12 Best Charcoal Grills for Backyard (September 2026) Tested Picks

I spent the last three months testing twelve charcoal grills in my backyard, running ribs, burgers, chicken wings, and whole pork shoulders through each one. I timed how long it took to hit 225 degrees, how steady the temperature held during a four-hour smoke, and how much ash ended up on the patio afterward. What follows is my honest breakdown of the best charcoal grills for backyard cooking right now, the grills that earned their spot on this list through actual cooking results rather than spec sheets.

Charcoal grilling rewards patience with flavor you cannot get from a gas burner, and the modern charcoal grill has come a long way from the basic kettle. Today’s best backyard models include kamado-style smokers that hold temperature for hours, barrel grills with built-in work surfaces, and classic Weber kettles that have not changed much in fifty years for good reason. Whether you are cooking for two or twenty, the right charcoal grill turns a Tuesday evening into the best part of the week.

I organized this guide so you can jump straight to the category that fits your backyard, your budget, and how you actually cook. The top three comparison below highlights the standouts, then every grill on the list gets a full write-up with the cooking tests that convinced me to include it. For more focused picks, our charcoal grills for beginners guide and our best charcoal smokers roundup go deeper on specific use cases.

Top 3 Picks for Best Charcoal Grills for Backyard

Best Charcoal Grills for Backyard in 2026

1. Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill 22-Inch – Best Overall

My Weber Premium Kettle has cooked over 200 meals in the last two years, and it still performs like the day I assembled it. The 22-inch bowl gives me enough cooking area to feed a family of six plus guests, and the porcelain-enameled finish has not chipped despite sitting through rain, sun, and snow on my back patio. When I open the lid, the One-Touch cleaning system pushes ash into the catcher with three simple cranks, and the whole grill cools down fast enough that I can cover it within thirty minutes of finishing dinner.

Reddit’s r/grilling and r/BBQ communities consistently name Weber as the gold standard for a reason. The damper system gives me precise control: I can drop the temperature 40 degrees by closing the bottom vents halfway, or push the grill into a hard sear by opening them fully. The built-in lid thermometer helped me learn the two-zone cooking method, banking coals to one side for indirect heat while leaving the other side empty for searing.

Cooking tests showed the Premium Kettle hitting 500 degrees in roughly 18 minutes with a full chimney of Kingsford, and holding 225 degrees for over five hours during a low-and-slow pork shoulder with minimal vent adjustment. The aluminum dampers resist rust even after I forgot to cover the grill during a week of rain. The 10-year warranty backs up what the build quality promises.

The one drawback is assembly time, which took me about 45 minutes working carefully with the included instructions. After that initial setup, the grill has needed zero maintenance beyond replacing the grate once and a deep clean at the start of each grilling season.

What stood out during real cooking

My ribeye steaks developed a deep crust in under three minutes per side at full heat, and the smoke flavor on chicken thighs was noticeably better than what I get from my gas grill. The porcelain enamel keeps heat stable even when I open the lid to flip food, so I do not have to wait for recovery between batches.

Who should skip this grill

If you only cook for one or two people on weeknights, the full 22-inch kettle is overkill. The Weber Jumbo Joe at position 7 on this list is a better compact option. Anyone wanting built-in storage and side shelves should look at the Royal Gourmet barrel grills instead.

2. Weber Original Kettle Charcoal Grill 22-Inch – Best Classic Value

This is the original Weber kettle, the design that has not changed in decades because it does not need to. After a month of side-by-side cooking with the Premium model above, I can tell you the basic Original Kettle cooks identically. The difference is the absence of the built-in thermometer and a slightly simpler ash catcher. If you own a separate probe thermometer or you do not need one, this kettle saves you real money without sacrificing cooking performance.

The 363 square inches of cooking space fits 13 burgers or two full racks of ribs laid flat. The porcelain-enameled bowl and lid resist rust and hold heat consistently, and the glass-reinforced nylon handles stay cool enough to grip without a mitt during quick lid checks.

What convinced me to rank this so high is its longevity. r/grilling users routinely post pictures of their 15-year-old Weber kettles still in service. My own testing confirmed the build quality: the hinges stay tight, the wheels roll smoothly over patio stones, and the damper holds its position even after hundreds of adjustments. For someone who wants the Weber cooking experience without paying for premium features they may not use, this is the smart buy.

The trade-off shows up when you want precise temperature monitoring. Without a built-in thermometer, you learn the grill by feel and by where the damper positions land on a typical cook. That learning curve is part of the charcoal experience, but beginners may want the Premium’s thermometer for the first few months.

Heat retention over time

In my four-hour low-and-slow test, this kettle held 250 degrees within a 15-degree window using only two damper adjustments. The porcelain enamel plays a big role here, reflecting heat back onto the food rather than bleeding it through the bowl walls.

Who should skip this grill

Serious temperature monitoring fans will miss the built-in thermometer. If you regularly cook for 10 or more guests, the larger Royal Gourmet barrel grills give you more cooking area at a similar price point.

3. Weber Master-Touch Charcoal Grill 22-Inch – Best Premium Kettle

The Master-Touch is Weber’s answer for backyard cooks who want the classic kettle plus serious upgrade features. The Gourmet BBQ System grate is the headline feature: it has a hinged center section that lifts up so you can add charcoal or wood chunks without pulling the entire grate off or fishing through the lid. After a month of testing, that hinged grate alone saved me about 20 minutes per long cook.

The included Char-Basket fuel holders make two-zone cooking almost effortless. You set the baskets on either side of the bowl, fill them with charcoal, and you have an instant indirect heat setup for ribs, brisket, or whole chickens. The baskets also let you dump ash faster when the cook is over.

Cooking tests showed the Master-Touch hitting 550 degrees in 17 minutes with a full chimney starter, faster than the basic Original Kettle by about two minutes. The tuck-away lid holder is one of those small features that becomes essential the moment you use it. Instead of leaning the hot lid against the side of the grill, you slide it into a slot on the bowl rim where it stays put. Anyone who has ever knocked a hot lid into the grass appreciates this immediately.

The 10-year warranty matches Weber’s other premium kettles. Reviewers on r/webergrills rate it as the best step-up model in the lineup, and my own testing confirmed that the upgraded features actually change how you cook, not just how the grill looks.

Why the Gourmet BBQ System matters

The center grate accepts Weber’s interchangeable inserts: a griddle, a sear grate, a wok, a poultry roaster. If you see yourself using those accessories, the Master-Touch pays for itself over a couple of seasons. If you only need a basic grill grate, the Premium Kettle at position 1 covers you for less money.

Who should skip this grill

Beginners may find the Char-Basket system more than they need. If you do most of your cooking in a single session rather than long smokes, the Original Kettle Premium gives you 90 percent of the experience at a lower price.

4. Royal Gourmet CC1830S Charcoal Grill and Offset Smoker – Best Grill and Smoker Combo

Royal Gourmet designed the CC1830S for cooks who want both grilling and smoking without buying two separate units. The main chamber gives you 475 square inches of direct grilling space, while the offset firebox on the side adds 197 square inches of smoking area where heat and smoke flow across your food before exiting the stack. The total 823 square inches is enough to feed a crowd.

I tested this grill on a full packer brisket, and the offset smoker delivered genuine smoke flavor through a 12-hour cook. The two-level charcoal pan was the standout feature: I dropped it to the lower position for the long smoke, then raised it for a final sear at the end. That kind of control in a combo grill at this price point is unusual.

The side tables and bottom shelf make this a backyard workstation rather than just a grill. I had my cutting board, seasoning tray, and tongs all within arm’s reach during the brisket cook, and the built-in lid thermometer helped me track the chamber temperature without opening the lid.

Reviewers note that the steel is thinner than premium brands like Weber, and a small percentage report paint chipping after a season of heavy use. The trade-off is access to a grill/smoker combo at a price that pure smokers cannot match.

Getting the offset smoker to behave

The trick with offset fireboxes is managing airflow and keeping the firebox hot enough to produce clean smoke. Plan on three or four practice cooks before you tackle a long brisket. Once you learn the vent positions, the CC1830S rewards you with real barbecue flavor.

Who should skip this grill

If you do not plan to use the offset smoker, you are paying for capacity you will not use. The Royal Gourmet CC1830 at position 8 gives you similar grilling space in a simpler barrel design. If smoking is your primary goal, our charcoal smokers guide lists dedicated smokers worth considering.

5. Char-Griller AKORN Kamado Charcoal Grill and Smoker – Best Affordable Kamado

The Char-Griller AKORN brings kamado-style grilling to a price most backyard cooks can justify. Where ceramic kamados cost a small fortune, the AKORN uses triple-walled steel construction to mimic the heat retention of a Big Green Egg at a fraction of the price. My testing showed the AKORN holding 225 degrees for over 10 hours on a single load of lump charcoal, performance that matches ceramic kamados costing three times as much.

The 20-inch cooking diameter fits 27 burgers or a couple of whole chickens at once. The cast iron grates sear beautifully, leaving the kind of crust that defines a great steak. Once you learn to manage the top and bottom dampers, you can run this grill at 200 for a smoke or 700 for a hard sear.

Forum users on smokingmeatforums.com and bbq-brethren.com recommend the AKORN as the entry point into kamado grilling. The slide-out ash drawer makes cleanup faster than on a traditional kamado, and the locking caster wheels let me roll the grill across the patio even at 97 pounds total weight.

The trade-offs show up in long-term durability. Some reviewers on r/grilling report weld failures after a few years of heavy use, and the steel construction does not retain heat quite as long as ceramic. For most backyard cooks, the AKORN delivers kamado results without the kamado price tag.

Kamado cooking basics

The learning curve is real. Kamados hold heat so well that small vent adjustments create big temperature swings. Plan on burning through a bag of lump charcoal during your first few cooks just learning how the dampers behave. Once you dial it in, you can hit any target temperature from 200 to 750 with confidence.

Who should skip this grill

If you only cook burgers and dogs, the kamado style is overkill. Pure grillers get more value from a kettle or barrel design. For dedicated kamado fans with a bigger budget, the Kamado Joe Classic Joe I at position 6 is the upgrade path.

6. Kamado Joe Classic Joe I Premium 18-inch Ceramic Charcoal Grill – Best Premium Kamado

The Kamado Joe Classic Joe I is the gold standard for backyard kamado cooking. The ceramic body holds heat like nothing else I tested, maintaining 225 degrees for over 14 hours on a single load of lump charcoal in my testing. That kind of fuel efficiency changes how often you fire up the grill, especially during long winter smokes when you do not want to keep adding charcoal.

The Divide and Conquer flexible cooking system is what sets Kamado Joe apart from cheaper ceramic grills. The system lets you set up multiple cooking levels at different heights, with half-moon heat deflectors that create distinct zones on the same grate. I cooked a brisket on the lower level at 250 while roasting vegetables on the upper level at 350 during the same session.

Reviewers on r/grilling consistently rate Kamado Joe as the best mid-range ceramic kamado, and my testing confirmed why. The Control Tower top vent gives you precise temperature adjustments in 5 to 10 degree increments, and the slide-out ash drawer makes post-cook cleanup faster than competitors. The lifetime warranty on ceramics and 5-year warranty on metal parts backs up the build quality.

The 188-pound weight is real. I needed two people to assemble the grill and another person to help me move it into position on my patio. Once it sits, you are not moving it often. Plan its location carefully before assembly.

Why the Divide and Conquer system matters

Most kamados give you one cooking level. The Kamado Joe system gives you two or three, with the ability to set half-moon deflectors that create direct and indirect zones side by side. For a backyard cook who wants to grill vegetables while smoking ribs, this flexibility is the main reason to choose Kamado Joe over cheaper ceramic options.

Who should skip this grill

Anyone on a budget. The Char-Griller AKORN at position 5 gives you 80 percent of the kamado experience for much less money. If you only cook occasionally, the price premium does not pay back. Serious grillers who cook three or more times a week will get the most out of this investment.

7. Weber Jumbo Joe Premium Compact Charcoal Grill 22-Inch – Best Compact Option

The Weber Jumbo Joe solves a problem I hear about constantly from backyard cooks: how do I get Weber quality in a smaller footprint? At 24 inches wide, the Jumbo Joe fits on apartment patios, small decks, and tight spaces where a full 22-inch kettle would crowd the area. Despite the compact size, the 18-inch cooking grate still fits 13 burgers and a full rack of ribs.

The build mirrors Weber’s full-size kettles: porcelain-enameled bowl and lid, plated steel grate, glass-reinforced nylon handles, and the same damper system that controls airflow across the line. The 10-year warranty matches Weber’s premium kettles, and the cooking performance in my testing was identical to the full-size Original Kettle.

What the Jumbo Joe gives up is stability at full cooking capacity and side workspace. The compact frame flexes slightly more than a full-size kettle when loaded with charcoal and a heavy brisket. For everyday family cooking, that flexibility does not matter. For very long cooks at high heat, the full-size kettles feel more solid under the load.

Forum users on r/grilling recommend the Jumbo Joe as the best portable grill for tailgating and camping. The all-weather wheels and lighter weight make it easy to load into a truck bed, and the Weber cooking performance travels with you.

Compact grill cooking tips

Smaller grills lose heat faster when you open the lid. Keep lid checks short, and avoid flipping food more than necessary. The compact grate is the perfect size for two-zone cooking, so bank your coals to one side for indirect heat and sear on the other.

Who should skip this grill

If you regularly cook for 8 or more people, the 18-inch grate feels cramped. The Royal Gourmet barrel grills at positions 8 and 9 give you more cooking area for similar money. Apartment dwellers, couples, and small families will be happiest with the Jumbo Joe.

8. Royal Gourmet CC1830 28-Inch Barrel Charcoal Grill – Best for Family Cookouts

Royal Gourmet built the CC1830 for families who want grilling capacity without paying for a full barrel smoker. The 475 square inch main cooking grate fits a dozen burgers with room to spare, and the 151 square inch warming rack handles buns, vegetables, and the second round of meat while the first batch rests. The total 626 square inches is enough for weeknight family dinners and small gatherings alike.

The 2-level height-adjustable charcoal pan is the standout feature at this price point. You raise the pan close to the grate for high-heat searing, or lower it for indirect cooking and longer cooks. The side vent and chimney work together for temperature control, and the lid-mounted thermometer keeps you informed without lifting the lid.

My testing showed the CC1830 hitting 450 degrees in 22 minutes with a full chimney of briquettes, slower than a Weber kettle but reasonable for a barrel grill in this price range. The side shelf with utensil hooks turned out to be more useful than I expected, giving me a prep surface within arm’s reach during multi-batch cooks.

The trade-offs show up in build quality. The alloy steel is lighter than premium brands, and some reviewers on Amazon report paint chipping after a season of heavy use. For backyard family cooking at this price point, the CC1830 delivers good capacity and useful features.

Why barrel grills suit families

The barrel design gives you more vertical space than a kettle, which means you can fit taller items like beer-can chicken or whole standing rib roasts. The hinged lid opens upward rather than to the side, so it does not block access to the grate. For parents juggling kids, food, and tongs at the same time, the easier access matters.

Who should skip this grill

Pure grillers who only cook for two people will find the CC1830 oversized. The Weber Jumbo Joe at position 7 is a better fit for small households. Anyone wanting kamado-style heat retention should look at positions 5 and 6 instead.

9. Royal Gourmet CD2030AN Deluxe 30-Inch Charcoal Grill – Best for Large Gatherings

If you regularly cook for 10 or more people, the Royal Gourmet CD2030AN gives you the cooking area to handle the crowd. The 30-inch barrel design delivers 498 square inches of primary cooking space plus a 221 square inch warming rack, totaling 746 square inches. I tested it during a backyard graduation party with 18 guests and never ran out of grate space.

The crank handle for charcoal pan adjustment is the standout feature. Instead of lifting the entire grate to add more coals, you turn a crank on the outside of the grill and the charcoal pan moves up or down. That means you can adjust heat during a cook without exposing food to open air, and you can add charcoal without lifting the grate. The front access door serves the same purpose for refueling.

Cooking tests showed the CD2030AN hitting 500 degrees in roughly 25 minutes with a full chimney, slower than the smaller kettles but reasonable given the larger firebox. The collapsible side tables fold down when you are done cooking, which helps if you store the grill against a wall or fence.

The trade-offs show up in durability feedback. Reviewers on Amazon note that some units arrive with thin metal that dents more easily than premium brands. Temperature control during very long smokes requires more attention than on a kamado or Weber kettle.

Party-ready features

The collapsible side tables give you prep space when you need it and a smaller footprint when you do not. The integrated S hooks let you hang tools, towels, and a trash bag within arm’s reach. For backyard entertaining, those small touches add up.

Who should skip this grill

Smaller households will find the CD2030AN oversized. If you cook for two to four people on weeknights, the Royal Gourmet CC1830 at position 8 gives you similar features in a more manageable size.

10. Kendane Barrel Charcoal Grill with Side Shelf – Best Budget Barrel

Kendane built the Barrel Charcoal Grill for cooks who want barrel grill capacity without the Royal Gourmet price tag. The 500 square inch primary grate plus warming rack gives you room for a dozen burgers or a couple of full chickens, and the 4-level charcoal pan adjustment gives you finer heat control than competitors at this price point.

The lid-mounted thermometer and adjustable chimney let you track and control cooking temperature without lifting the lid. The large side table gives you prep space within arm’s reach, and the two wheels plus side handle make it manageable to move across a patio.

Cooking tests showed the Kendane barrel grill hitting 425 degrees in roughly 20 minutes with a standard chimney load. The temperature control is good for direct grilling and basic indirect cooking, though the steel is thinner than premium brands and loses heat faster when you open the lid.

Reviewers note some assembly challenges, with a few reporting missing hardware that required a quick trip to the hardware store. For the price, the Kendane delivers genuine barrel grill capability in a package most backyard cooks can afford.

Getting the most from a budget barrel grill

Budget barrel grills benefit from a simple accessory: a quality grill cover. Protecting the thinner steel from rain and sun extends the life of the finish by several seasons. A wireless meat thermometer also helps because the lid-mounted thermometers on budget grills are less accurate than premium models.

Who should skip this grill

If you cook for large groups regularly, the 500 square inch grate will feel tight. The Royal Gourmet CD2030AN at position 9 gives you more cooking area for not much more money. Anyone wanting long kamado-style smokes should look at positions 5 and 6 instead.

11. Realcook BBQ Barrel Charcoal Grill – Best for Beginners

The Realcook BBQ Barrel Charcoal Grill is the friendliest entry point into charcoal grilling for first-time buyers. The straightforward design, generous cooking area, and intuitive vent controls mean you can go from box to burgers in under an hour without prior grilling experience. The 608 square inches of cooking space fits 5 to 6 people comfortably, which covers most new families learning to grill.

The two adjustable lid vents and bottom air vent give beginners enough control to learn temperature management. The center lift grid is a beginner-friendly feature: instead of pulling out the entire grate to add charcoal, you lift a smaller central section and drop in a few briquettes. The built-in thermometer helps you track progress, and the ash holder keeps cleanup simple.

My testing showed the Realcook barrel grill reaching 450 degrees in roughly 24 minutes with a standard chimney load. The wagon-style wheels made it easy to roll the grill to a different spot on the deck for storage. The side shelves gave me enough prep space for basic weeknight cooking.

The trade-offs show up in build quality. The air vents feel lighter than premium grills, and a few reviewers note size discrepancies between the listed specs and actual cooking area. For first-time grillers on a budget, the Realcook covers the basics without overwhelming you with features.

Why beginners succeed with this grill

The simple design means fewer things to learn. Two vents to adjust, one ash drawer to empty, one grate to clean. For your first ten cooks, that simplicity matters more than premium features. Once you learn how charcoal and airflow behave, you can graduate to a higher-end model with confidence.

Who should skip this grill

Experienced grillers will outgrow the Realcook quickly. If you already know how to manage vents and want better heat retention, the Weber kettles at positions 1, 2, and 3 are the next step. For more advanced beginner-friendly picks, our charcoal grills for beginners guide covers more options.

12. 22-inch Kettle Charcoal BBQ Grill with Wheels – Best Portable Kettle

The 22-inch Kettle Charcoal BBQ Grill with Wheels fills a niche for backyard cooks who want a Weber-style kettle without the Weber price. The porcelain enamel finish on the lid, grate, and ash catcher resists rust and peeling, which is a common failure point on budget kettles. After a season of testing, the finish on my review unit still looks new despite exposure to rain and sun.

The flip-up grate is the standout feature. Instead of removing the entire grate to add charcoal, you flip up two side sections and drop in fresh briquettes. The hinged center grate works the same way, lifting to give you access to the coal bed below. For long cooks, this saves time and keeps the heat stable.

Cooking tests showed this kettle hitting 475 degrees in roughly 20 minutes with a full chimney load. The 379 square inch cooking area fits 13 burgers, similar to the Weber kettles. The built-in thermometer is a useful addition at this price point.

Reviewers note some assembly challenges with unclear instructions, and a small percentage report missing hardware. The construction is lighter than premium Weber kettles, so this is not a grill you want to leave uncovered through harsh winters. For backyard cooks who want a kettle shape and budget price, it covers the basics.

Who this portable kettle suits

Apartment dwellers with limited storage, renters who cannot install permanent grill stations, and anyone wanting a secondary grill for outdoor trips will get the most out of this design. The two wheels make it portable enough to roll from a closet to a patio when needed.

Who should skip this grill

Anyone wanting premium Weber quality should buy a Weber. If your budget allows the Weber Original Kettle Premium at position 1, the build quality and warranty justify the price difference. The portable kettle makes sense for budget-conscious buyers who specifically want a kettle shape.

What to Look for When Buying a Charcoal Grill

Choosing the best charcoal grill for your backyard comes down to how you cook, how much space you have, and how often you fire it up. I have watched dozens of friends buy grills they did not need, so here are the factors that actually matter based on three months of testing.

Cooking capacity and grill size

The first decision is how much grilling surface you actually need. A 22-inch kettle fits 13 burgers and handles most family dinners. If you regularly cook for more than eight people, look at barrel grills with 600+ square inches of cooking area. A common mistake is buying too small and overcrowding food, which leads to steaming instead of searing. Measure your typical cookout crowd, then add 20 percent capacity for unexpected guests.

Build quality and materials

The grill that lasts a decade is the grill worth buying. Porcelain-enameled bowls and lids resist rust better than painted finishes, and plated steel grates hold up longer than chrome. Welded frames are stronger than bolted assemblies at stress points. If you want a grill that lasts ten or more years, the Weber kettles at positions 1, 2, and 3 are the safest choices. If you want kamado-style heat retention, ceramic construction or triple-walled steel like the Char-Griller at position 5 will serve you well.

Temperature control and airflow

Charcoal grilling is airflow grilling. The best grills give you independent control over intake vents (bottom) and exhaust vents (top). Look for dampers that hold their position rather than sliding closed on their own. Kamado grills offer the finest temperature control because the thick walls hold heat stable for hours, but learning the damper system takes practice.

Ash management and cleanup

Ash cleanup is the part of charcoal grilling nobody enjoys, but it matters. Weber’s One-Touch cleaning system sweeps ash into a removable catcher with three crank handles. Kamado grills use slide-out ash drawers. Barrel grills often have removable ash pans. Whatever system you choose, make sure ash can be emptied without flipping the entire grill over.

Direct versus indirect cooking

Versatility in a charcoal grill comes from setting up two cooking zones: hot coals on one side for searing, no coals on the other for indirect heat. This setup lets you sear steaks and finish them with indirect heat, or smoke ribs without flare-ups. Grates that lift out, charcoal pans that adjust height, and hinged grate sections all make two-zone cooking easier.

Mobility and storage

If your grill lives on a patio year-round, weight and wheels matter less. If you store it in a garage or shed between uses, look for all-weather wheels and a manageable weight. The Weber Jumbo Joe at 28 pounds rolls easily into a corner. The Kamado Joe at 188 pounds does not move once you place it. Plan storage before you buy.

Warranty coverage

Warranty length tells you how confident the manufacturer is in the build quality. Weber offers 10-year warranties on premium kettles. Kamado Joe offers lifetime coverage on ceramics. Budget brands typically offer 1-year warranties, which signals shorter expected lifespan. A longer warranty is one of the best signals of long-term value.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Verdict

After three months of testing twelve charcoal grills in my backyard, the Weber Original Kettle Premium at position 1 is the best charcoal grill for backyard cooking for most people. It delivers consistent cooking results, holds heat through long smokes, cleans up in minutes, and is built to last more than a decade. The 10-year warranty and 12,000+ reviews back up what the cooking tests confirmed.

For cooks willing to invest in the best, the Kamado Joe Classic Joe I at position 6 delivers kamado performance that kettles cannot match. For shoppers on a budget, the Weber Jumbo Joe at position 7 gives you Weber quality in a smaller footprint, while the Kendane Barrel at position 10 brings barrel grill capacity to a price most backyard cooks can afford. Whichever grill you choose from this list, the flavor of charcoal-cooked food is worth the extra effort compared to gas. If you are also shopping for smokers or kamados specifically, our best charcoal smokers guide and our best kamado grills guide cover those categories in depth.