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10 Best Charcoal Grills

From leading brands and best sellers available on the web.
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#2
Char-Broil
Available on
£444.51
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#7
Kamado Joe
Available on
£2,199
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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Weber Classic Kettle Charcoal Barbecue/Porcelain-Enamelled Lid & Bowl, 57 cm Cooking Surface, One-Touch Cleaning System, Lid Thermometer, Tripod Stand and Wheels, Black

10.0  score

13% OFF
Available on
£121.62
13% off
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Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,409
Material
Ventilation System
Additional Features
Material
The porcelain-enamelled lid and bowl make cleaning effortless and resist rust effectively.
Ventilation System
Built-in lid thermometer and aluminium damper provide precise heat control during cooking.
Additional Features
The One-Touch cleaning system simplifies ash removal, making maintenance hassle-free.
Portability
Sturdy wheels and tripod legs offer good portability around the garden without compromising stability.

The Weber Classic Kettle charcoal grill is a solid choice for anyone looking for a reliable and straightforward outdoor barbecue. Its 57 cm cooking surface offers plenty of space to grill for families or small groups, making it practical for regular garden or patio use. The porcelain-enamelled lid and bowl stand out for durability and ease of cleaning, plus they resist rust well, which means this grill should last a long time. It features a built-in lid thermometer and a rust-resistant aluminium damper to control airflow, helping you manage heat more accurately during cooking.

The One-Touch cleaning system is a thoughtful addition—it simplifies ash removal and keeps maintenance hassle-free. Portability is decent with sturdy wheels and tripod legs, so you can move it around your garden without too much trouble, although at 14.5 kg it’s not ultra-lightweight. While the grill is simple with a single-level grate, it includes practical touches like two charcoal rails for easy briquette setup and a lid hook for convenience while cooking.

If you want a classic, well-built charcoal grill that’s easy to use and maintain, this model fits the bill nicely. For its category, the Weber Classic Kettle is a dependable, well-designed barbecue with strong customer reviews and a 10-year warranty on the bowl and lid, making it a worthwhile investment for outdoor cooking enthusiasts.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,409
Material
Ventilation System
Additional Features
Material
The porcelain-enamelled lid and bowl make cleaning effortless and resist rust effectively.
Ventilation System
Built-in lid thermometer and aluminium damper provide precise heat control during cooking.
Additional Features
The One-Touch cleaning system simplifies ash removal, making maintenance hassle-free.
Portability
Sturdy wheels and tripod legs offer good portability around the garden without compromising stability.
#2

Char-Broil Gas2Coal 440 Hybrid Grill Gas Barbecue, Black

9.4  score

Available on
£444.51
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Rating
9.4
Grill Size
Material
Grill Size
The grill's size and portability fit well for small to medium gatherings, balancing performance without overwhelming space.
Material
The sturdy construction and clear assembly instructions make it a reliable and user-friendly choice, even for solo setup.

The Char-Broil Gas2Coal 440 Hybrid Grill is a versatile option for those who want the flexibility of switching between gas and charcoal grilling. Its size is moderate, making it suitable for small to medium gatherings without taking up too much space. The grill features sturdy cast iron cooking grates with a porcelain coating, which helps resist rust and makes cleaning easier—a plus for regular use. The patented charcoal tray is designed to reduce flare-ups and provide even heat, addressing a common charcoal grilling challenge. This grill includes a temperature indicator on the lid, which is handy for monitoring heat without lifting the lid and losing warmth.

Portability is a notable strength given its compact dimensions and the fact that it’s described as portable, though its weight of over 60 kg means it’s better suited for moving around in a backyard rather than frequent transport. The design is intended to manage smoke well, making it less smoky than traditional charcoal grills.

While the gas ignition is convenient, the product relies on gas as its primary fuel type, so full charcoal purists might find it less traditional. Also, the cooking area may feel limiting for those looking to grill for larger groups. This grill suits casual grillers who appreciate the convenience of gas with the option of charcoal flavor, especially if they value easy maintenance and reliable heat control.

Rating
9.4
Grill Size
Material
Grill Size
The grill's size and portability fit well for small to medium gatherings, balancing performance without overwhelming space.
Material
The sturdy construction and clear assembly instructions make it a reliable and user-friendly choice, even for solo setup.
#3

CosmoGrill Outdoor XL Smoker Barbecue Charcoal Portable BBQ Grill, 2 Folding Side Table, Built-in Thermometer, Adjustable Charcoal Pan & Chimney, Wheels, Large Coal BBQ Smoker for Home Garden Cooking

9.1  score

22% OFF
Available on
£132.18
22% off
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Rating
9.1
Grill Size
Material
Ventilation System
Grill Size
Spacious cooking area perfect for larger gatherings, allowing for simultaneous grilling of multiple items.
Material
The build quality feels robust, with sturdy materials that withstand outdoor conditions well.
Ventilation System
Temperature control takes practice; adjustable vents help but require experimentation for optimal results.
Portability
Despite its larger size, the grill's portability shines with wheels that make it easy to move around the garden.

The CosmoGrill Outdoor XL Smoker Barbecue Charcoal Portable BBQ Grill is a versatile option for those who love outdoor cooking, whether for large gatherings or smaller family meals. With its generous cooking space, you can easily grill over 10 burger patties and 10 sausages at once, or smoke larger cuts like whole chickens. This makes it a great choice for entertaining. The built-in thermometer and adjustable chimney and vents provide good temperature control, allowing precise cooking.

The height-adjustable charcoal tray is a useful feature that helps manage heat across different recipes, and the variable heat zones ensure even cooking of various meats simultaneously. The stainless steel warming rack is handy for keeping food warm until you're ready to serve. The grill is designed with convenience in mind; the removable grill grates and ash pan make cleaning straightforward, while the built-in bottle opener and utensil hooks keep essentials within reach.

Two foldable side tables offer ample prep space and can be tucked away for storage. The grill's portability is enhanced by two castor wheels, allowing you to move it easily even when it's loaded. However, at 24 kilograms, it might still be somewhat heavy for some users to maneuver. The combination of stainless steel and alloy steel materials promises durability, though regular maintenance will be necessary to prevent rust. Given its thoughtful design and practical features, this grill is best suited for home garden cooking enthusiasts who value both functionality and ease of use.

Rating
9.1
Grill Size
Material
Ventilation System
Grill Size
Spacious cooking area perfect for larger gatherings, allowing for simultaneous grilling of multiple items.
Material
The build quality feels robust, with sturdy materials that withstand outdoor conditions well.
Ventilation System
Temperature control takes practice; adjustable vents help but require experimentation for optimal results.
Portability
Despite its larger size, the grill's portability shines with wheels that make it easy to move around the garden.

Buying Guide for the Best Charcoal Grills

Choosing the right charcoal grill can greatly enhance your outdoor cooking experience. Charcoal grills are known for imparting a unique, smoky flavor to food, which many grill enthusiasts prefer. When selecting a charcoal grill, consider factors such as size, material, and additional features that can make grilling more convenient and enjoyable. Understanding the key specifications will help you find a grill that suits your cooking style and needs.
Grill SizeGrill size refers to the cooking area available on the grill. It's important because it determines how much food you can cook at once. Grill sizes can range from small, portable models to large, stationary ones. If you often cook for a large group, a bigger grill with a larger cooking surface is ideal. For smaller gatherings or if you have limited space, a compact grill might be more suitable. Consider how many people you typically cook for and choose a size that accommodates that number comfortably.
MaterialThe material of a charcoal grill affects its durability, heat retention, and maintenance. Common materials include stainless steel, cast iron, and porcelain-coated steel. Stainless steel is rust-resistant and easy to clean, making it a popular choice. Cast iron retains heat well, which is great for searing, but it requires more maintenance to prevent rust. Porcelain-coated grills offer good heat retention and are easier to clean. Choose a material based on how often you plan to use the grill and your willingness to maintain it.
Ventilation SystemThe ventilation system in a charcoal grill controls airflow, which is crucial for regulating temperature. A good ventilation system allows you to adjust the heat by opening or closing vents. More vents provide better control over the cooking temperature. If you enjoy experimenting with different cooking techniques, such as smoking or slow cooking, look for a grill with a versatile ventilation system. For straightforward grilling, a basic system with a few adjustable vents will suffice.
PortabilityPortability refers to how easy it is to move the grill. This is important if you plan to take your grill to different locations, such as camping trips or tailgating events. Portable grills are typically lighter and may have features like wheels or foldable legs. If you need a grill that can be easily transported, look for one that is compact and lightweight. For stationary use, portability may not be a priority, and you can opt for a sturdier, heavier model.
Additional FeaturesAdditional features can enhance your grilling experience by adding convenience or versatility. These might include built-in thermometers, ash catchers, side tables, or warming racks. Built-in thermometers help monitor the cooking temperature without opening the lid. Ash catchers make cleaning easier by collecting ash in a removable tray. Side tables provide extra space for food preparation. Consider which features will make your grilling experience more enjoyable and choose a grill that offers those options.