How We Research
Every guide on BBQ Charcoal Grill starts with one question: will this grill or griddle suit the person who is shopping for it? For us, that means your yard, how many people you cook for and how much carrying, cleaning and storing you'll put up with.
Here is how we answer it.
1. We start with how you'll cook
A solo camper, a family of five and a weekend tailgater each need something different. A compact grill that suits a campsite can be too small for Sunday burgers.
We check the cooking area and the weight, and we say what to look for when your space or your car limits the choice.
2. We compare specs and features
For charcoal grills we look at the shape (kettle, barrel, kamado or tabletop), the cooking area, the grate material and the lid. We also check the vents, the ash catcher, the wheels and any side tables.
For propane griddles we look at the number of burners, the size of the cooking surface, the hood or lid and whether a stand comes in the box.
Makers describe their products in their own words, so we name the brand for every claim. We also note the warranty terms the maker lists.
3. We look at buyer feedback
We read through what buyers report after using a grill or griddle. We look for patterns, like thin steel, rust, warped lids, parts that don't fit and hard assembly.
One angry review doesn't sink a product. A pattern does.
4. We score each product
Our score weighs specs, features and buyer feedback against what you're shopping for. A product that's great for one reader may score lower in a guide written for another.
Scores spread out on purpose. A 10 is rare.
5. We keep pages up to date
Products change, and some disappear from stores. Makers sell close models under similar names, so we check each model number and what comes in the box, and we only link new units.
We skip Renewed and refurbished listings, unknown brands with no track record, and any product with a known recall. When we update a guide, the "Updated on" date at the top changes with it.
What our picks are not
Our picks are research, not lab tests. We don't claim to have used every grill we cover.
Charcoal and propane both burn, and both make carbon monoxide. Use these products outdoors only, and follow the maker's manual and your local fire rules.
We don't give lighting, fuel-handling or clearance steps, and we don't call any product safe. We label maker claims as the maker's claims.