10 Best Charcoal Grills 2025 in the United States

The Kamado Joe Big Joe Series II is a standout option in the charcoal grill category, particularly for those who enjoy versatility and high-quality cooking experiences. One of its key strengths is the generous cooking area of 450 square inches, enhanced by the exclusive divide & conquer flexible cooking system. This allows for multilevel cooking, enabling users to prepare different foods simultaneously, which is ideal for gatherings or family meals. The air lift hinge is another excellent feature, making it effortless to lift the grill dome, providing comfort while grilling.

The build quality is impressive, with a ceramic body and stainless steel grates, ensuring durability and excellent heat retention. The patented control tower vent allows for fine-tuned airflow management, which is crucial for achieving the desired cooking temperature. Additionally, the innovative fiberglass gasket enhances the grill's airtight seal, extending the life of the grill.

There are some considerations to keep in mind. The size and weight of the grill may make it less portable than some users might prefer, particularly those who need to move it frequently for storage or transport. While it has features that enhance ease of cleaning, the ceramic material can still require careful handling to avoid damage. This grill is particularly suited for enthusiasts who prioritize a versatile cooking experience and appreciate quality craftsmanship. It might be less ideal for those seeking a lightweight or easily transportable option. If you're looking for a high-performance charcoal grill that excels in functionality and design, the Kamado Joe Big Joe Series II is worth considering.

The Kamado Joe Big Joe Series III is a large and sturdy ceramic charcoal grill offering a generous 450 square inches of cooking area, suitable for anyone who wants to cook for a crowd or experiment with multiple foods at once. Its ceramic build ensures excellent heat retention and durability, though the grill is quite heavy at 445 pounds, which limits portability despite the included rolling cart with locking wheels. One standout feature is the SlōRoller insert, which uses advanced airflow science to distribute smoke and heat evenly, enhancing flavor while reducing hot spots—a big plus for smoking enthusiasts.

The 3-tier Divide & Conquer system adds versatility by allowing you to cook different foods at various temperatures simultaneously. Temperature control is very precise thanks to the Kontrol Tower top vent, which manages airflow well and supports a wide temperature range from low smoking (225°F) to high searing (750°F). The air lift hinge also makes opening the heavy dome easier, improving user comfort. Cleaning might be a bit involved given the ceramic material and multiple components, but this is typical for kamado-style grills.

This grill is ideal for outdoor cooking enthusiasts who value quality craftsmanship, flavor precision, and flexibility over easy transport or simple cleanup.

The Weber Original Kettle Premium is a 22-inch charcoal grill that offers a generous cooking area suitable for about 13 burgers at once, making it a good choice for family gatherings or small parties. Its build quality is impressive, with a porcelain-enameled lid and bowl that resist rust and hold heat well, helping your food cook evenly and retain flavor. The grill’s steel cooking grate is strong and built to last, while the glass-reinforced nylon handles stay cool and sturdy even with frequent use.

Ventilation and temperature control are user-friendly thanks to the rust-resistant aluminum damper and a built-in lid thermometer that lets you monitor heat without lifting the lid. The One-Touch cleaning system with a removable ash catcher makes cleanup easier and less messy, which is great for those who want to spend more time grilling and less on maintenance. Portability is decent with all-weather wheels and a manageable weight of about 32 pounds; it’s not the lightest grill, but you can move it around your patio comfortably. Additional features like tool hooks and an angled lid hook add convenience.

Assembly is required, which might take some time, and while the cooking surface is ample for casual use, those wanting to grill for very large groups may find it a bit limited. This grill is well suited for outdoor cooking enthusiasts who value durability, easy temperature control, and straightforward cleaning.