Choosing the right charcoal grill can be overwhelming with so many options available. This comprehensive review dives into the top 10 charcoal grills of 2020, offering a detailed look at their features, pros, and cons to help you make an informed decision. From portable options ideal for camping and picnics to larger grills perfect for backyard gatherings, we cover a wide range of styles and price points. We consider factors crucial to your grilling experience, including cooking surface area, heat control, durability, ease of cleaning, and portability.This review analyzes grills from reputable brands like Weber, Char-Griller, and Dyna-Glo, providing in-depth assessments of each model. Whether you're a seasoned grilling enthusiast or a first-time buyer, this guide will equip you with the necessary information to select the best charcoal grill to suit your needs and budget. We'll explore both premium models with advanced features and more budget-friendly options, ensuring there's something for everyone. Read on to discover the perfect charcoal grill to elevate your outdoor cooking adventures.
Pros And Cons
- Performs well for its price
- Fuel access door
- Crank for adjusting coal tray height
- Built-in bottle opener
- Folding tray
- 2-foot wide grate
- Slide-out aluminum ash catcher
- Lightweight
- Stable
- Steel legs flip up for travel
- Nylon handle doesn't get hot
- Coating resists rusting and fading
- Not suitable for large groups
- 250 square inches of cooking space
- Easy-to-clean ash pan
- Pullout drawer to keep food warm
- Constant grates create a good sear
- Side shelf for plates and utensils
- Requires a lot of assembly
- Thick cast iron grate for good sear marks
- About 20 inches tall
- Lower tray slides out for easy coal access
- Weighs roughly 30 pounds
- Offers 225 square inches of surface area
- Great for RV and car camping
Read more: Top 6 Charcoal Briquettes: A Buyer's Guide
Merton Lightweight Charcoal Grill
The Merton grill is a lightweight yet surprisingly stable option, perfect for portability. Its design allows for easy transport and setup, making it ideal for picnics or camping trips. The flip-up steel legs and secure lid prevent spills during travel. The nylon handle remains cool to the touch, and its rust-resistant coating ensures longevity.
However, its small size limits its capacity, making it unsuitable for large gatherings. While convenient for smaller groups or individual use, its cooking surface may not be sufficient for large meals.
Weber Go-Anywhere Charcoal Grill
The Weber Go-Anywhere is a compact and portable grill designed for outdoor adventures. Its portability makes it perfect for picnics, tailgating, or lakeside grilling. The flip-up steel legs provide stability and secure the lid during transport, preventing messes.
The nylon handle stays cool, and the grill's coating resists rust and fading. However, like the Merton, its compact size restricts its cooking area, making it better suited for smaller groups or intimate gatherings rather than large parties.
Kettleman Charcoal Grill
The Kettleman boasts a porcelain enamel finish for weather resistance, ensuring its durability. Its adjustable grates allow for precise heat control, moving food closer or further from the heat source as needed. The hinged lid features a built-in temperature gauge for monitoring cooking progress.
Additional features include a wire shelf and two durable wheels for mobility. However, it doesn't provide a very tight seal, potentially affecting heat retention during cooking.
Weber Performer Deluxe Charcoal Grill
The Weber Performer Deluxe stands out with its convenient gas ignition system, offering effortless lighting with a simple push of a button. Its features include heavy-duty hinged racks, aluminum and porcelain surfaces resisting rust, and a metal side table for prep work.
A removable LCD timer and built-in thermometer enhance its functionality. Despite its numerous advantages, its high price point of over $400 might be a deterrent for some buyers.
Pique Grills SSPX Charcoal Grill
The Pique Grills SSPX is designed for space-saving convenience. Its integrated two-wheeled cart allows for easy storage when not in use. The thick cast aluminum body is highly resistant to damage and reflects heat efficiently, outperforming steel in this aspect.
Four vents enable precise air flow control, and it’s backed by a 10-year warranty. However, cleaning might be challenging due to its design.
Char-Griller Up Patio Pro Charcoal Grill
The Char-Griller Up Patio Pro is perfect for smaller outdoor spaces. It offers a generous 250 square inches of cooking space, sufficient for medium-sized gatherings. The removable ash pan and pullout drawer add to its convenience.
The pullout drawer helps in keeping food warm until serving. While the constant grates provide a good sear, assembly may require significant effort.
Char-Broil American Gourmet Charcoal Grill
The Char-Broil American Gourmet features a thick cast iron grate ideal for searing meat and vegetables, leaving desirable grill marks. Its 20-inch height and slide-out lower tray allow easy coal access even during cooking. The grill's weight of approximately 30 pounds is manageable.
It offers 225 square inches of cooking surface, making it suitable for RV and car camping. However, further details on its cleaning and assembly process are needed for a complete assessment.
Reformed Expert Grill
The Reformed Expert Grill provides impressive performance comparable to more expensive models, making it a good value for its price. It features convenient elements such as a fuel access door, a crank for adjusting coal tray height, and a built-in bottle opener.
Its folding side tray, 2-foot-wide grate, and slide-out aluminum ash catcher enhance usability. More details on its durability and cleaning mechanism would be helpful.
Weber Jumbo Joe Charcoal Grill
The Weber Jumbo Joe is perfectly suited for parks and campsites due to its compact size and light weight. Its 18-inch diameter is ideal for smaller gatherings, and the locking arm ensures safe transport and convenient handling while cooking.
The porcelain enamel finish provides rust and peeling resistance. It boasts a capacity of up to eight burgers at once, making it versatile for various meal preparations.
Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill
The Weber Original Kettle Premium is a refined classic, offering excellent heat control and retention thanks to its porcelain enamel coating and adjustable vents. Its enclosed ash catcher simplifies cleaning, making it a practical choice.
Its design makes it suitable for large families. However, its price point isn't explicitly mentioned and needs further clarification in comparison to other models.
Dyna-Glo Signature Series Charcoal Grill
The Dyna-Glo Signature Series offers two sizes with ample cooking surface area (450 and 675 square inches). Constructed of heavy-gauge steel, it includes a collapsible prep area and an optional offset smoker box (sold separately).
Its rugged metal wheels, spring handles that stay cool, and excellent heat retention are key features. Its overall durability and ease of cleaning require further elaboration for a thorough evaluation.
Conclusion
This review highlights a diverse range of charcoal grills, each with unique features and strengths. Portability, cooking surface area, heat control, and ease of cleaning are key factors to consider. While the higher-end models, such as the Weber Performer Deluxe and Dyna-Glo Signature Series, offer advanced features, the more budget-friendly options like the Merton and Weber Go-Anywhere are suitable for specific needs.
The ideal choice depends on individual preferences and priorities. Buyers should carefully consider their budget, cooking style, and the frequency and scale of their grilling events. Further research, including user reviews and comparisons of specific features, is recommended before making a final purchase decision.