We have listed here the best charcoal grills for steaks. Grill up steaks, fish and chicken on these top-rated grills.
Now that the grilling season is here, it’s time to step up your outdoor cooking game. Despite looking less fancy than a gas grill, a good charcoal grill can easily outperform in terms of flavor and convenience. However, don’t be fooled into thinking that any charcoal grill will produce flawless results.
When it comes to selecting your new charcoal grill, many choices are available regarding pricing options and functionality. That is why we have researched to come up with the 5 best charcoal grill for steaks in this article.
Why Should You Purchase a Charcoal Grill?
- Except for commercial burners, no grill can match the heat levels of charcoal and wood-fired grills. Maximum temperatures are expected to exceed 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit, with temps reaching up to 1,250 degrees depending on your setup.
- It can get as hot as hell, but it’s also great for low-and-slow cooking. Charcoal grills can maintain a consistent temperature for days if the ventilation is properly managed and the fire is carefully maintained.
- Charcoal grills can cook with different fuel types, including low-cost Kingsford coals, higher-end lump coal, binchotan, and even coconut shells, unlike gas or electric grills (which are limited to pellets).
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Buying Guide: 3 Factors To Remember Before Getting A Charcoal Grill
Size
Charcoal grills come in various sizes, from small portable models to larger tabletop models that can feed a crowd. Smaller grills are easier to handle, but larger grills are better for cooking large amounts of food at once. Most smaller grills can accommodate one to four people and are ideal for the occasional griller, whereas 22-inch kettle grills are ideal for families that grill frequently.
Shape
Round is the traditional shape of a charcoal barbecue. Their design promotes coals to be centered below the grate on the bottom, creating indirect cooking surfaces around the perimeter. Rectangular charcoal barbecues are available as well. Although some are tiny, the majority are larger. They allow for more defined cooking zones and are akin to a gas grill, which some people may find soothing.
Versatility
There is no need to invest in anything extravagant if you’re just seeking to cook a fast supper on a charcoal barbecue. All you need is a basic model with an appropriate cooking area for the number of people you want to invite. If you’re going to use your charcoal barbecue for smoking, look for one that is more insulated and can keep the temperature stable for longer.
Best Charcoal Grill For Steaks: 5 Top Picks Of 2021
1.Cuisinart CCG190RB Inch BBQ, 14.5″ x 14.5″ x 15″, Portable Charcoal Grill, 14″ (Red)

Cuisinart’s superior materials and engineering are evident in this little grill. Due to its thick gauge, the metal is durable enough to withstand complicated conditions. After all, it is just 15 inches tall and has a 14.5-inch circular footprint.
A unique porcelain enamel coating has been applied to the firebox, lid, and big ash collector tray. Its rust and corrosion resistance is improved as a result of this. The lid is additionally secured to the firebox with three sturdy clasps for convenient transport. You may also adjust the air and temperature using two dampers.
Chrome-plated grill grates are 150 square inches. This gives them a lovely shine straight out of the box, as well as plenty of fire-kissed real estate for cooking for up to four people at once.
The CCG-190RB Portable Charcoal Grill features thicker aluminum than most of the competitors. However, it isn’t as wide as a charcoal kettle grill you may have on your patio. The enamel-coated lid, fire bowl, and ash catcher are additional excellent features uncommon in portable barbecues at this price point. It also has a four-legged base rather than a tripod, which is a lovely addition. Each leg is connected to the others via the ash catcher, which helps to the overall stability.
Grilling room for four to six persons is provided by the 150 square inches chrome-plated grill grate. You could even make it a hybrid grill by lighting a charcoal fire on one side of the grill and placing the meat on the other side, away from the flames.
The three locks on the lid may not appear to be very noteworthy, but they are crucial for moving the grill from point A to B. They make it possible for you to carry it by the handle. It effectively reduces the overall size of the grill by removing the requirement for side handles.
Pros
- Protective enamel layer
- Stable base
- Interconnected legs
- Durable ash catcher
Cons
- Ash catcher is hard to clean
- Grates are sticky
- Latches can feel tight at times .
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2. Char-Griller E1515 Patio Pro Charcoal Grill, Black

If you’re short on space, the Char-Griller Patio Pro is an excellent option. Its cooking surface makes it large enough to cook for two to three people. However, the types of things you can grill are severely limited. In addition, the grill only has one vent, making it very difficult to control the temperature of the grates. As a result, you’ll need to keep a close watch on the temperature of the grill.
If you’re searching for a low-cost charcoal barbecue, the Patio Pro is a good option. It has a sturdy build, a stand with a storage bin and wheels, a storage shelf, and a straightforward design that makes it simple to use and maintain.
The exterior is composed of sturdy steel that has been powder coated for added durability. The cast iron grill is a beautiful cooking surface that will provide a nice sear to complement the smokey taste provided by the charcoal.
Because of its tiny size requires less charcoal, which cuts down on the time it takes to start a fire. You have the option of using coals or pellets. The ash that is created may then be removed from the supplied ash pan.
The Char-Griller 1515 Patio Pro Charcoal Grill comes with an easy-to-remove ash pan. Remove the ash pan and empty the contents. You won’t have to wrestle with greasy grills to remove the debris accumulated within, unlike other grills. However, there is no grease trap on this grill to catch grease that drips through the cooking surface.
This grill comes with a side tray that connects to the grill, which is a valuable addition. The convenience of having this linked to the grill eliminates the need to juggle your meal before it is cooked, your grilling equipment, and any food that may already be on the grill.
This grill is lightweight and easy to transport. It comes with two wheels that must be connected throughout the assembling process. Moving this barbecue around the backyard shouldn’t be difficult thanks to its mobility and the fact that it only weighs fifty pounds and stands under four feet tall.
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Pros
- Compact – Great for small patios and outdoor spaces
- Easy to move
- Easy to maintain
Cons
- No built-in thermometer
- May be too small if cooking for a large gathering
3. Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill, 22-Inch, Black

The Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill 22′′ is a classic. It’s small yet powerful enough to prepare a full complex meal for a family, a simple party spread, or even a whole Thanksgiving turkey. It produced magnificent meals in our test, from 12 well-seared burgers to an entire cut-up barbecue chicken to a flawlessly cooked whole chicken and a great rack of wood-smoked baby-back ribs, and it did so with no skill or fuss on our part.
Though the fundamental design hasn’t changed much since 1952, Weber has added useful features throughout the years to improve the entire cooking experience; for example, this newest version includes handy hooks on the side handles for hanging your spatula, tongs, or other utensils.
The enclosed ash collector, which makes maintenance easier and removes concerns about stray embers, sets the Premium edition different from the fundamental 22-inch kettle. The structure and materials are robust, and assembly is a breeze. The Weber Kettle Premium Grill is the most acceptable bargain on the market, especially when considering its strong warranty and excellent customer service.
The visual instructions are simple to follow, but leg alignment is essential since one of the three pieces of the tripod on which the kettle rests is different from the other two and belongs on the side with the welded metal handle. Another thing to keep in mind during construction is that you’ll need to provide a little bit of stress to the legs while attaching the wheels.
This grill, which measures 39.5 x 22.5 x 27 inches, takes up very little room in your backyard or on your porch while providing a good-sized cooking area. Its height is around waist level for virtually everyone, making it exceptionally comfortable to cook on.
Depending on how massive your burger patties are, the 363-square-inch cooking space can comfortably accommodate a couple of entire chickens or around 10 to 12 burgers.
Pros
- Classic, compact design
- Tried-and-true cooker makes excellent food
- A cost-conscious option
- Ash catcher makes cleanup a breeze
Cons
- Charcoal fuel takes more effort than gas or pellets
- Small to medium cooking space
- Wheels are small
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4. Hamilton Beach Electric Indoor Searing Grill with Viewing Window and Removable Easy-to-Clean Nonstick Plate, 6-Serving, Extra-Large Drip Tray, Stainless Steel (25361)

With a grilling temperature of 450 degrees, you can cook the meat to perfection. The high-temperature guarantees that the meal has finger-licking exquisite tastes in addition to sealing in the fluids. The grill cooks everything evenly in the middle and on the sides thanks to its robust 1200 Watts.
You may also grill at lower temperatures for more extended periods to improve tastes. Adjust the heat settings to your liking and let the grill handle the rest. The grill marks, as well as the heat setting, will offer you the same enjoyment as outdoor cooking. Close the cover to achieve the same distinctive grill marks as an outdoor gas grill.
The size of the Hamilton Beach smokeless grill might be deceiving. You could believe it’s just good for two or three people to utilize. However, it has a large enough grilling area to serve six people, measuring 118 square inches.
In addition, the cover is elevated above the cooking tray. This allows you to put bulkier foods like vegetables or fish inside the container without squeezing them or leaving the lid half-open.
The Power and Preheat lights on the Hamilton Beach searing grill make it simple to keep track of the progress of the meat’s cooking. Your possibilities are endless because it allows you to cook everything from steaks and burgers to veggies. You may also use it for specific diets like Paleo or Keto.
Pros
- Easy to clean
- Has a drip tray to catch grease
- High heat settings
- Can grill meat, veggies, and fruits
- Dishwasher-safe
Cons
- Long preheating time
- Short power cord
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5. Weber 741001 Original Kettle 22-Inch Charcoal Grill

With just one glance at this grill, you can tell you’re dealing with a classic. This is a traditional charcoal barbecue that seems like it belongs in a Norman Rockwell painting.
Many consider the Weber 741001 Original Kettle 22-Inch Charcoal Grill to be the original charcoal grill. Many people purchasing their first barbecue provide a low price, robust construction, and convenience of use.
The Weber 22-inch Charcoal Grill has a long and illustrious history dating back to 1952. A metal worker called George Stephen Sr. worked at the Weber Brothers Metal Works in Chicago, Illinois, during the time. He was in charge of making metallic naval buoys at the time. This was also a period in America when grilling became increasingly popular with families buying new houses.
These old charcoal grills were usually built out of brick, had little to no heat control, and frequently flared up or smoked out. However, the Weber kettle grill readily handled all of these difficulties, which still retains much of its fundamental design to this day!
A durable Porcelain-Enameled coating coats the steel kettle and domed lid, as well as glass-reinforced nylon handles and a heat shield. This helps keep your hands from getting burnt while opening the Weber 22-inch kettle charcoal grill lid, making it more resistant to rust and corrosion.
A tripod base with two wheels supports the grill, making it easy to move or adjust. The tripod legs also have an ash collector bucket, which keeps stray embers from landing on your deck during or after a grilling session. Plated steel makes up the 22-inch barbecue grate. It has a large cooking surface of 363 square inches.
The Weber 22-inch kettle grill is simple to put together and can be done in under 15 minutes with little to no equipment. A porcelain-enameled coating protects the kettle bowl and domed lid, making them extremely robust.
The 363 square inches of the cooking surface is more than adequate for a family of four to grill hamburgers, bratwursts, or steaks. You can adjust the fire temperature using the dampers on the bottom of the kettle and the top of the domed lid.
Pros
- Designed to be durable
- Can be used to hybrid grill or smoke
- Lightweight and easy to move
- Friendly price point
Cons
- Might be a little on the small side
- Ash cleanup after every use
- Ash collector can loosen over time
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FAQs
What is the best way to light a charcoal grill?
There are numerous ways to ignite a charcoal barbecue, but using a chimney starter is usually the best option. Insert crumpled newspaper in the bottom of the tool and top it with charcoal; after lighting the bottom, your charcoal will be ready to add to the grill in about 10 minutes.
Another alternative is to use an electric charcoal lighter, which you place on the grill alongside the charcoal to heat the embers.
See more:
- How To Use A Weber Charcoal Grill (Instructions & Tips)
- How To Start A Charcoal Grill Without Lighter Fluid (5 Effective Methods)
What’s the best way to clean a charcoal grill?
After the coals have died down and the grill has cooled, clean the grates using a scraper and a wire grill brush. You may remove the grates and immerse them in soapy water for a few hours if necessary to release any burnt-on food or oil. Once they’re clean, use a cloth or paper towel to oil them to prevent corrosion lightly.
Finally, wash off the interior of the lid and bowl with a bit of soap and empty the ash collector on your barbecue.
Check out this video if you want to watch the whole process:
Conclusion
In the summer, nothing beats the scent and flavor of a charcoal barbecue. However, because the charcoal method requires a little more time and attention to get things precisely perfect, it’s crucial to invest in a charcoal grill that allows you to regulate the temperature efficiently, stays as hot as you need it to be throughout the meal, and requires a minimum clean-up once you’re done.
Hope that after reading this comprehensive guide, you have acquired all the necessary information and tips on how to find the best charcoal grill for steaks, including features to look for, materials, appearance, and pricing recommendations.