The Best Charcoal Grills for 2026: Weber Kettles, Kamados and Grill-Smokers
By Claire Whitmore. Last updated October 2026.
Disclosure: some links on this page are affiliate links, including Amazon links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. It doesn’t change what we recommend. Details are in our affiliate disclosure.
Gas is convenient, but charcoal delivers the high, dry heat and smoky flavor that many grill lovers swear by. A good charcoal grill can sear steaks over a blazing two-zone fire, then smoke ribs low and slow for hours, all for less money than a comparable gas grill, since there are no burners or electronics.
We drew on two independent tests. Serious Eats evaluated charcoal grills for heating speed and distribution, searing, smoking, temperature control and cleanup. The Spruce Eats tested grills of every fuel type, including several charcoal models and a smart kamado, through long cooks like smoked ribs. Both outlets recommend the Weber Original Kettle. We haven’t tested these grills ourselves.
Quick answer: the Weber Original Kettle Premium 22-inch is Serious Eats’ best charcoal grill and best budget pick, at less than $250 and often on sale. Step up to the Weber Master-Touch for refinements, or the Weber Performer for beginner-friendly gas ignition and a work table. For a luxury, push-button kamado, look at the Kamado Joe Konnected Joe.
Our picks at a glance
| Grill | Style | Source | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weber Original Kettle Premium 22-inch | Kettle | Serious Eats: best overall and budget; The Spruce Eats: best budget | Almost everyone |
| Weber 22-inch Performer | Kettle with cart | Serious Eats: best for beginners; The Spruce Eats recommends | Easy lighting, prep space |
| Weber 22-inch Master-Touch | Kettle | Serious Eats: more luxe kettle | Refined features under $300 |
| PK Grills PK300 | Cast-aluminum grill/smoker | Serious Eats: best combo | Two-zone cooking, smoking |
| Char-Griller Classic | Barrel | Serious Eats: best large | Big cooks |
| Kamado Joe Konnected Joe | Smart kamado | The Spruce Eats recommends | Push-button, app control |
| Masterbuilt Portable with Cart / Weber Smokey Joe | Portable | Serious Eats: best small | Small patios, travel |
The best charcoal grills
1. Weber Original Kettle Premium 22-Inch: best overall
Best for: beginners and experts alike.
Serious Eats found the classic kettle equally adept at grilling and smoking thanks to a highly adjustable damper. Its charcoal and cooking grates sit the ideal distance apart for searing, and it earned perfect scores for heating speed and heat distribution, getting hot fast without rogue hot spots. It’s 22.5 inches across and weighs 32.3 pounds.
Complaints were minor: the ash catcher was hard to clean, the construction could be more stable, and the hook inside the lid got hot enough to melt the plastic handle it hangs on. The Spruce Eats, which tested it twice, says even true beginners can cook great meals once they learn the dampers, and notes 363 square inches of cooking area and a 10-year warranty on the bowl and lid.
Pros
- Perfect heat scores
- Grills and smokes
- Under $250
- Iconic, proven design
Cons
- Ash catcher is fiddly
- Lid hook gets hot
2. Weber 22-Inch Performer: best for beginners
Best for: new grillers who want convenience and prep space.
Serious Eats calls the updated Performer worth it, enhancing the kettle experience; fuel burned so efficiently that it didn’t need more charcoal until 90 minutes into a chicken cook, though the hinged grate opening made adding coals tricky. It weighs 72 pounds with its cart. The Spruce Eats tested the Performer Deluxe, which addresses charcoal’s chores with easier lighting and storage, and held a rack of baby back ribs within a 10-degree range for hours.
Pros
- Very stable temperatures
- Built-in work table
- Beginner-friendly
Cons
- Awkward to add coals
- Bulky
3. Weber 22-Inch Master-Touch: best upgraded kettle
Best for: kettle fans who want refinement.
The Master-Touch is extremely well designed, according to Serious Eats, with grates at the ideal spacing for fast, even cooking, easy intake and exhaust dampers, char-rails, a lid hook and an improved hinged cooking grate, for under $300. A senior Serious Eats staffer uses his weekly and only had to replace an inexpensive cleaning-system arm after years of use.
Pros
- Thoughtful upgrades
- Durable
- Still affordable
Cons
- Minor parts wear
4. PK Grills Original PK300: best grill-smoker combo
Best for: experienced grillers who love two-zone cooking.
The PK300’s cast-aluminum body retains heat superbly, and its four-vent system (two dampers, two vents) gives precise control. Its oblong shape suits two-zone cooking and smoking better than a round kettle, and the lid hinges open or comes off entirely while sealing tightly when closed. Serious Eats says it isn’t for beginners, since the charcoal sits close to the grate and searing requires zone cooking skill. The Spruce Eats lists a 20-year warranty on the aluminum bowl and lid.
Pros
- Excellent heat retention
- Precise vents
- Long warranty
Cons
- Not for beginners
- 60 pounds
5. Char-Griller Classic Charcoal Grill: best large
Best for: big parties and low-and-slow smoking.
This barrel grill looks like a smoker and excels at low-and-slow cooking, but it does it all with a spacious workspace, a charcoal access door and a stainless smokestack for temperature control. Serious Eats disliked the poorly placed door damper, and beginners may struggle to hold steady temperatures. It weighs 88 pounds.
Pros
- Huge capacity
- Smokes well
- Charcoal access door
Cons
- Awkward damper
- Learning curve
6. Kamado Joe Konnected Joe: best luxury kamado
Best for: tech lovers who want charcoal flavor without the hassle.
The Spruce Eats says smart technology finally came to kamados with the Konnected Joe. A built-in heating element lights the charcoal at the push of a button, and the grill then manages temperature for you, from 225 to 700 °F, on a 250-square-inch ceramic cooking area. Kamados excel at holding steady heat for long smokes and reaching very high searing temperatures.
Pros
- Push-button lighting
- Automated temperature
- Wide range
Cons
- Smaller cooking area
- Heavy ceramic
7. Masterbuilt Portable Charcoal Grill with Cart: best small
Best for: balconies (where allowed), tailgates and small patios.
Serious Eats’ favorite cart-style portable is easy to move and store, has a hopper for adding charcoal and retains heat well. It’s pricey for its size, so Serious Eats also recommends the Weber Smokey Joe, a mini Original Kettle for less than $60.
Pros
- Easy to move
- Charcoal hopper
Cons
- Pricey for size
What to look for
- Shape: kettles are versatile; oblong grills like the PK300 are better for two-zone smoking.
- Adjustable grates: height options help searing steaks and fish.
- Dampers: bottom and top vents control airflow and temperature, essential for smoking.
- Lid: removable lids are easier to work around; hinged lids are convenient.
- Ash management: easy cleanup systems make regular use more pleasant.
- Materials: heavy, well-sealed construction holds heat; watch plastic parts near heat.
Charcoal and lighting tips
Serious Eats recommends regular briquettes over instant-light types treated with lighter fluid, and notes lump charcoal is a premium option that burns cleanly, hot or low. Light it with a chimney starter: a few sheets of crumpled newspaper underneath, charcoal on top, and coals are ready when covered in gray ash. Arrange two zones, one hot and one empty, for searing and gentle cooking.
Charcoal, gas or pellet?
Charcoal is cheaper and more flavorful but takes more effort. Gas offers weeknight convenience; see our best gas grills. Pellet grills automate smoking; compare them in pellet grill vs. gas grill. Many outdoor kitchens pair a kettle with a flat-top griddle.
FAQ
Is a Weber kettle worth it?
Yes. Both Serious Eats and The Spruce Eats recommend the Original Kettle as a durable, affordable benchmark.
Can you smoke on a charcoal grill?
Yes, with dampers and a two-zone setup; the PK300 and Char-Griller are especially good.
Briquettes or lump charcoal?
Briquettes burn steadily and cheaply; lump burns hotter and cleaner.
How do I clean a charcoal grill?
Brush grates while hot, empty cold ashes regularly and cover the grill when not in use.
The bottom line
Start with the Weber Original Kettle; it’s hard to beat at any price. Upgrade to the Master-Touch or Performer for convenience, the PK300 for serious smoking, and the Kamado Joe Konnected Joe for push-button luxury.
