Charcoal grilling is all about flavor, control, and choosing the right setup for the way you like to cook. The best charcoal grill should fit your space, match your cooking style, and make cleanup manageable, whether you want to host big gatherings or just enjoy a quick dinner at home.
There are plenty of options, from versatile ceramic kamados to large cart-style models to classic kettle grills, and each has strengths worth considering. In this guide, we'll share our top picks, explain what makes them stand out, and break down the key factors that matter most when deciding which grill deserves a spot in your backyard.
What this article covers:
Best Charcoal Grills
Here are three standout charcoal grills from our catalog. We've sold, tested, and lived with many grills, and these are among the top performers in their categories:
Primo All-In-One Oval XL 400 Ceramic Kamado Grill
The Primo Oval XL 400 is built for serious versatility. With 400 square inches of primary cooking space and the option to expand to 680, you can smoke ribs low and slow on one side while searing steaks on the other.
Its oval shape provides more two-zone cooking options than most round kamados. The ceramic body locks in heat and moisture, and the cast iron top vent lets you fine-tune temperatures. The stand, side tables, and cradle come included, so you're ready to cook right out of the box.
Whether you're grilling a quick weeknight meal or tackling multiple turkeys, this grill delivers consistent results and durability that lasts.
Napoleon Professional 605 Charcoal Grill
If you cook for a crowd, the Napoleon PRO605 has the capacity to handle it. With 605 square inches of main cooking space plus a warming rack that brings the total to 850, you'll never run short of room. The adjustable charcoal bed gives you control over searing heat or gentle roasting, while the front-loading charcoal door makes refueling easy.
Built from stainless steel with heavy-duty grates, this grill is designed to last and perform season after season. Dual air vents provide precise temperature control to get the perfect internal temperatures, and the built-in ash catcher makes cleanup quicker.
For anyone who wants professional-level results with enough space to feed the neighborhood, this grill checks every box.
Napoleon PRO22 Charcoal Kettle Grill
The Napoleon PRO22 takes the classic kettle concept and upgrades it with features you'd expect from a much larger grill. Its 22-inch cooking surface gives you plenty of room to grill steaks, roast whole chickens, or even smoke ribs low and slow.
The heavy-duty cast iron grids are hinged for easy charcoal access and can be set at three different heights, letting you fine-tune searing or smoking temps. A vortex heat system and chimney stack work together to improve airflow, keeping heat steady and efficient.
The offset hinged lid makes tending food simple, while built-in rotisserie ports and probe access open up more cooking options.
With porcelain-coated steel, locking casters, and a compact footprint, this grill delivers durability, convenience, and serious charcoal flavor without taking over your patio.
How to Choose a Charcoal Grill
Picking the best grill comes down to weighing trade-offs. Here are the most important factors to think about, from our decades of experience, and why each matters.
1. Cooking Area and Capacity
The size of the cooking area is one of the biggest things to consider, whether you're choosing a charcoal grill, the best gas grill, or even the best flat top grill.
If you only cook for one or two people, a smaller kettle or mid-size kamado is usually plenty. But if you host block parties or family reunions, you'll want larger grates that give you space for multiple racks of ribs, trays of veggies, or a turkey.
Bigger surfaces also let you run multiple cooking zones, so you can sear hot and fast on one side while smoking low and slow on the other. Without enough space, you'll find yourself juggling batches, which can be frustrating and time-consuming.
2. Heat Retention and Control
Not all grills hold heat equally well, and this affects everything from searing steaks to smoking brisket. Ceramic models excel at retaining heat and moisture, which keeps food juicy, reduces fuel use, and aids grilling safety. Heavy-gauge steel is also reliable, while thin metal tends to lose heat quickly.
The other half of the equation is airflow. Good vents and dampers give you control over temperature, letting you crank up the fire for a quick sear or settle it down for a long smoke. If a grill can't manage heat well, you'll spend more time fighting temperatures than enjoying the cookout.
3. Build Material and Durability
A grill is only as good as the materials it's built from. Stainless steel, porcelain-coated steel, cast iron, and ceramic are all known for standing up to heat, moisture, and time. What you don't want is flimsy sheet metal or poorly made joints that rust or warp after a few cooks. Sturdy hinges, tight seals, and strong cooking grates make a huge difference in both performance and lifespan.
When you buy a grill with solid construction, you get consistent heat, less wasted charcoal, and fewer headaches with repairs. It's worth the upfront investment for something that will last many years.
4. Price vs Value
Price should always be balanced with what you're getting. A low-cost grill may look appealing, but if it rusts within a year or can't hold temperature, you'll end up frustrated and replacing it quickly.
On the other hand, high-end grills pack in premium features, but if you never plan to use rotisserie attachments or multiple cooking racks, you're paying for extras that won't matter to you.
The best value comes from matching your budget with the features and durability you'll actually use. Think about how often you'll cook, what you'll cook, and invest where it makes sense.
5. Ease of Cleaning and Maintenance
Charcoal grilling means ash, grease, and debris, and how a grill handles that matters more than most people realize. When choosing the best outdoor grill, look for ash pans that slide out easily or large-capacity ash catchers that don't need constant dumping. Porcelain coatings or stainless steel surfaces are much easier to scrub down than raw steel, which can rust.
Hinged grates also help when it comes to cleaning and reloading charcoal mid-cook. If cleanup takes too much effort, you'll be tempted to use the grill less often. A smart design that keeps maintenance simple makes grilling fun instead of a chore.
6. Shape, Type, and Portability
Charcoal grills come in a variety of styles, and each has its place. Kamados are heavy, heat-efficient, and great for both grilling and smoking, but they're not easy to move around. Kettles are affordable, classic, and compact, making them perfect for smaller yards. Barrel and cart-style grills usually offer larger cooking surfaces and added workspace for prepping food.
If you need something for tailgating or camping, portable models provide convenience without taking up much space. Think about how and where you'll use your grill most often. Choosing the right type ensures you'll enjoy it without feeling limited.
7. Extra Features and Accessories
Modern charcoal grills often include features that make cooking easier and more precise. Adjustable charcoal beds give you control over how close food sits to the heat.
Built-in thermometers or probe access points help you keep track of cooking temps without constant lid-lifting. Hinged lids, rotisserie mounts, and side shelves add comfort and versatility, turning a simple grill into a full cooking station.
While these extras aren't strictly necessary, they can make the grilling process smoother and more enjoyable. If you like experimenting with different techniques, it's worth choosing a grill with features that match your style.
8. Storage and Footprint
The space the grill takes up on your patio or deck is something many people overlook. Large cart grills with shelves and cabinets are fantastic if you have room, giving you a spot for tools, charcoal, and accessories. Smaller kettles or kamados on cradles fit better in compact spaces but may require separate storage for gear.
If you plan to move the grill, look for durable wheels and a stable base. The right footprint means the grill integrates smoothly into your space instead of feeling like it's in the way. A well-sized grill is one you'll enjoy using often.
Conclusion
Finding the best charcoal grill comes down to knowing what matters most to you: cooking space, heat control, durability, ease of cleaning, and price. Some people want the versatility of a ceramic kamado, others need the size and strength of a cart-style grill, and plenty are happy with the simplicity of a classic kettle.
No matter your style, choosing the right model means better flavor, less hassle, and more time enjoying food with the people around you.
Ready to pick the grill that fits your needs? Shop BBQ grills now at DDR BBQ Supply and get cooking with confidence.