Best Charcoal BBQs for every situation
A charcoal BBQ is the best option for people who want a real fire-food-smoke experience (some would say!). Gas barbecues might be faster, cleaner, and easier to control, but they don’t provide the same versatility or flavours that a charcoal bbq does (the same people would say!!).
To find the best charcoal BBQs, we looked at those suitable for four or more people and reviewed a variety of styles. We considered the simplicity of drums and open grills, including the ever-popular kettle, American-style heavy-hooded and kamado-style ceramic egg barbecues. The prices vary greatly, ranging from the economical to the expensive. Everything in between is represented fairly, but we understand that the price can be a very important factor to consider, so all prices (correct at the time of writing) are included!
We all have something particular in mind when we are planning our perfect BBQ, and the equipment itself is one of the most important parts to consider. This blog should be able to help you narrow the choice down so that you can focus on the other areas of your party-to-be!
What to look for when buying a Charcoal BBQ
Size: Barbecues come in various styles; some are designed for large gatherings while others are made for two people. The amount of coal that may be used in a given amount of time will vary, depending on the type of barbecue. The distribution of the coals may also have an impact on cooking capacity. In certain situations, it’s easier to distribute your coals and get consistent direct heat in barrel barbecues than it is with dome-bottomed kettle models.
The number of cooking grills: By using shelves or inserts to move your food away from the central heat (a technique known as indirect cooking), you can cook more delicate dishes. By closing the hood, you help the food to cook evenly without too much fuss; this also lessens turning and moving, leaving you free to socialize.
Adjustable air vents: These will help you to increase the airflow to your coals and allow you to adjust the temperature beneath a cooking hood.
Heat thermometers: If you’re cooking meat joints, a standard feature on many models is particularly handy if you want to achieve consistent results.
Best Charcoal BBQs
Napoleon 22” Charcoal Kettle Grill – £174.89
This simple BBQ has an incredibly user-friendly design and is suitable for anyone who wants to barbecue frequently.
The inclusion of a screwdriver and spanner among the other nuts and bolts was much appreciated, as were the clear instructions and diagrams in the manuals. Once fully heated, cooking was an effortless affair that yielded perfectly cooked courgettes and potatoes with defined grill lines and evenly charred kebabs packed full of flavour.
This model is equipped with direct and indirect heat zones for your convenience. With this function, you’re able to keep cooked food warm around the edges of the grill while other items finish cooking in the centre – without worrying about them becoming overdone. Additionally, a temperature dial on the lid makes lid-down cooking or smoking easy and effortless. Lastly, we appreciated the lock-and-release ash collector because it means you don’t have to root around trying to dispose of old coal ashes.
Weber Classic Kettle Barbecue – £207.99
This Weber kettle barbecue has a straightforward, easy-to-use design that is ideal for anyone looking for delicious results with minimum effort. The grill is big enough to feed a family of six, with features like simple cleaning, an ash collection, and a lid hook for tucking the hood away as you’re turning burgers making life just a bit easier while in use.
With a 10-year warranty on the bowl and lid, and guaranteed other parts for two to five years, this product is sure to last you many fun nights grilling with friends. The handbook will make you eager to use this barbecue as soon as possible.
Lotus Grill Charcoal BBQ – £179
The Lotus is a modest yet efficient charcoal BBQ with no lid or legs that weighs just 3.7 kg when empty. It’s ideal for small gardens, courtyards, and balconies because the outside doesn’t get hot, so it may be placed directly on grass or a table without causing damage.
The model is fan-assisted and only takes six minutes to heat up after lighting it. Airflow is dial-controlled, which just takes a bit of practice to get used to.
The vegetables, spatchcock chicken, and potatoes were cooked quickly. Most impressively, the unoiled courgette slices didn’t stick to anything, although the grill lines could have been more defined. The product arrived with a carry case, 1kg of charcoal plus lighting gel; overall good value for money for its ease and simplicity.
Berghoff Portable BBQ – £135.99
Although a tiny portable barbecue may not entirely replace a conventional one, they are worth noting for their flexibility. They’re a great option for outdoor dining in areas with limited space or no garden at all. Despite being constructed of tough carbon steel, this attractive Berghoff barbecue is lightweight.
The carrying strap is more than adequate, and the cork lid can also be used as a heatproof mat when grilling on grass. When the grill is lit, the lid serves as a vent to regulate airflow into the firebox.
VonHaus Compact Charcoal Barbecue – £149.99
Although this barbecue is economical and has a large grilling area, you sacrifice build quality. Some parts feel flimsy, and it requires flat-pack construction with many tiny screws.
The bottle opener and two side tables for holding barbecue tools are nifty features you gain after construction. The height-adjustable firebox offers the control you can rarely achieve when cooking over coals, yielding some nicely cooked ingredients.
Boss Grill – The Egg – £187.99
The Boss Grill is countertop sized and insulated with ceramic, allowing it to grill, roast, bake, smoke, and cook pizzas.
It’s simple to put together, and after it’s up and running, you’ll be quite pleased with how fast it cooks. It does take a little time to cook with the thermostat on high or low, but as soon as it hits mid-high or mid-low, all of that hard work is completely worth it. The lid is spring-loaded for an easy close and there’s a temperature gauge so you can keep track of how hot it gets during cooking.
With a capacity to hold 3kg of charcoal, this barbecue gets very hot. We found that it burned some ingredients before they were cooked through. However, with some trial and error, it could be a great cooking companion for meals for up to four people and will pump out heat for hours – ideal for roasting marshmallows for dessert.
Lifestyle 22” Kettle Charcoal BBQ – £75
This barbecue will seem rewarding once completed if you don’t mind interpreting diagram-based instructions without words and have a basic collection of tools on hand. It’s a cheap, bright little grill that’s easy to handle because of its wheel. For wetter months, it’ll need to be covered.
The two cooking grills are the first of many features that give it the appearance of being a money-saving investment. They don’t make the char lines you want, and ingredients should be oiled to keep them from sticking, but you can choose whether to cook with high heat just above the coals or at a lower temperature at the top.
The twin air-vent system allows you to change the temperature while the lid is on, cooking your food more efficiently. The removable ash-catcher also makes it easy to clean up after use.
Argos Home Charcoal Oil Drum Barbecue – £88
Argos’ basic barrel barbecue has exceptional value for money when compared to other charcoal grills on the market. The price is one of Argos’ biggest strengths. For less than £100, you get a lot of cooking space for two people or components for four people. The effectiveness and quality of the cooking are worth every penny!
The bottom basin draws air in through the vents, keeping the coals warm. The design of the barbecue makes it simple to get an even coal distribution, which is not a problem with kettle barbecues. For the price, there’s no way you can do better.
Kamado Joe Kettle BBQ – £438.99
This BBQ is not only practical for cooking outdoors, but its large size and striking red exterior make it a real crowd-pleaser. Perfect for smoking or grilling large quantities of food.
The unit comes with the option to turn it into a smoker, perfect for adding unique flavour and personality to barbequed meats. Note that two people are recommended to work together to put this grill together, as the ceramic interior panels are fairly large and have heavy sections. However, these Ceramic materials also have advantages- they hold heat very well so that you will have extended cooking time.
Although a bit uncomfortable because you have to stoop over it, this model was still affordable and offered many cooking possibilities. It comes in a middle-range price of £439, which for the options it brings to the table, as well as the capacity and high-quality ceramic is a solid price!
Fueling and Lighting your new Charcoal BBQ
How you light and fuel your new kit is going to be very dependent on the equipment you get. Each will have certain guidelines, instructions and safety warnings that will come with it. Still, there are general points that apply to nearly all Charcoal BBQs:
If you want to buy more eco-friendly charcoal, be aware that it is usually priced higher. Nevertheless, because this type of charcoal burns slowly and provides consistent heat, you won’t need as much of it. This will eventually save you money in the long run.
Charcoal briquettes and self-lighting charcoal are chemicals that produce a strong aroma that will flavour your food, which can be good or bad depending on your own taste and the type of briquettes you use.
Never use anything other than barbecue-specific fuel to light your grill, and never use charcoal briquettes intended for indoor fireplaces. Instead, look for natural firelighters made specifically for barbecues. You don’t want harmful elements getting into the food you eat!
How to use a Charcoal BBQ Safely
It’s true. When you cook on a barbecue, you are literally playing with fire – but in a delightful way. You should make sure you’re doing it in the safest manner possible, just as when using fire in any other circumstance. Reviewing grill safety practices is key to charcoal grilling and something that should be done regularly. For both your sake and the sake of those you’re cooking for, don’t wait to brush up on best practices. You should:
- Always read the manufacturer’s instructions before using your charcoal grill or smoker.
- Never use or install your BBQ charcoal grill indoors, on recreational vehicles, boats, covered porches, overhangs, or underneath the combustible building.
- When setting up and using your charcoal grill, make sure it’s on a sturdy surface to keep it from tipping over.
- Never leave your grill unattended after lighting it!
Charcoal can be used to heat your grill in a number of different ways. Lump charcoal is made from burning wood with an absence of oxygen, largely considered charcoal in its purest form, and charcoal briquettes are uniform chunks of combustible material produced from wood components, binding agents, and accelerants. Both have their own set of guidelines that must be followed.
- Place your light lump or briquette charcoal in a chimney starter on a non-flammable surface, such as a stone patio.
- If using an electric starter, make sure that you do not use it in the rain or when standing on a wet surface. When you’re finished, ensure that it is cooled on a non-flammable surface like brick before putting it away.
- Please use extreme caution if you choose to use a chemical accelerant to help light your charcoal. Ensure that the lid is on, the accelerator is stored safely away from the BBQ, and children cannot reach it before attempting to light the grill.
- To prevent any burns, ensure to tie back long hair and wear tight-fitting clothes when using a charcoal grill.
- You should never touch charcoal if unsure of its heat to avoid severe burns. Use tongs and heat-resistant gloves when handling hot coals, as well as when opening or closing vents.
Conclusion
A Charcoal BBQ is a great way to add loads of delicious classic BBQ flavours to your food. The smokey, ashy flavours combine really well with the spicy and sour flavours of so many BBQ sauces! But what to pick? There are so many choices that could work well for you, but why settle for ok, when you could shoot for the stars?
All of these barbecue sets are well tested and proven to be reliable, by a number of very well-known manufacturers. With the comprehensive range of options above, you are sure to find the perfect BBQ for you, to fit whatever situation you need your charcoal BBQ for!