Best Kettle Grills

You’ll pay a bit more for this option, but the quality and feature set more than make up for it.

Best pick in terms of quality and features. Charcoal baskets are great for cooking with direct or indirect heat. The ash cleaning and venting systems are top rate.

Original Kettle Charcoal Grill, 22-Inch

Kettle is so deep, you’ll have a hard time trying to sear meat. Number of features make assembly difficult.

Weber

This is a classic grill for a few very good reasons.

Cooks great, looks great, and it lasts forever. Stands out for its sturdy construction and its easy assembly. This grill is noted for its superior heat distribution control.

Lacks an ash collector under the kettle. Can get a bit tipsy when loaded up with charcoal.

Best Bang for the Buck

Beau Jardin

Charcoal Grill, 17-Inch

If you’re just looking for a simple grill, this is a solid option for the price.

High quality for a low cost. The smaller size makes it simple to store. Great to camp with. Easy to assemble and clean.

TRU-Infrared Kettleman Charcoal Grill, 22.5 Inch

Too small for most families. Some units ship with missing parts, most noticeably screws.

Char-Broil

An ideal choice if you’re looking for a larger grill that burns hot yet uses little charcoal.

We love how this option burns very hot with about a third of the charcoal you’re used to using. The cooking grate minimizes flare-ups. A sturdy grill that is easy to assemble and use.

Outdoor Charcoal Kettle Grill, 22.5-Inch

Food is so close to the charcoal that this grill can be difficult to use for anything other than searing. Cooking grate can be hard to clean.

Kingsford

An inexpensive option that cooks really well, but if you can get by with a smaller grill, the Beautiful Gardener Grill is probably your better buy.

Gets high marks for how it cooks. Assembles easily and holds up well over time. The shape allows for the use of less charcoal.