Affordable Cast Iron Grills


Our review process

We've compared over 1,300 grills in total, including plenty of different brands, models, and features. We used our progressive AI technology to rate each individual grill based on a few data entries. These features range from burner type and body construction material to additional cooking accessories and storage capabilities. The following guide will focus on affordable cast iron grills in particular, of which we found three different grills. We hope that this article will assist you in your research.

Are you looking to shop on a budget? These are the top facts we recommend you know about affordable cast iron grills. Heavy-duty cast iron grills can combat the stresses of demanding use. Built with flame-resistant materials, they can protect against the damaging effects of heat exposure. Designed to keep the surface hot for longer, they come with excellent heat retention, so they can remain at a proper cooking temperature for extended periods of time. However, they require more maintenance than other types of grills, so they take more work and time to clean up. Another downside is that cast iron grates tend to rust quite easily, but this can be prevented to a certain extent if they aren't kept outside and are always dried right after they're washed.

Our Top Ranking Grills:
Product NameBrandGrill TypeFuel TypeCooking Grate MaterialCooking Area
Best Overall Score
1
An image of Char-Griller 2137 Outlaw Charcoal Cast Iron Freestanding Barrel Grill
Char-Griller 2137 Outlaw Charcoal Cast Iron Freestanding Barrel Grill
Char-Griller
barrel grill
charcoal
cast iron
1060 sq. in.
Runner Up
2
An image of Char-Griller 06614 Akorn Charcoal Cast Iron Portable Kamado Grill
Char-Griller 06614 Akorn Charcoal Cast Iron Portable Kamado Grill
Char-Griller
vessel/kamado grill
charcoal
cast iron
153 sq. in.
Best for BBQs
3
An image of Camp Chef YK60LWC12 Propane Gas Cast Iron Freestanding Open Grill
Camp Chef YK60LWC12 Propane Gas Cast Iron Freestanding Open Grill
Camp Chef
open grill
propane gas
cast iron
448 sq. in.
Our Top Ranking Grills
Customer Rating
Brand
Char-Griller
Grill Type
barrel grill
Fuel Type
charcoal
Cooking Grate Material
cast iron
Cooking Area
1060 sq. in.
Customer Rating
Brand
Char-Griller
Grill Type
vessel/kamado grill
Fuel Type
charcoal
Cooking Grate Material
cast iron
Cooking Area
153 sq. in.
Customer Rating
Brand
Camp Chef
Grill Type
open grill
Fuel Type
propane gas
Cooking Grate Material
cast iron
Cooking Area
448 sq. in.
Best Overall Score
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 features a cast iron grill grate, supplying a dependable surface that you can rely on for 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
Runner Up
An image of Char-Griller 06614 Akorn Charcoal Cast Iron Portable Kamado Grill

Improve your grilling experience by using the Char-Griller Akorn Charcoal Vessel/kamado Grill. This portable grill features a cast iron cooking grate, giving you a trustworthy surface that you can rely on for a long time. It has a portable design, which makes it ideal for weekend trips. Fueled by charcoal, it cooks your meat and gives it a delicious smoky flavor. Control the amount of heat with its adjustable air vents.

    Pros
    • Grease pan collects grease from your food and prevents it from damaging the grill
    • Charcoal cooks your food for a long period of time to ensure the meat remains soft for an authentic barbecue experience
    • Fitted with adjustable air vents to control the temperature within your grill
    Cons
    • Cast iron construction has a much bulkier structure than stainless steel
    • Features a cast iron cooking grate, taking a considerable amount of time to get hot
    • Charcoal is difficult to use during colder seasons because it requires more time to get to its ideal cooking temperature
Best for BBQs
An image of Camp Chef YK60LWC12 Propane Gas Cast Iron Freestanding Open Grill

Rely on the Camp Chef Propane Gas Open Grill for a delicious barbecue experience you can share with your family and friends. This grill is designed with an electronic ignition, so you can effortlessly light it. It includes a cast iron grill grate, supplying a trustworthy non-stick surface that will last a long time. Using propane gas, it distributes heat evenly across the cooking area for consistent results every time. This cast iron grill features two burners, letting you use the indirect and direct heat necessary for two-zone cooking. It has a freestanding design, giving you the freedom and flexibility to roll it out of the way while you use your outdoor deck.

    Pros
    • Electronic ignition makes lighting your propane gas grill quick and simple
    • Propane gas locks in juices to ensure tender and flavorful results
    • Features a freestanding design, giving you the freedom and flexibility to roll it out of the way while you are using your outdoor deck
    Cons
    • Conventional burners take much longer than infrared burners to cook your food
    • Cast iron construction has a much heavier structure than stainless steel
    • Includes a cast iron grill grate, taking a long time to heat up
How to Select Your New Affordable Cast Iron Grill: Some Points to Keep In Mind:
What Is There to Know About Fuel Type for Your Affordable Cast Iron Grill?
Charcoal Grills

Interested in charcoal grills? We can tell you a few things you should consider about them. Check out this highly-ranked affordable cast iron grill. These charcoal grills are capable of reaching temperatures of around 700 degrees Fahrenheit, so you can prepare food in no time and add a crusty and caramelized exterior to your steaks and sausages. They cook food gradually over a longer period of time, so meat remains tender for the most delicious results. Made for searing, they give your food rich and tasty flavor and create the perfect texture. These charcoal grills are able to reach high temperatures that help burn off unwanted fat, so you can enjoy a healthier alternative to additional cooking methods. Something to keep in mind is that 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 downside is that they can take up to 25-30 minutes to heat up, making them an impractical choice if you're looking for fast grill time. An advantage is that they are able to attain a rich, smoky taste, preserving a mouth-watering flavor for all food.

Propane Gas Grills

Not sure if you should get a propane gas grill? We'll try to help you make your decision by giving you some important information that you need before buying a propane gas affordable cast iron grill. These propane gas grills are low maintenance, ensuring that they remain in great condition with little upkeep required. They are built with temperature control dials, making it easier to select the appropriate strength of the flame while cooking. They can reach temperatures of 400 to 600 degrees Fahrenheit, so you can cook your food gradually. Capable of maintaining a consistent heat source, they can cook your meat to just the right point of doneness. These propane gas grills come with igniters for better control of the fire. One downside is that they can run out of fuel while you're cooking, leaving your food uncooked and inedible. Moreover, they have wide venting, so you won't get the smoky flavor that you might like. On the other hand, they contain 2,500 BTUs per cubic feet as compared to 1,000 BTUs for natural gas, contributing to faster heating. If you think a propane gas grill is a good choice, check out this one.

Which Affordable Cast Iron Grill Should You Be Installing?
Freestanding Grills

Interested in freestanding grills? Here are a few things you should keep in mind about them. Feel free to check out this great affordable cast iron grill that we hand picked for you in the meantime. These freestanding grills are particularly great for grilling novices since you don't need to commit to building an entire outdoor kitchen. They are easy to move around, allowing you to save space in your outdoor area. Freestanding grills are typically built with internal storage units to help keep all barbecuing supplies in one convenient place. Featuring a compact design, they are a fantastic option for small patios. However, they don't have any prep space, unlike built-in grills, so if you want to set-up a full cooking station, they're not the best option.

Portable Grills

Want to learn more about portable grills? Well, keep reading the following section to learn more about them, specifically in accordance with affordable cast iron grills. And if you think that a portable affordable cast iron grills is perfect for you, then check out this grill. Portable grills typically include internal storage units, so you can keep all cooking supplies in one easily accessible area. They are compact, making them a space-saving solution. A potential downside is that they often don't feature safety mechanisms, so if you decide to get one, it's a good idea to read up on proper use.

Getting to Know Grill Types for Affordable Cast Iron Grills
Kamado Grills

If you want a grill that does both grilling and smoking, a kamado grill may be what you need. Check out at this affordable cast iron grill might be the perfect choice. These kamado grills have ventilated heat regulation, adjusting high temperatures to ensure that your meat is properly cooked. Designed to absorb heat for a lengthy period, they have a ceramic construction, so you can easily control and maintain the required temperature for cooking. They help meat preserve flavor and moisture, which is done by frequent and constant rotation of the grill's interior, resulting in properly grilled food.

Open Grills

The following will help you narrow down what to keep in mind when considering open grills. You can check out this affordable cast iron grill if these types of grills are what you're looking for. Open grills have consistent heat circulation, which gives for juicy, delicious results. They have ventilated heat regulation, ensuring a secure level of airflow. They are usually wider than other grills, so they cook large quantities of food at the same time.

Barrel Grills

The following guide will help you narrow down what to keep in mind when considering barrel grills. You can check out this affordable cast iron grill if these types of grills are what you think you need. These barrel grills have ventilated heat regulation, allowing you to cook meat or seafood at a precise temperature without it overcooking or burning. They are usually wider than other grills, which is great for cooking multiple food items simultaneously. They have a round or oval shape, so they distribute heat consistently and evenly, making sure that each piece of meat is equally cooked.