Best Charcoal Grills for Cooking Ham to Buy in July 2026
Royal Gourmet CC1830S BBQ Charcoal Grill and Offset Smoker | 823 Square Inch cooking surface, Outdoor for Camping | Black
- VERSATILE COOKING AREA: 823 SQ. IN. FOR GRILLING, WARMING, AND SMOKING.
- PERFECTLY SMOKED FLAVORS: OFFSET SMOKER ENSURES RICH TASTE AND HEAT.
- PRECISE TEMPERATURE CONTROL: EASY-READ THERMOMETER FOR FLAWLESS GRILLING.
Weber Jumbo Joe Premium Charcoal Grill, 22‑Inch, Black – Portable Outdoor BBQ Grill with Durable Plated Steel Grates, Porcelain‑Enameled Bowl & Precision Airflow Control
- DURABLE COOKING GRATE: PREMIUM STEEL GRATE WITHSTANDS FREQUENT GRILLING.
- PRECISION AIRFLOW CONTROL: RUST-RESISTANT DAMPERS FOR PERFECT COOKING.
- PORTABLE & SPACIOUS: EASY MOBILITY; FITS UP TO 13 BURGERS AT ONCE.
Weber Original Kettle Charcoal Grill, 22-Inch, Black – Classic Outdoor BBQ Grill with One‑Touch™ Cleaning System & Precise Temperature Control Dampers
- GRILL 13 BURGERS AT ONCE WITH INNOVATIVE WEBER BURGER PRESS!
- EASY ASH CLEANUP ENSURES HASSLE-FREE GRILLING EVERY TIME!
- DURABLE DESIGN RETAINS HEAT AND RESISTS RUST FOR LASTING USE!
Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill, 22-Inch, Black – Outdoor BBQ Grill with Built‑In Thermometer, Heat Control Dampers & One‑Touch™ Cleaning System
- COOK UP TO 13 BURGERS WITH EASE USING THE WEBER BURGER PRESS!
- EFFORTLESS ASH CLEANUP WITH THE ONE-TOUCH CLEANING SYSTEM!
- RESILIENT DESIGN: PORCELAIN-ENAMELED FOR DURABILITY AND HEAT RETENTION!
Royal Gourmet CC1830 28 Inch Barrel Charcoal Grill with Warming Rack, Outdoor BBQ Grill with 626 Sq. In. Grilling Space for Backyard, Patio and Parties, Black
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GENEROUS COOKING AREA: 626 SQ. IN. FOR LARGE GATHERINGS & BBQS!
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EASY HEAT CONTROL: MANAGE TEMPS EFFORTLESSLY FOR PERFECT GRILLING RESULTS!
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HANDY TEMPERATURE MONITOR: REAL-TIME GAUGE ENSURES PRECISE COOKING EVERY TIME!
Royal Gourmet CC1830V 30 Barrel Charcoal Grill with Wood-Painted Side Front Table, 627 Square Inches Cooking Space, for Outdoor Backyard, Patio and Parties, Black
- MASSIVE COOKING SPACE: 443 SQ. IN. FOR LARGE MEAT CUTS EFFORTLESSLY.
- PRECISE HEAT CONTROL WITH ADJUSTABLE AIR VENTS FOR SUPERIOR GRILLING.
- HASSLE-FREE CLEANUP WITH EASY-DUMP ASH PAN FOR CONVENIENCE.
Gas One – 14-inch Portable Barbecue Grill with 3-Point Locking Lid for Heat Preservation – Dual Venting System – Small Charcoal Grill for Backyard, Camping, Boat
- COMPACT DESIGN & 150 SQ. IN. SURFACE FOR EFFICIENT COOKING.
- 3-POINT LOCKING LID ENSURES EVEN HEAT & SAFE TRANSPORT.
- DUAL VENTILATION KEEPS AIRFLOW OPTIMAL FOR PERFECT GRILLING.
SUNLIFER Charcoal Grill Offset Smoker: Charcoal Barbecue Grills with Spacious Cooking Area | Barrel BBQ Grill and Smokers Combo for Outdoor Patio Backyard Camping and Parties
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PRECISE TEMP CONTROL: BUILT-IN THERMOMETER ENSURES PERFECT GRILLING EVERY TIME.
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SPACIOUS COOKING AREA: 512 SQ. IN. FOR GRILLING, SMOKING, AND DIVERSE MEALS.
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EASY MOBILITY & STORAGE: CART-STYLE WHEELS AND SHELVES FOR ULTIMATE CONVENIENCE.
Cooking ham on a charcoal grill is a delicious way to infuse smoky flavors into this already flavorful meat. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to cook ham on a charcoal grill.
- Start by selecting a bone-in or boneless ham. A bone-in ham often has more flavor, but both options work well on a grill.
- Prepare the grill by lighting your charcoal. Allow the coals to burn until they are fully covered in white ash and have an even heat distribution.
- While the grill is heating up, prepare the ham by scoring the skin. Make shallow, diagonal cuts across the surface, forming a diamond pattern. This will help the glaze penetrate the meat and result in an attractive presentation.
- Apply your desired glaze or seasoning to the ham. Popular choices include a mixture of brown sugar, mustard, honey, or maple syrup. Apply a generous amount all over the ham, making sure to cover it evenly.
- Once the charcoal grill is heated and the ham is coated with the glaze, it's time to start grilling. Place the ham directly on the grill grate, using indirect heat. This means stacking the coals on one side of the grill and placing the ham on the opposite side.
- Cover the grill with the lid and let the ham cook slowly for around 2 to 2.5 hours. Maintain a steady temperature of around 325°F (165°C).
- Periodically check the ham's internal temperature. The ideal temperature should be around 145°F (63°C) for cooked, juicy ham. Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy.
- To add more smoky flavor, you can occasionally add wood chips or chunks over the coals. Soak the wood in water for about 30 minutes before adding it to the fire.
- While grilling, resist the urge to constantly lift the lid and check on the ham. This may result in temperature fluctuations and prolong the cooking time.
- Once the ham reaches the desired internal temperature, carefully remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
- Slice the ham and serve it hot. The smoky flavors infused during the grilling process will make your ham a delicious centerpiece for any meal.
Remember that cooking times may vary depending on the size of your ham and the specific grill setup. It's always best to rely on a meat thermometer for accuracy. Enjoy your homemade grilled ham!
How can I add a smoky flavor to the ham on a charcoal grill?
To add a smoky flavor to ham on a charcoal grill, you can follow these steps:
- Prepare the charcoal grill: Start by preparing the grill for indirect grilling. Arrange the charcoal in a two-zone fire, with the coals piled on one side of the grill and leaving the other side empty. This setup creates a hot zone for searing the ham and a cooler zone for slow cooking and smoking.
- Soak wood chips: Soak a handful of wood chips (such as hickory, apple, or mesquite) in water for about 30 minutes. This helps prevent them from burning too quickly and provides a steadier smoke.
- Preheat the grill: Light the charcoal and let it burn until the coals are mostly covered in white ash. This indicates that they are hot and ready for cooking.
- Sear the ham: Place the ham directly over the hot side of the grill and sear it for a few minutes on each side. This will help develop a nice crust and seal in the flavors.
- Move to indirect heat: After searing, move the ham to the cooler side of the grill, away from the direct heat. If your grill has a lid, close it to create a convection effect. Adjust the vents (if available) to maintain a steady temperature around 225-250°F (107-121°C).
- Add wood chips: Sprinkle some of the soaked wood chips directly onto the hot coals. This will create smoke that will infuse the ham with a smoky flavor as it cooks. If using a gas grill, you can place the soaked wood chips in a foil packet with a few holes poked on top and place it directly on the burners.
- Cook low and slow: Continue cooking the ham on the indirect heat side, occasionally adding more soaked wood chips to maintain the smoke. The total cooking time will depend on the size and type of ham, but it is typically around 15-20 minutes per pound (0.5 kg) of ham.
- Monitor temperature: Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the ham reaches the desired internal temperature. For fully-cooked hams, aim for an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C). If using a thermometer with alarm function, you can set it to beep when the ham reaches the desired temperature.
- Rest and serve: Once cooked, remove the ham from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and the flavors to settle.
By following these steps, you can achieve a delicious, smoky flavor on your ham cooked on a charcoal grill.
Should I wrap the ham in foil while it's on the grill?
Yes, wrapping the ham in foil while grilling can help to keep it moist and prevent it from drying out. The foil acts as a barrier, trapping the heat and steam inside, resulting in a tender and juicy ham.
Should I trim excess fat from the ham before grilling?
Trimming excess fat from a ham before grilling is a personal preference. Some people prefer to leave the fat on to enhance flavor and moisture during cooking, while others choose to trim it off for health or dietary reasons. It is important to note that leaving some fat on the ham can add flavor and prevent it from drying out, but excessive fat may cause flare-ups on the grill. Consider your preferences and dietary needs before deciding whether or not to trim the excess fat.