To perfectly grill meat, fish, and vegetables, for trips, camping, or a garden party, in this purchase guide, we see which are the best charcoal barbecues on the market to buy this year and which to choose according to your own needs.
The charcoal barbecue is a classic for Sunday outings, a friend’s party, or a family lunch. We can prepare steaks, skewers, sausages, hamburgers, and many fish and vegetables with the barbecue. We can also heat piadine, sandwiches, and pizzas to offer a rich lunch to our guests.
Cooking with a charcoal barbecue has many advantages. First of all, the fact that the meat’s flavor is inimitable on the grill. For this reason, an excellent barbecue cannot compare with other cooking methods, even when they may seem more comfortable or faster.
Various charcoal barbecues are on the market, from professional to occasional ones. Depending on your available space, you can evaluate the large barbecues, which are excellent for those with a large garden.
Alternatively, you can choose a portable charcoal barbecue on balconies, terraces, or small courtyards and store it during the winter months.
Using the barbecue is even more beautiful in open spaces. Still, to carry it comfortably, it is better to choose compact and light models to put in the car’s trunk, bearing in mind that we will also have to carry other luggage.
The latest generation charcoal barbecues are also designed to emit very little smoke, an important feature not to disturb the neighbors or coal-gas hybrids capable of not producing them.
Table of Contents
How to choose a charcoal barbecue
Let’s see the fundamental characteristics to consider when choosing the ideal charcoal barbecue for your needs.
Types of charcoal barbecues
Four charcoal, bell, open, table, and combined barbecues are designed for different needs and uses.
Bell barbecue
They are barbecues with a circular cooking surface, a bowl, and a lid with a typical rounded appearance. Supported by a tripod or a bracket, these barbecues offer a different cooking system than the open brazier. The air circulates differently inside them thanks to their shape, and the temperature rises faster. Also, the ventilation system and the lid reduce the formation of smoke.
Barbecue open in a brazier
The traditional barbecue is open and almost always has a rectangular shape offering a larger cooking surface. A more or less high screen protects the cooking grill. In general, it offers more possibilities with interchangeable and height-adjustable grids.
By purchasing a rectangular barbecue, you can choose a model equipped with shelves to store dishes and food, a feature that makes cooking operations much easier.
Table barbecue
It is an ultra-compact type of barbecue without a trolley and a base. For this, they must be placed on a table or other surface. Eventually, they can also be placed on the ground and sit around them like fire.
In this sense, they are less comfortable but beneficial when traveling light, with little space in the car. Of course, they are also excellent for use in the garden. On the market, there are both open brazier and bell models.
Combined coal-gas barbecue
Lighting the charcoal barbecue can sometimes be complicated, especially for the less experienced. There are commercially available combined barbecues equipped with a gas starter. In turn, they are distinguished in barbecues with electric or manual induction.
These barbecues speed up the ignition thanks to the charcoal’s immediate heating. These models are also beneficial when you want to use both fuels. For example, coal can be used in the garden, and gas when cooking on the veranda to avoid smoke.
The top-of-the-range combined barbecues are a hybrid between barbecue and oven. The best models always have a lid and side burners to cook other foods or keep them warm.
They include knobs and a thermostat to regulate the temperature. They are very efficient but not portable models, and their portability is limited to the garden or the backyard.
Materials
The lighter charcoal barbecues are made of stainless steel or mixed steel-aluminum material. As a result, they are the easiest to clean, stainless, and weatherproof.
There are still many cast-iron models on the market. Cast iron heats up more slowly, but it is an excellent heat conductor and allows exceptional cooking. On the other hand, cleaning is more demanding than steel barbecues.
Even for the grids’ construction, the best material is stainless steel for hygiene and easy cleaning; it is also non-deformable to heat. Aluminum grids, which are lighter to handle, are commonly provided. They are safe in contact with food and nickel-free.
Cover
The charcoal barbecues with a lid offer uniform cooking thanks to the increased temperature inside. In this case, the barbecue works like an oven because the food cooks from all sides, and there is no risk of burning it.
Many barbecue models have a thermostat on the lid to check the temperature. The lid also allows us to save on charcoal, which will burn more slowly.
Without the lid, the heat comes only from below, and you must turn the food more often to avoid burning. Furthermore, being close to the hot grill is not for everyone, and you need a minimum of experience to obtain perfect cooking.
The barbecue’s lid can be completely removable, in which case the hooks for hanging it sideways are very useful, present only in the best models. This detail offers great convenience to those who work in the barbecue and avoid finding another foothold for the hot lid.
The lid can be folded down to remain open in other barbecues without placing it somewhere. In the top of the range models, the lid can be kept open with different degrees of inclination, so instead of opening it completely, you can also keep it ajar according to the cooking needs.
Grids
For professional cooking, you must not forget the importance of the grill. The best charcoal barbecues, especially the open ones, have a height-adjustable grill. This allows you to keep food closer or further away from the embers.
If you want to cook different types of food, opting for different interchangeable grids with more or less narrow links is better. In this way, we can grill even smaller cuts of fish, meat, or vegetables without risking dropping them in the embers.
Also, the grill is very convenient for keeping food warm, raised above the fire. The grates must always be good quality in contact with food because they are exposed to hot temperatures and must be washed every time.
The cleaning of the grill is essential for hygiene and to obtain professional cooking. Depending on the manufacturer’s instructions, you can wash some grill types in the dishwasher while washing all the others by hand.
Since the grill is a removable part of the barbecue, it is possible to replace it quite easily with the many spare parts on the market if it does not satisfy us after a few years.
Dimensions and Weight
To consider the charcoal barbecue’s right size, we must consider where we will use it. For example, if we only need a barbecue at home, we can opt for a super-equipped model, perhaps a coal-gas hybrid, to have a large cooking surface and ample room for maneuver. In this case, a barbecue can be up to 47 inches high and weigh over 88 lbs.
If we have space problems or need a barbecue for trips and excursions, we must choose compact models easily transported by car. In this case, even the cooking surface must be sacrificed for lightness and minimum size.
A small portable barbecue can weigh over 22 lbs with dimensions that do not exceed 27 inches in height and 18 inches in width (or diameter in bell models).
A medium-sized model can reach a height of 36 inches and 24 inches in width or diameter for 39 and 65 lbs. In general, rectangular models offer a larger cooking surface.
Another factor to consider is the adjustable height present in quality barbecues. Depending on the case, different people can use and adapt it to the duty user.
Wheels
Choosing a charcoal barbecue with wheels is essential to move it comfortably from one point to another, not only to take it out or set it aside but because it may also be necessary to move it once it is turned on, for one reason or another.
The barbecues on the balcony or terrace are equipped with swivel castors, but if you want to use them outdoors, it is better to opt for large rubber wheels that can move even on soft ground, such as the lawn.
When the barbecue is equipped with four wheels, it must normally also have a safety lock to prevent it from moving during use. On the other hand, if it has only two wheels, plus one or two feet that rest on the ground, it will be necessary to tilt it slightly to move it.
Ash collection drawer
The ash pan is very convenient and allows you to cook for hours without worrying about cleaning. I will extract the drawer at the end and when the ashes are cold without removing the cooking grid or the charcoal present.
In addition to the ease of cleaning, the drawer under the embers is also useful for better combustion. It collects the ashes and the finest pieces of charcoal, leaving room for burning without excessive ash to suffocate the fire.
Ventilation
The best charcoal barbecues with a lid are equipped with a ventilation system. This allows the air to enter and exit to give more or less oxygen to the fire and regulate the temperature. Ventilation is achieved with holes or slits. Depending on the barbecue models, we find two, three, or more holes open and close with special levers.
When the holes are opened, the air is sucked in by the embers’ heat and further feeds them by raising the temperature. Oxygen is removed from the fire when the holes are closed, and the heat loses intensity.
Baskets or rails separate coal.
Two methods are used for cooking on the grill: direct or indirect. With direct cooking, the embers are simply under the grill and at a close range of the food. On the other hand, with indirect cooking, the embers are moved sideways concerning the food to proceed more slowly.
Professional charcoal barbecues are equipped with removable metal baskets to avoid fumbling with embers. The baskets move apart by pulling a lever, separating the embers, and moving them laterally, leaving a void in the center. This operation is also useful when the embers are too hot, thus, slightly lowering the temperature.
Handles
Depending on the barbecue model, we can find different types of handles. For example, we find metal handles in the covers, generally of the same material as the cover, covered with glass fibers or other heat-resistant material. Of course, a good barbecue must allow you to touch the handles without getting burned, so the best handles are large.
Another matter for the handles that are used for transport. They can sometimes be plastic on the side or under the brazier because they do not come into contact with heat.
Stability
In addition to all the functions that help us make the perfect grill, we could buy a charcoal barbecue based on stability. After all, we talk about fire, and especially during parties and outings, it is common to have many people around.
Given that a brazier should never be left unattended, we have already mentioned that larger models equipped with a cabinet offer better stability than others.
Even considering portable barbecues, the most stable models are rectangular with 4 feet. If equipped with wheels, two must be locked.
Some tripod barbecue models may be less stable, and there is a greater chance that they will tip over if inadvertently hit. This does not mean we must give up these types, but they must be kept an eye on, especially if many children or pets are around.
Accessories
Among the many accessories we can find supplied with the barbecue are tool holder hooks, baskets, grids, and shelves for storing condiments, dishes, or other necessary utensils.
Some models of charcoal barbecues are equipped with a dispenser. Therefore, pouring the right amount of charcoal suitable for the barbecue in question is beneficial and avoids exaggerating the quantity.
Another accessory available is the bellows to feed the flames, especially at ignition and whenever you want to rekindle the fire. This is especially useful in open braziers that do not have a ventilation system.
Where to place the charcoal barbecue
It is better to place it against a wall to use the charcoal barbecue in your garden or on a terrace. In this way, you get better shelter from the wind and avoid walking around the barbecue, creating a dedicated and safer corner.
To use the barbecue outdoors, it is best to place it away from trees and dry vegetation. Always place the barbecue on flat and stable ground; if it is impossible, it must be prepared by removing stones or branches.
Even in this case, it is better to prevent children from turning around and choosing a point away from the table, paying attention to the wind’s direction, and smoking not to annoy our guests or anyone else.
Most provident keep a bucket of water near the barbecue just in case. Before throwing away the charcoal and ash, make sure it is freezing. You can pour it onto a metal container which will go out faster.
Charcoal compared to gas and electric models.
Speaking of costs, the charcoal barbecue is generally cheaper than the gas or electric models, both for the cost incurred at the time of purchase and fuel consumption.
Coal costs less than gas and electricity, and you can find ready-made bags of charcoal in all supermarkets. If you have a fireplace or a wood stove, you can store the charcoal in winter for use with the barbecue in the summer months.
Coal briquettes have been used a lot. Lately, that is larger and more compact pieces. They are much slower at the moment of ignition. Still, they retain the heat longer while keeping the temperature constant once heated. For this reason, they are suitable for large barbecues and abundant grilling.
The best charcoal barbecues to buy
Below is the ranking of the best charcoal barbecues in a price range between $30 and $200.
- 𝐄𝐱𝐭𝐫𝐚 𝐋𝐚𝐫𝐠𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠...
- 𝐓𝐰𝐨 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐨𝐚𝐥...
- 𝐓𝐰𝐨 𝐅𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐒𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐓𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞𝐬:...
- 627 Smoking Space: 443 sq. in. porcelain-enameled steel wire cooking grates with 184 sq....
- Heat Control: Close the side air vent completely that cuts off the oxygen flow to help...
- Adjustable Fire Grates: 2-level height-adjustable fire pan ensures more controlled cooking...
- 811 Square Inches: Includes 443 sq. in. porcelain-enameled steel wire cooking grates, 184...
- Tasty Smoke Flavors: The offset smoker is firmly attached to grill to ensure good...
- Adjustable Pan: 2-level height-adjustable charcoal pan creates better heat control and...
- Dual-Chamber Design: Features a main charcoal grill chamber and side offset smoker,...
- Easy Mobility: 2 cart-style wheels & stainless steel handles make this portable charcoal...
- Temperature Control: Adjustable air vents and chimney damper allow precise heat...
- ❤ SPACIOUS COOKING AREA: The Charcoal Grill features a generous 332 square inches of...
- ❤ CONVENIENT SIDE TABLES: Equipped with two side tables, MASTER COOK charcoal grill...
- ❤ DURABLE DESIGN & FEATURES: Constructed with a heavy-duty steel structure, our charcoal...
- Extra Prep and Storage Space: One foldable side table offers extra workspace for...
- Spacious Cooking Area: A total of 490 square inches cooking area includes 384 sq. in....
- Height-adjustable Charcoal Pan: Height-adjustable charcoal pan with a crank handle that...
- Precise Temperature Management: Achieve grilling excellence with the accurate built-in...
- Optimal Cooking Area: Enhance your outdoor grilling with our compact charcoal grill with...
- Effortless Mobility and Storage: Designed with convenience in mind, this portable charcoal...
- If you love a smoky grilled flavor in meats, vegetables, etc., this simple lightweight BBQ...
- Foldable and portable. The BBQ Grills folding legs are designed for easy transportation...
- Made of 430 rust-resistant stainless steel. Heat-resistant and not deformable. Its air...
- Superior Construction - The Gas On barbecue grill charcoal features a 14-inch / 150-square...
- 3-Point Locking Lid - Our bbq grill charcoal is equipped with a special lid designed with...
- Excellent Ventilation - This charcoal grill portable features a dual ventilation system...
- 811 Square Inches: Includes 443 sq. in. porcelain-enameled steel wire cooking grates, 184...
- Tasty Smoke Flavors: The offset smoker is firmly attached to grill to ensure good...
- Adjustable Pan: 2-level height-adjustable charcoal pan creates better heat control and...
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