10 Best Charcoal Bbq Grill 2025 in the United States

The Kamado Joe Big Joe Series II 24-inch Ceramic Charcoal Grill and Smoker is a versatile and high-quality option for outdoor cooking enthusiasts. With a substantial 450 square inch cooking area, it accommodates a large amount of food, making it ideal for gatherings. The ceramic material ensures excellent heat retention and durability, while the stainless steel grates offer a sturdy cooking surface. The grill's air lift hinge is a standout feature, significantly reducing the dome's weight and making it easy to lift with a single finger, enhancing user comfort.

The Divide & Conquer system adds flexibility by allowing different foods to be cooked at varying temperatures on separate levels, effectively doubling the cooking space. Precise airflow control is achieved with the patented all-aluminum, no-rust control tower top vent, which maintains consistent settings and is rain-proof. The advanced multi-panel firebox design reduces the risk of breakage, and the double-thick wire mesh fiberglass gasket provides an airtight seal, ensuring long-lasting performance.

However, at 394 pounds, this grill is quite heavy, which limits its portability. It's more suitable for a permanent spot in your backyard rather than for frequent moving. While it excels in build quality and additional features, the hefty weight and price point might be a consideration for some users. This grill is perfect for serious grillers who value quality and are looking for a durable, versatile, and feature-rich cooking companion.

The Royal Gourmet CC1830S offers a large cooking area of 811 square inches, which is great if you want to grill for many people at once or enjoy slow smoking alongside direct grilling. It features a combination of a 443 sq. in. porcelain-enameled cooking grate, a warming rack, and an offset smoker, giving you flexibility for different cooking styles. The steel frame with powder-coated finish feels sturdy and should resist outdoor wear reasonably well. Ventilation is thoughtfully designed with an adjustable charcoal pan at two heights and side air vents, allowing good control over heat and smoke flow.

The offset smoker attachment integrates well, making it easier to add charcoal or remove ash without disturbing your food. The built-in thermometer on the lid is useful for monitoring cooking temperature without guessing. Cleaning is somewhat simplified by the removable charcoal pan, though assembly and maintenance will require some effort due to its size and multiple parts. While the grill weighs about 50 pounds, it lacks wheels, so it’s not the most portable option if you plan to move it frequently.

Ample side and front tables with hook holders provide handy space for tools and ingredients, but the bottom shelf has limited capacity (20 lbs), so keep that in mind for storage needs. This grill and smoker combo is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts who want a versatile, large grill primarily for backyard use or camping where space and transport are less of a concern. If portability is a priority or you prefer a lightweight model, this might feel a bit bulky. However, its solid build, large cooking surface, and good airflow control make it a strong choice for those looking to explore both grilling and smoking over charcoal.

The Napoleon PRO605CSS Professional Charcoal Grill stands out with its significant cooking area of 605 square inches, making it ideal for large gatherings or family cookouts. This space can accommodate up to 37 hamburgers at once, which is impressive for those who need to cater to many guests. The use of porcelainized cast iron cooking grates ensures even heating, allowing for a perfect sear on your food and the option to reverse grids for larger sear marks, which can enhance flavor by holding juices close to the food.

Constructed with stainless steel, the grill promises durability and a sleek appearance that fits well in outdoor settings. However, at 236 pounds, it's quite heavy and may not be the best option if portability is a key concern for you. This weight suggests it’s meant to stay in one location rather than be frequently moved around.

Cleaning this grill might be more challenging due to the cast iron grates, which typically require special care to prevent rusting and maintaining seasoning. The assembly required noted in the specs could also mean that setup is not as straightforward as some might prefer. This grill is best suited for someone who prioritizes cooking space and durability over portability and ease of cleaning.