Introduction
There's something about charcoal grilling that just tastes better. Maybe it's the smoky flavor, maybe it's the ritual of lighting the coals, maybe it's just nostalgia. Whatever it is, a charcoal grill is a backyard essential.
And here's the good news: you don't need to spend $500+ for a great charcoal grill. Some of the best grills are under $300 — simple, durable, and they make great food.
I tested 4 popular charcoal grills under $300 to find the best ones for different needs.
What to Look For in a Charcoal Grill
Size
- Small (14-18 inches): For 1-2 people, small patios, tailgating
- Medium (22 inches): For 3-5 people, most common size
- Large (26+ inches): For 6+ people, big families, parties
Style
- Kettle: The classic round charcoal grill. Simple, affordable, versatile.
- Barrel / offset: Bigger, more cooking area, better for smoking.
- Portable / tabletop: Small, lightweight, good for tailgating or small spaces.
- Kamado: Ceramic, excellent heat retention, great for smoking. Expensive (usually over $300).
Features to look for
- Adjustable vents: For controlling temperature
- Ash catcher: Makes cleanup easier
- Warming rack: Extra space for buns or keeping food warm
- Side tables: Prep space (nice but not essential)
- Wheels: Makes it easier to move around
Top Picks
Best Overall: Weber Original Kettle Premium (22 inches)
Price: ~$175
The Weber kettle is the classic charcoal grill for a reason — it's simple, durable, and cooks great food. The Original Kettle Premium is the best version for most people.
The 22-inch cooking grate is big enough for 8-10 burgers or a whole chicken. The one-touch cleaning system makes ash removal easy — just turn the lever and the ash falls into the catch pan below.
The porcelain-enameled bowl and lid won't rust, and Weber's warranty is excellent. This is a grill that will last 10+ years with minimal care.
Pros:
- Classic, proven design
- Great heat distribution
- One-touch cleaning system
- Durable porcelain-enameled bowl
- 10-year warranty
Cons:
- No side tables
- Ash catcher can be messy
- Basic (no frills)
Best Kettle Upgrade: Weber Master-Touch (22 inches)
Price: ~$280
If you have a bit more budget, the Weber Master-Touch is worth the upgrade over the Original Kettle. It adds several nice features:
- Gourmet BBQ System cooking grate: Hinged in the middle, so you can add charcoal without removing all the food
- Built-in thermometer: No more guessing the temperature
- Wider, more stable legs
- Improved ash catcher
- Better handles
It's still a Weber kettle at heart — same great cooking performance — but with upgrades that make it more convenient. At just under $300, it's a great value.
Pros:
- All the benefits of the Weber kettle
- Hinged cooking grate (very useful)
- Built-in lid thermometer
- Better ash catcher
- More stable design
Cons:
- Still no side tables
- Almost $300 (but worth it)
- You might not need all the upgrades
Best Barrel Grill: Royal Gourmet 30" Charcoal Grill
Price: ~$200
If you want more cooking area than a kettle, a barrel grill gives you a lot more space for the money. The Royal Gourmet 30-inch has about 600 square inches of cooking area — way more than a 22-inch kettle.
It has adjustable charcoal grates (raise or lower for heat control), side tables for prep space, a front charcoal access door, and a bottom shelf for storage. It's a lot of grill for $200.
The build quality is decent but not as good as Weber — it's thinner metal and won't last quite as long. But if you want maximum cooking area on a budget, it's hard to beat.
Pros:
- Lots of cooking space (600 sq in)
- Side tables for prep
- Adjustable charcoal grates
- Good value
- Front charcoal access door
Cons:
- Thinner metal than Weber
- Assembly takes a while
- Not as durable long-term
- Heat distribution isn't as even as a kettle
Best Portable: Weber Smokey Joe Premium (14 inches)
Price: ~$60
If you have a small patio, balcony, or like to tailgate, the Weber Smokey Joe is perfect. It's a mini 14-inch Weber kettle — same great design, just smaller.
It cooks 3-4 burgers at a time, which is enough for 1-2 people. The lid locks on for easy carrying, and it has a plated steel cooking grate.
It's tiny but mighty — and it's Weber quality for $60.
Pros:
- Compact and portable
- Weber quality at a low price
- Lid locks for carrying
- Perfect for small spaces or tailgating
- Durable
Cons:
- Very small (3-4 burgers max)
- Not for families or parties
- No ash catcher on basic model
Best for Smoking: Char-Griller E16620 Akorn Kamado
Price: ~$290
If you're interested in smoking as well as grilling, a kamado-style grill is great — they hold heat and moisture incredibly well. Most kamados are $500+, but the Char-Griller Akorn is under $300.
It's made of insulated steel (not ceramic like premium kamados), but it still holds heat extremely well and is great for low-and-slow smoking. It also works well for regular grilling at high heat.
The cooking area is 314 square inches — enough for a small family. And it has a side vent and top vent for precise temperature control.
Pros:
- Excellent heat retention (great for smoking)
- Versatile — grill and smoke
- More affordable than ceramic kamados
- Good temperature control
- Unique design
Cons:
- Not as durable as ceramic kamados
- Smaller cooking area
- Assembly is tricky
- Steel body can rust if not cared for
Charcoal 101
If you're new to charcoal grilling:
- Use a chimney starter. It's the easiest, safest way to light charcoal. No lighter fluid taste.
- Wait for the coals to ash over. They're ready when they're covered in a thin layer of gray ash (about 15-20 minutes).
- Spread them out evenly for direct heat, or push them to one side for indirect heat.
- Control temperature with the vents. Open vents = more air = hotter fire. Close vents = less air = cooler fire.
- Let it preheat for 5-10 minutes before putting food on.
- Oil the grates before cooking to prevent sticking.
Care and Maintenance
- Clean the grates after each use (brush while hot)
- Empty the ash regularly (don't let it build up)
- Cover it when not in use (a grill cover extends the life dramatically)
- Store in a dry place if possible
- Replace grates when they get really rusty
Final Verdict
For most people, the Weber Original Kettle Premium is the best charcoal grill under $300. It's simple, durable, cooks great, and will last for years. If you can stretch the budget a bit, the Master-Touch adds nice upgrades that are worth the extra cost.
If you want more cooking area, go with the Royal Gourmet barrel grill. If you need something portable, the Weber Smokey Joe is a classic. And if you're into smoking, check out the Char-Griller Akorn.
Whatever you get, remember: the best charcoal grill is the one you'll actually use. Go fire it up and make something delicious.
