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Charcoal Grills

Expert Picks for January 2026

Best Charcoal Grills

For those who believe fire should be earned, not turned on. We compared charcoal grills for airflow control, ash management, and that irreplaceable smoky flavor gas can't replicate.

Last updated: January 28, 2026
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Best Overall
Original Kettle Premium 22"

Weber

Original Kettle Premium 22"

4.8 (28,934 reviews)

George Stephen invented the kettle grill in 1952 and the design still cant be improved. Every competition pitmaster started here.

Diameter

22 inches

Cooking Area

363 sq in

Material

Porcelain-enameled steel

Ash System

One-Touch cleaning

Pros

  • βœ“ The classic that started it all
  • βœ“ Perfect airflow control
  • βœ“ Ash catcher system

Cons

  • βœ— Learning curve for beginners
  • βœ— No built-in thermometer
  • βœ— Single cooking level

Head-to-Head Comparison

ProductRatingPrice Action
Original Kettle Premium 22"
Original Kettle Premium 22" Best
Weber
4.8
$175 View
Performer Deluxe 22"
Performer Deluxe 22"
Weber
4.8
$449 View
Akorn Kamado Kooker
Akorn Kamado Kooker Value
Char-Griller
4.5
$349 View
PK Grills Original PK300
PK Grills Original PK300
PK Grills
4.8
$399 View
Master-Touch 22"
Master-Touch 22"
Weber
4.7
$219 View

* Prices may vary. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

All Recommended Products

Best Overall
Original Kettle Premium 22"

Weber

Original Kettle Premium 22"

4.8 (28,934 reviews)

George Stephen invented the kettle grill in 1952 and the design still cant be improved. Every competition pitmaster started here.

Diameter

22 inches

Cooking Area

363 sq in

Material

Porcelain-enameled steel

Ash System

One-Touch cleaning

Pros

  • βœ“ The classic that started it all
  • βœ“ Perfect airflow control
  • βœ“ Ash catcher system

Cons

  • βœ— Learning curve for beginners
  • βœ— No built-in thermometer
  • βœ— Single cooking level
Premium Pick
Performer Deluxe 22"

Weber

Performer Deluxe 22"

4.8 (7,234 reviews)

For the purist who admits chimney starters are annoying. Push-button charcoal ignition gets you cooking in 15 minutes.

Diameter

22 inches

Cooking Area

363 sq in

Ignition

Gas-powered

Features

Cart, storage

Pros

  • βœ“ Gas ignition for charcoal
  • βœ“ Work table built in
  • βœ“ Charcoal storage

Cons

  • βœ— Expensive for charcoal
  • βœ— Large footprint
  • βœ— Gas assist feels like cheating
Best Value
Akorn Kamado Kooker

Char-Griller

Akorn Kamado Kooker

4.5 (18,234 reviews)

Kamado grilling for people who cant justify $1,200. Gateway drug to the Big Green Egg.

Cooking Area

314 sq in

Material

Triple-wall steel

Temp Range

200-700Β°F

Weight

97 lbs

Pros

  • βœ“ Kamado performance, fraction of price
  • βœ“ Triple-wall insulation
  • βœ“ Holds temp remarkably well

Cons

  • βœ— Steel rusts faster than ceramic
  • βœ— Gaskets need replacement
  • βœ— Temperature swings until learned
PK Grills Original PK300

PK Grills

PK Grills Original PK300

4.8 (3,456 reviews)

The sleeper hit of charcoal grilling. Thick aluminum that will outlast you. Cult following for a reason.

Cooking Area

300 sq in

Material

Cast aluminum

Vents

4-point system

Origin

USA

Pros

  • βœ“ Aluminum = no rust ever
  • βœ“ Four-point venting
  • βœ“ American made since 1952

Cons

  • βœ— Unconventional shape
  • βœ— Smaller cooking area
  • βœ— Pricey for what looks simple
Budget Pick
Master-Touch 22"

Weber

Master-Touch 22"

4.7 (12,456 reviews)

The middle child that actually matters. Hinged grate means adding charcoal during long cooks without removing food.

Diameter

22 inches

Cooking Area

363 sq in

Features

Hinged grate, thermometer

Warranty

10 years

Pros

  • βœ“ Hinged grate for adding charcoal
  • βœ“ Built-in lid thermometer
  • βœ“ Tuck-away lid holder

Cons

  • βœ— Still need to manage charcoal manually
  • βœ— No gas ignition
  • βœ— Basic ash system

Buying Guide: How to Choose Charcoal Grills

How to Choose a Charcoal Grill

Why Charcoal?
The ritual of lighting coals, managing fire, earning that smoke flavorβ€”its not just cooking, its craft.

### The Kettle Equation
Weber invented the kettle in 1952 and the design is still optimal. Round shape = even airflow.

Frequently Asked Questions About Charcoal Grills

How long does charcoal last?

A chimney of briquettes gives 45-60 minutes of high heat. Lump charcoal burns hotter but faster.

Briquettes or lump charcoal?

Briquettes: consistent, longer burn, easier control. Lump: hotter, more natural, burns faster.

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