Unbiased Large Charcoal Grills Review


Our review process

Did you ever think what would make your backyard picnic better? There are many choices of grills to choose. How do you know which grill is the best for your cooking needs? Fortunately, we spent countless hours getting together, reviewing, and analyzing over 1,300 grills, each one having 89 various data parameters. Throughout our time reviewing each grill, we found 19 large charcoal grills. Our final goal is to offer you useful information so that you can find the most-fitting grill for your backyard. We took into account first-hand customer reviews and included key aspects, such as body construction material and fuel type. Therefore, we are pleased to show you the following article that will review some of the pros and cons in order to assist you in finding the grill of your dreams!

There are different things to consider when getting a large charcoal grill. Charcoal grills have a slow and gradual cooking process, which ensures that meat remains tender for the most delicious results. They can reach 700 degrees Fahrenheit, producing a crunchy and caramelized exterior on your steaks and sausages. Made for searing, they give meat rich and tasty flavor and create the perfect texture. However, they tend to rust and build-up carbon and ash, requiring more time, regular maintenance, and a deep clean at least once during the grilling season. Another drawback is that charcoal grills can take up to 25-30 minutes to heat up, resulting in a lengthier cooking process. A plus is that they can reach extreme temperatures capable of burning off excess fats, resulting in a nutritious dish. They can achieve a rich, smoky taste, preserving a mouth-watering flavor for all meat.

Large grills are excellent for neighborhood gatherings, giving you lots of space for tons of food. Often built with side burners, they provide extra grilling space. With these types of grills, you can cook up to 16 piece of chicken, 20 sausages, 8 steaks, and 16 burgers at a time. Typically equipped with a rotisserie kit, they rotate the roast, chicken, or turkey constantly, allowing the meat to cook in its natural juices for exceptionally moist and flavorful results. Large grills typically have eight burners and let you cook various dishes at different temperature levels. They often come with several grates, so you have a large surface area to cook on.

Our Top Ranking Grills:
Product NameBrandCooking Grate MaterialCooking AreaGrill Type
Best Overall Score
1
An image of Dyna-Glo DGSS1382VCS-D Charcoal Steel Freestanding Grill
Dyna-Glo DGSS1382VCS-D Charcoal Steel Freestanding Grill
Dyna-Glo
chrome plated
1382 sq. in.
Runner Up
2
An image of Dyna-Glo DGN576DNC-D Charcoal Freestanding Covered Grill
Dyna-Glo DGN576DNC-D Charcoal Freestanding Covered Grill
Dyna-Glo
cast iron
816 sq. in.
covered grill
Best Affordable Option
3
An image of RiverGrille GR1038-014612 Cowboy 31" Charcoal Steel Fire Pit Grill
RiverGrille GR1038-014612 Cowboy 31" Charcoal Steel Fire Pit Grill
RiverGrille
884 sq. in.
fire pit grill
Best Durable Option
4
An image of Dyna-Glo DGB730SNB-D-KIT Charcoal Stainless Steel Freestanding Covered Grill
Dyna-Glo DGB730SNB-D-KIT Charcoal Stainless Steel Freestanding Covered Grill
Dyna-Glo
porcelain-enameled cast iron
952 sq. in.
covered grill
For Outdoor Kitchens
5
An image of Cal Flame BBQ09G870 G-Series 31" Charcoal Stainless Steel Covered Grill
Cal Flame BBQ09G870 G-Series 31" Charcoal Stainless Steel Covered Grill
Cal Flame
stainless steel
800 sq. in.
covered grill
Our Top Ranking Grills
Customer Rating
Brand
Dyna-Glo
Cooking Grate Material
chrome plated
Cooking Area
1382 sq. in.
Grill Type
Customer Rating
Brand
Dyna-Glo
Cooking Grate Material
cast iron
Cooking Area
816 sq. in.
Grill Type
covered grill
Customer Rating
Brand
RiverGrille
Cooking Grate Material
Cooking Area
884 sq. in.
Grill Type
fire pit grill
Customer Rating
Brand
Dyna-Glo
Cooking Grate Material
porcelain-enameled cast iron
Cooking Area
952 sq. in.
Grill Type
covered grill
Customer Rating
Brand
Cal Flame
Cooking Grate Material
stainless steel
Cooking Area
800 sq. in.
Grill Type
covered grill
Best Overall Score
An image of Dyna-Glo DGSS1382VCS-D Charcoal Steel Freestanding Grill

Enjoy every barbecuing experience by using the Dyna-Glo Charcoal Grill. This steel grill features heat-resistant handles to keep your barbecue securely closed. It is designed with a temperature gauge, so you can always be aware of the temperature of the grill in order to achieve perfect results each and every time. Using charcoal, it grills your food over an extended period of time to ensure the meat remains juicy. Quickly and easily dispose of ashes accumulated while cooking with its ash pan. This steel grill features a chrome plated cooking grate, providing a corrosion-resistant, rust proof, and wear-resistant exterior that is also visually appealing. It has a freestanding design, giving you the freedom and flexibility to roll it out of the way while you are using your deck or patio. Built from steel, it is highly durable and resilient to harsh environments. Equipped with a smoker add-on, it is excellent for adding extra flavor to whatever you're preparing.

    Pros
    • Smoker add-on gives your meat a smoky, slow-cooked taste
    • Charcoal cooks the food over a long period of time to ensure the meat remains moist for an authentic barbecue experience
    • Features a freestanding design, giving you the freedom and flexibility to push it out of your way while you use your deck or patio
    Cons
    • Charcoal gets dirty and tougher to clean
Runner Up
An image of Dyna-Glo DGN576DNC-D Charcoal Freestanding Covered Grill

If you are someone who enjoys grilling up a storm at your backyard events, the Dyna-Glo Charcoal Covered Grill is a great option for you. This charcoal grill has lockable casters, which ensures your grill stays in one place if in use. It features four heavy-duty wheels, making it excellent for hosting, picnics, or camping. Equipped with a warming rack, it is ideal for keeping food hot until the moment you sit down to eat. This charcoal grill has a temperature gauge, so you can always be aware of the temperature of the grill in order to achieve the desired results each and every time.

Quickly and conveniently discard ashes accumulated during grilling with this grill's removable ash catcher. Made with a freestanding design, it offers greater freedom and flexibility in your outdoor cooking space. It has a cast iron cooking grate, which supplies a dependable surface that you can rely on for a long time. This charcoal grill infuses your food with a smoky flavor, for an authentic cookout experience.

    Pros
    • Warming rack helps keep food from getting cold without it overcooking
    • Includes a cast iron grill grate, offering you a dependable cooking surface that will last a long time
    • Features a storage rack, providing enough storage space for easily tucking away all your tools and utensils
    Cons
    • Cast iron cooking grate requires constant oiling to prevent corrosion
    • Charcoal gets messy and tougher to clean
Best Affordable Option
An image of RiverGrille GR1038-014612 Cowboy 31" Charcoal Steel Fire Pit Grill

Take your dining experience to the next level by preparing a delicious meal for your family and friends with the RiverGrille Cowboy Charcoal Fire Pit Grill. This fire pit grill is built from steel, offering unmatched industrial-strength and durability. It features a freestanding design, giving you the freedom and flexibility to move it out of your way while you are using your patio. Using charcoal, it grills your food slowly to develop a rich barbecued flavor.

    Pros
    • Charcoal cooks your food for a long period of time to ensure the meat remains soft for an authentic barbecue experience
    • Features a freestanding design, enabling you to push it out of the way to save space when it's not in use
    • Cheap
    Cons
    • Features a manual ignition, taking more time to get to the ideal cooking temperature
    • Charcoal gets incredibly dirty and tougher to clean
Best Durable Option
An image of Dyna-Glo DGB730SNB-D-KIT Charcoal Stainless Steel Freestanding Covered Grill

Cook up the ideal home-grilled meals by using the Dyna-Glo Charcoal Covered Grill. This Dyna-Glo grill features a warming rack to keep your food from cooling down. It has a built-in thermometer to maintain the ideal temperature for all of your grilling needs. With a freestanding design, it offers greater freedom and flexibility in your outdoor kitchen. Using charcoal, it cooks the food slowly to develop deeper flavors. This grill features an electronic ignition to make igniting your charcoal grill as easy as possible with a simple push of a button. It features two stainless steel burners, so you can cook multiple dishes at a time.

    Pros
    • Electronic ignition makes lighting your charcoal grill quick and simple
    • Designed with a warming rack to keep food from cooling down
    • Grease pan catches grease and other drippings released during cooking for easier cleanup
    Cons
    • Stainless steel construction tends to fade over time
    • Porcelain-enameled cast iron cooking grate causes rust and tarnishing much easier than stainless steel or normal cast iron
    • Electronic ignition loses its ability to work quickly if it gets too dirty
For Outdoor Kitchens
An image of Cal Flame BBQ09G870 G-Series 31" Charcoal Stainless Steel Covered Grill

Improve your barbecuing experience by using the Cal Flame G-Series Charcoal Covered Grill. This grill has a warming rack, which helps you keep your food from cooling down once it is done cooking. With a built-in design, it can be used to build a sophisticated outdoor grilling space on your patio or deck. Using charcoal, it grills the food slowly to develop deeper flavors.

    Pros
    • Stainless steel construction is incredibly resistant to corrosion and rust
    • Designed with a warming rack to keep food from cooling down
    • Charcoal cooks your food slowly
    Cons
    • Stainless steel construction limits heat movement, affecting your food
    • Features a stainless steel cooking grate, getting messy easily and requires intense cleaning
    • Charcoal takes more time to heat up
Additional Picks
An image of RiverGrille CG2053904-RG Stampede 37.5" Charcoal Steel Barrel Grill

Host outstanding summer parties with the RiverGrille Stampede Charcoal Barrel Grill. This RiverGrille grill features a freestanding design, which saves space, giving you more flexibility in your outdoor kitchen. Using charcoal, it cooks the meat and offers an authentic smoky flavor. It comes with an add-on smoker, giving your meat a smoky taste. Built from steel, it is highly durable and resilient to harsh elements. This grill is fitted with a steel slat side table to offer extra working area.

Featuring a chrome plated warming rack, this grill is perfect for preventing cooked food from getting cold until you are ready to eat. It is built with two wagon style wheels, making it excellent for hosting parties, camping, or picnics. This RiverGrille grill has cool touch handles to keep your barbecue securely closed. Quickly and conveniently get rid of ashes accumulated during cooking with its ash pan.

    Pros
    • Designed with a smoker add-on for incredibly juicy and tender results with a rich, smoky flavor
    • Equipped with a chrome plated warming rack to keep food at the perfect temperature
    • Uses charcoal, cooking your meat to give it an authentic smoky flavor
    Cons
    • Uses charcoal, getting dirty and harder to clean
An image of Char-Griller 5650 Charcoal Freestanding Covered Grill

Do you enjoy inviting your guests over for dinner? Consider choosing the Char-Griller Charcoal Covered Grill for a delicious barbecuing experience. This charcoal grill features a side burner, which allows you to cook other dishes right next to your main course. Featuring a chrome plated warming rack, it is ideal for preventing prepared food from getting cold until you are ready to eat. It has an electronic ignition to make lighting your charcoal grill as easy as possible with a simple push of a button.

This charcoal grill has a freestanding design, allowing you to push it out of the way to save space when it's not in use. Fueled by charcoal, it cooks the food over an extended period of time to enrich the flavor. It includes a cast iron cooking grate, offering you a high-quality surface that you can rely on for a long time. Produce the indirect and direct heat needed to create a two-zone cooking area with this charcoal grill's three large stainless steel main burners. It is equipped with an easy-dump ash pan to make cleanup simple.

    Pros
    • Electronic ignition makes lighting your charcoal grill quick and easy
    • Features a chrome plated warming rack to keep food hot
    • Includes a cast iron cooking grate, supplying a high-quality non-stick surface that will last a long time
    Cons
    • Cast iron cooking grate takes a considerable amount of time to get warm
    • Features an electronic ignition, losing its ability to work quickly if it gets too dirty
    • Charcoal is difficult to use during the winter because it requires more time to get to its ideal cooking temperature
An image of Char-Griller 2137 Outlaw Charcoal Cast Iron Freestanding Barrel Grill

Cook up the perfect home-grilled meals with the Char-Griller Outlaw Charcoal Barrel Grill. This charcoal grill has a temperature gauge, so you can maintain the perfect level of heat while you are grilling. Equipped with a warming rack, it is perfect for preventing prepared food from getting cold until the moment you sit down to eat. It has an easy-dump ash pan, helping to make cleanup a hassle-free process. Fueled by charcoal, it cooks your meat and infuses an excellent smoky flavor. This cast iron grill has three shelves to offer extra working area. It includes a cast iron cooking grate, providing a trustworthy non-stick surface that will last a long time. Made with a freestanding design, it offers greater freedom and flexibility in your outdoor kitchen.

    Pros
    • Warming rack helps keep your food warm
    • Features a storage rack, providing ample storage space for conveniently tucking away all your tools and utensils
    • Uses charcoal, barbecuing the meat to give it an excellent smoky flavor
    Cons
    • Cast iron construction has a much heavier structure than stainless steel
    • Includes a cast iron grill grate, taking a considerable amount of time to heat up
    • Charcoal gets dirty and tougher to clean
An image of Char-Griller 93560 Charcoal Freestanding Covered Grill

The Char-Griller Charcoal Covered Grill is a superb addition to any patio. This charcoal grill is equipped with a chrome plated warming rack to keep your food at the perfect temperature. With a side burner, it is perfect for preparing an entire meal all at once. It has a temperature gauge, so you can maintain the perfect level of heat while you are cooking.

Produce the indirect and direct heat needed to create a two-zone cooking area with this charcoal grill's three large stainless steel main burners. It includes a cast iron grill grate, supplying a high-quality non-stick cooking surface that will last a long time. Quickly and easily dispose of ashes accumulated during cooking with its easy-dump ash pan. This charcoal grill cooks the food and gives it a deep, smoky taste. Featuring a freestanding design, this covered grill provides greater freedom and flexibility in your outdoor cooking area. It features a continuous-spark ignition, letting you quickly fire up your barbecue.

    Pros
    • Continuous-spark ignition makes lighting your charcoal grill quick and simple
    • Designed with a chrome plated warming rack to keep food hot
    • Includes a cast iron cooking grate, supplying a high-quality non-stick surface that you can rely on for a long time
    Cons
    • Cast iron cooking grate takes a long time to get hot
    • Continuous-spark ignition loses its functionality very fast if it gets too dirty
    • Charcoal gets messy and tougher to clean
An image of Dyna-Glo DGSS962CBO-D-KIT Charcoal Steel Freestanding Barrel Grill

If you're looking for an excellent barbecue for hosting a family get together, the Dyna-Glo Charcoal Barrel Grill is an ideal choice for you. This grill features cool touch handles to keep your barbecue tightly sealed. It is equipped with a temperature gauge and it is fitted with adjustable air vents, giving you more control over the heat in your grill. Featuring a freestanding design, this charcoal grill offers greater freedom and flexibility in your outdoor kitchen. Using charcoal, it grills your food over an extended period of time to develop stronger flavors. Quickly and conveniently get rid of ashes accumulated during grilling with its removable ash catcher. It is built with a porcelain-enameled steel cooking grate, providing a durable, corrosion-resistant, and won't fade or peel. This steel grill is highly durable and resilient to harsh elements. This charcoal grill has a collapsible front workstation, which allows you to keep more of the things you need nearby.

    Pros
    • Charcoal cooks the food slowly to ensure that the meat remains juicy for an authentic barbecue experience
    • Features a freestanding design, giving you the freedom and flexibility to roll it out of the way while you are using your outdoor deck
    • Collapsible front workstation allows you to have more of the things you need nearby
    Cons
    • Charcoal makes it difficult to have better temperature control from low to high
Here's Some More Information To Think About When Purchasing Your Next Large Charcoal Grill:
Cooking Grate Material: Making the Right Choice for Your Large Charcoal Grill
Grills with Stainless Steel Grates

If you want a large charcoal grill with a stainless steel grate design, you can find a great one here. With anti-corrosion materials, stainless steel grates offer long-lasting durability even after repeated use. These grates are heat retentive, limiting the amount of charcoal necessary while you grill. Built with a non-stick coating, they keep your grilling surface as clean and smooth as possible. They are simple to clean, so most grill brushes will do the trick. These grates have a low maintenance build, making it easy to keep them in great condition over time.

Grills with Chrome Plated Grates

If you want a large charcoal grill with a chrome plated grate design, you can find a high-quality one here. Chrome-plated grates are simple to clean, so most standard grill brushes will do the job. With material appropriate for infrequent use, these grates suit beginner cooks. They have a low maintenance construction for a quick cleanup.

Grills with Cast Iron Grates

If you want a large charcoal grill with a cast iron grate design, you can find a high-quality one here. Cast iron grates have even heat transmission, making them excellent for ensuring that meat is thoroughly cooked. These grates are heat retentive, reducing fuel consumption while cooking. Built with a non-stick coating, they keep your grilling surface as clean and smooth as possible. However, these grates are quite heavy, so you may need a special tool to lift and replace them on the grill. Also, these grills require careful maintenance since the grates can rust and corrode easily if they're not oiled before use and they can't be cleaned with all types of detergent.

What Style of Large Charcoal Grill Should You Be Installing?
Built-in Grills

If you want a grill which will have a more sophisticated look, then large charcoal grill what you're looking for. Built-in grills have an aesthetically-appealing build, which will enhance any outdoor setting. These built-in grills are perfect for barbecuing large quantities of meat and vegetables at the same time. However, they are considerably more expensive, so they should only be considered if you're looking to make an investment in an outdoor kitchen. They don't have a convenient installation process since they take a longer time to set up than other kinds of grills. Additionally, they are installed permanently into your outdoor kitchen, so you won't be able to move them around or store them when they're not in use. Thinking about getting a built-in grill? You might want to consider this one.

Freestanding Grills

Want to learn more about freestanding grills? Well then, keep reading the following paragraph to learn more about them, specifically in concurrence with large charcoal grills. Freestanding grills are especially great for grilling novices since you don't need to commit to building an entire outdoor kitchen. They are easy to move around, enabling you to save space in your outdoor area. They typically include internal storage compartments to help keep all grilling utensils in one convenient place. They are compact, making them ideal if you want to save space. Something to consider is that freestanding grills don't have any prep space, unlike built-in grills, so if you're trying to install an entire outdoor kitchen, they're not the best option. Ready to pick out the right large charcoal grill for you? You can get started here.

Portable Grills

Want to learn more about portable grills? Well then, keep reading the following paragraph to learn more about them, specifically in concurrence with large charcoal grills. Portable grills feature a compact design, which is a fantastic choice for smaller outdoor areas. They often feature internal storage units to help store all cooking supplies in one convenient place. However, they require additional measures for safety, so if you decide to get one, you'll need to make sure that you're following the safety guidelines and tips. Ready to decide on the right large charcoal grill for you? Get started here.

Understanding Grill Types for Large Charcoal Grills
Fire Pit Grills

Think that fire pit grills are right for you? Then check out this large charcoal grill after you finish reading about them. Open flame fire pit grills establish relaxing environment. They are incredibly versatile, so you can use different types of fuel sources such as coal or wood. They are great for preparing food for a crowd, so you can enjoy your patio or yard even during the colder months.

Covered Grills

Think that covered grills are right for you? Then check out this large charcoal grill after you finish reading about them. Covered grills circulate heat evenly, so food can be cooked to the required temperature while the lid is closed. They feature ventilated heat regulation, so they can modify significantly high temperatures to ensure that meat is not burnt or singed unintentionally. With a larger flame and surface for cooking several food items simultaneously, they are perfect for making an entire meal for all your friends and family.

Barrel Grills

The following will help you narrow down what to look for when considering barrel grills. You can check out this large charcoal grill if these kinds of grills are what you need. Barrel grills feature ventilated heat regulation, ensuring a secure level of airflow. They have an extensive surface area, so you can cook multiple food items simultaneously. They have a round or oval shape, channeling heat inwards to cook food at a faster rate.