The Best Charcoal Grill Depends on Your Cooking Style

While most people would agree the flavor you get while grilling with charcoal is second to none, where the debate rages on is which charcoal grill is the best. We're here to say, there isn't a clear answer as it depends on so many variables.

For those reasons, the question we like to ask is "what is the best charcoal grill for you." The answer here largely depends on what suits your needs, cooking habits, functionality, budget and more. Ultimately, we feel like the "style" of charcoal grill dictates which charcoal grill is the best.

Here's the List of the Best Charcoal Grills:

Best Kamado Grill

Primo CXLH Extra Large Oval Ceramic Charcoal Kamado Grill Head

The Primo Extra Large Oval is the largest and most innovative kamado grill on the market. This grill makes a great “all-in-one” option for many different kinds of cooking styles. Grill, bake, and more—you can do it all with your Primo. These grills are also made in the United States, so you know you’re getting a quality product.

The Extra Large Oval features a 400-square-inch cooking area with an optional racking system that can increase the cooking area to 680 square inches. In addition, this grill’s large design and patented oval shape allow for dual-zone cooking for enhanced versatility. Finally, Primo offers a wide selection of compatible accessories, like custom carts, grill parts and other premium products to help you get the most out of your grill.

Best Smoker Grill

The Good-One The Marshall Generation III Natural Wood Smoker and Grill

Want to be able to make restaurant-quality BBQ in your own backyard? The Marshall from The Good-One can make that dream a reality. You’ll still need some smoking skills of your own, but if your meal doesn’t turn out, it won’t be this competition-level smoker’s fault.

The Marshall ensures even cooking by effectively moving smoke through 2,703 square inches of cooking area. In addition, the specially-designed firebox prevents large temperature discrepancies to prevent uneven cooking results. Finally, the extended charcoal basket offers longer, more even burn times to allow for even the biggest cuts of meat and the longest low-and-slow smoking sessions.

Best Kettle Style Charcoal Grill

Napoleon PRO22K-LEG-2 Professional Charcoal Kettle Leg Grill

Kettle grills offer an iconic charcoal grill design. With the Napoleon Professional Charcoal Grill, you’ll get modern performance with a classic aesthetic. Even better, the proven quality of the Napoleon name means you can be certain you’ll have a grill built to the highest standards.

This grill offers a compact 22.5-inch diameter perfect for smaller spaces, while its 365 square inches of grilling surface still allow for plenty of food to be cooked at once. The heavy-gauge black porcelain lid and bowl offer durability and excellent heat retention, while the steel ash catcher makes cleanup simple. All in all, this grill offers impressive performance at a very reasonable price point.

Best Freestanding Charcoal Grill

Blaze BLZ-4-CHAR Freestanding Charcoal Grill with Adjustable Charcoal Tray, 32-inch

If you love the look of our gas grills, but you’d prefer the flavor only charcoal can provide, the Blaze Freestanding Charcoal Grill may be just what you’re looking for. This durable grill features heavy-duty 304 stainless steel construction for premium durability, while the double-lined hood offers insulation and protection for the grill.

Under the hood, this grill offers 304 stainless steel grill grates to provide a nonstick surface that’s easy to clean, while the adjustable charcoal tray allows for customizable cooking temperatures. In addition, the full-length ash tray is easy to remove to shorten your cleanup time, and the large freestanding cart allows for plenty of storage space below the grill.

Best Built-In Charcoal Grill

Bull BG-88787 30-Inch Bison Premium Built-In Charcoal Grill

A Bull Bison built-in charcoal grill makes a great grilling option on its own or in addition to a Bull gas grill for a truly high-end outdoor kitchen space. Bull grills are built to withstand the test of time, and this charcoal grill is no exception. With 18-gauge 304 stainless steel construction and thick stainless steel grates, this grill will always be ready for your next meal.

This grill offers premium performance, as well. The charcoal door allows for easy access to add more wood or charcoal while grilling, and the thick grill hood ensures excellent heat retention. For even more control, this grill features adjustable air venting for temperature adjustment and an adjustable charcoal bed to provide an easy way to go from slow cooking to high heat searing.

Best Portable Charcoal Grill

Everdure HBCUBE Cube Portable Charcoal Grill, 15-Inches

The Everdure Cube is the perfect grill option for the griller on the go. Whether you’re at the campground, the ballpark or otherwise away from your full-size grill, the Cube can deliver outstanding results—and it will look great doing it.

This intelligently designed grill features a porcelain enamel firebox for durability. Inside the grill, you’ll find a layered design featuring a bamboo cutting board, food grade storage tray and removable chrome grill rack to ensure you have everything you need to make a great meal. Secure locking latches and large cool-touch carry handles round out this grill’s high-quality design.

Most Innovative Charcoal Grill

Everdure HBCE2BUS Hub Freestanding Charcoal Grill and Rotisserie, 53.75-Inches

This isn’t your granddaddy’s charcoal grill. The Everdure Hub takes the cake steak for our most innovative charcoal grill thanks to its remarkable design, superb performance and notable features you won’t find in most charcoal grills.

The most obvious way the Hub stands out is with its impressive size—the 1,307-square-inch cooking surface will handle almost any large gathering. Despite this size, the Fast Flame Ignition System creates a cook-ready surface in just 10 minutes. The most impressive feature of all, however, is the Rotiscope Technology system with retractable, adjustable height rotisserie poles designed for open pit-style slow cooking. You can have a pig roast in your own backyard!

Check Out the Rest of Our Charcoal Grills and Smokers

These may be our top picks, but we have plenty of other charcoal grills and smokers on our website, too. (We also have outdoor pizza ovens!) Be sure to check out our full selection of products to find the best option for you.

Need some extra assistance during the buying process? Contact us and we’ll answer any questions you may have. Our team doesn’t work on commission, so you won’t be pressured to buy during your shopping process—we’re here to help you!