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10 Best Charcoal Grills 2025 in the United States
#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
The Kamado Joe Big Joe Series II is a standout option in the charcoal grill category, particularly for those who enjoy versatility and high-quality cooking experiences. One of its key strengths is the generous cooking area of 450 square inches, enhanced by the exclusive divide & conquer flexible cooking system. This allows for multilevel cooking, enabling users to prepare different foods simultaneously, which is ideal for gatherings or family meals. The air lift hinge is another excellent feature, making it effortless to lift the grill dome, providing comfort while grilling.
Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,412
Size and Cooking Area
Material and Build Quality
Additional Features
Most important from
362 reviews
#2
Kamado Joe Big Joe Series III 24-inch Ceramic Charcoal Grill and Smoker with Premium Cart, SloRoller Insert and 450 Cooking Square Inches in Red, Model KJ15041021
The Kamado Joe Big Joe Series III is a large and sturdy ceramic charcoal grill offering a generous 450 square inches of cooking area, suitable for anyone who wants to cook for a crowd or experiment with multiple foods at once. Its ceramic build ensures excellent heat retention and durability, though the grill is quite heavy at 445 pounds, which limits portability despite the included rolling cart with locking wheels. One standout feature is the SlōRoller insert, which uses advanced airflow science to distribute smoke and heat evenly, enhancing flavor while reducing hot spots—a big plus for smoking enthusiasts.
Rating
9.4
Size and Cooking Area
Material and Build Quality
Ventilation and Temperature Control
Most important from
362 reviews
#3
Kamado Joe Classic Joe Series II 18-inch Ceramic Charcoal Grill and Smoker with Cart, Side Shelves, Stainless Steel Grates and 250 Cooking Square Inches in Red, Model KJ-23RHC
The Kamado Joe Classic Joe Series II is a high-quality ceramic charcoal grill that offers a good cooking area of 250 square inches, ideal for family or small group grilling. Its thick ceramic build traps heat efficiently, allowing for consistent temperatures whether you're smoking low or searing high—thanks in part to the smart Kontrol Tower top vent for easy airflow control. The grill also features an innovative 2-tier cooking system, which lets you cook different foods at once with separate temperature zones.
Rating
9.4
Size and Cooking Area
Material and Build Quality
Ventilation and Temperature Control
Most important from
1586 reviews
Top 10 Best Charcoal Grills 2025 in the United States
#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
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
Size and Cooking Area: 450 sq inches
Material and Build Quality: Ceramic body, stainless steel grates
Ventilation and Temperature Control: Patented vent, fiberglass gasket
Additional Features: Air Lift Hinge, flexible cooking system
Chosen by 1412 this week
Kamado Joe Big Joe Series III 24-inch Ceramic Charcoal Grill and Smoker with Premium Cart, SloRoller Insert and 450 Cooking Square Inches in Red, Model KJ15041021
Kamado Joe Big Joe Series III 24-inch Ceramic Charcoal Grill and Smoker with Premium Cart, SloRoller Insert and 450 Cooking Square Inches in Red, Model KJ15041021
Size and Cooking Area: 450 sq in; 18"D x 18.11"W x 54"H
Material and Build Quality: Ceramic, Stainless Steel, Painted finish
Ventilation and Temperature Control: Adjustable vents; 225°F to 750°F range
Portability: Rolling cart with locking wheels; 445 lbs
Additional Features: SlōRoller; 3-tier Divide & Conquer; hinge
Kamado Joe Classic Joe Series II 18-inch Ceramic Charcoal Grill and Smoker with Cart, Side Shelves, Stainless Steel Grates and 250 Cooking Square Inches in Red, Model KJ-23RHC
Kamado Joe Classic Joe Series II 18-inch Ceramic Charcoal Grill and Smoker with Cart, Side Shelves, Stainless Steel Grates and 250 Cooking Square Inches in Red, Model KJ-23RHC
Size and Cooking Area: 250 sq inches
Material and Build Quality: Aluminum, cast iron, ceramic
Ventilation and Temperature Control: Kontrol Tower vent, adjustable air vent
Portability: 232 lbs, cart with locking wheels
Ease of Cleaning: Firebox design prevents cracking
Additional Features: Tool holder, folding table, heat handle
Weber The Ranch Charcoal Kettle Grill
Weber The Ranch Charcoal Kettle Grill
Size and Cooking Area: 44.75"D x 37.75"W x 42"H, steel grate
Material and Build Quality: Steel body, porcelain enamel, stainless grate
Ventilation and Temperature Control: Adjustable vents, lid thermometer, heat control
Portability: 134.5 pounds, limited portability
Ease of Cleaning: Removable ash catcher
Additional Features: Fuel grate, lid holder, tool hooks
Kamado Joe Konnected Joe Digital Charcoal Grill and Smoker with Auto-Ignition and Temperature Control - KJ15041123
Kamado Joe Konnected Joe Digital Charcoal Grill and Smoker with Auto-Ignition and Temperature Control - KJ15041123
Size and Cooking Area: 18-inch, 250 sq. in.
Material and Build Quality: ceramic exterior
Ventilation and Temperature Control: Digital Kontrol Board, AFS
Portability: 175 pounds, limited portability
Additional Features: Air Lift Hinge
Related Products
Up to 31% off
Kamado Joe® Classic Joe™ Series III 18-inch Charcoal Grill & Smoker, Red, with Cart, Side Shelves, Grill Gripper, and Ash Tool, 3 Tier Cooking System, Stainless Steel Cooking Grates, Model KJ23RHCI-A
Kamado Joe® Classic Joe™ Series III 18-inch Charcoal Grill & Smoker, Red, with Cart, Side Shelves, Grill Gripper, and Ash Tool, 3 Tier Cooking System, Stainless Steel Cooking Grates, Model KJ23RHCI-A
Size and Cooking Area: 510 square inches
Material and Build Quality: Ceramic, stainless steel
Ventilation and Temperature Control: Kontrol Tower Vent, SlōRoller Chamber
Portability: Steel cart, locking wheels
Ease of Cleaning: Ash tool included
Additional Features: Side shelves, grill gripper, ash tool
Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill, 22-Inch, Black
Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill, 22-Inch, Black
Size and Cooking Area: 22-inch cooking area, 22.5"D x 22.5"W
Material and Build Quality: Porcelain-enameled lid, rust-resistant dampers
Ventilation and Temperature Control: Built-in thermometer, rust-resistant dampers
Portability: 32.3 pounds
Ease of Cleaning: One-Touch system, high-capacity ash catcher
Additional Features: Hinged cooking grate, heat shield
Oklahoma Joe's Canyon Combo Charcoal and Gas Smoker & Grill, Black - 24203004
Oklahoma Joe's Canyon Combo Charcoal and Gas Smoker & Grill, Black - 24203004
Size and Cooking Area: 750 sq in grill, 281 sq in firebox
Material and Build Quality: Painted steel inside, stainless steel outside
Ventilation and Temperature Control: Adjustable dampers, 3-burner gas grill
Portability: 196 lbs, two rubber-tread wheels
Ease of Cleaning: Removable ash pan
Additional Features: Tool hooks, shelves, cool-touch handles, warranty
Weber Performer Deluxe Charcoal Grill and BBQ, 22-Inch, Touch-No-Go Gas Ignition, Black
Weber Performer Deluxe Charcoal Grill and BBQ, 22-Inch, Touch-No-Go Gas Ignition, Black
Size and Cooking Area: 22-inch diameter, 363 sq inch surface
Material and Build Quality: Porcelain-enameled, Aluminum, Alloy Steel
Ventilation and Temperature Control: Lid thermometer, adjustable dampers
Portability: 91 pounds, bulky and heavy
Ease of Cleaning: One-Touch system, high-capacity ash catcher
Additional Features: Touch-N-Go ignition, LCD timer, tool hooks
#10
Weber Master-Touch Charcoal Grill for Outdoor Cooking and Barbecue, 22-Inch, Black
Weber Master-Touch Charcoal Grill for Outdoor Cooking and Barbecue, 22-Inch, Black
Size and Cooking Area: 22-inch grill, 443 sq inches
Material and Build Quality: High-quality materials, heat retention
Ventilation and Temperature Control: Built-in lid thermometer
Portability: Less ideal for portability
Ease of Cleaning: One-Touch Cleaning System
Additional Features: Tuck-Away lid holder, tool hooks
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Buying Guide for the Best Charcoal Grills
Choosing the right charcoal grill can significantly enhance your outdoor cooking experience. Charcoal grills are known for their ability to impart a rich, smoky flavor to food, making them a favorite among barbecue enthusiasts. When selecting a charcoal grill, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you get the best fit for your needs. Here are the main factors to keep in mind and how to navigate them.Size and Cooking AreaThe size and cooking area of a charcoal grill determine how much food you can cook at once. This is important because it affects how many people you can serve in one go. Small grills are suitable for individuals or small families, typically offering around 150-300 square inches of cooking space. Medium grills, with 300-500 square inches, are great for small gatherings. Large grills, offering over 500 square inches, are ideal for big parties or if you like to cook multiple items simultaneously. Consider how often you entertain and the number of people you usually cook for to choose the right size.
Material and Build QualityThe material and build quality of a charcoal grill affect its durability and heat retention. High-quality materials like stainless steel or cast iron are more durable and retain heat better, leading to more consistent cooking results. Lower-quality materials may rust or degrade faster. If you plan to use your grill frequently or leave it outdoors, investing in a grill made from high-quality materials is advisable. For occasional use, a grill with a decent build quality should suffice.
Ventilation and Temperature ControlVentilation and temperature control are crucial for managing the heat and cooking your food evenly. Good ventilation systems allow you to control the airflow, which in turn controls the temperature. Look for grills with adjustable vents on both the top and bottom. More vents provide better control. If you are new to grilling, a model with easy-to-use vents will help you learn how to manage the temperature effectively. Experienced grillers might prefer more advanced systems for precise control.
PortabilityPortability is an important factor if you plan to move your grill around, whether it's for camping, tailgating, or simply storing it away when not in use. Portable grills are typically smaller and lighter, often with features like foldable legs or wheels. If you need a grill that you can easily transport, look for these features. For stationary use, a heavier, more robust grill might be more suitable.
Ease of CleaningEase of cleaning is a significant consideration because it affects how much maintenance your grill will require. Grills with removable ash catchers and grates are easier to clean. Some models also have non-stick surfaces or porcelain-coated grates that make cleaning simpler. If you prefer a low-maintenance option, look for these features. If you don't mind a bit of extra work, you might prioritize other specifications over ease of cleaning.
Additional FeaturesAdditional features can enhance your grilling experience but are not always necessary. These can include built-in thermometers, side tables, warming racks, and storage shelves. Built-in thermometers help monitor the internal temperature without opening the lid. Side tables provide extra workspace, and warming racks keep food warm without overcooking. Consider which features will be most useful for your cooking style and choose accordingly.