Best Charcoal Grills for 2024

Top Rated Charcoal Grills

Charcoal grills are the masters of everything from mouthwateringly tender low-and-slow brisket to juicy, smoky, fall-off-the-bone ribs. With the right grill in your outdoor kitchen, you, too, can be a master — a grill master, smoking your competition. From modern smokers to historic kamados, the world of charcoal grilling is a wide one indeed. Our private experts have put their heads together to provide this list of their best-in-class charcoal choices based on their quality, performance, and features.

• Quality - When judging charcoal grills, our experts look for quality construction with great warranties and the best materials around. For charcoal grills, this usually means stainless steel — thanks to its superior high heat handling and weathering resistance. These models should feel solid as a stone; freestanding grills should enjoy sturdy wheels and easy mobility.

• Performance - With charcoal grills, versatility is key. The best charcoal grills reach any reasonable temperature — from the smoking sweet spot of 225–250 degrees Fahrenheit to that perfect sear at 600 degrees (or higher). Airflow gives you the reins to this steed, so its control must be absolute while effortless.

• Features - Charcoal grill manufacturers must work much harder to distinguish themselves from the market. For freestanding models, an ideal bonus could be a quality cart with convenient built-in perks like storage, towel racks, and bottle openers. We will always love a charcoal grill with a great thermometer near grate level.