The 4 Best Charcoal Grills, Tested by BHG

If you believe food tastes better with a little smoke, a little sizzle, and maybe a slightly singed eyebrow, you’re absolutely a charcoal person. Gas is convenient, pellets are fancy, but charcoal grills still rule when it comes to flavor, high heat, and that primal joy of playing with fire (safely, of course). Better Homes & Gardens (BHG) put a range of models through real-world cooking tests and landed on four clear winners that cover beginners, budget-minded shoppers, serious smokers, and on-the-go grillers.

In this guide, we’ll walk through the 4 best charcoal grills tested by BHG, explain why each one shines, and help you figure out which grill belongs on your patio, balcony, or tailgate. We’ll also share practical buying tips, care advice, and some real-world charcoal grill experiences to help you avoid rookie mistakeslike pouring a whole bag of briquettes into a tiny portable grill (don’t do that).

Why Charcoal Grills Still Rule Backyard BBQ

Charcoal grills have stuck around for a reason. Even as gas, electric, and pellet models grab headlines, classic charcoal setups offer three big advantages:

• Unmatched flavor: Charcoal and wood chunks create that deep, smoky taste people associate with steakhouse ribeyes and backyard burgers.
• Serious heat: A good charcoal grill can hit temperatures that make cast-iron pans scream and pizza stones very, very happy.
• Versatility: With the right setup, you can sear, roast, bake, or smokesometimes all on the same grill.

Of course, not all charcoal grills are created equal. Some are designed for easy weeknight burgers, others for low-and-slow brisket that takes all Saturday. That’s why BHG’s testing focused on how grills actually cook, not just how shiny they look in the catalog.

How BHG Tested Charcoal Grills

When editors and product testers evaluate charcoal grills, they typically look at a few key performance factors:

• Ease of setup: How long does assembly take, and does the grill feel sturdy once it’s built?
• Temperature control: Do the vents and dampers make it easy to raise or lower the heat?
• Cooking performance: Are burgers, chicken, and veggies evenly cooked, nicely browned, and juicy?
• Heat zones: Can you set up two-zone cooking for searing on one side and gentle heat on the other?
• Cleanup: How easy is it to dump ash and wipe down the grates after a long grilling session?
• Durability and design: Does the grill feel like a long-term investment, or is it more of a one-summer fling?

Using those criteria, BHG’s tests highlighted four standout charcoal grills that make sense for different types of cooks and outdoor spaces. Let’s break them down one by one.

1. Slow ’N Sear Original Kettle Grill – Best for Beginners

If you’re just getting started with charcoal and feel slightly intimidated by vents, chimneys, and “indirect heat,” the Slow ’N Sear Original Kettle Grill is your new best friend. It takes the classic kettle shape many people know and pairs it with smart accessories designed to help beginners hit that sweet spot between simplicity and performance.

Why It Stands Out

The signature feature is the built-in Slow ’N Sear charcoal basket, which corrals your coals to one side of the grill. This makes two-zone cooking practically foolproof: you get a hot side for searing and a cooler side for gentle roasting or finishing. Add a water reservoir, and suddenly you’re doing legit low-and-slow barbecue without needing a separate smoker.

There’s also plenty of cooking space for a family mealthink a couple of steaks plus veggies, or a whole chicken and a pan of potatoes. Beginners appreciate that the lid, grate, and vents all feel solid and intuitive, so there’s less guesswork and more “hey, I nailed that steak.”

Best For

• New charcoal grill owners who want training wheels without sacrificing quality.
• Folks curious about smoking but not ready to invest in a big dedicated smoker.
• Home cooks who like the idea of two-zone cooking but don’t want to fiddle with loose briquettes and homemade charcoal baskets.

Pros

• Beginner-friendly charcoal management and heat control.
• Excellent for both hot grilling and low-and-slow cooks.
• Solid construction that feels like it will last more than a few summers.

Cons

• Pricier than some basic kettle grills.
• Footprint is similar to other full-size kettles, so it’s not ideal for very tight balconies.

2. Weber Performer Deluxe Charcoal Grill – Best Value

If the Slow ’N Sear is a thoughtful beginner’s pick, the Weber Performer Deluxe is the “I’m serious about grilling, but I still like having a life” option. It takes Weber’s classic 22-inch kettle and mounts it on a sturdy cart with a built-in work surface, storage for your charcoal, and a gas-assist ignition system to get coals started faster.

Why It Stands Out

The Performer Deluxe is all about convenience. The cart provides a place to set trays, sauces, and thermometers so you’re not juggling everything on top of a wobbly side table. The integrated charcoal bin keeps briquettes dry and close at hand. And the gas-assist starter means you can ditch the lighter fluid (and that unpleasant chemical smell) and still get your coals glowing quickly.

Under the hood, it’s still a classic kettle: a dome lid, generous cooking area, and adjustable vents that make it easy to set up direct or indirect zones. It’s a fantastic combination of performance and everyday usability, which is why it frequently tops “best charcoal grill” lists beyond BHG’s testing.

Best For

• Grillers who cook multiple times a week and want a more ergonomic setup.
• People who hate the hassle of lighter fluid but love charcoal flavor.
• Anyone who appreciates having built-in prep space instead of dragging out a folding table.

Pros

• Excellent balance of price, performance, and features.
• Gas-assist ignition speeds up charcoal lighting.
• Work table and storage keep your grilling station organized.
• Classic Weber build quality and customer support.

Cons

• Costs more than a basic kettle without the cart.
• Takes up more space than a simple tripod-style grill.

3. PK Grills Original PK300 – Best for Smoking

The PK Original PK300 looks nothing like a kettle. It’s a rectangular, capsule-shaped aluminum grill that sits on a stand, and it’s beloved by competition cooks and smoke obsessives for one main reason: heat control.

Why It Stands Out

Cast aluminum construction gives this grill excellent heat retention and rust resistance. The rectangular firebox and four-vent system (two on top, two on the bottom) offer outstanding control over airflow, which is the secret sauce for long, stable cooks. Set your coals on one side, open or close vents strategically, and the PK300 will happily cruise at low smoking temperatures for hours.

Because it’s shaped more like a capsule than a circle, it’s easy to organize coals and wood chunks into a “snake” or “minion” pattern for slow burns. That makes it great for ribs, pork shoulder, and other smoked classics that require patience and steady heat instead of constant fiddling.

Best For

• Backyard pitmasters who are more excited about smoked brisket than quick hot dogs.
• Grillers in humid or coastal climates who appreciate rust-resistant aluminum.
• Anyone who wants a grill that can handle both grilling and serious smoking duties.

Pros

• Exceptional temperature control for low-and-slow cooks.
• Durable, rust-resistant cast aluminum body.
• Ample space for larger cuts of meat and multi-zone setups.

Cons

• Heavier and more expensive than many kettle grills.
• Learning curve if you’re used to round kettles and single-vent setups.

4. Everdure Cube Portable Charcoal Grill – Best Portable

Need a charcoal grill that can travel to the park, the beach, or a small apartment courtyard without feeling like you’re wrestling a metal dinosaur? Enter the Everdure Cube, a compact, suitcase-style grill that’s all about portability and style.

Why It Stands Out

The Cube is designed for grab-and-go grilling. It has built-in handles, a compact body, and a removable tray system that keeps ash and coals contained. The cooking surface is just large enough for a few burgers, skewers, or a couple of steaks, making it ideal for small gatherings or a picnic for two.

Thoughtful touches like a built-in storage compartment and optional bamboo prep board mean you don’t need a ton of extra gear. It also looks goodlike “Instagram-worthy tailgate” goodif you care about aesthetics as much as hot dogs.

Best For

• Apartment dwellers who grill occasionally and need something compact.
• Tailgaters, campers, and park-day people who want charcoal flavor on the go.
• Anyone who values portability and design over massive cooking capacity.

Pros

• Lightweight and easy to transport.
• Simple, straightforward charcoal setup.
• Stylish design that doesn’t look like a traditional grill.

Cons

• Limited cooking spacebetter for snacks than big parties.
• Runs hot and fast; not meant for long low-and-slow smoking sessions.

How to Choose the Right Charcoal Grill for You

Before you fall in love with a shiny grill on your screen, take a second to think about how you actually cook. Ask yourself:

• How much space do I have? A 22-inch kettle or cart-style grill fits most patios. For small balconies or trips, a portable grill like the Everdure Cube makes more sense.
• What do I cook most often? Weeknight burgers and chicken breasts? Go kettle or cart. Brisket, ribs, and pork shoulder? A smoker-friendly model like the PK300 is worth it.
• How much convenience do I want? Gas-assist starters, built-in tables, and storage bins (like on the Performer Deluxe) genuinely make grilling easier and more fun.
• What’s my budget? Basic kettles are usually the most affordable. Capsule-style smokers and premium portable designs can cost more but bring special features.

Also consider materials and construction: porcelain-enameled steel, thick aluminum, and sturdy grates are worth paying for because they hold heat better and last longer. Look for tight-fitting lids and smooth-moving vents; if the vents stick right out of the box, that’s not a great sign.

Charcoal Grill Care and Safety Tips

A good charcoal grill can last for many years if you treat it well. A few quick habits can help:

• Use a chimney starter instead of lighter fluid for cleaner flavor and safer lighting.
• Clean the grates after each cook while they’re still warm, using a stiff brush or a safe grate scraper.
• Empty ash regularly so it doesn’t trap moisture and accelerate rust.
• Store your grill under a cover or in a sheltered area, especially in wet or coastal climates.
• Always grill on a stable, non-flammable surface and keep a spray bottle or extinguisher nearby for flare-ups.

Follow those basics and your grill will reward you with better performance and fewer “why is this thing falling apart?” moments down the road.

Real-World Experiences with the 4 Best Charcoal Grills

Specs and testing protocols are helpful, but real life is where grills either shine or frustrate. Here’s what living with these kinds of charcoal grills can feel like over time.

Weeknight Dinners on the Slow ’N Sear Kettle

Imagine it’s a Wednesday evening. You’ve had exactly one too many emails, your brain is fried, and you’re tempted to order takeout. Instead, you dump a modest pile of briquettes into the Slow ’N Sear basket, light them, and within 15–20 minutes you’ve got a searing zone hot enough for steak. On the indirect side, you tuck in a couple of bone-in chicken thighs or some veggies.

Because the heat is corralled neatly to one side, you don’t stress about flare-ups or uneven cooking. You sear, slide food over, close the lid, and let the grill behave like a tiny charcoal oven. Once dinner is done, cleanup mainly means dumping ash and giving the grate a quick scrub. The whole process feels more relaxing than wrangling a complicated multi-burner gas grill.

Hosting a Backyard Party with the Weber Performer Deluxe

For larger get-togethers, the Performer Deluxe really earns its name. That folding side table suddenly becomes command central: platters of marinated chicken, a tray of veggies waiting to be skewered, a digital thermometer, and maybe a drink for the chef. You hit the gas-assist button to light the coals, and by the time your guests have settled into lawn chairs, you’re grilling.

The ability to set up two zones lets you sear burgers over direct heat while keeping finished patties warm on the indirect side. You can toast buns around the perimeter and still have room to toss on a few veggie kebabs. Throughout the evening, you’re not running in and out of the house hunting for tongs or charcoal bags because everything lives right at the grill station. It feels like a mini outdoor kitchen rather than just “the grill in the corner.”

All-Day Smoking Sessions on the PK Original PK300

Weekend warriors and barbecue geeks tend to fall in love with the PK300 during long cooks. You start early, arranging coals along one side in a slow-burning pattern, add a few chunks of hardwood, and dial in the vents until your thermometer settles into that low-and-slow range.

Hours later, you’ll notice how steady the temperature remains. Instead of constantly opening the lid to poke the fire, you’re adjusting vents by small amounts and maybe adding a bit of fuel. A pork shoulder or a rack of ribs slowly transforms from “big hunk of meat” into something tender, juicy, and smoky. By the time people are asking, “Is it done yet?” you’re quietly proud because the grill did what it was designed to do: hold steady heat without drama.

Portable Fun with the Everdure Cube

The Everdure Cube is all about vibes and spontaneity. You might toss it into the trunk for a last-minute beach trip or pull it out on a sunny Saturday at the park. Because it’s compact, you think more intentionally about what to cook: maybe a few skewers, some sausages, grilled halloumi, or veggie kebabs instead of a giant mixed grill.

The small grate heats quickly, so you’re eating faster than you would with a full-size grill. Cleanup is relatively painlesslet the coals burn out, empty ash into a safe container, wipe down the interior, and you’re done. The trade-off is capacity: you’re not feeding a football team with this thing, but for two to four people it feels charming rather than limiting.

What Owners Learn Over Time

Across all four grills, people tend to learn similar lessons:

• Good charcoal and airflow matter more than gadgets. Even the best grill can’t fix damp briquettes or clogged vents.
• Thermometers are your friend. A simple probe thermometer does more for your cooking than guessing based on “hand over the grate” tests.
• Comfort counts. Features like side tables, storage, and easy ash cleanup might seem minor until you’ve cooked on a bare-bones grill for a season.
• Practice pays off. After a handful of cooks, you’ll know exactly how many briquettes you need for burgers versus chicken versus a quick steak.

The short version? Choose a grill that fits your space and style, then stick with it long enough to really get to know it. The more you cook, the better it gets.

Final Thoughts

The best charcoal grill isn’t just the one with the most features or the highest price tagit’s the one that matches how you live, cook, and entertain. BHG’s testing highlights four standouts: a beginner-friendly kettle, a feature-packed value cart, a smoker’s dream capsule, and a stylish portable that goes where you go.

Whether you’re flipping burgers twice a summer or smoking brisket all year long, there’s a charcoal grill here that can turn your outdoor space into a personal steakhouse, taco stand, or BBQ joint. Pick the one that feels like “you,” stock up on charcoal, and get ready for some very good mealsand maybe a few neighbors who suddenly “just happened to be walking by” around dinnertime.