Best Budget Charcoal Grills: Top 7 Reviewed

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Summer is here and that means it is that time of the year when charcoal grills come out and burger patties and hotdogs go on the grill! If you are considering getting a new charcoal grill as your old charcoal grill is no longer fulfilling your grilling needs, you have enough reason for the upgrade.

In a Hurry? Here are Our Top Choices

A quick glance in the market of charcoal grills reveals a wide range of grills at different prices, but you want the best budget charcoal grill. That requires extensive research because when it comes to barbecuing, you cannot afford to make a mistake by buying a charcoal grill that lets you down.

The 7 Best Budget Charcoal Grills

Luckily, you do not have to perform any research, as we have compiled a list of the best and budget-friendly charcoal grills for you to consider for your next barbecue:

1. Weber Original Kettle Premium

Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill, 22-Inch, Black
  • Holds up to 13 burgers made with a Weber burger press; Built-in lid thermometer
  • One-Touch cleaning system with high-capacity ash catcher provides hassle-free ash cleanup
  • Porcelain-enameled lid and bowl retain heat, and won’t rust or peel
  • Use the lid hook to avoid placing the lid on the ground while grilling
  • Cooking grate is hinged for easily adding charcoal while grilling
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With the Weber Original Kettle Premium, you can cook up to 13 burger patties. You can ensure your meat is thoroughly cooked using the built-in thermometer of the equipment. The grill features air vents, which allow you to control the temperature found on the bottom and cover of the grill. When you need to reduce the temperature, close the vents on the top and bottom.

The charcoal grill is available in numerous sizes and colors. The three sizes that you can choose include the 18-inch, 22-inch, and 26-inch models. The available colors include black, copper, and green. After you are done grilling, just use its one-touch cleaning system, featuring a high-capacity ask catcher for a quick and easy cleanup.

The grill will remain part of your barbecuing tradition for several long years due to the durable material it is made out of. The lid and bowl of the grill are made from porcelain-enameled bowl and lid to retain heat. Rest assured, it will also not peel or rust.

When you need to remove the lid and put it to the side, you can place it on the hook instead of placing it on a table or ground. If you need to add charcoal to it, you can add it easily because of the hinged cooking grill.

2. The Original PK Grill & Smoker

PK Grills PKO-SCAX-X Original PK Grill & Smoker Grill Smoker, Silver
  • A charcoal grill and smoker - pks unique capsule shape and 4 vents make it easy to grill hot and fast or low and slow.
  • Cast aluminum construction - aluminum is rust-proof, durable, lightweight and conducts heat 4x more efficiently than Steel Charcoal grills.
  • 10-Year - buy with confidence. Pk cast aluminum charcoal grills are covered against rust, burnout or breakage for a full decade.
  • Portable - the Original pk grill & smoker Detaches easily from any of its available stand options for transport. As a portable smoker grill, packs are great for Tailgating, camping, fishing/hunting cabins, etc.
  • Built to cook - with 300 square inches of cooking surface, This charcoal grill can handle everything from brats to a Thanksgiving Turkey.
  • AWARD WINNING CHARCOAL GRILLS - Consumers Digest Best Buy 2017, AmazingRibs Pitmaster Best Value Pitmaster Award 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2018 Official Grill of Steak Cookoff Association.
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The Original PK Grill & Smoker is modeled after the 1950s’ charcoal grill design except with one difference, it features several useful upgrades. Created from cast aluminum for increased heat radiation, your food will be evenly cooked as it conducts heats four times more efficiently than a steel charcoal grill.

The rust-proof, lightweight, and durable aluminum increases the lifespan of the grill. The charcoal grill, which comes in both a standard version and stainless steel grid, boasts a capsule shape with four vents, which allow you to grill fast and hot as well as slow and low.

Since it is a portable grill, you can transport it with ease. This charcoal grill has won several awards in different categories over the years. It also offers you a 10-year warranty, thus giving you the confidence to buy it, knowing that you can return it if you spot an issue.

3. Char-Broil Tru-Infrared Kettleman

Char-Broil TRU-Infrared Kettleman Charcoal Grill, 22.5 Inch
  • Charcoal kettle grill with a 360- square inch total cooking surface.
  • 22.5-inch diameter porcelain-coated cooking grate keeps food on top and prevents flare-ups.
  • Hinged lid with mounted temperature gauge for ease of operation and temperature monitoring.
  • Removable ash bowl for simple clean-up; engineered to operate with less charcoal than others.
  • 25.8-inches long x 25.8-inches wide x 38.8-inches high. 10-year limited warranty.
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The Char-Broil Tru-Infrared Kettleman is available with and without cover. With a grilling surface of 360-square feet, the charcoal grill has a 22.5-inch diameter cooking grate, coated with porcelain, that prevents flare-ups and keeps food on top.

The charcoal grill features a hinged lid with an attached temperature to ensure your meat cooks evenly. Its tru-infrared system ensures no cold spots occur during grilling. You can remove the ash bowl to clean it up after you have cooked and served the food. You will also not have to worry about food falling through the grates.

The charcoal grill also consumes less fuel, as the charcoals are placed near the grates.You will not need to use a lot of charcoal to grill the food either because the manufacturer has built it to ensure minimal clean up is needed. With the purchase of the charcoal grill, you receive a 10-year limited warranty.

4. Dyna-Glo Dual Zone Premium Charcoal Grill

Dyna-Glo DGN576SNC-D Dual Zone Premium Charcoal Grill, X-Large, Stainless
  • Removable firebox divider for single or dual cooking zone
  • Primary cooking area is 576 square inches
  • Secondary cooking area is 240 square inches
  • TOTAL cooking area is 816 square inches
  • Protect your grill with a custom-fit Dyna-Glo premium cover - Model # DG576CC (Sold Separately)
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The Dyna-Glo Dual Zone Premium Charcoal Grill is a functional charcoal grill with a dual chamber. The stainless charcoal grill has a lifespan of several years. It comes with a steel firebox divider, which you can remove to create a two-zone cooking grill. You can elevate the tray and lower the charcoal to adjust the temperature.

The charcoal grill also has dual steel doors, which allow you to stoke the coals or add briquettes during grilling. You can slide its cooking grates from side to side for increased access to the coals. Its cooking grates, coated with porcelain-enameled, are great for searing and locking the juices of the food.

Coated with high gloss enamel, you can easily clean it both before and after grilling. The pan underneath the charcoal grill is large and removable. It catches ash and grease. Just slide it out after grilling to discard it.

5. Char-Griller Patio Pro

Char-Griller E1515 Patio Pro Charcoal Grill, Black
  • 250 square inches of cooking space, cast iron cooking grates, side drawer
  • Ideal for small decks or patios
  • Features Stay Cool wood handle, side shelf, double steel bottom and side air vent
  • Wheels make this grill easy to move
  • Assembly required
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Char-Griller Patio Pro, featuring 250 square inches of cooking surface has cast iron cooking grates, a side air vent, side drawer for quick and easy discarding, double steel bottom, and wheels to transport it easily from one place to another.

If you are searching for a charcoal grill to place on a small patio space, consider this one. Due to its size, it will not take up as much space. Made from heavy steel, premium construction, and powder coating, you will find yourself using the charcoal grill for several years.

You can use this compact charcoal grill to grill a whole chicken, tri-tip, 6 17-inches kebabs, and roast some tomatoes and peppers. You can open and close the lid of the charcoal grill with ease due to its wooden handle. You will need to assemble it after getting it.

6. Char-Griller Akorn Kamado Kooker Charcoal Barbecue Grill and Smoker

Char-Griller E56720 AKORN Kamado Charcoal Grill, Blue
  • 314 Square inches of primary cooking space, warming rack 133 Square inches for a total of 447 Square inches
  • Insulated design means more heat uses less charcoal and less airflow means insulated heat for juicy meat
  • Cooking surface is cast iron, body is constructed of 22 gauge Steel, exterior finish is powder coated Steel, interior finish is porcelain coated steel
  • Cart is constructed of tubular steel W/rubber wheels, locking caster on front, indexed damper is numbered so you can note the position of the damper
  • Features locking lid, 2 folding Black metal shelves, Easy dump ash pan, double wall insulation, heat gauge
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The Char-Griller Akorn Kamado Kooker Charcoal Barbecue Grill and Smoker comes with an assortment of features that ensure you receive a good grilling experience. The charcoal grill is made from durable steel material to ensure a long lifespan.

Featuring a 314-square inch main cooking space with warming rack featuring 133-square inches of space, you receive a total of 447-square inches space. Its cast iron surface combined with a 22-gauge steel constructed body and the powder-coated exterior finish on the steel, and porcelain-coated interior finish, the charcoal grill will provide you with years of grilling.

The charcoal grill’s insulated design means its use entails increased heat, less charcoal, and less airflow. Insulated heat ensures that the food remains juicy. The charcoal grill also has folding side shelves, a heat gauge, a tubular steel cart featuring rubber wheels.

The numbers on the indexed damper indicate the position of the damper. The charcoal grill also maintains the grilling temperature from 200 degrees Fahrenheit and 700 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure your meat is cooked thoroughly. The charcoal grill is available in three great colors – black, red, and blue. You can use the charcoal grill for both smoking and grilling as it is a two-in-one grill.

7. Broil King Keg 5000

Broil King 911470 Keg 5000 Kamado Grill, 18.5-IN Diameter, Metallic Charcoal
  • DESIGNED FOR DURABILITY AND PERFORMANCE - the Keg features an insulated double-walled steel grill body that retains heat and moisture more efficiently than ceramic grills, wont absorb moisture and odors like ceramic, and will not crack like ceramic can
  • COOK MORE, USE LESS CHARCOAL - with its insulated steel design, cast iron top damper, aluminum lower damper, and heavy duty gasket, the Keg uses up to 2X less charcoal than a typical charcoal grill/smoker, so you can spend more on food and less on fuel
  • QUICK & EASY CLEAN UP - a removable steel ash catcher makes it quick and easy to clean out excess ash from your grill; unlike most kamado grills that require you to scrape them out, the tray keeps the ash contained so it doesnt end up all over your deck
  • PACKED WITH EXTRAS - unlike many kamado grills the Keg 5000 comes out of the box with accessories that make it more functional: chrome swing-away secondary rack, detachable resin side shelves, mobility cart, and multi-tool are all included with this grill
  • BUILT TO LAST - with a 10-year warranty on the grill body and a 2-year warranty on the remaining parts and paint, you can be confident that your Keg will be ready for years of cookouts and delicious, savory, smoky BBQ meals with your whole family
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Broil King Keg 5000 is available in one other style than this, the 2000. However, the 2000 model offers fewer features than the 5000 model. The manufacturers have built the charcoal grill for durability and performance.

The grill’s insulated dual-walled steel exterior traps moisture and heat better than ceramic grills. It will not crack as other ceramic grills do. It also keeps the exterior cool to the touch, thus minimizing the chances of you burning yourself accidentally while grilling food.

Since it has an insulated steel make, aluminum lower damper, cast iron top damper, and a heavy-duty gasket, it will only use two times less coal than other types of charcoal coals. Once you have cooked the food, you can remove the steel ash catcher for quick and easy cleaning. You can take the charcoal grill to another location by mounting it to a trailer hitch.

With only the 5000 model, you will receive several accessories with it, such as a chrome swing away secondary rack, mobility cart, multi-tools, and removable resin side shelves. With it, you will receive a 10-year warranty on the exterior of the grill with a 2-year warranty on the rest of the parts and paint.

Our Final Thoughts

If you are in the market looking for the best budget charcoal grill, one that works flawlessly and provides you with increased convenience of grilling, cleaning, and transporting to different places, you can choose from one of the charcoal grills on this list.

You should always choose a charcoal grill based on your grilling needs and the types of features you are searching for. If you grill sometimes, do not invest in a high-end charcoal grill, but a small, portable one instead. If you grill several times each month, you can invest in a high-end charcoal grill that will last you longer.

About The Author

frank grill ace author
Frank is a BBQ lover. Every chance he has is spent barbecuing for the family and friends. There's nothing like a summer of hanging out in the back yard, relaxing, playing some games, having a nice cold brewski, and barbecuing up a delicious meal. Frank created Grill Ace to share his passion and knowledge with you.
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