The Best Charcoal Grills For Every Budget And Grilling Style, Based On Our Rigorous Testing

Charcoal grills have long been the tool of choice for backyard grillers. A Brief History In 1948, Hasty-Bake introduced a cooker with a crank handle that raised and lowered the charcoal grates, and in 1952, Weber-Stephen introduced the now iconic charcoal kettle, lighting a fire in the backyards of America's coasts as home grilling became a national pastime.

large charcoal grill

Small portable grills followed, offering campers, beachgoers and tailgaters a more convenient way to cook, and gas grills entered the market in the early 1960s and became so popular that gas eventually became the fuel of choice for most home grillers. Charcoal, however, remained a close second, and more recently, we've seen a rise in its popularity.

chimney OEM bbq grill

While starting a charcoal grill requires more skill and labor than a gas grill, it's easy to do with the right tools and a quick start guide. Charcoal grills are also more tedious to clean up. Charcoal ash must be removed as it cools, but unlike a gas grill, most of the grease that drips off the food burns on the hot coals and doesn't collect at the bottom.

outdoor charcoal barbecue grill