The best charcoal grill under 200 is the focus of our discussion today. Not everyone is a fan of gas grills, so it would be unfair if we concentrated only on gas grills while overlooking their charcoal-powered counterparts. If you like gas grills, find here the best gas grills under 200 dollars.
Grilling goes hand in hand with outdoor barbecue parties or gatherings. It is arguably the best way to cook tasty and juicy foods and escape the harmful oily and fried dishes we usually consume every day. Charcoal grills have been used for many years for outdoor grilling and to some, who love to barbecue, offer great ways to try out smoked steak.
Are Charcoal Grills Worth It?
This best charcoal grill under 200 review will show you why these grills are still worth it even in the era where gas grills dominate. Charcoal grills will save you a lot of money since their fuels are readily available and cheap. You will only need charcoal or wood to ignite the fire and you are good to go.
Moreover, charcoal grills are usually more portable compared to their gas counterparts. This is because you don’t have to deal with the bulk of the propane tank in charcoal grills.
Another reason why some people like charcoal grills is that they don’t produce flare-ups when cooking, unlike the open flame of gas grills. Also, charcoal normally burns hotter compared to gas.
Since charcoal grills don’t have heat control dials, you can set aside areas with no briquettes to help you control the temperature, thus enabling you to sear your steak and let it complete cooking in the less hot regions of the grill.
How Do Charcoal Grills Work?
Charcoal grills are simple to use. In fact, it is because of their simplicity that they are popular around the world. The heat from the burning charcoal cooks your food while the vents control the flow of air, thus controlling the temperature. Some grills have an adaptable charcoal tray that allows you to move the heat further or closer to the food.
Top 10 Best Charcoal Grills Under 200 in 2023
We have chosen the top 10 best Charcoal Grills Under 200 dollars, let’s check their features, pros, and cons:
1. Weber 14402001 Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill
The classic Weber kettle is one of the best charcoal grills under $200. With 362 square inches of cooking space, this grill is large enough to handle food for a small crowd.
It has a precision heat control system that allows you to control the temperature of your cooking without the need to lift the lid. You just have to adjust the dampers for intense searing if necessary. Closing the dampers will cut the flow of oxygen, which then extinguish the coals, while the vice versa is also true.
Furthermore, you can easily add coal in the grill while cooking. The cooking grate of this grill is conveniently hinged to allow you to easily add charcoal while grilling.
You can also arrange your coals on the fuel grate for direct or indirect searing. The coals are burning too strong? Don’t worry; the heat shield aids to stop the lid handle from getting uncontrollably hot.
What I love about this device is its practicality. For example, the frame of the grill is designed with hooks so that you can easily hang your grilling equipment such as tongs and spatulas. The lid is also angled perfectly to allow you to hang it down on the side of the grill instead of placing it to the ground. Lastly, the one-touch cleaning system ensures that cleaning this device is hassle-free.
2. Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill
Coming second on the list is another charcoal grill from Weber. The Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill comes with a decent 363 square inches of grilling space as well as a lid and a porcelain-plated lid for durability and long-lasting grilling. The lid handle has a heat shield, which protects you from heat.
One of the most important things grillers want in a grill is the ability to control the temperature. With this device, you can easily control the heat without lifting the lid even an inch. Just like Weber 14402001, all you need to do is adjust the dampers to either open or close them to regulate airflow.
If the heat gets out of control, don’t fret, as this grill was constructed to withstand high temperatures. You can also collect the charcoal on the cooking grate for direct or indirect searing.
It also has an angled steel-coated cooking grate that can push back so that you can conveniently add more charcoal to the grill whenever you want.
This model is also highly portable. Apart from being lightweight, it furthermore features two durable wheels that make it easy to push it wherever you want.
3. Webber 741001 Original 22-Inch Charcoal Grill
This model is quite similar to the first two Weber Original Premium Charcoal grills above; however, there are some slight differences. For starters, this is much less expensive compared to the two.
But just like the other Weber charcoal grills on this list, Webber 741001 also has a cooking space of 363 square meters, which is suitable for a medium-sized family or a small crowd.
The porcelain-plated lid and bowl prevent the top lid from overheating and rusting. The cooking grate is made of steel, which enables it to transmit heat evenly and help give your food some amazing flavor as well as making it easy to clean.
Cleaning this grill is also a breeze since it has an ash catcher that holds the ashes in one place.
You will love the fact that this model is highly portable. It features two durable wheels, in addition to the fact that it is lightweight.
The temperature of the grill can also be controlled by just adjusting the dampers, which doing so; will be regulating the flow of oxygen into the burning coal.
This charcoal grill can also hold 13 burgers, which is impressive considering its diameter.
4. Weber 441001 18″Charcoal Grill
Another Weber charcoal grill on the list, 441001 Grilling is quite a space saver and will give you a unique experience when cooking your delicacies outdoors. Off all the Weber grills, this one the perhaps the most stylish, with its shiny black surface that will surely get your attention from a distance. The silver shades on the stands and handles make this device a glamorous addition to your home.
It comes with two durable wheels as well as one stand leg, which combine to give you a variety of options as far as mobility is concerned.
The entire grill is made of steel aluminum and porcelain-plated elements that blend to produce this majestic grill that can last you for ages.
The circular grilling area, as well as the minimalistic design, allows cooking some unforgettable dishes for family and friends while saving tons of space in your yard, fuel, and money.
The heating of this grill comes with accurate temperature control, which is aided by the effective blend of materials used in construction, which ensures that fire produced by the charcoal is directed to the right places.
Just like other Weber grills, the heat of this grill can be regulated by adjusting the dampers. The durable cooking grates offer high performance for a long time while being easy to clean and maintain.
5. Portable Cast Iron Grill with Double-sided Grilling
Breaking into the list dominated by Portable Cast Iron Grill with Double-sided Grilling is this jagged, charcoal hibachi-styled grill from Giantex. It is designed to suit picnics, car camping, tailgating, or courtyard.
It comes with a draft door that helps regulate the temperature while making it easy to keep your food warm or even heat tea or coffee while grilling. There is also a second door that is adorned with a sunrise Marsh scene, providing easy access to the charcoal.
This model is unique and highly portable in that it can fit any contained space. Its cast-iron cooking grates and grills are both seasoned, so the grill is ready to use out of the box. However, you are going to need to maintain it with some oil to prolong its lifespan.
It also has two adaptable heights for added convenience and has sufficient space to accommodate numerous whole fish or burgers and steaks for a medium-sized family or small crowd.
If you want the best charcoal grill under $200 and more practical, then look no further than Lodge Cast Iron Sportsman’s Grill. It has very high reviews online from some satisfied users.
It is also portable, weighing just 27 lbs., though it doesn’t have wheels.
6. Char-Griller KORN Jr. Portable Kamado Charcoal Grill
Though a Chargrill has waited this long to enter the list, it doesn’t take away anything from the brand’s to make the top-of-the-line grill. One of the company’s leading charcoal grills is the Char-Griller Eo6614 AKORN Jr, which comes with a lot of exciting features.
The construction of the grill is the first thing that will catch your eye. It is built to provide you service for a long, with 22 gauge steel. The exterior is made of powered crusted steel while the interior is porcelain enameled.
Controlling the heat is also a breeze. First, the grill has triple walls, which makes it capable of retaining and maintaining heat between 200 and 700 degrees Fahrenheit.
It has 153 square inches of grilling space, which though not as large as other grills on this list, is still ideal for grilling at the patio, park, tailgating, or camping.
Adjustable top damper helps to maintain the flow of oxygen as well as control the heat with the help of the built-in temperature knob.
The bottom dumper also works to regulate airflow for accurate heat control, while the ash pan makes it easy and quick to clean.
While it doesn’t have wheels, this grill comes with a pair of durable handles for enhanced portability.
7. Char-Griller Table Top Charcoal Grill and Side Fire Box
This could be the best bargain grill on the list. In addition to its great features, it can also be interchanged from a grill to a smoker; however, this process is irreversible. It has a decent primary cooking space of 250 square inches.
To convert it into a smoker, attach the grill to the Char-Griller barrel charcoal grill to create a side firebox and have yourself some Texas-like smoking.
It also has two dampers – top and bottom – which are both adjustable to help control the grilling temperature and allow the regulation of airflow.
The grates are made of cast iron, which allows s the heat to be distributed evenly for a great grilling experience. The grill itself is made of industry-grade steel for long-lasting and durable.
It has a sliding door for easy access to the charcoal so that you can always add more while grilling, or gather them to one side of the grill to regulate the heat.
The grill comes with four legs for stability and easy storage when not in use.
Lastly, this model is stylishly constructed with black color that will add a new dimension to your backyard.
8. TITAN GREAT OUTDOORS – Outdoor Park-Style Charcoal Grill for Camping and Cookouts
One thing I love about this grill is its unique shape that enables you to sear a wide range of veggies and meats, as it can hold large cuts of meat, many hot dogs, chicken skewers, cheeseburgers, and many more.
It is also easy to get started, as all you need is to just shove some coal below the grilling rack and you are good to go.
This grill will make your overall grilling experience easier than ever. You will get that high-sought juicy flavor when you use Titan Park-Style Charcoal Grill. It suits your small and medium-sized requirements.
If you live in harsh environments, don’t worry. This grill was constructed to last longer thanks to its heavy-duty steel material. It also has 9-gauge thick steel grates as well as a mounting plate that safely secure the grill box without bowing or bending.
Let’s talk about additional convenience. The top of the grate is adjustable and has the ability to move up to 4 different heights. On the side of the grill, you will steel-plated handles, which enable you to grill your meat safely because the two handles cannot get too hot.
9. BEAU JARDIN Premium – 18 Inch Charcoal Grill for Outdoor Camping Heavy Duty
There are many reasons to choose this charcoal grill. First, it comes with an insulated handle for your own protection during grilling. The adjustable air vent is located near the handle and allows you to regulate heat accurately.
The charcoal grate is thickened to enable it to withstand the ravaging heat of the coal, during direct or indirect searing.
The adjustable ash catcher also features small perforation that allows the air to flow in, and make the carbon in the coal flammable.
The cooking surface is professionally widened to allow the cooking grate to fit in steadily and prevent siding when searing.
It is easy to assemble this model as it comes with an easy-to-follow manual. Just adjust the damper to whatever cooking condition you want. Even if you encounter some hiccups during construction, customer service is ready to help you.
For portability, the grill features a pair of 1.4 inches thickened wheels, made of thickened material for durability and portability. It also has stable feet that will stand steadily on the floor.
The bowl is made of thickened material (porcelain-enameled) while helping it retain and distribute heat uniformly during grilling.
10. Char-Broil TRU Infrared Kettleman Charcoal Grill
With 360 square inches of grilling space on a corrosion-free, porcelain searing grate, Char-Broil TRU-Infrared Kettleman Charcoal Grill makes our last entry as the best charcoal grill under 200.
The no-fall-through grilling grate maintains your food on top, thus preventing flare-ups as well as allowing for even heat distribution. The vent located on the lid allows the heat out and oxygen in and also closes to trap the heat inside.
The TRU-Infrared Charcoal Grates are designed to give you absolute control over your grilling while saving on your fuel.
One feature that standouts on this grill is the 360-degree air inlet, which enhances airflow that helps produce more heat.
The temperature gauge, which is lid-mounted, allows you to keep track of the pre-heat condition of your grill and monitor the interior temperature of the grill.
Slide-in ash catcher fits comfortably underneath the grill to capture and store ash. The pan is easy to remove, clean, and in case of defects, replace.
The brand also stands behind this grill by offering 10 years warranty on the lid and firebox, a 5-year warranty on the ash catcher, and a 2-year warranty on the remaining parts of the grill.
How to Choose the Best Charcoal Grill Under $200?
Now that you have seen the best possible charcoal grills under $200, how do you decide which one to buy? Don’t worry; I am not done helping you out. Below are things to consider when choosing the right charcoal grill.
There are numerous accessories and features an ideal charcoal grill must-have, and here are a few of them.
1. Heat Distribution
Charcoals don’t burn evenly, and so, some parts of your grill will have intense heat while others less intense heat. However, an ideal grill should have components that can help distribute heat evenly. The most common feature charcoal grills use to control heat is the adjustable dampers. So lookout for this feature.
2. Grill’s Size
Unfortunately, charcoal grills are never as big as gas grills. So if you want to meet your needs, you must make sure you go for the largest charcoal grill you can possibly afford. An ideal, spacious grill should have multiple cooking racks to help keep the food warm.
3. Grill’s Material
The ideal material for a charcoal grill is usually cast-iron since it can withstand high heat intensities of burning charcoal. This material is also perfect for even distribution and retention of heat. It is also known for being great for grilling and locking in all the juicy flavors.
4. Portability
Your grill must be able to move freely from place to place. This is an important aspect to out for if you plan on doing a lot of outdoor grilling. So choose a grill that can be easily carried with you wherever you want to take your searing skills.
5. Durability
One thing you need to know about charcoal grills is that they don’t last long compared to gas grills. This is because charcoals usually produce very hot heat that can disintegrate any sub-standard material. With that in mind, the material of the grill will determine its durability.
6. Warranty
Due to their inexpensiveness, sometimes charcoal grills come without warranties. Now, regardless of how cheap the grill is, you don’t want to buy something like this that doesn’t have a warranty.
To be on the safe side, make sure you buy it from a trusted brand, such as the likes of Char, Weber, Lodge, and Cuisinart, just to mention a few.
7. Accessories
An ideal charcoal grill should have at least more than one accessory. Sometimes the more the number of amenities, the more the cost of the grill, so be careful.
Generally, get a charcoal grill with the following accessories:
- Hooks for hanging your grilling equipment
- Warming rack to keep your food warm
- Grill cover
- Storage shelves
- Built-in thermometer for accurate heat control
8. Budget
While you want a charcoal grill that is of high quality, you also need to ensure it fits your budget. Every buyer should have the knack for finding cheap items that are of outstanding quality as well as with a bunch of interesting features just like expensive versions.
9. Shipping
If you plan to buy a grill online, it would be wise to read the reviews before adding it to the cart. Buying anything online is always risky, with the number one concern being the possibility of the item arriving broken. By reading reviews, you will be able to tell which brand will ensure your grill gets to you in one piece, and in case of anything, will give you a full refund.
10. Which type of charcoal should you use?
Generally, the type of charcoal will not have a bearing on the result of your grilling. This is particularly true if you plan to do only short grills and are not worried about smoke. Things like the type of meat, the sauces, and rubs, as well as the temperature you remove your meat at, will have more effect on the taste of the meat than smoke from the charcoal you use. Having said that, the type of charcoal you use will have a major impact on the amount of mess you will have to clean after cooking. It can also affect the amount of temperature your grill can reach and the consistency of grilling.
There are two types of charcoal you can use on your grill – Briquettes and lump hardwood.
Lamp charcoals are the most common types and you can make your own at home. It usually burns faster and hotter compared to briquettes. And since these types don’t have fillers, you will get a cleaner heat with less ash.
Briquettes, on the other hand, are made out of crushed fragments of lump charcoal. They are usually bound together using binders, which result in a lot of ash after burning.
So, the best type of charcoal is perhaps lump charcoal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)Best Charcoal Grill Under 200 Dollars
Find some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and answers about Best Charcoal Grill Under $200:
Are charcoal grills suitable for large groups?
Yes, charcoal grills can cook multiple foods at once, such as steaks, chicken, hamburgers, and so on. Thus, they are perfect for larger crowds.
Are they suitable for professional barbecue grillers?
Absolutely yes, charcoal grills function almost the same way as gas grills and so they are recommended for professional and also novice grillers.
Can charcoal grills be used for camping?
Yes, these grills are actually designed to be highly portable compared to gas grills, which you have to haul with propane tanks.
Final Thoughts
There you have it, the honest review of the best charcoal grill under 200. All these grills have value for money, though they possess different features and functions.
But if you would push me to the corner and ask for the best of the ten, I will probably recommend the Weber 14402001 Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill. It is arguably the best all-rounder charcoal grill.