9 Best Charcoal Grills for Outdoor Cooking (November 2026)
The best charcoal grills for outdoor cooking include the DNKMOR Charcoal Grill with Side Table (best overall), the Royal Gourmet CC1830SC Charcoal Grill Offset Smoker for smoking and grilling, and the Weber Original Kettle Premium 22-inch for classic kettle cooking.
On this page (7 sections)
- Best charcoal grills for outdoor cooking, ranked by score
- How these charcoal grills compare
- What should you check before buying a charcoal grill?
- Which charcoal grill shape suits your cooking?
- What does an adjustable charcoal pan do?
- Should you pick a Royal Gourmet charcoal grill?
- Verdict: which charcoal grill should you buy?
The best charcoal grill for outdoor cooking is the DNKMOR Charcoal Grill with Side Table, because it pairs about 500 sq in of cooking space with a 4-level charcoal pan and a work table at a size most backyards can fit. Pick a Royal Gourmet model when smoke flavor matters, or a Weber kettle when you want the classic round setup.
Charcoal grills come in two main shapes. Barrel and cart grills give you a wide flat grate for burgers and skewers.
Kettle grills use a round bowl and lid for indirect cooking. Your choice comes down to how you cook most often and how much patio space you can give up.
Our charcoal grill buyer's guide covers fuel types, vent setups and starter gear in more detail. If you regularly host large groups, the extra large charcoal grill picks go bigger still.
Our picks at a glance
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1
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2
Best for smoking and grillingRoyal Gourmet CC1830SC Charcoal Grill Offset Smoker
9.0/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
Best for classic kettle cookingWeber Original Kettle Premium 22-inch
9.0/10 our score
See it on Amazon
- 4
Check itWeber Jumbo Joe Premium 22-inch
Best for portability - 5
Check itRoyal Gourmet CC1830S Charcoal Grill with Offset
Best for large gatherings - 6
Check itVINGLI 18 Inch Multi-Layer Charcoal BBQ Smoker
Best for small-space smoking - 7
Check itDNKMOR Charcoal Grill with 2 Side Tables
Best for patio prep space - 8
Best for extra-large cooking areaCheck it - 9
Check itCuisinart 14-inch Portable Charcoal Grill
Best for camping and tailgates
Best charcoal grills for outdoor cooking, ranked by score
The top pick wins on usable cooking area and heat control for the money. Every grill below earns its place by doing one job better than the rest, whether that's smoking, portability or prep space.
DNKMOR Charcoal Grill with Side Table: Best overall
- About 500 sq in cooking area
- 4-level height-adjustable charcoal pan
- Lid thermometer
- Side table and bottom shelf
A barrel grill with enough grate space for a party and a pan you raise or lower to control heat. The side table keeps seasoning and tools within reach.
Pros
- Large cooking area for the footprint
- 4-level adjustable charcoal pan
- Side table plus bottom storage shelf
Cons
- Barrel shape limits two-zone cooking
- Heavier than a small kettle grill
This DNKMOR grill suits the backyard cook who wants one grill to handle weeknight dinners and weekend parties. About 500 sq in of porcelain-enameled grate plus a chrome warming rack gives you room to sear burgers and keep cooked food warm while the rest finishes.
The 4-level height-adjustable charcoal pan is the feature that matters most day to day. Raise it for a hot sear on steaks; drop it and close the lid for slower indirect cooking.
The pan holds up to 4.5 lb of coal, which is a sensible load for a grill this size.
A lid thermometer takes the guesswork out of temperature checks. The large side table holds seasonings and plates, and the bottom shelf stows charcoal and long tools.
Two wheels and a side handle make it easy to roll out of the weather. The stainless steel frame and handle add some rust resistance to the mix.
The trade-off is the barrel shape: it doesn't set up two-zone cooking as cleanly as a round kettle. For most cooks that's a small price for the extra flat grate space.
The size also means it's heavier than a small kettle when you lift it.
Royal Gourmet CC1830SC Charcoal Grill Offset Smoker: Best for smoking and grilling
- 783 sq in total area
- 197.4 sq in offset smoker
- 2-level adjustable charcoal pan
- Grill cover included
A barrel grill with a firmly attached smoker box for slow cooks, plus a wide main grate for direct grilling. The cover protects it between sessions.
Pros
- Separate offset smoker for smoke flavor
- Warming rack adds staging space
- Cover included
Cons
- Widest footprint here
- Needs more fuel for long smokes
The Royal Gourmet CC1830SC is the pick when you want to smoke and grill without buying two appliances. Its 783 sq in total surface breaks down to 434.3 sq in of main grate, a 151 sq in warming rack and a 197.4 sq in offset smoker box.
The offset box attaches firmly to the main body so heat and smoke circulate properly. A side door lets you add charcoal and clear ash without lifting the lid, and the air vent stokes the fire quickly when you need more heat.
That makes it practical for ribs or a whole chicken as well as burgers.
The 2-level charcoal pan holds up to 4.4 lb of coal. A lid thermometer helps you hold a steady smoking temperature.
Front and side tables give you workspace, and the bottom shelf carries up to 20 lb of accessories when evenly loaded.
It's the widest grill here at just over 51 in across, so measure your patio first. A fitted cover comes in the box, which helps protect the powder-coated steel between cooks.
The offset box needs extra fuel for long smokes, so budget more charcoal than a plain barrel.
Weber Original Kettle Premium 22-inch: Best for classic kettle cooking
- 22-inch porcelain-enameled bowl and lid
- One-Touch cleaning system
- Built-in lid thermometer
- Hinged cooking grate
The round kettle shape that made indirect cooking famous, with a hinged grate and an ash catcher that simplifies cleanup. Built for backyard cooks who want steady, familiar results.
Pros
- Hinged grate for adding charcoal mid-cook
- High-capacity ash catcher
- Lid hook and tool hooks
Cons
- Smaller grate than barrel models
- No side table
The Weber Original Kettle Premium is the default choice for anyone who wants the round kettle setup that made indirect cooking popular. Its 22-inch bowl gives you space to grill up to 13 burgers at once, according to Weber.
What makes it easy to live with is the small stuff. The hinged grate lets you lift a section to add charcoal without removing the whole grate.
The One-Touch cleaning system drops ash into a removable high-capacity catcher, so you empty it less often. A lid thermometer reads internal temperature, and the angled lid hook keeps the hot lid off the ground.
Porcelain enamel on the lid and bowl resists rust and holds heat. Aluminum dampers control airflow without seizing up.
All-weather wheels and tool hooks round out a package built for steady backyard use. The glass-reinforced nylon handles stay comfortable in the hand, even after the lid has been sitting over hot coals.
Its main limit against the barrel grills here is grate shape: a round grate holds less food than a wide rectangle. It also has no side table, so plan a nearby prep surface.
The upside is that the round bowl makes two-zone setups intuitive for anyone learning indirect cooking.
Weber Jumbo Joe Premium 22-inch: Best for portability
- 22-inch porcelain-enameled bowl and lid
- 363 sq in cooking surface
- Aluminum ash catcher
- All-weather wheels
A compact kettle with the same 22-inch lid as the Original, made to move from patio to campsite. Fewer cooking inches than the larger Weber, so plan portions accordingly.
Pros
- 22-inch lid in a compact body
- Wheels for easy moving
- Ash catcher for quick cleanup
Cons
- Smaller cooking area than the Original
- No warming rack or side table
The Jumbo Joe Premium takes the 22-inch kettle design and squeezes it into a compact body. It gives you 363 sq in of cooking surface, enough for up to 13 burgers with a Weber burger press, but in a grill you can move from patio to tailgate.
The porcelain-enameled bowl and lid hold heat and resist peeling. Aluminum dampers adjust airflow precisely, and the aluminum ash catcher makes cleanup quick.
The lid slides onto an angled hook so you're not setting it in the grass. A heat shield on the handle keeps your grip comfortable.
All-weather wheels help you roll it around the yard. At about 12.9 kg it's light enough for one person to lift into a truck bed.
The 22-inch lid is the same size as the full Original Kettle, so it covers the same footprint when packed down.
The trade-off against the full-size Original Kettle is cooking area. If you host more than a few people at once, the larger kettle or a barrel grill makes more sense.
For camping and small decks, this is the easier grill to own. It also skips the warming rack and side table the bigger models offer.
Royal Gourmet CC1830S Charcoal Grill with Offset: Best for large gatherings
- 824 sq in total area
- 475.3 sq in main grate
- 197.3 sq in offset smoker
- Lid thermometer
The biggest total cooking surface in this group, with a main grate for burgers and an offset box for ribs or brisket. Suits hosts who feed a crowd often.
Pros
- Most cooking area here
- Offset smoker for low-and-slow cooks
- Front and side tables
Cons
- Large footprint needs space
- Assembly required
The Royal Gourmet CC1830S is for the host who feeds a crowd and wants smoke on the menu. Its 824 sq in total area is the largest in this group, split into 475.3 sq in of main grate, a 151 sq in warming rack and a 197.3 sq in offset smoker.
The offset smoker attaches to the main grill so smoke and heat circulate. A side door gives you access to add charcoal or remove ash, and the air vent gets the fire going fast.
For ribs or a long brisket cook, that separate box does the work the main grate can't.
A two-level charcoal pan raises or lowers the coal bed to adjust cooking distance and heat. The lid thermometer helps you hold temperature for different foods.
Front and side tables hold tools and seasonings, and the bottom shelf takes up to 20 lb of accessories when evenly distributed.
It arrives needing assembly and takes up about 52 in of width. Plan for that space and an hour or so with tools before the first cook.
The cart frame and steel handles make it stable once built, but the footprint rules out tight balconies.
VINGLI 18 Inch Multi-Layer Charcoal BBQ Smoker: Best for small-space smoking
- 3-layer round design
- Built-in thermometer
- Adjustable air supply and outlet
- Two doors for access
A vertical smoker that doubles as a grill and fire pit on a compact round base. The layered body and air controls suit slow cooks in tighter yards.
Pros
- Compact round footprint
- Built-in thermometer and air controls
- Two access doors
Cons
- No wheels for moving
- Smaller grate than horizontal models
The VINGLI 18 Inch Multi-Layer smoker suits cooks who want smoke flavor without dedicating half the patio. Its round 3-layer body works as a fire pit at the bottom and an adjustable barrel grill above for steaming, grilling, baking or roasting.
A built-in thermometer with a detailed scale and an adjustable air supply on the lid give you temperature control. The air outlet on top works with it so you can hold a steady fire for slow cooks.
The 18-inch round footprint fits on a small patio or balcony corner.
Two doors let you check food and add fuel without opening the whole top. The body is designed to sit stable on uneven ground.
Assembly takes about 30 minutes, according to VINGLI. The alloy steel build keeps the weight low enough to reposition by hand.
Its limits are size and mobility. The grate is smaller than the horizontal smokers here, and there are no wheels.
Pick it for a compact smoking setup, not for feeding a big party. It also asks more attention to vent settings than a wide barrel grill.
DNKMOR Charcoal Grill with 2 Side Tables: Best for patio prep space
- 343 sq in total cooking area
- 2-in-1 grill and smoker mode
- Two side tables
- Removable ash pan
A cart-style grill with two tables for sauces and plates, plus a removable ash pan for cleanup. Best where workspace matters more than raw grate size.
Pros
- Two side tables for prep
- Removable ash pan
- Built-in thermometer and beer holder
Cons
- Modest cooking area
- No wheels on all four corners
This second DNKMOR model is for cooks who value workspace over raw grate size. It has 343 sq in of total cooking area, split between 221 sq in of main grate and a 122 sq in warming rack, and it switches between grill and smoker modes.
Two side tables give you room for sauces, plates and tools so you're not jogging back to the kitchen mid-cook. A removable ash pan makes cleanup simpler, and a built-in thermometer tracks temperature.
There's even a beer holder on the frame.
The 2-in-1 design means you can smoke low and slow or grill hot and fast on the same cart. Two wheels let you roll it into storage.
A grill cover and warming rack come with it, so it's ready to protect and stage food from day one.
Its trade-off against the top DNKMOR is cooking area: 343 sq in covers a family meal but fills up fast for a party. Choose it when prep space and tidy cleanup matter more than grate size.
The polished finish and alloy steel body also make wiping it down easy after a cook.
VEVOR Charcoal Grill: Best for extra-large cooking area
- 780 sq in total area
- Two liftable charcoal trays
- Folding side tables
- Drawer ash tray
A wide cart grill with a big primary grate and two separate charcoal trays for zone cooking. The folding tables save space when the grill is stored.
Pros
- Dual liftable charcoal trays
- Large 780 sq in total area
- Folding side tables and drawer ash tray
Cons
- Very wide when tables are open
- Heaviest grill in this group
The VEVOR Charcoal Grill is the extra-large option when you want maximum cooking area on a cart. Its 780 sq in total surface splits into a 500 sq in primary grate and a 280 sq in warming area, so you can grill a main course and keep sides warm at the same time.
Two liftable charcoal trays are the headline feature. Turn the handles to raise or lower each tray independently, which lets you run direct high heat on one side and slower cooking on the other.
That's the closest thing here to true two-zone control on a barrel grill.
The frame is high-temperature powder-coated steel for heat and weather resistance. A 32-inch drawer ash tray collects ash and grease, and folding side tables save space when the grill is parked.
Large wheels and anti-scald handles make it easier to move. A bottle opener on the frame and a raised lid round out the practical touches.
It's the heaviest grill in this group at about 83 lb and very wide with tables open. Measure your space before ordering.
The stainless steel handles and SPCC frame give it a sturdy feel, but plan help for the initial move.
Cuisinart 14-inch Portable Charcoal Grill: Best for camping and tailgates
- 196 sq in chrome-plated grate
- Dual adjustable vents
- Three lid locks
- Enamel-coated firebox
A tabletop grill light enough to carry to a campsite or game-day lot. Small enough for a balcony and simple enough to clean after a quick cook.
Pros
- Light and easy to transport
- Locking lid for mess-free travel
- Dual vents for heat control
Cons
- Small cooking area
- Tabletop use only, no cart
The Cuisinart 14-inch Portable is the grill to grab for camping, tailgating or a small balcony. It weighs about 4 lb and has a 196 sq in chrome-plated grate that resists rust and cleans up quickly.
Dual adjustable vents give you temperature control for low-and-slow or high-heat cooking. The enamel-coated firebox adds durability, and the ash base makes cleanup simple.
Three lid locks keep the top secure in transit so ash and coals don't spill in the car.
It's a tabletop grill, so you need a sturdy, heat-safe surface to set it on. That's also its advantage: no cart to store or move.
The 14-inch square footprint fits on a small balcony or picnic table without crowding the rest of the setup.
Its limit is capacity. At 196 sq in it's a two-person grill or a starter for a bigger meal, not a party machine.
For a family backyard, one of the larger picks serves better. It's also the only model here without a cart, so moving means lifting it.
How these charcoal grills compare
Cooking area separates these grills more than any other spec. The Royal Gourmet CC1830S leads at 824 sq in total, while the Cuisinart portable offers 196 sq in.
Between those ends, the DNKMOR Side Table at 500 sq in hits a practical middle for most homes.
Heat control is the second deciding factor. Liftable or multi-level charcoal pans on the DNKMOR, Royal Gourmet and VEVOR models let you change the distance between coals and food.
Kettle grills like the Weber pair rely more on vent adjustment and charcoal arrangement. The VEVOR goes furthest with two trays that move independently.
Shape matters too. Barrel and cart grills give a wide flat grate for burgers and skewers.
Round kettles and vertical smokers are easier to set up for indirect and slow cooking. An offset smoker box, found on both Royal Gourmet models, adds true smoke capacity.
Weight and footprint split the group as well. The Cuisinart portable is 4 lb and 14 in square, while the VEVOR is 83 lb and 63 in wide with tables open.
Ash handling ranges from the Weber One-Touch catcher to the VEVOR's 32-inch drawer tray.
| Product | Best for | Cooking area | Charcoal pan | Size (W x D x H) | Our score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DNKMOR Charcoal Grill with Side Table | overall | 500 sq in | 4 levels | 33 x 21.5 x 40.4 in | 9.7 |
| Royal Gourmet CC1830SC Charcoal Grill Offset Smoker | smoking and grilling | 51.69 x 28.56 x 46.89 in | 9.0 | ||
| Weber Original Kettle Premium 22-inch | classic kettle cooking | 22.5 x 22.5 x 27 in | 9.0 | ||
| Weber Jumbo Joe Premium 22-inch | portability | 363 sq in | 24 x 9.8 x 38.2 in | 8.7 | |
| Royal Gourmet CC1830S Charcoal Grill with Offset | large gatherings | 51.69 x 28.56 x 46.89 in | 8.6 | ||
| VINGLI 18 Inch Multi-Layer Charcoal BBQ Smoker | small-space smoking | 8.5 | |||
| DNKMOR Charcoal Grill with 2 Side Tables | patio prep space | 343 sq in | 43.3 x 18.3 x 39.7 in | 8.3 | |
| VEVOR Charcoal Grill | extra-large cooking area | 63 x 25.6 x 48 in | 8.2 | ||
| Cuisinart 14-inch Portable Charcoal Grill | camping and tailgates | 196 sq in | 14 x 14 x 15 in | 8.0 |
Our score weighs specs, features and buyer feedback against what you're shopping for. We rank each grill by how well it serves a typical backyard cook, not by how many features it lists.
The top score goes to the grill that covers the most everyday jobs without a big footprint. A dedicated smoker scores well for its job but loses points for everyday versatility.
What should you check before buying a charcoal grill?
Start with cooking area and the space you have. A grill that's too big for your patio gets in the way, and one that's too small frustrates at parties.
Measure your spot, then match it to a grate size that fits how many people you usually feed.
How much cooking area do you need?
Allow about 70 to 100 sq in per person for a full meal with sides. A 196 sq in portable serves two, while 340 to 500 sq in handles four to six.
The 780 to 824 sq in models feed a crowd or let you cook in batches. Remember that total area often includes a warming rack, so check the main grate number too.
The Royal Gourmet CC1830S, for example, counts 475.3 sq in of main grate within its 824 sq in total.
What fits your patio or deck?
Barrel grills with offset smokers run about 52 in wide. The VEVOR widens to 63 in with its folding tables open.
Kettles are more compact at roughly 22 to 24 in across. Check the space for the grill, a clear zone around it and room to open the lid.
Add the depth of an offset box to the total, since it sticks out to the side.
How much heat control do you want?
A height-adjustable charcoal pan gives you the most direct control, since you can move the coal bed closer or farther from the food. Vents and a lid thermometer handle the rest.
For slow smoking, an offset box or a vertical smoker is the better tool. If you switch between searing and slow cooks often, look for multiple levels or two separate trays.
Which charcoal grill shape suits your cooking?
Barrel and cart grills suit direct grilling for a group. Kettle grills suit two-zone indirect cooking and easy ash cleanup.
Vertical smokers suit slow cooks in tight spaces. Each shape has a clear best use, so match it to your usual menu.
Barrel and cart grills for burgers and parties
These give you a wide flat grate and often a side table. The DNKMOR Side Table and VEVOR models are barrel types with adjustable pans.
Royal Gourmet's two models add offset boxes for smoke. A barrel grill is the easiest shape for cooking many burgers at once, since the flat grate lines food up in rows.
Kettle grills for indirect cooking and easy cleanup
The Weber Original Kettle Premium and Jumbo Joe use round bowls for indirect cooking. The One-Touch ash system and hinged grate make them simple to run.
Pick a kettle if you cook whole chickens, roasts or ribs on the kettle. The round lid also traps heat evenly, which helps on longer cooks.
Offset and vertical smokers for low-and-slow cooking
A charcoal grill with an offset smoker is worth it if smoke flavor is the goal. Both Royal Gourmet models here have one.
The VINGLI vertical smoker gives you smoke in an 18-inch round footprint for small yards. Vertical smokers stack heat and smoke upward, so they take less floor space than a horizontal offset rig.
What does an adjustable charcoal pan do?
An adjustable pan changes how far the coals sit below the food. Raise it for a hotter, faster sear; lower it to slow the cook.
The DNKMOR Side Table model offers 4 levels and holds up to 4.5 lb of coal. The VEVOR has two independently liftable trays.
Heat zones and vent control
Adjustable trays plus vent settings give you real control over heat. With the VEVOR's two trays, you can run high heat on one side and lower heat on the other.
On single-pan grills, bank the coals to one side and use the lid to hold heat. The lid thermometer on most models here tells you when the temperature has settled where you want it.
When a fixed pan is enough
Kettle grills and portable models rely on vent control and charcoal arrangement rather than a lifting pan. For burgers and hot dogs, that's plenty.
Save the adjustable pan for cooks who want to switch between searing and slow cooking on the same grill. A portable like the Cuisinart handles quick meals well with just its dual vents.
Should you pick a Royal Gourmet charcoal grill?
Yes, if you want smoke and grilling on one cart. The Royal Gourmet charcoal grill lineup covers both models here.
The CC1830S gives the largest total area at 824 sq in. The CC1830SC offers 783 sq in with a fitted cover included.
Both add an offset smoker box and a lid thermometer.
Which Royal Gourmet model fits your yard?
Choose the CC1830S for the most cooking area and front plus side tables. Choose the CC1830SC if you want a cover in the box and a slightly smaller total surface.
Both share the same footprint, so measure once and pick by cooking area. The CC1830SC also weighs a bit more at 48.5 lb against the CC1830S at 45.2 lb.
Verdict: which charcoal grill should you buy?
For most people, the DNKMOR Charcoal Grill with Side Table is the best charcoal grill for outdoor cooking. Its 500 sq in grate, 4-level pan and work table cover weeknight dinners and weekend parties without taking over the patio.
Buy the Royal Gourmet CC1830SC or CC1830S if you want to smoke as well as grill. Pick the Weber Original Kettle Premium for classic kettle cooking and the easiest ash cleanup.
The Jumbo Joe suits tailgates, the VINGLI suits small-space smoking, the DNKMOR with 2 Side Tables suits prep-heavy cooks, the VEVOR suits extra-large cooking, and the Cuisinart portable suits camping.
Set your grill on a heat-safe surface, keep a cover handy and empty the ash only when it's cold. That routine keeps any of these grills in good shape for many seasons of outdoor cooking.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
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1
-
2
Best for smoking and grilling
Royal Gourmet CC1830SC Charcoal Grill Offset Smoker
9.0/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
Best for classic kettle cooking
Weber Original Kettle Premium 22-inch
9.0/10 our score
See it on Amazon
Frequently asked questions
What size charcoal grill do I need for a family of four?
About 350 to 450 sq in of grate space covers burgers and sides for four people with room to spare. A 500 sq in grill like the DNKMOR with Side Table gives extra room for parties, while a 196 sq in portable works for two.
Is a barrel grill or a kettle grill better for outdoor cooking?
A barrel grill gives more flat grate space and often includes an offset smoker box for slow cooks. A kettle grill like the Weber Original Kettle Premium is easier to set up for two-zone indirect cooking and cleanup.
Do I need an offset smoker on a charcoal grill?
Only if you plan to smoke ribs, brisket or whole birds. An offset box adds smoke capacity and keeps smoke away from the main grate.
For burgers and steaks alone, a standard barrel or kettle grill does the job with less space and fuel.
How do I control heat on a charcoal grill?
Use the adjustable charcoal pan and the lid and bottom vents together. Raising the pan brings coals closer to the food for high heat; lowering it and closing the vents slows the burn.
A lid thermometer helps you track the change.
Can a charcoal grill go on a wooden deck?
Yes, with care. Use a heat-resistant mat or grill pad under the legs and keep the grill away from railings and walls.
Never leave hot coals or ash on a wooden surface, and dispose of cooled ash in a metal container.
How long does a charcoal grill last?
A powder-coated or porcelain-enameled steel body with proper cover storage can last several seasons. Wipe the grates after each cook, empty the ash pan once cool, and store the grill under a cover to slow rust.
