7 Best Charcoal BBQs of 2024

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The Best Charcoal BBQs

best charcoal bbq
  1. Best charcoal BBQ with smoker - CosmoGrill Outdoor XL Charcoal Smoker BBQ

  2. Best value charcoal BBQ - Tepro Grillwagen Toronto Charcoal BBQ

  3. Best budget charcoal BBQ - Weber Compact Black Charcoal BBQ

  4. Best professional BBQ & smoker - Kamado Joe KJ23RHC Classic II Charcoal BBQ

  5. Best to take camping - SUNLIFER Charcoal 3-in-1 Barbecue

  6. Best barrel charcoal bbq - VonHaus Barrel Charcoal BBQ

  7. Best DIY Brick Charcoal BBQ - Landmann DIY Brick Charcoal BBQ

Charcoal BBQ Reviews

Top Choice

1. CosmoGrill Outdoor XL Charcoal Smoker BBQ

Best charcoal BBQ with smoker

best charcoal bbq CosmoGrill Outdoor XL Charcoal Smoker BBQ
  • Being able to adjust the height of the coal tray, using the turning handle, makes it a lot easier to control heat compared to other BBQs.
  • Can reach temperatures of around 180 - 200°C with the lid closed.
  • Coal can be added around the grill, without having to remove grills or food.
  • Will comfortably cater for 8 - 10 people +
  • Cleaning is straight forward and some of the grill racks can fit in the dishwasher.

  • There's no drain for grease so you may need to find another way to remove it.
  • Assembly may take around 1 - 2 hours (but instructions are easy to follow).
  • The upper rack is permanently fixed and hard to remove for cleaning - using foil can help.
  • The lid may not seal perfectly which can lead to some smoke escaping.
  • No handle which would facilitate with pulling BBQ along on wheels.
Grill Size
58cm x 42.5cm
Height
124cm
Weight
24kg
Wheeled?
Yes
Overall Score 4.4Read In-depth Review
Design
4.5
Craftsmanship
4.5
Assembly Ease
3.5
Ease of Cleaning
4.5
Value for Money
5

Finding a good balance between quality, size and price can be difficult when it comes to BBQs, especially if you’re looking for something capable of catering to larger groups.

The CosmoGrill Outdoor XL Smoker Charcoal Portable BBQ is a sizeable grill range with plenty of cooking space, and it also remains within a reasonable price bracket.

This charcoal barbecue’s large rectangular cooking area has enough cooking space for 10 burger patties alongside 10 sausages, with room left over to smoke or grill other items too. Plus, to help curb nerves about cooking this much in one go, the built-in thermometer gives accurate readings to help take the guesswork out of grilling.

Whether you’re a bit of a barbecue connoisseur, or hoping to learn a few new tips and tricks, this CosmoGrill charcoal barbecue has a variety of adjustable settings, making it possible to stay in control of the cooking temperature in several ways. The coal tray is height adjustable, so its position in relation to the food can be altered, and the vents can also be used to change the air flow around the BBQ.

It’s possible to smoke, grill and slow-cook using this charcoal barbecue, and it can reach temperatures of up to 220°C. The side tables and under-grill storage all come in handy whilst cooking, making it much easier to store and quickly access utensils and seasonings. Plus, the side tables can also be used for plating up. Keeping food warm is also possible, using the built-in warming rack, in case guests aren’t ready to eat.

One drawback is the assembly required to put this charcoal barbecue together… but the good news is this only needs to be done once! Like a lot of large BBQs, this model arrives flat packed. This means there are quite a few pieces involved – it takes about two hours to put together. Fortunately, the instructions are relatively clear and methodical. As long as they are followed closely, this charcoal barbecue does end up piecing together!

There are just a couple other small downsides to this BBQ, although they’re pretty minor. To start with, there’s no built-in handle. This means the charcoal barbecue can be a little awkward to lift, which is required in order to pull it along on its back wheels. Also, when cooking a lot of food (to capacity), there are some reports that oil occasionally drips and splashes out of the ash tray. Nevertheless, these are very small negatives to an otherwise excellent charcoal barbecue.

Overall, this is one of the best charcoal BBQs on the market. It offers really good value considering its size and the number of features that it provides. It’s an excellent BBQ to have at home which will also be great when hosting parties; plus, it feels robust and well constructed.

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Great value
  • It's possible to add more coal whilst cooking thanks to the bottom hatch - doesn't disrupt cooking.
  • Heat control is made relatively simple by using the vents and movable rack.
  • The large ash collection tray easily slides out making the BBQ easy to clean.
  • Grill plates divide into three pieces making them easy to clean.
  • Sturdy construction does not feel flimsy or cheap.

  • Assembly may take 2 hours + and the instructions are not as clear as they could be.
  • The charcoal tray can sit slightly unevenly - it may be difficult to get it completely flat.
  • The 4 tool hooks feel a bit out-of-the-way at the side. The hooks would have been better positioned on the BBQ’s front face.
  • The walls of the adjustable charcoal tray are a little low and can overflow easily.
Grill Size
56cm x 41.5cm
Height
115cm
Weight
25.4kg
Wheeled?
Yes
Overall Score 4.4Read In-depth Review
Design
4.5
Craftsmanship
4.5
Assembly Ease
3.8
Ease of Cleaning
4.3
Value for Money
4.7

If you’re after an inexpensive but reliable charcoal barbecue, the Toronto Trolley Grill Barbecue is a great option to go for. It has that traditional ‘American grill’ look, and several ways to regulate the temperature, but doesn’t overcomplicate matters with too many extra bells or whistles.

Design

An added benefit of this, of course, is that it also comes with quite a reasonable price tag – it’s one of the best charcoal BBQs to buy on a budget if you’re after a reasonably large grill.

With a grill surface of 56 x 41.6 cm, there’s plenty of room to cook for around six people, with the ability to control the grill temperatures depending on what’s on the menu for your guests. There is a crank system which adjusts the distance between the coals and the food, and vents in the lid, designed to raise or lower cooking temperature. You can ensure that more delicate foods don’t get scorched to charcoal yet still be sure to cook food thoroughly.

Capacity

The built-in thermometer further facilitates accurate cooking; given that the hinged lid can be either open or closed when cooking, when it’s shut it can be tempting to open it and check on the food. Thanks to the thermometer, you can avoid opening the lid and letting heat out unnecessarily.

This charcoal grill comes with a warming rack and folding side table included, so it becomes much easier to organise and prepare food. Having a warming rack means that several items can be cooked at once and easily kept warm until everything’s ready to be served. Plus, there’s even a bottle opener attached to the front, seamlessly allowing the chef to enjoy a relaxed drink whilst keeping an eye on the burgers.

It’s easy to wheel around, and relatively lightweight at 25.4 kg (certainly perfectly manageable for manoeuvring around the garden).

One thing to take into consideration is the assembly time – if you’re planning to buy this charcoal grill for a specific event, allow yourself two to three hours to get it assembled correctly as it can prove a little difficult to put together.

Furthermore, its compact design means it fits into any sized garden, so long as you have some patio space to spare. I say this because, while testing the Tepro BBQ, some of the ash fell through a gap between the back of the firebox and the back of the ashtray. This doesn’t make it the best choice if you’re set on putting your BBQ on wooden decking!

Other than this slight design flaw and a couple of gripes about only having one fold-out shelf rather than the CosmoGrill’s spacious two, there isn’t much I could moan about when testing this BBQ. In fact, there is a lot to love about the BBQ. 

The sturdy main components are all powder-coated, and the handles and thermometer are made from stainless steel. You also have the bonus of a bucket-load of extra features on this BBQ.

Overall, this is one of the best charcoal grills if you want something that is sufficiently large without having to spend an eye-wateringly large amount of money! It offers a great balance of size, quality and cost.

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Budget Pick
  • Fairly easy to assemble in under 30 minutes
  • Despite its compact size, this grill offers a generous cooking area, comfortably serving 6-8 people, making it perfect for small gatherings or family barbecues
  • Compact size makes it suitable for balconies as well as small gardens
  • The tri-leg design provides stability, while the inclusion of wheels allows for good mobility, making it easy to position the grill wherever you like
  • When paired with a separate chimney, lighting the charcoals it quick and easy. Within approximately 15 minutes, the coals reach the perfect cooking temperature.
  • The well-positioned grill ensures that food cooks quickly

  • Although the assembly process is generally straightforward, there may be a few instances where the visual instructions could be clearer, requiring some extra effort to understand certain steps
  • As with any charcoal grill, managing and maintaining the charcoal can require attention, including proper ventilation control and ash disposal after use
  • May lack some of the additional features found in more advanced and higher-priced models, such as built-in thermometers or adjustable grates
  • Heatproof gloves may be required to adjust the vents as they can get hot
Grill Size
47cm x 47cm
Height
87.9cm
Weight
7kg
Wheeled?
Yes
Overall Score 4.2Read In-depth Review
Design
4
Craftsmanship
4
Assembly Ease
4.5
Ease of Cleaning
3.8
Value for Money
4.5

The Weber Compact Kettle Charcoal Grill Barbecue is a fantastic choice for those looking for a quality compact BBQ. Assembling it was relatively straightforward, taking just 30 minutes. Its compact size doesn’t compromise on cooking space, comfortably accommodating 6-8 people. With its tri-leg design and wheels, it strikes the perfect balance between sturdiness and portability.

Weber Compact Kettle Charcoal Grill Barbecue Review Assembled

Lighting the charcoals was a breeze with the separate Weber Rapidfire Chimney, allowing them to reach the perfect cooking temperature in about 15 minutes. The grill is positioned optimally, ensuring quick and even cooking. I cooked an array of foods in just 30 minutes, from burgers and sausages to chicken and skewers, all turning out deliciously.

Weber Compact Kettle Charcoal Grill Barbecue Review Chimney

What sets this grill apart is its remarkable value for money. It offers excellent quality at an affordable price, constructed with durable materials like the porcelain-enamelled bowl. Whether you’re hosting a small gathering or enjoying a cozy family barbecue, the Weber Compact Kettle Charcoal Grill Barbecue delivers outstanding performance and convenience without breaking the bank.

Weber Compact Kettle Charcoal Grill Barbecue Review Cooking

In conclusion, this charcoal BBQ is my top budget pick. Its easy assembly, ample cooking space, efficient charcoal lighting, and exceptional value for money make it a standout option for anyone seeking a reliable and affordable charcoal barbecue.

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  • Allows for smoking at low temperatures over long periods, good for cooking tender meat eg. pulled pork.
  • The ash pan is easy to remove and helps make cleaning faster.
  • Extremely flexible in terms of cooking styles: roast, slow cook, pizza oven, and even rotisserie chicken with extra attachment.
  • Easy to assemble in under 15 minutes.
  • Retains heat well. One bowl of coal, on low heat, can last for 12 hours +

  • May take a bit of getting used to, to work out best temperatures and settings.
  • There's no place to hang utensils from.
  • Very heavy and difficult for one person to move - but wheels help once base is attached.
  • When both heat deflector plates are in use, there's no way to add additional smoking wood chunks if you want to.
  • The included instructions are lacking, although there is a good amount of information online.
Grill Size
45cm x 45cm
Height
122cm
Weight
85.28kg
Wheeled?
Yes
Overall Score 4.3
Design
5
Craftsmanship
5
Assembly Ease
4
Ease of Cleaning
4
Value for Money
3.5

If you’ve had enough of basic BBQs and are looking to add some excitement to your outdoor steak-nights, the Kamado Joe KJ23RHC Classic II Charcoal Grill certainly delivers a touch of panache to proceedings.

It’s not only the colour that helps it stand out as something special; both the shape and smoking-lid design are uniquely characteristic of the Kamado Joe grill. These Kamado Joe charcoal barbecues are sturdy and well made, consistently manufactured to a noticeably high standard.

With a 46 cm (18”) cooking area, there’s plenty of grilling room to help keep the food coming, even at family gatherings and parties. Plus, there’s a 2-tier ‘Divide and Conquer’ cooking system which is great for serving up different foods.

Not only does this cooking system have a fantastic name, but it also allows you to cook a range of foods at different temperatures, all at the same time. Finally, catering to different tastes and keeping all the guests happy becomes that little bit easier…!

Even airflow management can be easily controlled on this charcoal barbecue, allowing those who are passionate about the cooking process to customise the settings as they wish. It also looks pretty spectacular, making quite the statement as charcoal smoke spools from the chimney.

An external thermometer makes it easy to check the temperature without lifting the lid, and two side tables allow for easy preparation and plating up – always useful as space does tend to be at a premium during BBQs.

Overall, this is one of the best charcoal barbecues if you’re after a premium model that offers a lot of versatility and cooking options. Amongst many things, it can be used for slow cooking and smoking meat, roasting whole chickens, and producing classic BBQ favourites with a delicious smoky flavour. The cooked food that it produces gets gleaming reviews across the internet.

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5. SUNLIFER Charcoal 3-in-1 Barbecue

Best to take camping

best charcoal bbq SUNLIFER Charcoal 3 in 1 Barbecue
  • Compact design doesn’t take up too much space on patios, but there’s still plenty of cooking space
  • Overall quality appears very good given the cost
  • Fairly lightweight so it’s easy to move around the patio if needed
  • Onboard temperature gauge is fairly accurate, meaning you can grill and smoke very easily
  • Works well as both a BBQ and a smoker

  • No waterproof cover included which would be a welcome extra
  • A fourth leg would give it more stability in exposed areas
Grill Size
56cm x 43cm
Height
8.41kg
Weight
89cm
Wheeled?
No
Overall Score 4.3
Design
5
Craftsmanship
4
Assembly Ease
4
Ease of Cleaning
4
Value for Money
4.5

I was very impressed with the SUNLIFER Charcoal 3-in-1 Barbecue, especially when taking into account its affordability. It’s an incredibly versatile BBQ that’s just as suitable for taking on camping trips as it is for garden parties and get-togethers. 

This BBQ can be used as a firepit, a BBQ grill, two BBQ grills and a smoker. This is thanks to the innovative design that allows you to divide the different sections. There’s both a charcoal pan and a water pan for smoking, plus an access lid. 

It’s a compact model, designed for smaller patios and outdoor spaces. Having said that, it still boasts plenty of cooking space. There’s 2 large cooking grates that allow you to grill or smoke multiple foods at the same time. There’s two access doors, so it’s easy to check the status of your food or add more charcoal. 

When you’ve finished cooking, the top two sections can be removed and the bottom section used as a fire pit. As the entire BBQ is elevated, it won’t damage your patio or decking.

Other impressive features include an adjustable air vent, a heat resistant handle and a built-in thermometer so you can easily monitor and maintain the interior temperature. The air vent allows you to control the amount of heat. There’s also 4 hooks for hanging tools and utensils. 

Assembly is fairly straightforward, although it does take about an hour. There are clips on both sides of the grill which allow you to dismantle it easily. This also makes it easy to break down and store in a car. For instance, if you are taking it camping. 

The only other features I would have liked to see are a waterproof cover, and a fourth leg which would give it just a little more stability in exposed areas. Other than that, there’s nothing not to like!

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6. VonHaus Barrel Charcoal BBQ

Best barrel charcoal bbq

best charcoal bbq VonHaus Barrel Charcoal BBQ
  • Can be used as both a smoker and a BBQ, and does both very well
  • Easy to assemble in around 20 minutes
  • Easy to maintain a consistent temperature with the lid down
  • Base grill has ample space, while there’s another grill in the lid too

  • There is no adjustable coal tray which would make cooking certain items easier
  • Not particularly sturdy so shouldn’t really be left out in windy conditions
  • If you open the lid too quickly, the tray can swing a little which means some of the food may drop off
Grill Size
96cm x 90cm
Height
14kg
Weight
89cm
Wheeled?
Yes
Overall Score 3.9
Design
3.5
Craftsmanship
4
Assembly Ease
4
Ease of Cleaning
4
Value for Money
4

What the VonHaus Barrel Charcoal BBQ lacks in style, it more than makes up for in practicality. No, it’s not the best looking BBQ on the market, but it knows its job, and it does it very well.

This BBQ features both a large cooking grill and a warming rack, but with the lid down it can also be used as a smoker. The warming rack makes it ideal for get-togethers and parties.

It’s equipped with most of the features you’d expect from a BBQ of this size. There’s a front thermometer which makes it easy to monitor the internal temperature, and large wheels for portability across hard surfaces. Weighing just 14 kg, it would be easy to lift into a new spot if needed. 

It’s been made from powder coated steel which won’t rust, although a cover is recommended when not in use. It can be put together in around 20 minutes, and the instructions are very easy to follow. One small gripe I have is that it’s not particularly sturdy, and I’d recommend only using it in sheltered areas. 

If you’re interested in high quality and accurate grilling and smoking, this probably isn’t the BBQ for you. While it’s pretty easy to maintain the internal temperature with the lid down, there’s no proper seal. This means you can’t really rely on the interior temperature, and you may find your food isn’t quite perfect. 

There’s also no adjustable coal tray, and this would make it easier to grill food more precisely. 

With this BBQ, you really get what you pay for. While it lacks the features of some of the other models I’ve tested, for the price tag I couldn’t really complain! 

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7. Landmann DIY Brick Charcoal BBQ[ SAVE 35% ]

Best DIY Brick Charcoal BBQ

best charcoal bbq Landmann DIY Brick Charcoal BBQ
  • A large size that can be difficult to find in high-street retailers.
  • Tray and rack are easy to slot in and remove from brick structure when required.
  • Enough space to cater for at least 10 people.
  • Dimensions are accurate which helps if fitting into a pre-exiting brick BBQ structure.

  • Construction of bricks can be difficult, especially as the instructions are not the best.
  • The black paint may start to peel after a few uses.
  • Needs to be covered or taken it when it rains otherwise may rust and not last as long.
  • Difficult to remove ash whilst cooking, so if cooking for a long time may build up a lot.
Grill Size
67cm x 40cm
Height
4.6kg
Weight
67cm
Wheeled?
No
Overall Score 4
Design
4.5
Craftsmanship
4
Assembly Ease
3.5
Ease of Cleaning
3.7
Value for Money
4.2

Whether you’ve already got a traditional brick grill built into your garden, or you’re in the process of building one, the Landmann DIY Charcoal Barbecue will slot in neatly to provide an authentic charcoal barbecue experience.

Naturally, getting the correct dimensions is important, and this particular grill measures 67.4 x 42 x 6.8 cm. The chrome-plated cooking grill, charcoal grid and ash tray will generally fit into most pre-built brick BBQ units (of course, check the measurements first) so it’s perfect as a replacement for an existing unit as well.

With a cooking area that can cater for at least ten people at a time, you’ll be able to serve a large number of guests quite comfortably by staggering the cooking. Plus, if hard-to-clean BBQs are one of your pet hates, this Landmann grill can be simply removed and washed, without trying to awkwardly clean parts whilst they’re still attached.

As a company, Landmann has a good reputation for producing quality products. This charcoal grill follows the trend by being both well-made and accurately described; in particular, the dimension measurements are precise so you can be confident it will fit without problem.

Whilst it might be tempting to leave this grill outside year-round, it’s best stored away when not in use to help prolong its life. Buying a cover can also help if you’re limited on storage space, but one way or another it’s recommended to keep this grill out of the changeable UK weather as much as possible.

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Product Testers

Emma Loker Headshot - DIY Garden
Gardening Expert
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Garden Design Expert

To ensure you buy the best charcoal BBQ for this summer season while getting the most bang for your buck, I assessed some of the best charcoal BBQs currently available. I tested each model on its:

  • Design: Charcoal BBQs that were cleverly designed were given the top marks. So, those that boasted adequate grill space for an average BBQ party (4 – 8 people) and a compact size of no more than 60 x 40 cm were given the best ratings. BBQs that had adjustable settings, an adjustable coal tray, and vents for airflow were deemed the best of the best, as these enabled a user, novice or otherwise, to quickly get to grips with the product. Added extras like a foldable side table, under-grill storage, hooks, and a warming rack were also given top marks, as these improved the BBQ’s versatility.
  • Craftsmanship & performance: When assessing craftsmanship and performance, it was important that the BBQ could perform multiple functions. Those that doubled, tripled, or quadrupled up as a smoker, grill, slow-cooker and firepit were given the highest rating, as this drastically improved the BBQ’s versatility. BBQs that were made from high-quality materials, such as powder-coated steel and stainless steel, were deemed the most durable, so we gave those the highest ratings. We also assessed how easy it was to control each BBQ’s temperature, the speed at which it got up to high temperatures (220°C+), and how easy it was to manoeuvre (BBQs with wheels got top marks!).
  • Assembly Ease: Most BBQs come flat packed, so when assessing assembly ease, we were looking for how intuitive the design was to put together and how concise and clear the instructions were. BBQs that took between 30 minutes to an hour to assemble were rated highest, as we considered these the most accessible to the normal, everyday user. We also considered how many tools were needed and whether the pieces mostly locked together or were more difficult to assemble.
  • Ease of Cleaning: BBQs with removable racks that could fit in the dishwasher scored the highest in terms of ease of cleaning because these took less elbow grease. We also looked for BBQs with clever designs that kept cleaning in mind, such as a removable ashtray and grills made from chrome-plated or ceramic-plated steel, as these were easiest to wash.
  • Value for Money: Charcoal BBQs that offered clever, compact designs with handfuls of features and top-quality performance and craftmanship were rated as the best value for money, particularly if these were an affordable price. Any BBQ that wasn’t within the affordable range for the average household were rated down.
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Clive's Smart Buying Tips

  1. You’ll need a charcoal barbecue that’s a suitable size for any summer events you might be planning. Look for a cooking area of around 40 x 40 cm for one to two people, or approximately 50 x 50 cm for a family of four. If you’re entertaining bigger crowds than this, a large rectangular grill range will make cooking easier to manage.
  2. For example, rectangular grills that measure around 60 x 40 cm can cook 10 burger patties and 10 sausages simultaneously. This makes them a great choice for gatherings and parties.
  3. Keep an eye out for a built-in thermometer and air vents for accurate temperature control. If you want an easy-clean grill, choose trays made from chrome-plated or ceramic-plated steel – these are often suitable for dishwashing (but double check with the manufacturer!). Alternatively, cast iron grills are more durable and hold heat extremely well. Also, you might want to choose cast iron if you want to achieve those coveted sear marks on steaks and burgers.
  4. Finally, if you want the option to slowly smoke your food, as well as being able to barbecue or grill it, choose a charcoal barbecue that states it’s suitable for this purpose. BBQs with a hinged lid and built-in hood thermometer will also make cooking easier.

When it comes to the best charcoal BBQ, my top recommendation is the CosmoGrill Outdoor XL Charcoal Smoker BBQ. It’s perfect for large groups and easily caters for 8 – 10 people. There is a built-in thermometer on the lid, and it can be used to to smoke, grill, or slow cook your food.

Compare Product Features

Use the dropdown to sort the table by the feature you want to see.

  • CosmoGrill Outdoor XL Charcoal Smoker BBQ
    best charcoal bbq CosmoGrill Outdoor XL Charcoal Smoker BBQ
    • 4.4
    • 58cm x 42.5cm
    • 124cm
    • 24kg
    • Yes
  • Tepro Grillwagen Toronto Charcoal BBQ
    best charcoal bbq Tepro Grillwagen Toronto Charcoal BBQ
    • 4.4
    • 56cm x 41.5cm
    • 115cm
    • 25.4kg
    • Yes
  • Weber Compact Black Charcoal BBQ
    best charcoal bbq Weber Compact Black Charcoal BBQ
    • 4.2
    • 47cm x 47cm
    • 87.9cm
    • 7kg
    • Yes
  • Kamado Joe KJ23RHC Classic II Charcoal BBQ
    best charcoal bbq Kamado Joe KJ23RHC Classic II Charcoal BBQ
    • 4.3
    • 45cm x 45cm
    • 122cm
    • 85.28kg
    • Yes
  • SUNLIFER Charcoal 3-in-1 Barbecue
    best charcoal bbq SUNLIFER Charcoal 3 in 1 Barbecue
    • 4.3
    • 56cm x 43cm
    • 8.41kg
    • 89cm
    • No
  • VonHaus Barrel Charcoal BBQ
    best charcoal bbq VonHaus Barrel Charcoal BBQ
    • 3.9
    • 96cm x 90cm
    • 14kg
    • 89cm
    • Yes
  • Landmann DIY Brick Charcoal BBQ
    best charcoal bbq Landmann DIY Brick Charcoal BBQ
    • 4
    • 67cm x 40cm
    • 4.6kg
    • 67cm
    • No

How to Choose The Best Charcoal BBQ

If you love the authenticity and taste of grilling over coals, a charcoal barbecue is definitely the way to go.

Charcoal BBQs have a lot to offer, from fast temperature adjustments to smoking units on the side.

There are a few things to consider when looking for the best charcoal barbecues, which is why we’ve put together this information guide!

READ NEXT: The Best Barbecue Smokers

Why Choose a Charcoal BBQ Over Gas

What is it that makes cooking with a charcoal BBQ such a great experience?

First and foremost, charcoal barbecues give a deliciously smoky, outdoor-cooked, authentic quality to food which gas barbecues just can’t quite replicate.

Charcoal grills provide a truly versatile cooking experience. Depending on where you place the food, and how you position the grill shelves, you can choose to sear meat, leave it to slow cook, or smoke it. What’s more, charcoal barbecues even allow you the possibility to cook food directly in the hot coals themselves (wrap in foil first!).

Charcoal barbecues really offer a variety of great options for food lovers. You can choose to use different types of wood with your charcoal barbecue to alter the taste when smoking. There are so many possibilities that just aren’t available when cooking with gas.

The best gas BBQs do have their benefits, of course, and one of their advantages is that they are notoriously easy to light. However, don’t let the charcoal BBQ’s unjust reputation for being difficult to start put you off. With a bit of practise, you’ll be an expert at getting the coals burning, and you’ll never look back!

Choosing the Right Charcoal Barbecue Size

As you can imagine, how you wish to use your BBQ will determine what size you should buy.

Do you have a large family or is it just the two of you? Are you frequently hosting parties?

What about food? Are you content just grilling sausages and burgers? Or do you want to smoke racks of ribs and cook a whole chicken?

If you know you want to be able to cook a lot of food for a lot of people, you should look for a BBQ with a large grill (and a warming rack).

However, if the idea of cooking that much food at one time seems unnecessary to you, you’ll probably be happier with something smaller. A lot of great options are available, allowing you to cook for a few people and then easily store the BBQ away.

Charcoal BBQs With Temperature control

Look out for charcoal BBQs which have vents, as these allow more control over the cooking temperature.

For some, this may not be as important, especially if you’re mostly interested in serving up just a couple of sausages and burgers.

However, for cooking bigger items, or larger quantities, it can be helpful to be able to adjust the temperature. Vents are often positioned at the top or bottom of the BBQ, or at both ends.

There may also be an option to adjust the height of your charcoal basin or change the height of the shelves. This brings food closer to, or further away from, the heat source. When the food is closer to the charcoal, the temperature will be higher, and vis versa.

Check it’s Easy to Clean

It can be a bit of a nightmare to clean some old-fashioned BBQs. You may be familiar with the type – you have to lie them down, twist them about, or flip them over completely in order to effectively clean them.

But fear not! This can be avoided. And if you’re going to the effort of buying a new BBQ, I recommend you make your life simpler by checking if it’s easy to clean.

Several BBQs have features to make cleaning easier.

As a starter for ten, look for models which have removable ash trays that can be removed and cleaned separately. For example, the Landmann DIY Charcoal Barbecue or the Landmann Pedestal Charcoal Barbecue.

You should also look out for chrome- or ceramic-plated grills. These have a durable, non-stick surface which should keep them easy to wash down for years.

READ NEXT: The Best BBQ Side Tables

How to Know it Will Last

You want your next charcoal grill to be a long-term investment, so it’s important to buy one which has got some longevity.

A durable material is a good place to start. Look for steel construction and ceramic-coated grills. This is usually a sign of quality.

It’s also important that the grill itself is relatively thick. Not only does a thicker grill hold heat longer, ultimately cooking more effectively, it is also much more likely to last longer. Cooking grates should be made out of steel or cast iron.

Charcoal BBQ FAQs

Honestly, no. Charcoal BBQs burn coal as they cook your food, creating a delicious smoky aroma and grilling those flavours into your food.

A gas grill doesn’t burn coal or create smoke in the same way, they can’t replicate the same smoky flavour.

  1.  Always keep safety in mind before you begin. Don’t light the BBQ near wooden fences or trees in case sparks jump from the grill. Remember to use proper cooking equipment, like heat-safe tongs, to touch the food.
  2. Choose a good-quality charcoal and natural firelighters. You should try to avoid charcoal which contains accelerants as these can mar the taste of food.
  3. Use a chimney starter as a great choice for quickly and easily lighting charcoal. You put the charcoal into the bucket-shaped tool, along with some flammable kindling (newspaper, twigs, etc.). Once the coals start burning, you can tip them into your BBQ.
  4. Arrange the coals in your BBQ depending on whether you want to cook with direct heat (food directly above the coals) or indirect heat (food cooks on grill with heat source off to one side).

If you want to cook with direct heat, evenly distribute the coals under all of the grill space.

If you want to cook with indirect heat, spread the coals out under one side of the grill only. You can then cook on the other side of the grill and the heat will reach the food, but not as much as if the food was directly over the coals.

No. Although charcoal BBQs have a reputation for being harder to use than gas BBQs, this is simply because it takes a bit more effort to light them. And just because something takes more effort, doesn’t mean it is more difficult! Once you have practised lighting the charcoal grill a couple of times, you will realise it’s no harder to use than a gas grill.

You’ll need to light your charcoal BBQ approximately 20 – 30 minutes before you wish to cook on it.

You should base whether or not the BBQ is ready for cooking on how the charcoal looks, rather than just timing alone. You should wait until the charcoal is covered in a white ash which usually takes around 20 minutes. Be sure to open any vents on the BBQ whilst waiting for it to heat up as this will encourage the fire to burn.

This depends on how many people you are cooking for. 

As a general guide, I recommend the following: 

  • 3 kg of charcoal for a BBQ for up to 4 people
  • 6 kg of charcoal for a BBQ for 5 to 6 people
  • 9 kg of charcoal for a BBQ for 6 – 8 people
  • 12 kg of charcoal for a BBQ for 8 – 12 people
  • 15 kg of charcoal for a BBQ for 12 – 16 people

However, this will also depend on the size of your BBQ and how much food you are cooking at once.

This primarily depends on what you’re cooking. 

Lump charcoal is 100% natural carbonised wood. It burns hotter, but as the shape isn’t regular, it can burn inconsistently. This tends to add a smokier flavour. 

Briquettes are a combination of compressed wood and sawdust. This burns cooler but for a longer period of time, and it burns consistently due to the regular shape. 

It’s generally thought that lumpwood is better for searing and grilling. This is because it both burns hotter and adds more flavour. 

Briquettes on the other hand are better for slow cooking. These won’t add as much flavour but they burn for longer periods of time and more regularly. 

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