10 Best Charcoal Grills 2025 in the United States

The Weber The Ranch Charcoal Kettle Grill is a solid choice for outdoor cooking thanks to its sturdy steel body coated with porcelain enamel, which helps keep heat in and protects the grill from rust. Its size offers a decent cooking area with one hinged stainless steel grate that makes adding charcoal mid-grill easy without removing the whole grate. The built-in lid thermometer lets you monitor the internal temperature, aiding precise heat control for better cooking results. Ventilation is managed through the standard adjustable vents, allowing you to regulate airflow and temperature effectively.

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.

The Char-Griller AKORN Kamado Charcoal Grill and Smoker offers a versatile cooking experience, perfect for both high-heat grilling and low-and-slow smoking. With a generous cooking area of 445 square inches, it’s capable of handling up to 27 burgers at once, making it ideal for large gatherings. Its triple-walled steel insulated design and cast iron grates ensure excellent heat retention and durability, though they also contribute to the grill’s considerable weight of 97 pounds, which might pose challenges for portability despite its 8-inch locking caster wheels.