Best Charcoal Grills Under $200

Best Charcoal Grills Under $200

Only a few things can beat the aroma and tastiness of food prepared using a charcoal grill in summer. Gas grills might offer more convenience, but charcoal grills make tastier foods.

Charcoal grills are easier to set up than their gas and electric equivalents. All you need is charcoal, a lighter, and the food you want to prepare. With these, you can prepare a delectable meal with a smoky flavor.

Moreover, charcoal grills are cheaper than other options, making them ideal for people with constrained budgets and first-time grillers.

 Factors to Consider When Buying a Charcoal Grill

With many options to choose from, it can be challenging to find a charcoal grill that suits your needs. Here are the things you need to consider the next time you go shopping for one.

 Size

The size of the grill you purchase is essential; the bigger it is, the costlier it will be. If your backyard has limited space, it would be best if you bought a portable grill instead of a standard model.

Additionally, the number of people you intend to cook for also affects the size of the grill you purchase. Keep in mind that a small grill will tire you if you are cooking for a large group.

Price

As is the case with other purchases, you need to decide how much you are willing to spend on a charcoal grill because they can run from affordable models to super-expensive models. Ensure that you consider the amount of size you have, then allocate an appropriate budget.

Style

For some people, the appearance of a grill is an important consideration. For instance, if you like contemporary looks, you can purchase the larger models that resemble gas-powered grills.

 Air Vents

Although many people tend to overlook this feature, experienced grillers can tell you about the significance of air vents.

Vents are vital in regulating the temperature of your grill. When you need more heat, you open the vents. If the temperature is too high, you close the vents. The more the vents a grill has, the more control over the heat you have.

Head Room

If you plan to use your grill for cooking poultry and other foods with height, ensure that the legs are tall enough to accommodate the meal with the lid closed.

Extra Features

Other features that make grills more appealing include ease of cleaning, shelves for holding food, and racks for hanging utensils.

What You Need to Know About Charcoal Grills

Before you invest in a charcoal grill, here are a few things you need to know.

 How Charcoal Grills Work

A typical grill is a ceramic or metal container with charcoal at its base. Above the charcoal is a metallic grate where you place the food while cooking.

When you close the grill's container while cooking, it retains the heat. Under direct heat, food sears well, while indirect heat cooks better. To use direct heat, the lid must be open.

Charcoal grills cook better than other types because the fuels burn longer and have smoky flavors. However, you have to deal with residual ash after grilling.

The Best Charcoal Grills Under $200

Here are the best charcoal grills you can acquire without breaking your budget.

Weber 22-Inch One-Touch Silver

If you want value for money, look no further than the iconic Weber 22-Inch One-Touch Silver charcoal grill. The most significant advantage of this model is its rust-resistance, as its body has an enamel coating, and the legs and vents are made of aluminum.

It is easy to control the temperature using this unit since it has vents at the top and the bottom. This grill's round shape also focuses on heat, making it ideal for smoking.

This model is has a massive cooking area, meaning that it is useful for giant gatherings. The cooking grate is made of rust-resistant heavy-duty steel and has hinges that make it easier to add charcoal when needed.

Lastly, this grill has a one-touch cleaning function. After cooking, all you need to do is turning a handle, and three blades will remove all the ash and move them into a designated catcher.

Nexgrill Cart-Style Charcoal Grill

For people who love cart-style grills, this unit is the best option. The unique design means that you get more cooking space and a versatile side tray.

The best thing about this grill is that it sears most foods well, although meat can overcook at times. This is why it is commendable to use indirect heating when preparing foods like chicken and ribs.

On the downside, this grill can be a bit bulkier than other models. It is also relatively harder to assemble and needs more coal because of the larger cooking space. That said, the quality of food it delivers makes it worth the pain.

Char-Griller Akorn Kamado Kooker Charcoal Barbecue Grill and Smoker

The Char-Griller Akorn Kamado Kooker Charcoal Barbecue Grill and Smoker has an interesting design; for starters, it resembles an upside-down teardrop, and for drinkers, it looks like a beer keg. However you perceive it; this design follows the principles of the Japanese Kamado cooking technique and allows this unit to function as a direct heat grill and a smoker.

You can never run out of cooking space with this unit, as it has 314 square inches worth of space and an extra 133 square inches of a warming rack. This makes it ideal for preparing food at parties.

Another impressive feature of this charcoal grill is its ability to hold heat for extended periods. Its most significant disadvantage is a poor build quality, which means that it cannot serve you for many years.

Weber 14-inch Smokey Joe Charcoal Grill

Despite being easy to move, portable charcoal grills are messy. To use them, you need a large storage bin for keeping the ash, grease and grit.

The Weber 14-inch grill is a smaller version of the full-size model. While it is impractical to carry this unit in a backpack, you can easily fit in it your car's trunk when going for camping or tailgating. If you have a bigger congregation at your party, you can buy the 18-inch version.

There might be several portable grills in the market, but only a few can beat the Smokey Joe. This is offers the perfect blend between affordability and functionality. You do not have to spend much money to obtain it, and more importantly, it serves its intended purpose.

CasusGrill Instant Biodegradable Grill

What if you intend to use a charcoal grill for a one-off party? In such a situation, purchasing a lasting grill might seem unfeasible. Luckily, there is a unit known as the CasusGrill Instant Biodegradable Grill.

Besides being robust and easy to use, this grill costs the same if not less than a bag of charcoal. Unlike reusable tin foil grills that usually produce noxious fumes, this model is made of cardboard and repurposed chopsticks and does not produce harmful smoke.

Furthermore, the CasusGrill has an eco-friendly design. After using it, you can throw it into a fire or bury it in the ground. Suppose you opt to bury it, you will not affect the environment since the grill is made of bamboo and lava stone.

On average, this grill can serve you for one and a half hours, which is enough to prepare food for a small gathering. It weighs a paltry 2.2 lbs., meaning that you cannot get tired when carrying it to your next camping escapade.

Char-Broil American Gourmet 800 Series

Have you ever thought of a grill that uses both gas and charcoal? If not, you might want to consider the following

Char-Broil American Gourmet 800 Series. The best thing about this model is that it allows you to experience the speed and efficiency of gas and the smokiness of charcoal when you need it.

Moreover, this grill has a huge cooking surface that measures 850 square inches. This means that you can cook multiple meals simultaneously.

Other exciting features of this grill include the inbuilt temperature gauge, a cool-touch handle, an adjustable fire gate, and a removable ash tray that makes cleaning more convenient. Even better, this model has a side shelf and a folding front shelf where you can keep food or utensils.

Lastly, the primary cooking surface has three grates that you can lift when adding fuel. On the downside, this grill is susceptible to rusting, especially when exposed to the elements of weather.

Char-Griller 1515 Patio Pro

The Char-Griller 1515 Patio Pro is the best bet for people with small outdoor spaces, particularly those who live in condos and apartments.

With a cooking space measuring 250 square inches, the Patio Pro is considerably big for its size. It is different from other compact grills because it has long legs, while others tend to have shorter legs and nearer to the ground.

This unit can serve you for years, as it is made using heavy-duty steel. The steel is double-layered to improve heat retention and prevent burnouts. The only problem with its construction is the iron cooking grates that are prone to be rusting.

Additional, this unit has a drawer that slides out to make adding fuel and removing ash more convenient. Another add-on that makes usage easier is the side shelf for hanging utensils.

Final Words

There is nothing tastier than a barbecue prepared using a charcoal grill. For the best results, ensure that the cooking grates are clean, and open the vents regularly for better temperature control.