10 Best Charcoal Bbq Grill 2025 in the United States

The Kamado Joe Big Joe Series II 24-inch Ceramic Charcoal Grill and Smoker is a versatile and high-quality option for outdoor cooking enthusiasts. With a substantial 450 square inch cooking area, it accommodates a large amount of food, making it ideal for gatherings. The ceramic material ensures excellent heat retention and durability, while the stainless steel grates offer a sturdy cooking surface. The grill's air lift hinge is a standout feature, significantly reducing the dome's weight and making it easy to lift with a single finger, enhancing user comfort.

The Divide & Conquer system adds flexibility by allowing different foods to be cooked at varying temperatures on separate levels, effectively doubling the cooking space. Precise airflow control is achieved with the patented all-aluminum, no-rust control tower top vent, which maintains consistent settings and is rain-proof. The advanced multi-panel firebox design reduces the risk of breakage, and the double-thick wire mesh fiberglass gasket provides an airtight seal, ensuring long-lasting performance.

However, at 394 pounds, this grill is quite heavy, which limits its portability. It's more suitable for a permanent spot in your backyard rather than for frequent moving. While it excels in build quality and additional features, the hefty weight and price point might be a consideration for some users. This grill is perfect for serious grillers who value quality and are looking for a durable, versatile, and feature-rich cooking companion.

The Royal Gourmet CC1830S offers a large cooking area of 811 square inches, which is great if you want to grill for many people at once or enjoy slow smoking alongside direct grilling. It features a combination of a 443 sq. in. porcelain-enameled cooking grate, a warming rack, and an offset smoker, giving you flexibility for different cooking styles. The steel frame with powder-coated finish feels sturdy and should resist outdoor wear reasonably well. Ventilation is thoughtfully designed with an adjustable charcoal pan at two heights and side air vents, allowing good control over heat and smoke flow.

The offset smoker attachment integrates well, making it easier to add charcoal or remove ash without disturbing your food. The built-in thermometer on the lid is useful for monitoring cooking temperature without guessing. Cleaning is somewhat simplified by the removable charcoal pan, though assembly and maintenance will require some effort due to its size and multiple parts. While the grill weighs about 50 pounds, it lacks wheels, so it’s not the most portable option if you plan to move it frequently.

Ample side and front tables with hook holders provide handy space for tools and ingredients, but the bottom shelf has limited capacity (20 lbs), so keep that in mind for storage needs. This grill and smoker combo is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts who want a versatile, large grill primarily for backyard use or camping where space and transport are less of a concern. If portability is a priority or you prefer a lightweight model, this might feel a bit bulky. However, its solid build, large cooking surface, and good airflow control make it a strong choice for those looking to explore both grilling and smoking over charcoal.

The Weber Original Kettle Premium 22-inch charcoal grill offers a spacious cooking surface of 363 square inches, enough to cook about 13 burgers at once, which suits small to medium outdoor gatherings. Its porcelain-enameled lid and bowl are designed for durability, resisting rust and retaining heat well to provide consistent cooking temperatures. The grill includes a built-in lid thermometer, making it easier to monitor cooking temperatures without lifting the lid.

Airflow control is handled by a rust-resistant aluminum damper that allows precise regulation of heat and smoke. Cleaning is simplified with the One-Touch cleaning system and a large removable ash catcher, reducing the hassle of ash removal after grilling sessions. Portability is decent thanks to all-weather wheels and tool hooks add convenience for storing grilling tools nearby. Handles are reinforced with glass-reinforced nylon, making them durable and heat resistant. However, weighing about 32 pounds, it’s moderately portable but might be less ideal for frequent long-distance transport.

Assembly is required, which might be a bit challenging for absolute beginners. This grill is a solid choice for anyone who enjoys traditional charcoal grilling with reliable build quality, ease of temperature control, and straightforward maintenance. It works especially well for outdoor cooking at home or casual gatherings but may not suit those needing a very lightweight or highly compact grill for travel.