cook a wide range of dishes, from burgers and hot dogs to steaks and vegetables.

Whether you’re a seasoned griller or just starting out, this grill is sure to become your go-to for outdoor cooking.

Kamado Joe Classic II Ceramic

You’ll find a distinct departure from the traditional kettle design with the Kamado Joe Classic II Ceramic, which boasts a unique, egg-shaped construction that’s capable of withstanding extremely high temperatures while maintaining a consistent, smoke-infused flavor.

This ceramic construction allows for exceptional heat retention, ensuring that your food is cooked to perfection every time.

Some of the key benefits of the Kamado Joe Classic II Ceramic include:

• Unparalleled temperature control: With a range of 225°F to 750°F, you’ll have the precision you need to cook a variety of dishes.
• Moisture retention: The ceramic construction helps to lock in moisture, resulting in tender, juicy meats.
• Versatility: This grill is perfect for smoking, grilling, roasting, and even baking.
• Durable: The ceramic construction is built to last, withstanding the elements and heavy use.

With its unique design and exceptional performance, the Kamado Joe Classic II Ceramic is an excellent choice for anyone looking to take their grilling game to the next level.

Green Mountain Grills Daniel Boone

Built for those who demand high-quality grilling without breaking the bank, the Green Mountain Grills Daniel Boone offers a feature-rich package at an affordable price.

As you explore this grill, you’ll appreciate its pellet compatibility, which allows you to switch between charcoal and pellet fuel with ease.

This versatility gives you the freedom to experiment with different flavors and techniques, taking your grilling game to the next level.

The Daniel Boone’s portable design is another major selling point.

Weighing in at just 176 pounds, this grill is easy to transport to your backyard, camping site, or tailgating party.

The compact size doesn’t sacrifice cooking space, though – you’ll still have 216 square inches of grilling area to work with.

Plus, the grill’s digital temperature control and meat probe guarantee that you can achieve perfect doneness every time.

Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or just starting out, the Green Mountain Grills Daniel Boone is an excellent choice for anyone seeking a high-quality, affordable grilling experience.

Blackstone Charcoal Grill Station

Take your outdoor cooking to the next level with the Blackstone Charcoal Grill Station, a versatile and feature-packed grill that offers a huge 470 square inches of cooking space, perfect for large families or social gatherings.

This grill is designed to provide you with the ultimate grilling experience, and its customization options let you tailor it to your specific needs.

Some of the key features that make this grill stand out include:

Grill portability: The Blackstone Charcoal Grill Station is designed to be easily moved around, making it perfect for backyard gatherings, camping trips, or tailgating parties.

Station customization: With removable shelves, adjustable vents, and a modular design, you can customize your grill to fit your cooking style and preferences.

Ample storage: The grill station comes with built-in storage for utensils, seasonings, and other grilling essentials, keeping them within easy reach.

Easy cleanup: The grill’s porcelain-coated grates and removable ash pan make cleaning up after a cookout a breeze.

Durable construction: The Blackstone Charcoal Grill Station is built to last, with a heavy-duty steel frame and durable wheels that can withstand the elements.

Char-Griller E16620 Akorn Jr

With its compact size and lightweight design, the Char-Griller E16620 Akorn Jr charcoal grill is perfect for small outdoor spaces, tailgating, or camping trips, allowing you to grill on-the-go without sacrificing performance.

You’ll appreciate the portability of this grill, which weighs only 37 pounds, making it easy to transport to your next adventure.

The compact design doesn’t compromise on cooking space, offering 156 square inches of grilling area. This is plenty of room to cook for a small group of friends or family.

The Char-Griller E16620 Akorn Jr also features a temperature gauge, allowing you to monitor the heat and adjust as needed.

The triple-walled steel construction helps to retain heat, ensuring a consistent cooking experience.

Plus, the grill’s porcelain-coated grates are easy to clean and maintain.

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned griller, you’ll love the ease of use and smoky flavor this grill provides.

With its portable grilling capabilities and compact design, the Char-Griller E16620 Akorn Jr is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a versatile and reliable charcoal grill.

Oklahoma Joe’s Highland Offset

Step up your grilling game with the Oklahoma Joe’s Highland Offset, a charcoal grill that combines traditional offset smoking with modern convenience features. This grill is perfect for those who want to achieve that perfect smoky flavor without sacrificing ease of use.

As an offset smoker, the Highland Offset allows for indirect heat, which helps to cook your meat low and slow, infusing it with a rich, smoky flavor.

Large cooking area: 619 square inches of cooking space, perfect for large families or gatherings.

Durable construction: Made with heavy-gauge steel and a porcelain-coated finish, this grill is built to last.

Easy temperature control: Adjustable dampers and a heat gauge make it easy to maintain the perfect temperature.

Ample storage: Two shelves and a cabinet provide plenty of space to store your grilling essentials.

Versatility: Can be used for smoking, grilling, or even as a traditional oven.

With the Oklahoma Joe’s Highland Offset, you’ll be able to achieve that perfect smoky flavor with ease. Whether you’re a seasoned pitmaster or just starting out, this grill is sure to become your new favorite cooking companion.

Pit Barrel Cooker Package

You’ll be hard-pressed to find a more versatile and user-friendly charcoal grill than the Pit Barrel Cooker Package, which combines the benefits of a drum smoker with the convenience of a grill.

This package is designed to make your grilling experience seamless, with a range of Pit Barrel Accessories that cater to your every need. From cooking grates to heat deflectors, these accessories will help you perfect your Barrel Cooking Techniques.

The Pit Barrel Cooker Package stands out with its ability to maintain a consistent temperature, allowing you to achieve that perfect smoky flavor.

The grill’s vertical design guarantees that heat circulates evenly, cooking your food to perfection. Whether you’re a seasoned griller or just starting out, you’ll appreciate the ease of use and flexibility this package offers.

With the Pit Barrel Cooker Package, you’ll be able to experiment with a range of cooking styles and techniques, from low-and-slow smoking to high-heat grilling.

The possibilities are endless, and with the right tools and techniques, you’ll be creating mouth-watering dishes in no time.

Dyna-Glo DGN576SNC-D Dual Zone

This Dyna-Glo DGN576SNC-D Dual Zone charcoal grill brings a new level of flexibility to your outdoor cooking, allowing you to simultaneously cook at two different temperatures. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or experimenting with new recipes, this feature gives you the freedom to try out different cooking techniques and flavors.

The dual zone benefits are endless.

Smoky temperature control: Adjust the temperature on each zone to achieve the perfect smoky flavor for your meats, veggies, and sides.

Cook multiple items at once: Grill burgers on one side and veggies on the other, or cook a slow-cooked brisket on one zone and sear steaks on the other.

Experiment with new recipes: Try out different cooking techniques, such as low-and-slow cooking on one zone and high-heat searing on the other.

Save time: Cook multiple items at once, reducing the overall cooking time and making your outdoor cooking experience more efficient.

Increase versatility: The dual zone feature allows you to adapt to any cooking situation, making this grill perfect for beginners and experienced cooks alike.

With the Dyna-Glo DGN576SNC-D Dual Zone, you’ll be able to achieve smoky, restaurant-quality flavors in the comfort of your own backyard.

Cuisinart CCG-100 GrateLifter

Freedom from tedious grill maintenance is yours with the Cuisinart CCG-100 GrateLifter, a charcoal grill designed to make your outdoor cooking experience hassle-free and enjoyable.

You’ll appreciate the innovative GrateLifter system, which allows you to easily lift the grates for ash removal and grill cleaning. This feature is a game-changer for grill maintenance, saving you time and effort.

The CCG-100 also boasts a large cooking area, perfect for cooking for a crowd.

To elevate your grilling game, try these flavor enhancement methods: experiment with different wood chips for a smoky flavor, or try indirect grilling for tender, fall-off-the-bone meats.

For ideal grilling, remember these grill maintenance tips: clean the grates after each use, and always preheat the grill before cooking.

With the Cuisinart CCG-100 GrateLifter, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a grill master, serving up delicious, smoky flavors that’ll make your friends and family beg for more.

Royal Gourmet CD1824ANC Charcoal

Royal Gourmet’s CD1824ANC Charcoal Grill is a powerhouse of outdoor cooking, featuring a spacious 393 square inch cooking area and a unique charcoal pan adjustment system that lets you customize heat distribution for perfect sear marks.

You’ll love the versatility of this grill, which allows you to cook a variety of dishes, from burgers to vegetables, with ease.

Easy charcoal maintenance: The grill’s charcoal pan is designed for easy ash removal and cleaning, making charcoal maintenance a breeze.

Customizable heat control: The adjustable charcoal pan lets you customize heat distribution for perfect cooking results.

Durable construction: The grill’s heavy-duty steel construction guarantees durability and longevity.

Royal warranty: You’re protected by Royal Gourmet’s extensive warranty, which covers parts and labor for a certain period.

Ample storage: The grill’s built-in shelves and storage bins provide ample space for your cooking essentials.

With the Royal Gourmet CD1824ANC Charcoal Grill, you’ll be able to achieve smoky flavors and perfect sear marks with ease.

Its unique features and durable construction make it an excellent choice for outdoor cooking enthusiasts.

Char-Broil American Gourmet Offset

You’ll find the Char-Broil American Gourmet Offset Smoker, Grill, and BBQ offers a unique combination of traditional smoking and grilling capabilities, making it an excellent choice for those seeking versatility in their outdoor cooking experience.

This offset smoker allows you to achieve that perfect smoky flavor with its offset smoking chamber, which can be adjusted to suit your cooking style.

With a spacious 290 square inch cooking area, you can cook for a crowd or prepare a variety of dishes at once.

The Char-Broil American Gourmet Offset is also designed with ease of use in mind.

Its porcelain-coated grates are durable and easy to clean, making Charbroil maintenance a breeze.

The grill’s temperature gauge guarantees you’re cooking at the perfect heat, and the adjustable chimney vent helps control smoke and heat.

Whether you’re a seasoned pitmaster or just starting out, this grill is perfect for anyone looking to elevate their outdoor cooking game.

With its unique combination of offset smoking and grilling capabilities, you’ll be the envy of the neighborhood with the Char-Broil American Gourmet Offset.

Blaze Grills 20-Inch Charcoal

With its compact design and impressive cooking capacity, the Blaze Grills 20-Inch Charcoal grill is an excellent addition to any backyard or patio, allowing you to cook up to 12 burgers at once. This grill is perfect for small gatherings or daily meals, providing you with a smoky flavor that’s hard to resist.

Its compact design makes it ideal for portable grilling, allowing you to take it with you on camping trips or to the beach.

Durable construction: Made with high-quality steel, this grill is built to last and withstand the elements.

Easy to clean: The grill grates and ash pan are easy to remove and clean, making maintenance a breeze.

Adjustable heat control: You can adjust the heat to your liking, ensuring that your food is cooked to perfection.

Ample storage: The grill has a built-in storage shelf for utensils and seasonings, keeping everything within reach.

Affordable price: This grill is an affordable option for those who want a high-quality charcoal grill without breaking the bank.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Often Should I Clean My Charcoal Grill to Prevent Rust?

“You should clean your charcoal grill after every use and perform deep cleaning monthly to prevent rust. Follow grill maintenance tips like drying the grill and applying rust prevention methods like oil or silicone sprays to keep it in top shape.”

Can I Use Charcoal Grills on a Wooden Deck or Patio?

You can use charcoal grills on a wooden deck or patio if you take proper precautions. Certify deck protection by placing a heat-resistant grill mat under your grill, and choose a safe grill placement at least 10 feet away from flammable structures.

What Type of Charcoal Is Best for Smoking Meat?

When smoking meat, you’ll want to opt for high-quality charcoal that guarantees a rich, smoky flavor. Look for charcoal with a high heat output and low ash production, as it’ll help you achieve that perfect, tender smokehouse taste.

Are Charcoal Grills Safe to Use in Windy Conditions?

You’re right to worry about windy conditions; guarantee your charcoal grill is securely anchored to the ground to prevent tipping, and opt for a model with wind resistance features to minimize flameouts and heat loss.

Can I Convert a Gas Grill to Use Charcoal Instead?

You’re considering a fuel conversion, but can you really convert a gas grill to use charcoal? Yes, with DIY modifications, you can swap out the gas components for charcoal-friendly parts, but it’s a complex process that requires patience and expertise.

Conclusion

You’ve made it to the end of our list, and now it’s time to fire up your grilling journey!

With these 12 best charcoal grills, you’re guaranteed to achieve that perfect smoky flavor.

From portable options to large cooking spaces, we’ve covered it all.

Consider your needs, budget, and preferences, and choose the one that suits you best.

Get ready to access a world of flavors and become the ultimate grill master!