Best Charcoal Grills to Buy in January 2026
Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill, 22-Inch, Black
- COOK 13 BURGERS AT ONCE WITH WEBER’S EFFICIENT BURGER PRESS!
- HASSLE-FREE CLEANUP WITH ONE-TOUCH ASH CATCH SYSTEM!
- DURABLE PORCELAIN DESIGN RETAINS HEAT AND RESISTS RUST!
Royal Gourmet CC1830 30 Inch Barrel Charcoal Grill with Warming Rack, Outdoor BBQ Grill with 627 Sq. In. Grilling Space for Backyard, Patio and Parties, Black
- SPACIOUS 627 SQ. IN. COOKING AREA FOR LARGE GATHERINGS!
- PRECISE HEAT CONTROL FOR PERFECT GRILLING EVERY TIME!
- EFFORTLESS CLEANUP WITH REMOVABLE CHARCOAL PAN AND ACCESSORIES!
Royal Gourmet CC1830S BBQ Charcoal Grill and Offset Smoker | 823 Square Inch cooking surface, Outdoor for Camping | Black
- VERSATILE COOKING SPACE: 823 SQ. IN. FOR GRILLING, WARMING, AND SMOKING.
- FLAVORFUL RESULTS: OFFSET SMOKER ENSURES PERFECT HEAT AND SMOKE CIRCULATION.
- PRECISION CONTROL: ADJUSTABLE RACK AND BUILT-IN THERMOMETER FOR OPTIMAL COOKING.
Weber Original Kettle Charcoal Grill for Outdoor Cooking and Barbecue, 22-Inch, Black
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COOK UP TO 13 BURGERS AT ONCE WITH OUR PREMIUM WEBER BURGER PRESS!
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ONE-TOUCH CLEANING SYSTEM ENSURES EASY ASH REMOVAL & GRILL LONGEVITY.
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DURABLE PORCELAIN-ENAMELED LID RETAINS HEAT AND RESISTS RUST!
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
- COOK LARGE MEATS EFFORTLESSLY WITH 443 SQ. IN. GRILLING SPACE!
- ACHIEVE PERFECT HEAT CONTROL WITH ADJUSTABLE AIR VENTS AND STACKS.
- QUICK CLEANUP WITH AN EASY-DUMP ASH PAN FOR HASSLE-FREE GRILLING!
Charcoal Grill Outdoor BBQ Grill, Barrel Charcoal Grills with Side Table, with Nearly 500 Sq.In. Cooking Grid Area, Outdoor Backyard Camping Picnics, Patio and Parties, Black
- SPACIOUS 500 SQ. IN. COOKING AREA FOR LARGE GATHERINGS!
- DURABLE ENAMEL GRATES FOR EASY CLEANING & HEAT RESISTANCE!
- CONVENIENT MOBILITY WITH WHEELS & AMPLE PREP SPACE INCLUDED!
Weber Jumbo Joe Premium Charcoal Grill for Outdoor Cooking and BBQ, 22-Inch, Black
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DURABLE STEEL GRATE: ENJOY LONG-LASTING GRILLING PERFORMANCE WITH RESILIENCE.
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PRECISION CONTROL: EFFORTLESSLY REGULATE AIRFLOW FOR PERFECT GRILLING RESULTS.
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PORTABLE DESIGN: MOVE EASILY WITH STURDY WHEELS; GRILL ANYWHERE OUTDOORS!
Char-Griller CG30040725 22-inch Kettle Charcoal Grill and Smoker - Steel, Black - 363 sq. in. Cooking Area
- DURABLE HIGH-QUALITY STEEL ENSURES LONG-LASTING PERFORMANCE.
- KETTLE-STYLE DESIGN OPTIMIZES HEAT RETENTION FOR DELICIOUS COOKING.
- SPACIOUS 363 SQ. IN. AREA MEETS ALL YOUR OUTDOOR GRILLING NEEDS!
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
- SPACIOUS YET COMPACT DESIGN: 14-INCH COOKING SURFACE FOR EVEN HEAT.
- 3-POINT LOCKING LID: TRAPS HEAT, ENSURES SAFE TRANSPORT AND UNIFORM COOKING.
- EXCELLENT VENTILATION: DUAL SYSTEM FOR OPTIMAL AIRFLOW AND PERFECT GRILLING.
Royal Gourmet CC1830SC Charcoal Grill Offset Smoker with Cover, 811 Square Inches, Black, Outdoor Camping
- GENEROUS COOKING AREA: 811 SQ. IN. FOR GRILLING, WARMING, AND SMOKING.
- FLAVOR BOOSTING OFFSET SMOKER: ENHANCES HEAT AND SMOKE CIRCULATION.
- BUILT-IN TEMPERATURE CONTROL: MONITOR COOKING EASILY WITH LID THERMOMETER.
To ignite a charcoal grill, you will need the following steps:
- Choose the right location: Place your charcoal grill in a well-ventilated area, away from any flammable materials, and on a stable surface. Ensure there are no low-hanging branches or other overhead obstructions.
- Gather your supplies: Collect the necessary supplies including charcoal briquettes, lighter fluid, long matches or a lighter, and a chimney starter if desired.
- Prepare the grill: Open the vents on the bottom and top of the grill to allow for proper air circulation. Remove the cooking grate and ash catcher, if applicable, to expose the charcoal grate underneath.
- Arrange the charcoal: Place the desired amount of charcoal briquettes on the charcoal grate in a pyramid or mound shape. The number of briquettes will depend on the size of your grill and cooking needs. It is recommended to use a charcoal chimney starter filled with briquettes if you have one, as it provides a safer and more efficient way to light the charcoal.
- Add lighter fluid: Using an appropriate amount of lighter fluid, drizzle it evenly over the charcoal. Be cautious as lighter fluid is highly flammable, and excessive use can result in a dangerous flare-up.
- Let the fluid soak: Allow the lighter fluid to soak into the charcoal briquettes for a few minutes. This will help the fluid penetrate the briquettes, making them easier to light.
- Light the charcoal: Using long matches or a long-reach lighter, carefully ignite the charcoal in several spots around the mound or pyramid. Avoid standing directly over the grill while doing so to prevent the risk of burns.
- Monitor and adjust: Keep an eye on the charcoal as it starts to burn. Once the flames have died down and the briquettes have turned grayish-white and ashy, they are ready for cooking. If needed, you can add more briquettes to increase the heat.
- Replace the cooking grate: Once the charcoal is properly ignited, place the cooking grate back onto the grill, ensuring it is securely in place.
- Start grilling: With the charcoal grill now ignited and prepared, you can begin cooking your desired food items over the hot coals.
Remember to always exercise caution when igniting and using a charcoal grill. Follow the manufacturer's instructions and keep a fire extinguisher or bucket of water nearby for safety purposes.
How long should you let the charcoal burn before placing food on the grill?
The recommended time to let charcoal burn before placing food on the grill varies depending on the type of charcoal being used. Typically, it takes around 20-30 minutes for the charcoal to reach the optimal cooking temperature. During this time, the charcoal should be fully ignited and covered in a layer of grayish-white ash. This indicates that the coals are evenly heated and ready to cook food. It's important to note that different types of charcoal, weather conditions, and personal preferences can affect the duration, so it's best to monitor the charcoal closely and use a chimney starter or charcoal grill with adjustable vents to control the burning process.
Can you use a hairdryer or fan to assist in igniting charcoal?
Using a hairdryer or fan to assist in igniting charcoal is a common technique known as 'charcoal chimneys' or 'charcoal starters'. It involves increasing the airflow to the charcoal to facilitate a more rapid and efficient ignition process. Here's how you can do it:
- Prepare your charcoal: Arrange the charcoal in a pyramid or stack in your grill or charcoal chimney.
- Place the hairdryer/fan: Position your hairdryer or fan near the base of the charcoal.
- Turn it on: Start the hairdryer or fan and direct the airflow towards the base of the charcoal stack.
- Monitor the process: The increased airflow will help the charcoal heat up faster and ignite. You can visually observe the charcoal turning red and beginning to ash over. This usually takes around 10-15 minutes.
- Remove the hairdryer/fan: Once the charcoal is fully ignited, carefully remove the hairdryer or fan and turn it off.
- Spread the charcoal: Using tongs or a suitable tool, carefully spread out the ignited charcoal evenly throughout your grill.
It's important to note that when using a hairdryer or fan, you should be cautious of sparks or embers that may be blown around. Ensure the safety of yourself and the surrounding areas by practicing caution and keeping flammable items away.
Can you use lighter fluid to start a charcoal grill?
Yes, lighter fluid can be used to start a charcoal grill. It is a common and convenient method for igniting the charcoal. Here's how to use it:
- Arrange the charcoal in a pile or pyramid shape in the center of the grill.
- Drizzle or squirt lighter fluid over the charcoal, saturating it evenly. Be cautious not to use too much, as excessive lighter fluid can create an unsafe flame.
- Allow the lighter fluid to soak into the charcoal for a few minutes, allowing it to penetrate.
- Using a long-handled lighter or a match, ignite the charcoal in several spots.
- Leave the grill uncovered and allow the flames to spread and the charcoal to turn ash-gray. This usually takes around 10-15 minutes.
- Once the flames have subsided and the charcoal is glowing and covered in a layer of ash, it is ready for cooking. Spread the charcoal evenly across the grill and start grilling!
How long does it usually take for charcoal to ignite?
The time it takes for charcoal to ignite can vary depending on various factors such as the type of charcoal, the lighting method, and environmental conditions. Generally, it can take around 10-20 minutes for charcoal to fully ignite and be ready for cooking. However, this can be shorter or longer depending on the specific circumstances.
Can you use newspaper to ignite charcoal?
Yes, newspaper can be used to ignite charcoal. One common method is to crumple up several sheets of newspaper and place them in the bottom of your charcoal grill or barbecue. Then, pile the charcoal on top of the newspaper and light it with a match or lighter. The newspaper acts as a fuel source and helps start the charcoal burning. However, it's important to note that this method works best with natural lump charcoal rather than briquettes, as briquettes may contain additional chemicals that can affect the burning properties of the newspaper. Additionally, make sure to remove any glossy or colored sections of the newspaper as they may release harmful fumes when burned.
Why does the charcoal need to turn white before cooking?
Charcoal needs to turn white or ash-gray before cooking for a few reasons:
- Heat distribution: White or gray charcoal indicates that it is fully lit and burning evenly. It provides a consistent, intense heat that ensures even cooking throughout the grilling surface.
- Reduced smoke and impurities: The white ash on charcoal indicates that most of the volatile compounds, such as smoke and impurities, have burned off. This helps to minimize unwanted flavors or chemicals that could affect the taste of the food.
- Safety: Fully lit white charcoal is safer to cook with than partially burned or black charcoal. It indicates that all the lighter fluid or other flammable materials used to ignite it have burned off, reducing the risk of flare-ups or sudden bursts of flames.
Overall, waiting until the charcoal turns white ensures optimal cooking conditions, even heat distribution, enhanced flavor, and safer grilling experience.