Best Charcoal Grills Under $200 in 2023 – Reviews & Buying Guide
BBQ enthusiasts love the food that is cooked using flames, smoke, and direct heat. Hence, they prefer charcoal. Of course, it is much easier to ignite an electric or gas grill, but they can’t bring the earthy flavor that comes off charcoal. The taste of the food cooked well on a charcoal grill is better than food from other types of grills.
So, if you are trying to find a delicious as well as cheap, simple and effective way to cook food, the best charcoal grill under 200 is the way to go. To help you find a budget grill to cook enjoyable food, we have listed a few of the best charcoal grill for under 200. And if you find it difficult to make a choice, you can take help from our buying guide.
Best Overall Product
[dpressall_product product_image=”641″ pro_affiliate_url=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MKB5TXA/?tag=vwchef-20″ feature_title=”Best Overall” features_text=”The Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill is the best product overall. It has so much to offer in this price tag, and there is nothing to complain about as well.” /]
At A Glance Charcoal Grills Under $200
Top 6 Best Charcoal Grills Under $200 In 2023
1. Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill – (Best Overall)
[dpressall_product product_image=”641″ pro_affiliate_url=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MKB5TXA/?tag=vwchef-20″ feature_title=”Key Features” features_text=”
- Holds up to 13 burgers
- One-Touch cleaning system
- Precision Heat Control
- Shields Handle From Heat
- 3D interactive assembly instructions
- Item Weight: 32.3 Pounds
” /]
The Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill is our top choice for the best charcoal grill under 200 dollars for many reasons. It comes with 363 square inches of cooking space, along with features that are designed to maximize your grilling ability.
A notable feature of this grill is it’s really easy to use one-touch cleaning system. So, there is no problem with cleaning, which is often times is the biggest hassle with charcoal grills. Plus, there is a built-in high-capacity ash catcher that collects ashes and makes disposing of it super easy.
The lid is porcelain enamored, which means it will slightly help to retain the heat generated by coals. There is also a built-in thermometer placed on the lid that helps you control the temperature. Plus, there are adjustable dampers that allow to control oxygen flow and temperature.
The cooking surface grate comes with a hinge, allowing you to add charcoal easily while grilling. This makes your work easy and gives you complete control over your grill. The grill also has a pair of durable wheels for easy portability. And for your convenience and easy access, you can store a couple of utilities on the built-in hooks.
[dpressall_pros_cons pros_text=”
- One-touch cleaning system
- Oxygen flow and maximum control with adjustable dampers
- Ash catcher
- Hinged grate allows to add coal easily
- Built-in lid thermometer
- Hooks for storage and easy access
” cons_text=”
- Nothing to complain about
” /]
2. Royal Gourmet CC1830S Charcoal Grill – (Runner-Up)
[dpressall_product product_image=”639″ pro_affiliate_url=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07FKLK6DG/?tag=vwchef-20″ feature_title=”Key Features” features_text=”
- Combination charcoal grill and smoker
- Side fire box for either charcoal grilling or smoker
- 800 sq inches total cooking surface
- Adjustable fire grate in main chamber
- Easy to tend charcoal without removing entire grates
” /]
This one from Royal Gourmet CC1830S is a traditional smoker grill combo that would be an ideal choice for camping or backyard cooking stations, especially for large gatherings. The CC1830S is reinforced with durable materials and offers an extra-large cooking area. This charcoal powered grill also has a neat built-in smoker section.
It is equipped with two wheels, so it is easy to move the device from site to site despite its huge dimension. The whole grill measures 800 square inches, which includes 438 square inches of main grate area, 183 square inches of offset smoker that is located on the left side of the grill, which can also be used as an additional grilling surface, and 179 square inches of extra swing-a-way rack designed for warming.
Cleaning is also easy with its easily removable pan that allows for faster and hassle-free cleaning. You can simply take out the pan and remove the gathered charcoal ash in a few easy steps. You can also adjust the charcoal pan while grilling to have better control over your cooking temperature.
The recommended fuel for the side smoker is also charcoal. It accepts any type of pellets or wood chips as well. The main grates are porcelain-coated, so they are easy to clean. This black-coated grill can even take on 400 degrees Fahrenheit temperature and should last longer than units with a regular protective coating.
Other notable function includes the lid thermometer, smokestack, side-door for charcoal adjustment and air-vent, bottom storage shelf, utensil hooks, and heat-resistant handle. Assembly is required with this model, but it is not so hard to do.
[dpressall_pros_cons pros_text=”
- Ideal choice for large cooking needs
- Combo design for extended cooking options
- Large surface area
- Wheels for easy transportation
” cons_text=”
- Needs assembly
” /]
3. Weber 121020 Charcoal Grill – (Premium Pick)
[dpressall_product product_image=”640″ pro_affiliate_url=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00004RALJ/?tag=vwchef-20″ feature_title=”Key Features” features_text=”
- Go-Anywhere Charcoal Grill
- Capacity of The Go-Anywhere
- Tuck-N-Carry Lid Lock
- Plated Steel Cooking Grate
- Plated Steel Legs
- 3D interactive assembly instructions
” /]
The next one on our list is a very portable one. You can take this charcoal grill anywhere you want, which you may have already understood from its name. It is the perfect grill if you are looking for the best portable charcoal grill. It can fit in your trunk easily, and with its convenient carrying handles, taking it anywhere is very easy.
This grill weighs 14.5 pounds, which is featherweight when it comes to a charcoal grill. The Go-Anywhere is large enough for two regular-sized steaks, 6 to 8 burgers, or one whole chicken. The lid and base are porcelain-enameled and retains heat. They also won’t peel or rust.
It offers a primary cooking area of 160 square inches that features durable plated steel cooking grate. They retain heat and make it easy to clean, and the dampers also allow you to control the temperature easily inside your grill.
The lid locks easily for portability, and the pleated steel legs make it easy to place it perfectly. This charcoal grill with Tuck-N-Carry Lid Lock is an excellent option for the ones who want to have a portable and lightweight grill, which they can take anywhere.
[dpressall_pros_cons pros_text=”
- Lightweight
- Tuck-N-Carry Lid Lock
- Porcelain-enameled lid and base
- Plated steel cooking grate
” cons_text=”
- Not so big cooking surface
” /]
4. Char-Griller E1515 Patio Pro Charcoal Grill
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- Cast Iron Grates
- Double Bottom
- Powder Coating
- Heavy Steel Construction
- Adjustable Dampers
- Compact for Small Spaces
” /]
The Char-Griller E1515 is a more classic take on backyard BBQ and gives you an excellent charcoal grilling experience at an affordable price without compromising the quality or longevity of the materials.
In relation to its grate size, this patio grill doesn’t take much space. However, the grate size is ideal for small backyards, balconies, porches, and car trunks. It is both extremely portable as well as accommodating in terms of cooking capacity.
The 250 square inches of grilling space stands on 44-inch tall legs that are equipped with two wheels for easy portability. The cast-iron grates are strong and heat-resistant, and the rest of the reinforced steel bottom makes sure the heat is even and well-maintained throughout the cooking process.
There is a compact wooden prep table on the left side, and on the right side of the firebox, you will find an easily accessible charcoal drawer for better fuel control. In addition, you can decide the heat intensity with the built-in air vents. You can also easily take out the pan and empty it after each use.
Although this grill is good for smaller spaces, it can still grill burgers for the whole family or handle an entire turkey. Along with a tall lid, it has a wooden handle to prevent any burns, allowing you to check your food anytime.
[dpressall_pros_cons pros_text=”
- Portable and compact yet suitable for large parties
- Tall firebox with a side shelf
- Storage shelf underneath the firebox
- Adjustable dampers for airflow management
- Two durable wheels
” cons_text=”
- Not so big cooking space
” /]
5. Royal Gourmet CC1830F Charcoal Grill
[dpressall_product product_image=”638″ pro_affiliate_url=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01II2DHTW/?tag=vwchef-20″ feature_title=”Key Features” features_text=”
- Heat-Resistant
- Porcelain Wire Cooking Grates
- 2-level Adjustable Charcoal Pan
- Easy-to-Read Temperature
- Two Storage Rack
- Stable and Mobile
” /]
The Royal Gourmet Charcoal Grill with Offset Smoker comes with a premium black and silver finish. In this list, it is probably the grill with the largest cooking surface.
This grill offers a total of 800 square inches of cooking surface that includes 438 square inches of primary cooking area and a smoking area of 183 square inches. You can easily cook 30 burgers simultaneously with a cooking space of this size.
And to achieve the required temperature for your particular recipes, this device also allows you to alter heat settings. There is a built-in thermometer located on the lid that helps you monitor all this.
Weighing 57 pounds, it is a hefty cooking device, especially if you are going to try to lift it alone. But don’t worry, it comes with two wheels on its legs to make it easy to move the grill.
The Royal Gourmet CC1830F is a versatile grill as it allows you to perform various things without needing to purchase new accessories. For example, you can barbecue, smoke, or warm foods in a specific area of the grate without any worries.
[dpressall_pros_cons pros_text=”
- Huge cooking space
- Steel construction is resistant to breaking and rusting
- Two wheels for easy movement
- Built-in thermometer
” cons_text=”
- It’s bulky
” /]
6. BEAU JARDIN BBQ010 Portable Charcoal Grill
[dpressall_product product_image=”636″ pro_affiliate_url=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074QKGPSK/?tag=vwchef-20″ feature_title=”Key Features” features_text=”
- Premium Heat Control & Retention
- Sturdy & Durable & Portable
- Upgraded Wheels & Handles
- Durable wheels
- High quality material and frame
” /]
The charcoal grill from BEAU JARDIN is one of the best charcoal grill under $200. It can provide long-lasting performance and hassle-free experiences. It is built with porcelain-coated steel and has a design of a classic profile.
The diameter of the grill is 24 inches in height and 17.5 inches wide. It is also easy to clean with aluminum rust resistance ash catcher and a one-touch clean system. Cleaning is hassle-free with this device. Plus, it comes with an ash leak – holes at the base of the bowl. This allows the ashes to cool down and helps them fall into the ash catcher.
Its weight is good enough to allow you to carry it and to make it more portable and an ideal choice for outdoor camping, it comes two wheels. These durable wheels make sure you can take the grill anywhere you want.
The grill features a bowl coated with porcelain-enameled and a lid for retaining heat. Both help to hold and flow the heat for proper cooking. Inside the grill, it also features hanger for the lid. The air vents help to adjust the heat as well.
[dpressall_pros_cons pros_text=”
- Easy and hassle-free cleanness
- Easy control over temperature
- Portability
- Abilities of Heat retention
- High-quality material used
” cons_text=”
- Not suitable for big parties
” /]
Why Buy a Charcoal Grill?
A charcoal grill offers diverse benefits to your cooking. That is why it would be one of the foremost cooking equipment. Charcoal grills come in different quality, shapes, and sizes, and they are inexpensive and quite affordable as well.
They can also cook healthy food. And the taste of smoked food is just on another level.
Charcoal Grill Under $200 Buying Guide
The grill you buy will be used to feed your family, friends as well as yourself. That is why you need to understand what to look for in order to find the best charcoal grill under 200.
Quality of Build
If you are looking for the best charcoal grill under $200, this means you are trying to find something on a budget. Even if you make your food on a budget, it can still produce outstanding foods. However, you still need to pick a high-quality grill. This means your chosen design should allow simple charcoal management, retain heat, and have a solid ash removal system. If you can find all these in the grill you want to purchase, then you have found the ideal charcoal grill.
Temperature Control
Having as many temperature control features as possible makes things easier, especially for beginners. These features can be very useful even for intermediate or grill masters.
Features such as sliding charcoal trays, built-in temperature gauge, adjustable dampers to allow oxygen flow management can be the difference between taming the flame or losing the control of your cook.
Cooking Surface Area
The cooking surface area has a big role to play when deciding on a grill. Your choice should be based on the number of mouths you are planning to feed with your grill. With a smaller grill, you can easily handle 1 to 4 people, while for five or more people, you should get a larger grill.
Use/Portability
Portability is a big factor if you are not going to use your grill in one place. In this regard, ease of transport, as well as the weight, plays a great part. You should also look for a grill that has a secure lid. You may want to look for one with folding legs if that would be convenient for you.
Ease of Use
If something is easy to use, it is easy to get better at it. That is why you should think about the ease of use of the grill you are choosing. Look for one that has intuitive design and storage features and trays to help you stay organized.
Cleaning and Upkeep
Cleaning up is the most disliked part of charcoal grilling, but it is necessary. The wood and coal that you use to fill your food with flavor eventually becomes ash and needs cleaning.
It is obviously no fun, but the process can be easy if the grill is properly designed. Most of the grills listed above come with easy cleaning features.
Durability
Most of the models we have listed are very durable as they are made of high-quality materials. The materials you can go for are cast iron or cast aluminum. It is important to put a thought in the material as this will determine whether your grill will pass the test of time or not.
Budget
Since you are looking for the best charcoal grill under 200 dollars, we can assume that your budget is 200 dollars. Even with this budget, you can find many decent-quality charcoal grills for cooking delicious food.
FAQ:
Question: What is the best charcoal grill for the money?
Answer: The Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill is the best charcoal grill for the money. It has almost everything you can wish for in a charcoal grill and that so in a budget.
Question: Are charcoal grills better?
Answer: Typically, charcoal grills are more portable than gas grills, and they are also hotter than gas. And the smoke flavor is also preferred by many people. Charcoal grills are more affordable, and you can control the heat distribution better since you can arrange charcoal lumps however you want.
Conclusion
Charcoal grills are one of the cheapest and easiest ways of having some good, healthy and delicious food. The best charcoal grill under 200 can offer you excellent features to make your cooking convenient and easy. You are also getting that mouthwatering smoky flavor at this cheap price.
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