If your looking for a grill but not looking to spend a lot of money then getting a charcoal grill is the only way to go. I’ve all ways been a fan of using charcoal for grilling.
Not only are the grilles cheaper there also cheaper to cook on. So your going to be saving money every time you use your grill as well. Now you just need to pick what grill. If your new to using charcoal it can be hard to know what a good grill is.
When it comes to charcoal grills it’s all about air control. But your not going to know how good a grill is until you cook on it. So sins I’ve been cooking with charcoal for years, and have used a ton of different grills.
I thought I should put together a list of the best charcoal grills for beginners. So here are my top 8 charcoal grills for beginners.
Top 8 Charcoal Grills for Beginners
| 1: Char-Griller Akorn |
| 2: Weber 22″ Master-Touch |
| 3: Char-Griller Smoker & Grill in One |
| 4: Char-Griller Legacy |
| 5: Dyan-Glo 24″ |
| 6: Char-Griller 23″ Barrel |
| 7: Weber Original Kettle |
| 8: Americana Walk-A-Bout |
8 Americana Walk-A-Bout
This versatile portable grill comes pre-assembled and is perfect for use at picnics, tailgating, camping or in your backyard.
Comes with Chrome-plated adjustable cooking grates that are easy to clean. As well as a removable ash pan so you can empty the grill with ease.
It has wheels on one side to make it easy to move and can be folded down when you need to store it.
This grill has the ability to lock the bowl and lid so nothing moves while your transporting it. Upper and lower air vents help you regulate airflow in the grill.
There’s also a hook so you can hang the grill when it’s being stored. Last this grill is also made in the USA.
| Assembly Required | No |
| Color | Red or Black |
| Fits No. of Burgers | 16 |
| Front/Side Shelf | None |
| Grill Grate | Chrome-Plated Steel |
| Grill Material | Painted Steel |
| Wheels | Two Plastic Wheels |
| Primary Cooking Space (sq. in) | 332 |
| Secondary Cooking Space (sq. in) | None |
| Product Weight (lb.) | 21.5 lb |
| Grill Features | Removable Ash Catcher and Folding Legs |
7 Weber Original Kettle
The Weber Original 18 or 22 inch original Kettle features a classic profile design.
A great way to accomplish many outdoor cooking tasks, this grill is sure to deliver long lasting performance thanks to its porcelain-enameled lid and bowl.
A Glass-reinforced nylon handle on the lid ensures it will be cool when you go to open it.
Another handle on the front a long with two wheels on the back make this grill easy to move.
It also comes with a one-touch aluminized steel cleaning system and rust-resistant aluminum legs.
This grill can be used for various backyard cooking tasks it’s cooking surface gives you plenty of space to cook up your favorite.
| Assembly Required | Yes |
| Color | Black |
| Fits No. of Burgers | 12 on the 18″ and 18 on the 22″ |
| Front/Side Shelf | None |
| Grill Grate | Chrome-Plated Steel |
| Grill Material | Porcelain Coated Steel |
| Wheels | Two Plastic Wheels |
| Primary Cooking Space (sq. in) | 240 in the 18″ and 363 in the 22″ |
| Secondary Cooking Space (sq. in) | None |
| Product Weight (lb.) | 24 lb for the 18″ and 31.1 lb for the 22″ |
| Grill Features | Removable Ash Catcher, Storage Rack |
6 Char-Griller 23″ Barrel
A trusty grill is what you’ll get when you use Char-Griller grills and smokers. Whether you’re fixing food for family and friends in the backyard or at a professional event.
Char-griller 23″ Barrel has a large capacity that will make any task easy. The cooking great is made up of three sections that can easily be lifted out to get to the charcoal.
The charcoal tray can be raised and lowered by handles on the sides and set in any of fore positions. Or lifted out for ease of cleaning after your done grilling.
The 23″ barrel can be fitted with a side fire box as well. This will allow you to use it as a smoker as well as a grill.
This grill also has a large wire shelf on the bottom for storage and a temperature gauge in the lid.
| Assembly Required | Yes |
| Color | Black |
| Fits No. of Burgers | 21 in the Primary Cooking Space |
| Front/Side Shelf | Yes |
| Grill Grate | Cast Iron |
| Grill Material | Painted Steel |
| Wheels | Two Plastic Wheels |
| Primary Cooking Space (sq. in) | 435 |
| Secondary Cooking Space (sq. in) | 200 |
| Product Weight (lb.) | 70lb |
| Grill Features | Grease Pan, Temperature Gauge, Removable Ash Catcher, Storage Rack |
5 Dyan-Glo 24″
This Heavy-Duty Stainless Charcoal Grill from Dyna-Glo offers quality, performance and versatility.
Designed for efficiency and control, this grill features an adjustable crank to raise and lower the charcoal tray.
To reload and stoke the charcoal there’s a access door on the front of the grill. Eliminating the need to remove the cooking greats when you have to add charcoal.
You can easily adjust the cooking temperature on the fly by using the adjustment crank to raise and lower the charcoal tray.
Porcelain enameled cast-iron cooking grates maximize heat transfer and make for perfect searing.
Stainless temperature gauge indicates when the heat in the grill is just right for cooking or searing.
The grill also features a double-walled lid and front firebox that help minimize heat loss and improve the burn efficiency of your charcoal.
The 2 side tables serve as aides in preparing and holding your food and tools as you cook with ease. Clean-up is simple with a removeable ash pan and wheels for storage.
| Assembly Required | Yes |
| Color | Black or Stainless Steel |
| Fits No. of Burgers | 24 |
| Front/Side Shelf | Yes |
| Grill Grate | Porcelain-Enameled Cast Iron |
| Grill Material | Painted Steel or Stainless Steel |
| Wheels | Fore Wheels two fixed and two swivel |
| Primary Cooking Space (sq. in) | 486 |
| Secondary Cooking Space (sq. in) | 200 |
| Product Weight (lb.) | 79lb for the painted Steel or 88 for the Stainless Steel |
| Grill Features | Grease Pan, Temperature Gauge, Removable Ash Catcher, Storage Rack |
4 Char-Griller Traditional
The Char-Griller Traditional Charcoal Grill is the ideal grill for backyard barbecue enthusiasts who want to do it all.
Designed for efficiency and control, this grill features an adjustable crank to raise and lower the charcoal tray.
To reload and stoke the charcoal there’s a access door on the front of the grill. Eliminating the need to remove the cooking greats when you have to add charcoal.
You can easily adjust the cooking temperature on the fly by using the adjustment crank to raise and lower the charcoal tray.
Dual lower air dampers give you more control over your heat then other grills.
Equipped with an easy-dump ash pan, Just pull it out from the front and your done.
porcelain coated cast-iron cooking grates, and dual damper controls, this heavy-duty grill will last for years to come.
This grill also has a large wire shelf on the bottom for storage and a temperature gauge in the lid.
| Assembly Required | Yes |
| Color | Black |
| Fits No. of Burgers | 25 |
| Front/Side Shelf | Yes |
| Grill Grate | Porcelain-Coated Cast Iron |
| Grill Material | Painted Steel |
| Wheels | Two Plastic Wheels |
| Primary Cooking Space (sq. in) | 519 |
| Secondary Cooking Space (sq. in) | 270 |
| Product Weight (lb.) | 88lb |
| Grill Features | Grease Pan, Temperature Gauge, Removable Ash Catcher, Storage Rack |
3 Char-Griller Smoker & Grill in One
The great features and high quality of the Smokin’ Champ make it a better option than many grills that cost twice as much.
Its versatility is appreciated by barbecue pros and backyard enthusiasts. It features cast iron grates that heat evenly and lock in the flavor of your food.
Char-Griller Smoker & Grill in One has a large capacity that will make any task easy. The cooking grate is made from three sections that can easily be lifted out to get to the charcoal.
The charcoal tray can be raised and lowered by handles on the sides and set in any of fore positions. Or lifted out for ease of cleaning after your done grilling.
Char-Griller Smoker & Grill in One comes fitted with a side fire box as well. This will allow you to use it as a smoker as well as a grill.
This grill also has a large wire shelf on the bottom for storage and a temperature gauge in the lid.
| Assembly Required | Yes |
| Color | Black |
| Fits No. of Burgers | 33 |
| Front/Side Shelf | Yes |
| Grill Grate | Cast Iron |
| Grill Material | Painted Steel |
| Wheels | Two Plastic Wheels |
| Primary Cooking Space (sq. in) | 675 |
| Secondary Cooking Space (sq. in) | 563 |
| Product Weight (lb.) | 120lb |
| Grill Features | Grease Pan, Temperature Gauge, Removable Ash Catcher, Storage Rack |
2 Weber 22″ Master-Touch
The Weber Original 22 inch Master Touch Kettle features a classic profile design.
A great way to accomplish many outdoor cooking tasks, this grill is sure to deliver long lasting performance thanks to its porcelain-enameled lid and bowl.
A Glass-reinforced nylon handle on the lid ensures it will be cool when you go to open it.
Another handle on the front a long with two wheels on the back make this grill easy to move.
The bowl has Weber’s 1-touch cleaning system and includes 3 aluminized steel rust-resistant dampers, which regulate airflow while cooking and sweep ash after your done grilling.
This grill can be used for various backyard cooking tasks it’s cooking surface gives you plenty of space to cook up your favorite.
Master-Touch lid has a built-in thermometer, adjustable damper with 4 air vents and a handle with heat shield
Comes with 2 char basket charcoal fuel holders for indirect heat grilling, 1 tuck away lid holder and 1 steel charcoal grate
| Assembly Required | Yes |
| Color | Black / Blue |
| Fits No. of Burgers | 18 |
| Front/Side Shelf | None |
| Grill Grate | Chrome-Plated Steel |
| Grill Material | Porcelain Coated Steel |
| Wheels | Two Plastic Wheels |
| Primary Cooking Space (sq. in) | 363 |
| Secondary Cooking Space (sq. in) | 80 |
| Product Weight (lb.) | 47.5lb |
| Grill Features | Grease Pan, Temperature Gauge, Removable Ash Catcher, Storage Rack |
1 Char-Griller Akorn
The Char-Griller Akorn is a Kamado style cooker and can maintain consistent temperatures from 200° to 700° F.
This wide range allows the Akorn to cook a variety of foods such as steaks, fish, chicken, ribs, brisket, pizza, bread and even cookies.
The innovative design uses double walled steel with insulation. In order to generate heat, air must be flowing through the grill and around the coals.
Air flow causes food to dry out. With the Akorn insulated design, it retains heat better, requiring less heat and less air flow. Therefore, insulated heat, juicier meat.
Akorn is the only Kamado style grill with an easy dump ash pan allowing ash to be removed easily from the bottom of the grill without a mess.
Unique cart design allows for easy maneuverability around decks, patios and driveways that often have uneven surfaces. Locking caster secures grill from moving.
Folding metal side shelves add a working surface, yet keep the grill footprint small for easy storage.
Dual adjustable dampers allow for precise air adjustment required for dialing in and maintaining specific temperatures
Cast iron cooking grates enhance flavors and heat evenly. Durable and heat resistant porcelain coated interior.
| Assembly Required | Yes |
| Color | Black / Slate Gray / Sapphire Blue |
| Fits No. of Burgers | 16 |
| Front/Side Shelf | Yes |
| Grill Grate | Cast Iron |
| Grill Material | Painted Steel |
| Wheels | Three Plastic Wheels |
| Primary Cooking Space (sq. in) | 314 |
| Secondary Cooking Space (sq. in) | 133 |
| Product Weight (lb.) | 100lb |
| Grill Features | Grease Pan, Temperature Gauge, Removable Ash Catcher, Storage Rack |
Conclusion
No matter what grill you go with your bound to make great tasting food and have a good time. I’ve used all of these grills and they will all get the job done.
With that said you also get what you pay for. If you buy a grill on the low end don’t expect it to preform like a high end grill. Charcoal grills will work no matter what. As long as you can get the charcoal lit.
But if you don’t have good control over the air then the charcoal is just going to burn as hot and as fast as it can. So it might be worth paying a little more to have better control of your grill.
If your enjoying yourself then your more likely to find the time to go out side and cook on the grill.
As Always, Happy Grilling!