Cooking pork chops on a charcoal grill is a great way to add smoky flavor and delicious charred marks to the meat. Here's a step-by-step guide on how you can do it:
- Start by preparing your charcoal grill. Remove the cooking grate and place charcoal briquettes evenly across the bottom of the grill, creating a single layer.
- Light the charcoal using a chimney starter or crumpled newspaper. Allow the charcoal to burn until they turn grayish white, indicating they are ready for cooking. This usually takes about 15-20 minutes.
- While the charcoal is heating, prepare the pork chops. Use bone-in or boneless pork chops, about 1 inch thick. Pat them dry with paper towels and season generously with your preferred dry rub or a combination of salt, pepper, and other spices of your choice.
- Once the charcoal has turned white, carefully pour them onto one side of the grill to create a two-zone fire—a hot direct heat side and a cooler indirect heat side. Replace the cooking grate.
- Place the seasoned pork chops directly over the hot coals on the grill. Sear each side of the chop for about 2-3 minutes, or until you achieve a nice brown crust. This step will help seal in the juices.
- After searing, move the pork chops to the cooler side of the grill (indirect heat) and continue cooking. Cover the grill and let the pork chops cook for about 8-10 minutes per side.
- To ensure the pork chops are properly cooked, use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature. The ideal temperature for pork chops is 145°F (63°C). Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chop without touching the bone.
- Once the pork chops reach the desired temperature, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and keeps the meat juicy.
- Serve the grilled pork chops immediately with your favorite sides like grilled vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.
Remember, cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the pork chops and the heat of your grill, so adjust accordingly. Enjoy your deliciously grilled pork chops!
Best Charcoal Grills of July 2024
1
Rating is 5 out of 5
Royal Gourmet CC1830SC Charcoal Grill Offset Smoker with Cover, 811 Square Inches, Black, Outdoor Camping
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811 Square Inches: Includes 443 sq. in. porcelain-enameled steel wire cooking grates, 184 sq. in. chrome-plated warming rack and 184 sq. in. offset smoker.
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Tasty Smoke Flavors: The offset smoker is firmly attached to grill to ensure good circulation of heat and smoke. Easy to open side door to add charcoal and remove ashes; air vent stokes fire instantly.
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Adjustable Pan: 2-level height-adjustable charcoal pan creates better heat control and holds up to 4.4 lbs. of coal.
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Temperature Monitor: Lid-mounted thermometer gauge helps check and monitor the cooking temperature and you can cook with great confidence.
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Grill Cover Included: Made of heavy-duty fabric, the cover protects your grill from elements and withstands the harshest weather.
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Ample Space: Front and side tables offer workspace for seasonings and grilling tools. The bottom shelf provides extra storage space and holds up to only 20 lb. accessories when they are evenly distributed.
2
Rating is 4.9 out of 5
Weber Original Kettle 22-Inch Charcoal Grill
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Stay true to the modern version of the kettle that started it all—the Original Kettle, invented by Weber’s founder, and loved around the world. Its ultra-durable, porcelain-enameled lid and bowl retain heat, while the damperseasily adjust for precise temperature control. With a One-Touch cleaning system for easy cleanup after a long day of grilling, the Original Kettle will always be the grill built for everyone
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Holds up to 13 burgers made with a Weber burger press
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One-Touch cleaning system provides hassle-free ash cleanup.Removable, aluminum ash catcher
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Porcelain-enameled lid and bowl Retain heat, and won’t rust or peel
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Use the lid hook to avoid placing the lid on the ground while grilling
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Dampers allow you to easily control the temperature inside your grill
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3D interactive assembly instructions for this product are available through the free BILT app.
3
Rating is 4.8 out of 5
Char-Griller E1515 Patio Pro Charcoal Grill, Black
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CHARCOAL GRILL - Barrel style BBQ Grill with heavy duty steel construction and powder coating finish, the perfect grilling solution for small decks, backyards, and patios
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LARGE COOKING AREA - 250 square inch total cooking area delivers exceptional taste and charcoal flavor
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BARBECUE GRILL FEATURES - Thick Cast Iron Cooking Grates, Bottom Storage Rack, Heavy-Duty Steel Construction, Side Air Vent, Stay Cool Wood Handle, Wheels for Easy Mobility, and Side Shelf Workstation with Barbecue Tool Storage Hooks
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EASY TO ASSEMBLE & CLEAN - Assembles easily and quickly cleans up after use with the Easy Dump Ash Pan
4
Rating is 4.7 out of 5
Royal Gourmet CC1830 30 Barrel Charcoal Grill with Side Table, 627 Square Inches, Outdoor Backyard, Patio and Parties, Black
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627 Smoking Space: 443 sq. in. porcelain-enameled steel wire cooking grates with 184 sq. in. chrome-plated steel wire warming rack offer enough space to cook.
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Heat Control: Close the side air vent completely that cuts off the oxygen flow to help extinguish coals and adjust the smoke stack for extra heat control.
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Adjustable Fire Grates: 2-level height-adjustable fire pan ensures more controlled cooking and holds up to 6 lbs. of coal.
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Temperature Monitor: Lid-mounted thermometer gauge helps check heat fluctuations for confident grilling.
5
Rating is 4.6 out of 5
Royal Gourmet CD1824M 24-Inch Charcoal Grill, BBQ Smoker with Handle and Folding Table, Perfect for Outdoor Patio, Garden and Backyard Grilling, Black, Medium
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Spacious Cooking Area: 384 sq. in. porcelain-enameled steel wire cooking grates and 106 sq. in. stainless steel warming rack provide a total of 490 sq. in. cooking space respectively, serving up to 10 people.
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Height-adjustable Charcoal Pan: The crank handle controls the distance between the charcoal pan and food for fine-tuning temperature and regulating heat. The charcoal pan holds charcoal up to 4.5 lb. for each use.
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Convenient Access Door: Front charcoal access door with heat-resistant spring handle provides more convenience for adding charcoal and controls heat loss to a minimum during cooking.
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Built-in Thermometer Gauge: The lid-mounted thermometer indicates the temperature changes precisely in real-time.
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Air Flow: Two adjustable air vents control air circulation to enhance sufficient burning of charcoal for efficient smoking.
6
Rating is 4.5 out of 5
Royal Gourmet Barrel Charcoal Grill with Front Storage Basket, Backyard BBQ Party and Outdoor Cooking Grill on Clearance Prime with Wheels, Black, CC1830T
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Additional Cooking Options: The charcoal grill can meet your versatile cooking demands by slow smoking or grilling ribs, veggies, lobster tails, or other preferred ingredients.
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Ample Cooking Area: To accommodate 23 hamburgers at once, there are 443 sq. in. porcelain-enameled steel wire cooking grates and a 184 sq. in. chrome-plated steel wire warming rack as a secondary heating area.
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Impressive Storage: Store seasonings in the front basket, hang some cooking utensils on the integrated hooks, place plates and other food on the side tables, and meanwhile put your charcoal on the bottom storage shelf.
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Adjustable Charcoal Pan: Easily control the distance between food and fire with the lifting handle to regulate cooking temperature, which also saves fuel in the meantime.
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Heat Control: Customize your desired temperature by twisting the air damper and smoke stack, thus getting the best cooking results.
7
Rating is 4.4 out of 5
Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill, 22-Inch, Black
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Holds up to 13 burgers made with a Weber burger press; Built-in lid thermometer. Rust-resistant aluminum dampers
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One-Touch cleaning system with high-capacity ash catcher provides hassle-free ash cleanup
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Porcelain-enameled lid and bowl retain heat, and won’t rust or peel
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Use the lid hook to avoid placing the lid on the ground while grilling
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Cooking grate is hinged for easily adding charcoal while grilling
8
Rating is 4.3 out of 5
Royal Gourmet CC1830S 30" BBQ Charcoal Grill and Offset Smoker | 811 Square Inch cooking surface, Outdoor for Camping | Black
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811 Square Inches: Includes 443 sq. in. porcelain-enameled steel wire cooking grates, 184 sq. in. chrome-plated warming rack and 184 sq. in. offset smoker.
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Tasty Smoke Flavors: The offset smoker is firmly attached to grill to ensure good circulation of heat and smoke. Easy to open side door to add charcoal and remove ashes; air vent stokes fire instantly.
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Adjustable Pan: 2-level height-adjustable charcoal pan creates better heat control and holds up to 4.4 lbs. of coal.
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Temperature Monitor: Lid-mounted thermometer gauge helps check and monitor the cooking temperature and you can cook with great confidence.
9
Rating is 4.2 out of 5
Dyna-Glo DGN576SNC-D X-Large Premium Dual Chamber Charcoal Grill
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Removable firebox divider for single or dual cooking zone
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Primary cooking area is 576 square inches
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Secondary cooking area is 240 square inches
10
Rating is 4.1 out of 5
Royal Gourmet CC1830W 30 Barrel Charcoal Grill with Side Table, 627 Square Inches, Outdoor Backyard, Patio and Parties, Black
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Spacious Cooking Area: Includes 443 sq. in. porcelain-enameled steel wire cooking grates, 184 sq. in. chrome-plated steel wire warming rack, and 184 sq. in. offset smoker.
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Offset Smoker: Use the side fire box to get tasty and authentic smoky flavors in the main chamber. Smoking, grilling, or searing all will be your choices.
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Adjustable Charcoal Pan: 2-level height-adjustable charcoal pan ensures better heat control and holds up to 4.4 lb. of coal.
How long should pork chops marinate before grilling them?
Pork chops can benefit from marinating for at least 30 minutes, though marinating them for up to 24 hours can enhance the flavor even more. The marinating time can depend on the thickness of the chops; thicker cuts may require longer marinating time to ensure the flavors penetrate the meat.
How can I prevent the pork chops from sticking to the grill grates?
There are several methods you can try to prevent pork chops from sticking to the grill grates:
- Preheat the grill: Make sure your grill is properly preheated to a medium-high or high heat before placing the pork chops on it. This will help to create a non-stick surface on the grates.
- Oil the grates: Brush some high-heat cooking oil, such as vegetable or canola oil, onto the grill grates using a grill brush or a folded paper towel. This will create a barrier between the meat and the grates, preventing sticking.
- Oil the pork chops: Coat the pork chops with a thin layer of oil on both sides, just before placing them on the grill. This will further prevent sticking and promote a succulent, flavorful sear.
- Clean and maintain the grates: Regularly clean the grill grates to remove any leftover residue or food particles that could cause sticking. Use a grill brush or a ball of aluminum foil to scrape off any debris. Additionally, keep the grates well-seasoned by oiling them after each use.
- Allow the pork chops to sear before flipping: Once you place the pork chops on the grill, allow them to sear for a few minutes without disturbing them. This will help the surface develop a crust, making it less likely to stick. Be patient and resist the urge to frequently move or flip the chops too soon.
- Use a grill basket or aluminum foil: If you're concerned about sticking, you can try using a grill basket or wrapping the pork chops in aluminum foil with some oil added. This will create a barrier between the meat and the grates, preventing direct contact and sticking.
Remember to always handle meat on the grill with caution and use tongs instead of a fork to avoid piercing and releasing juices.
How hot should the charcoal grill be for cooking pork chops?
For cooking pork chops on a charcoal grill, the grill temperature should be medium-high. This typically means heating the charcoal until it is ashed over and glowing orange (about 375-450°F/190-230°C). This temperature allows for proper cooking and searing of the pork chops without burning or drying them out.
