The 10 Best Charcoal Grills  May 2019

Kettle: This is the grill that most people think of when they hear the term. A kettle grill is simple and effective: a round container for coals, topped by a grill.

Barrel: Barrel grills are what they sound like: imagine a barrel laid on its side and cut in half, and you’ve got the basic shape. Barrel grills usually offer more cooking area, and can come with other add-ons, like smoker attachments for barbecuing.

Portable: The smallest grills on this list, portable grills are designed to be packed up and loaded into the car for picnics, camping, or other outdoor activities.

• Size: When shopping for a grill, be sure to check out the size. Most importantly, look for how big the grilling area is because you don’t want to buy a grill only to find out that it’s not big enough to accommodate all the food you need to cook for your family and friends.
• Add-ons: Additional things like side tables and smokers aren’t absolutely necessary, but if you know you’ll use them during most cooking sessions, they’re probably worth the extra money when you’re buying a grill.
• Ash catcher: This is an add-on that’s almost certainly worth a bit of extra money. An ash catcher makes it a lot easier to keep your grill clean and in good working order.

• Air flow: When it comes to charcoal grills, air flow is one of the most important components of cooking, and it’s essential that the grill allows for a good amount of air to pass through the cooking space—which allows for nice, hot coals—and that it allows the user to control the grill’s temperature by limiting the airflow when necessary. The best models do just that.
• Sturdy materials: A common complaint with some grills is that they just aren’t stable enough to cook safely—especially when it comes to the grill’s legs. Good models are made with strong materials and components that allow chefs to work with confidence, knowing that the grill will be able to handle extensive use.
• Ease of cleanup: This is probably the least popular part of grilling, but it’s very important. Grills have to be cleaned regularly, as ash buildup can cause serious problems, including corrosion on the inside of the grill. Cleanup is fast and easy with better models.
• Assembly: It shouldn’t take a lot of time or mechanical know-how to put together something as straightforward as a grill. The best models are simple to set up and come with clear, easy-to-follow instructions.

Weber: Weber is one of the most popular manufacturers of grills currently in business. Founded in 1952, Weber has built a reputation for consistent quality in all of its grills, whether they are heated with charcoal, propane, or electricity.
Char-Griller: Char-Griller is an American company that produces a variety of grills, smokers, and barbecuing accessories.

Americana: Americana is an American manufacturer that has been producing grills and grilling accessories since 1969. Although the company offers a line of dual-fuel grills, their main focus is on producing traditional charcoal-powered models.