Best buys · The grill and the backyard

The best charcoal grill worth buying

Our pick is the Weber Original Kettle 22". Below: why, what actually matters when buying one, what to get for less, the step up, and whether today's price is a good one.

The grill

Weber Original Kettle 22"

Decades of the same design because it works. It grills hot and fast, smokes low and slow with a snake of charcoal, and spare parts are sold everywhere.

Buy it for
Anyone learning to cook on charcoal, and most people who already can.
Skip it if
You want to cook on a weeknight in ten minutes. That is a gas grill's job.

What actually matters when buying a charcoal grill

  1. Size. A 22-inch kettle feeds a family and still leaves room to move food off the heat.
  2. Vents top and bottom that you can adjust. Heat control on charcoal is airflow control.
  3. An ash catcher that empties easily, or you will stop cleaning it.
  4. Buy a chimney starter with it. It lights charcoal without lighter fluid and is the best twenty dollars you will spend on a grill.

Either side of the pick

The step up

Weber Master-Touch

The same kettle with a hinged grate, better ash handling and a lid holder. Nicer to live with every week.

Check the price at Amazon ↗

Discounted today, if you would rather

Not our pick. These are the charcoal grill offers live right now at stores we track, ranked on the evidence behind the price.

Weber 3-Sided Precision Wide Grill Spatula
Home & Workshop · checked 9m ago

Weber 3-Sided Precision Wide Grill Spatula

from $14.88
1 current offer 1 merchant
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Befano 3-in-1 1100W Electric Raclette Grill With Fondue Pot
Home & Workshop · checked 9m ago

Befano 3-in-1 1100W Electric Raclette Grill With Fondue Pot

from $39.99
1 current offer 1 merchant
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McCormick Grill Mates 3.5oz Pineapple Teriyaki Seasoning (Pack of 3)
Outdoors & Everyday · checked 21h ago

McCormick Grill Mates 3.5oz Pineapple Teriyaki Seasoning (Pack of 3)

from $5.91
1 current offer 1 merchant
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