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9 best charcoal BBQs for achieving that all-important chargrilled, smoky flavour
Our experts tested the top brands to find the best grills
Tested by Marcus StrongHomes Operations Manager
The best charcoal BBQ is one that’s simple to set up, easy to use, and can deliver that all-important smoky flavour. That’s why the purists will often go for charcoal – while gas and electric models are great grillers, you do miss out on the fantastic flavour that charcoal brings to the plate.
Charcoal grills are also often cheaper than the competition, with the ones in this list starting from £34.99 – and you won’t need to fuss with buying and storing gas canisters either.
That said, they can be difficult to light and need to preheat for a longer period before you can get cooking. But our Good Housekeeping Institute experts have been busy turning up the heat to find the easiest fire-starters for your summer cookouts.
These are their top recommendations at a glance but keep scrolling for the full reviews.
The best charcoal BBQs to buy
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How we test charcoal BBQs
We assess BBQs from the moment we unbox them to the final clean-up. Here are the key tests that help us find the best model for every home and need.
Assembly: We start by building each model according to the instructions, noting how long it takes and how many people are needed to get the job done.
Temperature distribution: We light the coal and get it to the right temperature for cooking. We then cover the grill with slices of thick white bread and check how evenly they brown, revealing any hot or cold spots on the grill.
Cooking performance: We grill a range of meat (sausages, burgers, chicken breasts and steak), plant-based ‘meat’ (sausages and burgers) and vegetables (corn on the cob and veg kebabs), turning them as needed. We use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the food has reached a safe temperature before assessing each food for colour, texture, flavour and evenness of cooking.
Cleaning: Finally, we clean the BBQ – the task no one wants. We mark them highly if they have easy cleaning systems and dishwasher-safe grill plates.
Ease of use, design and instructions: Each grill is also assessed on how easy it is to use, its overall design and the quality and clarity of the instructions, before we award a final score.
These are the ones we’ll be grilling with this summer.
MasterBuilt Gravity Series 600 Digital Charcoal Grill and Smoker
MasterBuilt Gravity Series 600 Digital Charcoal Grill and Smoker
Pros
- The app gives you updates and connects to the temperature probe so you can monitor your grill from your phone
- Very easy to clean – has an ash can, fat drip can, and removable grill plates
- Detailed instructions with diagrams and tips
- Controls remained cool-to-touch during cooking
Cons
- Took two hours to build
- Quite heavy
- Can’t just leave the coal to burn out
Score: 86/100
Our favourite charcoal BBQ works a little differently to the rest – let us explain. Instead of cooking over the top of the burning coals, the grilling area is actually to the side. You have to load coal or briquettes into the vertical hopper and light it at the bottom.
As the charcoal at the base of the hopper burns away, the pieces above naturally drop down to replace it. The heat is then pushed through into the cooking chamber by a digitally controlled fan – just set the cooking temperature and the fan will adjust the air flow in the same way as your oven does! This way, you don’t get any major dips in temperature when you’re grilling and you get a lovely smoky flavour, too.
We used smoking chips and apple wood chunks to cook a whole roast chicken, and the result was well-cooked meat with an amazing mellow flavour. If we’re being picky, we’d have liked more pronounced char lines, but it was our sausages that really stole the show, with an even brown colour and a moist, tasty interior.
It’s important to note that the fan needs electricity to work and you’ll also need a high-quality, water-resistant cover to protect those parts if you’re storing it outside. Plus, you can’t just leave the coal to burn out as you would with other charcoal BBQs. Instead, you need to shut off the air flow using the metal slides provided, turn off the power, and close all doors and vents to extinguish any remaining flames. It’s worth the extra step though for this impressive charcoal BBQ.
Key specifications
| Type | Standard and smoker |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 125 x 123 x 60cm |
| Grill dimensions | 50 x 70cm |
| Weight | 60kg |
| Features and accessories | Removable grease tray, keep warm rack, removable ash box, app-control, built-in thermometer, temperature probe |
| Guarantee | 2 years |
Weber Master Touch Charcoal Barbecue
Weber Master Touch Charcoal Barbecue
Pros
- Easy to remove ash quickly and cleanly
- Has a built-in lid thermometer
- Lid holder stops the lid falling when the grill is in use
Cons
- The thermometer takes a while to accurately tell the temperature due to its positioning in the lid
- External BBQ gets hot so be sure to only touch the handle
Score: 85/100
This classic kettle design only took 45 minutes to build, yet it doesn’t skimp on features and technical design. The grill centre is compatible with Weber’s BBQ accessories including the pizza stone and rotisserie crisping basket, plus there’s a dedicated setting that controls airflow for when you want to smoke meats.
But if you just want to keep it simple, our sausages and burgers were well cooked, with an even colour and plenty of flavour. The thin stainless steel grill bars didn’t produce good char lines but we don’t think that’s a dealbreaker – especially as we achieved great sear lines on our sirloin steak.
Key specifications
| Type | Kettle |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 109cm x 68.5cm x 84cm |
| Grill dimensions | 67 cm diameter |
| Weight | 24kg |
| Features and accessories | Built-in thermometer |
| Guarantee | 10 years |
Char-Griller® Pro Deluxe Charcoal Barrel Grill
Char-Griller® Pro Deluxe Charcoal Barrel Grill
Pros
- Traditional BBQ with easy-to-use controls and a large ‘keep warm’ rack
- Simple to adjust the air flow thanks to the two vents
- Recipes and tips are included in the instructions
- Easy to remove the ash tray
Cons
- Recommends using gloves when touching the controls – which makes it slightly tricky to use. The handle temperature also only reached 31.3C
- Build isn’t as durable as others we’ve tried
Score: 85/100
With a traditional barrel design, this is a strong choice for grilling and searing. The cooking area is quite large, making it ideal for families or groups, and the side table provides extra space for whipping up marinades.
The outside of the grill was much cooler than the middle, and there were some hot spots when cooking, so you’ll just need to get used to where those are. We had to turn and reposition our chicken to stop it from overcooking in places. That said, we managed to cook burgers to near-perfection – they were well-browned, juicy, and had some great char lines.
Cleaning wasn’t an issue thanks to the removable grills and lift-out ash tray. It's worth investing in a water-resistant cover to protect the steel body from rusting, and we’d have liked the lid to be more durable, as it had a slight flex in it when popping it up and down. For such an affordable griller though, it’s worth the trade-off.
Key specifications
| Type | Barrel |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 127 x 106.7 x 73.6cm |
| Grill dimensions | 42 x 46cm |
| Weight | 41 kg |
| Features and accessories | Ash pan, side table, tool hooks, wheels, temperature gauge |
| Guarantee | 1 year |
Char-Broil Charcoal L Barbecue
Pros
- Large barrel base and elevated charcoal helps with lighting due to increased airflow
- Small vents in the base, plus the chimney, can be adjusted to control airflow
- Built-in temperature gauge is well-positioned and easy to read
Cons
- Heat is centralised with some colder spots towards the edges of the grill plate
- Vent cover on the base gets hot during use, so you’ll need gloves to use it
Score: 82/100
This fantastic charcoal BBQ has a height-adjustable charcoal grate to give you more control over the temperature when you're cooking. It also boasts two side shelves for prepping meat and even has a handy bottle opener attached so you can enjoy an ice-cold drink while showing off your grilling skills.
We achieved good char lines on our burgers, chicken and sirloin steak; however, the searing on our sausages was slightly patchy. Some of the vegetables on our kebabs fell through the grate too, but those that stayed on were full of moisture and tasted delicious.
Key specifications
| Type | Standard |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 131 x 133 x 77.4 cm |
| Grill dimensions | 70 x 49.5 cm |
| Weight | 39kg |
| Features and accessories | Built-in thermometer, adjustable charcoal grate |
| Guarantee | 2 years |
Napoleon PRO Charcoal Kettle Barbecue
Napoleon PRO Charcoal Kettle Barbecue
Pros
- Cooked most meats well with even colouring and char marks
- Hinged lid is very convenient for propping up during use
- Has a premium feel with heavy-duty, porcelain-coated cast iron grills
Cons
- The exterior got very hot during testing so be careful not to touch the shell when in use
- The grill chamber easily got too hot at times, resulting in food that lacked some moisture
- The stainless-steel edge discoloured in use and took some effort to clean
Score: 82/100
Compact and lightweight, this kettle BBQ is an excellent choice for those short on garden and storage space. Despite being the most lightweight on our list, we still found it sturdy and stable – and we had it up and ready in under an hour.
Like the Charbroil BBQ above, this has adjustable grill heights, plus multiple ventilation controls, offering a great level of control over the cooking temperature and air flow. This meant we were able to grill a delicious sirloin steak, which scored full marks for its smoky flavour and juicy interior. We had some issues with our marinated chicken though, as the meat stuck to the grill’s surface.
Key specifications
| Type | Kettle |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 92.1 x 49 x 49 cm |
| Grill dimensions | 47 cm diameter |
| Weight | 15kg |
| Features and accessories | Adjustable grill height, temperature gauge |
| Guarantee | 10 years |
Masterbuilt AutoIgnite 545 Digital Charcoal Grill and Smoker
Masterbuilt AutoIgnite 545 Digital Charcoal Grill and Smoker
Pros
- Comes with a sear plate, which adds a lovely smoky flavour to food like steak
- Can set temperature, timings and monitor meat probes via an app
- Built-in storage under the grill
Cons
- Needs to be plugged into mains power to work
- Can’t be stored outside without a cover (sold separately) due to electrical components
Score: 80/100
With all the ease and convenience of the best gas BBQs, this grill is the one to go for if you don’t want the faff of manually lighting your charcoal. Instead, the charcoal is lit inside a compartment called the ‘mini hopper’ and the built-in fan controls the circulation of the hot air – essentially acting like an oven more than a grill.
Not only does that mean the BBQ must be plugged into the mains power to work, but you’ll also have to compromise on the grill lines. As the food isn’t cooked directly over the hot coals, burgers and sausages didn’t brown as easily and lacked the charring we all love when grilling.
But this means it’s perfect for trying your hand at smoking. We slow-cooked pork shoulder for 7.5 hours and the results were spectacular – think subtly smoky, falling-apart meat.
Key specifications
| Type | Standard |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 111.2 x 143.4 x 60.8 cm |
| Grill dimensions | 545 square inches |
| Weight | 32kg |
| Features and accessories | Digital grill, app connectivity, built-in storage, sear plate |
| Guarantee | 1 year |
VonHaus XL American BBQ with Smoker
Pros
- Storage shelf is large and stable
- Ability to switch between charcoal and wood chips adds versatility
Cons
- Instructions are minimal
- Assembly took over an hour and a half due to the size of the BBQ
Score: 77/100
This affordable BBQ can also be used as a smoker by closing up the air vents and adding wood chips. In testing, our pulled pork shoulder came out deliciously smoky, albeit a little dry, and it was easy to control the temperature by monitoring the built-in gauge and adjusting the air vents.
There was little detail in the instructions though, both for using it as a smoker and as a regular BBQ, so it took some trial and error to work out the right height (out of the four positions) for the grill when cooking sausages. It performed best when grilling steak and corn on the cobs, but the rest of our meat had an uneven finish.
Key specifications
| Type | Standard |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 109 x 134 x 54 cm |
| Grill dimensions | 57 x 41 cm |
| Weight | 33.1kg |
| Features and accessories | Side tables, bottle opener, hooks, warming rack, front access door to charcoal |
| Guarantee | 2 years |
Cuisinart 35cm Portable Charcoal Grill
Cuisinart 35cm Portable Charcoal Grill
Pros
- Lid locks on with three clips for easy carrying
- Very lightweight – just 1.8 kilos
- Great value
Cons
- No temperature gauge, so heat is harder to control
- Vent controls become hot during cooking
Score: 74/100
Compact, light and portable, this bright red barbie is an excellent alternative to disposables for grilling on the go. Weighing just 1.8kg, it only took 10 minutes to assemble, while the locking lid (which you can fasten on with three metal clips) makes it easy to carry once cool.
Despite being under 40 centimetres high, it has a surprisingly wide cooking area and felt stable during use. The tradeoff is that unlike larger, more premium models, it doesn’t have a temperature gauge – and the vents become too hot to turn without heatproof gloves. To prevent scorching, you’ll just have to keep a close eye on your food while turning it regularly.
If you’re happy to babysit your sausages a little, this BBQ yields great results – we enjoyed juicy meat and well-cooked veg with attractive char marks. Overall, it’s a great value grill for camping, picnicking, or even small spaces like balconies.
Key specifications
| Type | Kettle |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | H38 x W36 x D37 cm |
| Grill dimensions | 35 cm diameter |
| Weight | 1.8 kg |
| Features and accessories | Triple lid locks, dual air vents, chrome-plated grill plate, ash catcher |
| Guarantee | 2 years |
Pros
- Can easily adjust the height of the charcoal tray
- Side shelves are a good size and can fit a dinner plate
- Has a storage space underneath
Cons
- Charcoal trays are smaller than the grill so there are some cold spots round the edges
- Minimal cooking advice or user guidelines
- Ash trays are flimsy, causing us to spill ash when removing them
Score: 74/100
Large families will like this charcoal BBQ, which has cooking space for up to eight people, a warming rack, and sturdy side shelves for keeping seasonings and marinades within arm's reach. Assembly was quite tricky though as the instructions lacked details and any diagrams were unclear, so be sure to set aside at least two hours for building.
Once built, we cooked juicy burgers and sausages without issues, and our steak was juicy and flavoursome. However, meat that needs a longer cooking time (like our chicken) lacked wow factor, with little flavour and minimal charring.
Key specifications
| Type | Standard |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 98.4 x 53 x 108.5 cm |
| Grill dimensions | Space to cook for 6 to 8 people |
| Weight | Unspecified |
| Features and accessories | Adjustable grill height, wheels |
| Guarantee | 5 years |
Why trust the Good Housekeeping Institute?
Here at the Good Housekeeping Institute, we test products against our own rigorously designed protocols, using them exactly as you would in the garden at home. Our experts hold every charcoal BBQ to the same standards to find the very best on the market.
The results are then passed to our senior homes and lifestyle writer, Megan Geall, who transforms the feedback into easy-read reviews. She has written hundreds of product reviews and looks after all our BBQ guides so knows exactly what to look for in a top griller.
What are the different types of charcoal BBQ?
There are three main types of charcoal BBQ in our list: egg-shaped or Kamado-style BBQs, kettle BBQs, and standard grills. Here’s what to consider before you buy.
Standard grill: This type of BBQ is usually larger, with a rectangular shape. Most will have side tables, which are great for prepping meats or stashing your utensils. They offer a larger grilling area than kettle BBQs and are typically cheaper than the Kamado-style, making them a popular pick for families. Many standard grills are also compatible with accessories like griddle pans, searing plates, pizza ovens, and more.
Barrel grill: These are large models where the coal sits in a steel drum. They're ideal for direct and indirect cooking and are best-suited for grilling for big groups.
Egg-shaped/Kamado BBQ: These grills often have better heat retention due to the ceramic construction and offer more control over the temperature. This does make them trickier to use for beginners though, and the premium materials often bump up the upfront cost.
Kettle BBQ: These have a lightweight design, making them popular for those with small gardens or anyone who doesn’t want to store the BBQ away after every use. They’re often quite simple to use too. On the other hand, kettle BBQs are typically smaller so they're not as good for large families.
How to choose a charcoal BBQ
Other than deciding on the type of charcoal BBQ you want, there are a few other things to consider before buying.
Adjustable grates: Being able to change the height of your grill gives you more control over the end result. Lower it for searing or raise it for indirect grilling.
Vents and air flow control: Again, having a way to control the air flow and heat around the grilling area is more important than you might think. Vents allow you to adjust the cooking temperature or restrict the air flow to create a smokier flavour.
Removable parts: No one likes cleaning a charcoal BBQ, so look for things that will make life easier. Removable grills, large ash cans, and drip trays can all help reduce the workload.
Wheels and storage: If you’re planning to store your coal BBQ away after use, you’ll want one that’s easy to move around the garden. It’s worth looking for a model with wheels and a lighter build if you’ve got to move it a long way. However, if you’re thinking of storing it outside, get a water-resistant cover to protect it from the rain, sun, dust, and any other garden debris!
Which charcoal is best for barbecuing?
Lumpwood charcoal is the best choice if you want to cook at high temperatures and achieve that delicious smoky barbecued flavour. Lumpwood lights quickly, burns hot and produces less ash than many alternatives, so it’s great for grilling things like burgers, steaks and veg.
Avoid instant-light charcoal if you can – the firelighters it contains can give your food a chemical taste. Instead, light your natural lumpwood charcoal with the help of a chimney starter, which gets the coals burning quickly and evenly without the need for lighter fluid.
How do I maintain a consistent temperature on a charcoal BBQ?
The key to a consistent temperature is controlling the airflow. Open the vents to increase the oxygen supply and raise the temperature or partially close them to reduce the heat (closing them completely will suffocate the fire!).
You should also arrange the coals in an even layer – or, if you have the space, you can move them to one side to create separate direct and indirect heat zones for different foods. Keeping the lid closed as much as possible and adding fresh charcoal before the fire starts to fade will also help maintain a steady temperature.
How to clean a charcoal BBQ
Charcoal BBQs are slightly trickier to clean than other types, as you’ve got all the ash to take care of. Thankfully, most coal BBQs have large, removable ash cans that make it easier to throw out the waste. Just make sure it’s fully cooled down before attempting to remove it.
To clean the grill, heat it to a high temperature to burn off any leftover food residue, before scrubbing it clean with a BBQ brush. You’ll also need to oil the grill bars each time as this stops food sticking, protects it from rust, and creates a better flavour when searing.
The verdict: What is the best charcoal BBQ to buy?
We loved the unique design of the Masterbuilt Gravity Series 600 Charcoal BBQ and were definitely impressed by its grilling and smoking skills.
However, if you don't want to spend too much on a charcoal BBQ but still want a reliable grill, the CharGriller E2827 Pro Deluxe Charcoal BBQ is ideal for big cookouts – or for something slightly smaller, opt for the Napoleon PRO Charcoal Kettle Barbecue.
You could also consider…
…a kamado grill! These unique BBQs also use charcoal but cook food in a slightly different way to regular coal BBQs. Their ceramic exterior retains heat well, helping to maintain a very even temperature, which makes them a great option for smoking, roasting and baking.
Our winning model is the Big Green Egg but because of its high price tag, we went on the hunt for the best alternatives (which involved lots of grilling!) – check our guide to the best kamado grills for more information and to shop models from £120.
Not sure which BBQ is best for you? Check out our complete round-up of the best BBQs for everything you need to know before deciding.
Megan is the Good Housekeeping Institute’s senior homes and lifestyle writer. She loves diving into the latest product releases to find the very best buys on the market and has written hundreds of product reviews on everything from the best vacuum cleaners and coffee machines to the best ice cream makers and robot window cleaners.
When she’s not writing about the newest gadgets and gizmos for your home and garden, you’ll find her running every distance from 5km to 100km or relaxing at home with her cat – there really is no in between.
Megan has an MA in Magazine Journalism and has previously written for Stylist, Glamour, Women's Health, TimeOut, SquareMeal, and YOU magazine. You can find Megan on Instagram @meganlouisegeall.
Jasmine is the Good Housekeeping Institute’s homes writer. With a background in design, she is committed to sorting the good products from the great –and helping Good Housekeeping readers do the same.
Throughout her career, Jasmine has written extensively about product quality, craftsmanship and sustainability, and is passionate about consumer rights. She previously worked as a writer and researcher at the product longevity platform Buy Me Once.
If she isn’t reviewing the latest gadgets for your home, you can probably find Jasmine cooking elaborate meals or crafting something weird and wonderful!
Marcus Strong is the Homes Operations Manager at the Good Housekeeping Institute, overseeing product testing programmes and helping ensure readers receive trusted, evidence-based buying advice. With experience at leading retailers including Marks & Spencer Home and IKEA, he brings extensive expertise in home products, quality assessment and consumer needs.
Marcus works closely with testing and editorial teams to deliver rigorous evaluations across a wide range of household categories, combining operational excellence with a passion for helping consumers make informed purchasing decisions.
