Best Charcoal Grills Under $200

A charcoal grill is neither that complex nor involves modernized technology like a gas grill. Nevertheless, the charcoal grills definitely compete concerning the price, flavor, and comfort they give.

You can set a charcoal grill very easily; you just need a bag of charcoal along with the ingredients for the meal you want to have a wonderfully delicious meal, at any time.

We have our heart set on helping you cook more delicious, charcoal-favored dishes fast and easy in energy-efficient grills in a comfortable environment.

We have studied the most popular charcoal grills to get a hold of the best charcoal grills for under $200. We are going to know about their top features together with their pros and cons, to help you get to the best charcoal grill for you.

Buying Guide For Charcoal Grills Under $200

Everything must meet a standard to get the tag of best. Now we are going to know about the requirements or points to consider before we opt for choosing the perfect charcoal grill.

Construction

When it comes to looking for the features of a charcoal grill, acknowledge the construction of the grill carefully. Durability, versatility, efficiency, and comfort depend on the construction mostly. A heavy-duty material-built grill should top the list.

Access to charcoal

As the grill depends on charcoal fully, you must be able to add up more charcoal whenever needed or move the charcoal around so that you can control the temperature and cook properly. Nowadays, some grills out there offer a specific door just to add, remove or move the charcoal around. We recommend grabbing one of those.

Flexible charcoal control

For a smooth and soothing cooking experience, you must be able to adjust or modify the coals from time to time. To lessen the temperature, you have to lower the charcoal. To increase the temperature, you have to raise the charcoal. This feature means a lot, but sometimes we overlook it. Be careful about it.

Ash removal system

Alike access to charcoal, an ash-removal system is also important. If the ash remains inside, it starts to suck up the heat severely and shrinks or lowers the performance affecting your entire cooking experience. Put simply, a grill with an easy removal system is always preferable.

Digital Thermometers

Imagine you have overcooked your food or have not cooked properly or reduced the quality of a good night’s meal! I cannot even think of it! To avoid such occurrences, you need a thermometer of high-tech and high quality. Frankly speaking, in this modern era of times, dial thermometers, a technology of the 1800s, does not worth your money. Look for a charcoal grill that has digital and high-tech thermometers that functions properly. This is a safety precaution for ensuring proper cooking.

2-section cooking feature

To make good use of your money, you must go for a charcoal grill that has a 2-section cooking system. We like convection cooking and this feature allows us to cook using convection and indirect heat of the flame. When you remove the piece of meat from indirect or secondary heat and put it in the other cooking section, it roasts there using convection and less warmth from indirect heat. Opt for a grill that allows putting the charcoal on one side whenever you want, and use the 2-section cooking system for a better overall experience.

Number of Dampers

To function properly, a charcoal grill must have at least two dampers; one needs to be the intake and the other can be the exhaust. Another important step is making sure the intake damper is tight enough to control the flow of oxygen whenever you need it.

You will be using the intake damper to let the oxygen in to sustain the fire or block the oxygen to reduce the fire, thus controlling the temperature. On the other hand, the exhaust damper will do the job of taking the smoke and gases out of your grill; you will keep it open mostly.

Grates

We all want a good and comfortable cooking surface; this signifies the importance of grates in a grill. In the case of a charcoal grill, the cast iron grates may bring some trouble by mistreating the meat surface. Consequently, for a good cooking surface, grills with cheap wire are preferable and probably the best choice. Grills with cheap wire do not block the airflow and radiant heat flow; rather darken the whole piece of meat very efficiently.

LID

A lid is also a very important part of a grill. To apprehend the heat properly you must prefer a grill with a tighter lid.

When a charcoal grill meets these requirements properly, you may rely on it. We recommend you to buy a charcoal grill adhering to our buying guide.

Best charcoal grills under $200

Here are our top picks for the best charcoal grills. The list includes everything, from super basic to versatile or ultra-heavy duty grills…

Royal Gourmet CC1830F Charcoal Grill with Offset Smoker

We all prefer to have a grill with an offset smoker. The Royal Gourmet CC1830F Charcoal Grill is a complete sturdy package with an offset smoker and all the high-tech features that you would expect from an affordable charcoal grill at this price point.

Heavy-duty lid, adjustable dampers and air vent, 2-zone cooking, and side door allow the most to make from it by offering an excellent temperature control setting and hassle-free cooking throughout the year. It also matches match the criteria of a professional BBQ griller as well.

Features

• 800 sq. inches of total cooking surface, in which 438 sq. inches is the main chamber
• Offset smoker has 183 sq. inches cooking area
• Porcelain steel cooking grates
• The side door allows easy adding and moving of charcoal
• Digital thermometer for risk-free cooking
• Adjustable dampers for heat control at all times
• Comes with a huge charcoal pan that can accommodate 5 lbs. coal at once
• 2-zone cooking feature
• 2 wheels for easy portability
• Offers front table and bottom shelf to ensure maximum working storage

Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill

The Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill is fully packed with high-tech and desired features that a griller, be a hobbyist or professional, wants.

These features include the hinged cooking grate for easy adding and moving of coal, a one-touch clean system, and a never seen high-tech and high-capacity ash catcher.

Thus making it one of the most preferable charcoal grills for a soothing cooking experience from beginning to end.

Features

• 363 sq. inches of total cooking surface
• 7.5-inch high lid to ensure accuracy in comprehending and controlling the heat
• One-touch cleanup system
• Removable high quality and big capacity ash catcher
• Hinged cooking grate for easy adding and moving of coal
• Angled lid hook for the convenient placing of the lid on the grill
• Allows 2-zone cooking system
• Durable wheels for easy movement

Charcoal Grill Barbecue Portable BBQ

If you are looking for an all-purpose charcoal grill, then you can pick this one right away. It fits everywhere, such as the patio, camping, car camping, picnic, party, tailgating, fishing trips or you name it. It does not weigh much compared to others of its kind.

You can pick it up on the back of your car easily, and move on wherever you are going. Its grill has 4 detachable legs and ensures better airflow. Pre-seasoned iron adds to its reliability.

Features

• Assemble size: Approx.15.9*11*8.8in
• Folded Size: Approx.15*12*4in
• Pre-seasoned iron built
• Heavy-duty stainless steel body
• Comes with a coal door to provide comfort in adding or moving the coal around
• Adjustable heights of the grill
• High-quality sliding equipment to enable enhanced airflow
• Heat retention system to produce more out of less coal

Royal Gourmet CD1824A Charcoal Grill

It is another wonderful and preferable charcoal grill for multi-purposes. It is suitable for an outdoor party, patio, picnic, camping, etc. To add to its mobility, it comes complete with wheels enhancing its mobility up to 2X. Besides, it is pretty sturdy and looks really good; it is designed to feel good and look go at a time. As a full package for exploring the grilling world, it has gained quite a fame already. 

Features

• Item dimension is 50 x 22 x 48.8 inches
• 598 Sq. inches of total cooking surface, in which 393 Sq. inches is on grates
• Warming rack of a 205 Square inches cooking surface, which has  chrome steel wiring
• Front door system to access the charcoal pan while cooking
• Adjustable charcoal pan for heat control and flexible cooking
• Charcoal pan efficiency guarantees more warmth but consumes less coal
• Pullout ash catcher drawer
• Two dampers control the flow of oxygen, this controls the temperature effectively
• 2 side tables for more working spaces.

Char-Griller E06614 Charcoal Grill

The Char-Griller E06614 Charcoal Grill has added a new dimension to portability for charcoal grills. It features two adjustable dumpers, cast iron cooking grates, a heat gauge, an insulation system based on triple wall steel and so many high-tech features just to deliver a mind-blowing cooking experience.

Its easy clean-up system, comfortable portability, and lid lock features make it a top pick for various outdoor tasks including camping, tailgating, picnic, BBQ party, patio, etc.

Features

• Cast iron cooking grates with 153 sq. in. of total cooking surface
• Heavy-duty solid still construction to last for a long time
• Two adjustable dampers for easy temperature control
• Triple-walled insulation system to provide more warmth
• Easily cleanable dump ash pan
• Weighs less than others of its kind
• Offers suitable handles for easy pickup and transportation
• Heat gauge and a lid with a hinge

Char-Griller E22424 Table Top Charcoal Grill and Side Fire Box,

For those who are looking for a tabletop and offset smoking charcoal grill, the Char-Griller E22424 Table Top Charcoal Grill and Side Fire Box come to give them the most amazing grilling experience with its ultra-advanced features. Heavy-duty metal-built durable construction and optimal temperature control make it step up from the competitors. To be mentioned, it is also portable the most. It is really worth the money.

Features

• Offers a quality grill space of 250 sq. inches
• Offset smoking feature
• You can use it as both a tabletop grill or offset smoker
• High quality and heavy-duty steel built
• Features cast iron grill
• Adjustable dampers for convenient temperature control
• Dump ash pan with easy cleaning feature
• Side drawers allow more convenient cooking by allowing to the coal during cooking

BEAU JARDIN Portable Charcoal Grill for Outdoor 18 inch Barbecue

When your primary concern is superior heat retention of the charcoal grill, you may depend on the BEAU JARDIN Portable Charcoal Grill for an Outdoor 18-inch Barbecue Grill without any hesitation.

BEAU JARDIN has been known for its unmatchable heat retention system and durability because of using high tech and heavy-duty materials. It possesses an adjustable rust-resistant air vent of aluminum and allows the easiest and most effective way of heat control.  It is also a Go-anywhere grill.

Features

• The grill dimension is 17.5-inch*24-inch
• Adjustable and rust-resistant aluminum air vent
• Heavy-duty materials built grate
• Lid with a hook
• One-touch cleaning system
• Removable ash catcher
• It is backed by high-quality customer service

Weber 121020 Go-Anywhere Charcoal Grill, Black,14.5″ H x 21″ W x 12.25″

If you are looking for a lightweight charcoal grill, you got your best pick actually. The Weber 121020 Go-Anywhere Charcoal Grill is pretty lightweight and very easily portable, making it one of the most popular charcoal grills amongst the grillers who like a GO-anywhere type grill. It has a lid lock option and it is rust-resistant, so take it wherever you want to and enjoy quality time.

Features

• The primary cooking area is 16 sq. in.
• Heavy-duty stainless steel grates
• Comes with 3D instruction for assembly
• Lid lock feature and rectangular shape
• Features plated Steel Legs
• Easily adjustable dampers to master the temperature
• Rust or peel resistant
• Lightweight; weighs only 6.59 Kilograms

Cuisinart CCG190RB Portable Charcoal Grill, 14-Inch, Red, 14.5″ x 14.5″ x 15″

The Cuisinart CCG190RB Portable Charcoal Grill stands out compared to others because of its safety ensured transportability and versatility. It features three lid locks at a time making it one of the safest grills to transport. Another very interesting thing about this magnificent product weighs only 2 lbs., which has made rank among the top picks for adventure lovers.

Features

• The chrome-plated cooking rack offers a 150 sq. in. of total cooking surface
• A dual ventilation system allows very convenient temperature control
• The grill dimension is 14. 5 x 14. 5 x 15 inches
• Very lightweight; weighs only 2 lbs.
• Durable enamel coated made firebox
• Mess-free ash catcher
• Features 3 secure lid locks which are very rare
• Compact design so easily portable

Pizzacraft PC7001 PizzaQue Deluxe Outdoor Pizza Oven Kettle Grill Conversion Kit

It is a revolutionary product of Pizza Quo. It feels fantastic to enjoy a delicious homemade pizza within a few minutes. The PizzaQue Deluxe Outdoor Pizza Oven Kettle Grill is such a product that you can convert into a pizza oven at any time.

It will allow a temperature of 900F to cook the pizza properly and evenly. It is fast and easy to install, and, apart from charcoal, it works with wood chunks and other similar fuels. Buy one as soon as possible to enjoy homemade pizza.

Features

• Easily transferable into a pizza oven
• The temperature gets up to 900F
• Runs on similar products of charcoal
• Stainless steel made kettle converter
• Features built-in thermometer
• Features aluminum pizza peel, which is wide folding
• Takes 3-5 minutes to cook a pizza

FAQ

This portion of the article will answer the most frequently asked questions around the web, concerning charcoal grills.

What Makes a Good Charcoal Grill?

Certain advanced features make good charcoal. These features together make charcoal worth your money by offering durability, efficiency, and cooking comfort.

Those features are heavy-duty material, digital thermometers, lid, quality grates, easy charcoal control, 2-section cooking system, dampers, etc.

Are Charcoal Grills Better?

That’s totally relative and depends on your need. There are several types of grills, e.g., hybrids, electric, kamados, pellet grills, and many to name, but gas and charcoal grills have gained more popularity.

Charcoal burns hotter and gives smoke flavor. It does not take any difficult setup. Additionally, it is more portable; you just need a bag of charcoal.  Considering all these, lots of people also prefer charcoal grills as well. There, depending on your needs the answer varies.

Are our charcoal grills safe?

If you use safely a charcoal grill adhering to safety precautions then it is safe. Nevertheless, if you be indifferent while using may lead to dangerous situations, such as serious burning or carbon monoxide poisoning, etc. Besides, excessive use may give rise to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and heterocyclic amines problems.

How do charcoal grills work?

In a charcoal grill, food is directly put on the radiant heat. You can control the temperature and smoke partly by using the dampers (intake and exhaust).

When you lower the charcoal, the temperature decreases; raising the charcoal gives rise to the temperature. If you move the charcoal aside, you can use convection cooking.

Can a charcoal grill be used as a smoker?

Yes, a charcoal grill can be used as a smoker. You will need a drip pan, a water pan, and a thermometer that is oven safe. At last, a way to make fire, outside the grill, using the fuel.

Can charcoal grills be used for camping?

Yes, you can use charcoal grills for camping. Charcoal grills are easily portable, weigh less, and are collapsible. Therefore, you can use them in your yard or outside and even for camping.

Are charcoal grills suitable for large groups?

Charcoal grills offer a large range of sizes to match your needs. Smaller sizes are easy to handle, but there are sizes that can feed a large crowd easily. Just buy one with a larger capacity, and manage a large group at ease.

Which type of charcoal should you use?

There are two types of charcoal. Use the lump charcoal for foods that cook quickly, e.g., steaks, fish, burgers, etc. because it is warmer or hotter. Use briquettes for slow cooking and for food like ribs, beef brisket, pulled pork, etc. that cook slowly. Usually, briquettes are used as regular charcoal.

How long do you let the charcoal burn before cooking?

It is recommended that let the charcoal burn until you see the smoke and white-gray ash covering the charcoal. Generally, it takes about 10-15 minutes to heat up properly.

What is the best charcoal grill for the money?

That depends on your price point and other needs at once. It varies from time to time to match your needs.

Can you use a charcoal grill in the rain?

Electric grills are not safe to use in rain, but you can use charcoal or a gas grill in the rain.

Are they suitable for professional barbecue grillers?

Charcoal grills with advanced features can fulfill any of your needs. You can throw a big party, feed a big crowd or you can be a professional barbecue griller without any problem. Just look for the right size and other features needed.

Can a charcoal grill cause carbon monoxide?

Yes, a charcoal grill can create carbon monoxide poisoning. If you use it for a long time in an enclosed space, the fuel or coal cannot burn fully, and it starts to resale carbon monoxide poisoning.

How to Clean Charcoal Grill?

You should clean your grill at least once a year. It is an easy process for a charcoal grill. Just do as followed:

• Clean off all the ashes
• Remove the grates and other removable parts
• Use brush
• Use an aluminum foil scrubber
• Clean the lid and bottom

Final Thoughts

Eventually, everything gets back to finding the best charcoal grill for your concerned needs. In fact, choosing the right one is the most significant step; versatility, efficiency, the comfort of cooking, etc. depend on it.

We have outlined every subtle thing to consider before buying a charcoal grill based on a price point. Apart from the price point, considering all the aspects we have brought down the list of best charcoal grills under 200.

If you consider your needs and stick to our buying guide, we hope you will get the best charcoal grill for you. That is the ultimate purpose of our article.