Reviewing Charcoal Covered Grills


Our review process

Selecting a grill can take some time. It can quickly escalate into an overwhelming choice. Luckily for you, we've already spent many hours gathering and analyzing information on over 1,300 different grills and also looked at 89 data specifications for each one so that you won't have to look any further. Out of these grills, we then inspected 29 charcoal covered grills using our progressive AI technology. The following article will show you all the advantages and disadvantages of the 29 grills mentioned above and show you some more relevant information you should focus on, such as body construction and fuel type.

Before you choose your next charcoal covered grill, there are some things we think you should know about. Charcoal grills can reach high temperatures, adding seared aromas and flavors to your food. Featuring searing capabilities, they give your food exceptional flavor and ensure the perfect texture. They cook food slowly over a longer period of time, so meat remains incredibly tender for the most delicious results. However, they tend to build-up carbon and ash, requiring more time, regular maintenance, and a deep clean at least once during the grilling season. Additionally, charcoal grills take more time to heat up, resulting in a lengthier cooking process. On the other hand, they can reach high temperatures that help burn off unnecessary fat, offering a healthier option to other grilling methods. Providing a smokier flavor, they can make natural seasoning and flavors for any dish. They circulate heat at a consistent rate, so food is grilled to the required temperature. With a larger surface and flame for cooking multiple food items at once, covered grills are perfect for making an entire meal for all your family and friends. They feature ventilated heat regulation, enabling you to cook meat or seafood at an even temperature without it burning or overcooking.

Our Top Ranking Grills:
Our Top Ranking Grills
Customer Rating
Brand
Weber
Cooking Area
Customer Rating
Brand
Weber
Cooking Area
443 sq. in.
Customer Rating
Brand
Dyna-Glo
Cooking Area
816 sq. in.
Customer Rating
Brand
Dyna-Glo
Cooking Area
952 sq. in.
Customer Rating
Brand
Cal Flame
Cooking Area
800 sq. in.
Best Overall Score
An image of Weber 15301001 Performer 22" Charcoal Covered Grill

Transform your barbecuing experience with the Weber Performer Charcoal Covered Grill. With durable wheels, this grill is ideal for hosting, camping, or picnics. Designed to offer an expanded surface space, it is equipped with a side table, so you can prep your meat next to the grill. It is built with a Tuck-Away lid holder, so you can store the lid safely out of the way. This covered grill features an aluminum ash catcher and a One-Touch™ cleaning system, making cleanup quick and painless. It has a built-in lid thermometer and uses adjustable dampers, giving you more control over the heat in your grill. Using charcoal, it cooks the food over an extended period of time to enrich the flavor.

    Pros
    • Charcoal cooks the food over a long period of time to ensure that the meat remains soft for an authentic barbecue experience
    • Fitted with a side table to offer extra work space
    • A built-in lid thermometer displays the internal temperature of the grill to give you more control over your meat
    Cons
    • Charcoal gets dirty and harder to clean
Runner Up
An image of Weber 14501001 Master-Touch 22" Charcoal Covered Grill

For the perfect combination of functionality and performance, choose the Weber Master-Touch Charcoal Covered Grill. Fueled by charcoal, this covered grill cooks your food for an extended period of time to enrich the flavor. With a warming rack, it is great for preventing cooked food from getting cold until you are ready to eat. Control the level of heat with its adjustable dampers. It has a One-Touch™ cleaning system and an aluminum ash catcher so that cleanup is simple.

    Pros
    • Warming rack helps keep food from cooling down
    • Uses charcoal, barbecuing the food over a longer period of time to develop stronger flavors
    • Has adjustable dampers to manage the temperature inside your grill
    Cons
    • Uses charcoal, making it harder to have better temperature control from low to high
Best Affordable Option
An image of Dyna-Glo DGN576DNC-D Charcoal Freestanding Covered Grill

For easier assembly and mobility, you'll want to hear about the Dyna-Glo Charcoal Covered Grill. This grill includes a cast iron cooking grate, offering you a trustworthy surface that will last a long time. It has a freestanding design, enabling you to move it out of the way to save space when it's not in use. Using charcoal, it grills your food slowly to develop deeper flavors.

By utilizing four heavy-duty wheels, this charcoal grill will be perfect for hosting, picnics, or camping. Featuring lockable casters, it ensures your grill stays in one place when in use. It has a warming rack, which allows you to keep your prepared food hot. This charcoal grill has a temperature gauge, so you can maintain the perfect level of heat while you are grilling. Quickly and conveniently dispose of ashes accumulated while grilling with its removable ash catcher.

    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 Durable Option
An image of Dyna-Glo DGB730SNB-D-KIT Charcoal Stainless Steel Freestanding Covered Grill

If functionality and easy assembly are your main priorities, consider getting the Dyna-Glo Charcoal Covered Grill. This charcoal grill has two stainless steel burners, so you can experience an even more diverse range of meals. It is made with a freestanding design, enabling you to roll it out of the way to save space when it's not in use. Using charcoal, it grills your meat and offers a deep, smoky taste. This Dyna-Glo grill has an electronic ignition so that you can simply and easily light it. Featuring a warming rack, it is great for keeping food from getting cold. It is equipped with a built-in thermometer to keep the ideal temperature for all of your cooking needs.

    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

If you enjoy hosting patio events, the Cal Flame G-Series Charcoal Covered Grill is a great choice for you. This grill has a built-in design, adding a level of sophistication to your outdoor cooking area. Fueled by charcoal, it grills the food for a long period of time to develop deeper flavors. With a warming rack, it allows you to keep your prepared food at the ideal temperature.

    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 Weber 15402001 Performer 22" Charcoal Covered Grill

Rely on the Weber Performer Charcoal Covered Grill for an authentic barbecue experience you can share with your family and friends. This Weber grill is fueled by charcoal, infusing your meat with a smoky flavor for an authentic cook-out experience. Designed to offer an expanded surface space, it is equipped with a work table, so you can prep your meat next to the grill. It is made with a weather-resistant finish, making it perfect for both summertime barbecues and outdoor parties. This covered grill has a built-in lid thermometer and no-rust aluminum vents, which provide increased control over the temperature in your grill, offering a more customized cooking experience. With lockable casters, it ensures your grill stays in one place if in use. It features a One-Touch™ cleaning system and has an aluminum ash catcher, making grill cleanup quick and easy.

    Pros
    • Weather-resistant
    • Features a CharBin™ storage container, providing a durable, weather-proof container that conveniently holds charcoal in its original bag, so it's always ready to pour
    • Charcoal infuses your food with a smoky flavor for an authentic barbecue experience
    Cons
    • Charcoal gets incredibly messy and harder to clean
An image of Char-Griller 5650 Charcoal Freestanding Covered Grill

Make the perfect home-grilled meals with the help of the Char-Griller Charcoal Covered Grill. With a side burner, this grill is great for preparing your entire meal all at once. It has a chrome plated warming rack, which helps keep food hot. Fueled by charcoal, it cooks your meat and infuses a deep, smoky taste. Featuring a freestanding design, this charcoal grill offers greater freedom and flexibility in your outdoor cooking area. Quickly and easily dispose of ashes accumulated while cooking with its easy-dump ash pan. It has an electronic ignition to make starting your charcoal grill as easy as possible with a simple push of a button. This grill features three stainless steel burners, letting you use the direct and indirect heat necessary for two-zone cooking. It is built with a cast iron grill grate, supplying a dependable non-stick surface that you can rely on for a long time.

    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 93560 Charcoal Freestanding Covered Grill

The Char-Griller Charcoal Covered Grill is a superb choice for those who enjoy a delicious grilling experience. This charcoal grill has a continuous-spark ignition, helping you quickly fire up your barbecue. It has three stainless steel burners, letting you utilize the direct and indirect heat necessary for two-zone cooking. Fueled by charcoal, it grills your meat and infuses a deep, smoky flavor. Made with a freestanding design, it provides greater freedom and flexibility in your outdoor cooking area. This charcoal grill includes a cast iron cooking grate, providing a trustworthy non-stick surface that will last a long time.

Equipped with a side burner, this charcoal grill is ideal for cooking a whole meal in one place. Featuring a chrome plated warming rack, it is great for preventing prepared food from getting cold until the moment you sit down to eat. It has a temperature gauge, so you can maintain the perfect level of heat when you cook. Quickly and easily dispose of ashes accumulated while grilling with its easy-dump ash pan.

    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 KitchenAid 810-0021 Charcoal Freestanding Covered Grill

Enjoy every barbecuing experience with the KitchenAid Charcoal Covered Grill. This grill is equipped with folding side shelves to offer extra work space. With an upper-level warming rack, it is great for preventing grilled food from getting cold until you are ready to eat. It features a freestanding design, giving you the freedom and flexibility to roll it out of your way while using your patio. This grill features a cast iron cooking grate, supplying a trustworthy surface that you can rely on for a long time. Using charcoal, it cooks the food for an extended period of time to develop stronger flavors. Quickly and easily get rid of ashes accumulated during cooking with its slide-out ash drawer and tool. It has a built-in heat thermometer and uses temperature control vents, giving you more control over the heat in your grill.

    Pros
    • Designed with an upper-level warming rack to keep food at the perfect temperature
    • Includes a cast iron cooking grate, giving you a high-quality surface that you can rely on for a long time
    • Features a tool holder, providing you with a convenient spot for your appliances
    Cons
    • Cast iron cooking grate takes a long time to heat up
    • Charcoal gets messy and tougher to clean
An image of Dyna-Glo DGN576SNC-D Charcoal Stainless Steel Freestanding Covered Grill

If functionality and easy assembly are your top priorities, you'll want to hear about the Dyna-Glo Charcoal Covered Grill. Featuring four heavy-duty wheels, this charcoal grill is excellent for hosting parties, picnics, and camping. It has a warming rack, so you can heat up additional food while you grill your meat. Quickly and easily discard ashes accumulated while grilling with its removable ash catcher. It has a freestanding design, which lets you roll it out of your way when you are done preparing your food. This charcoal grill cooks the food slowly to develop deeper flavors.

    Pros
    • Warming rack helps keep food from getting cold without it overcooking
    • Grease pan collects grease and other drippings released during cooking for easier cleanup
    • Features a storage rack, providing a sufficient amount of storage space for conveniently accessing all your tools and utensils
    Cons
    • Stainless steel construction limits heat movement, affecting your food
    • Porcelain-enameled cast iron cooking grate won't let you sear any food items
    • Charcoal gets messy and tougher to clean
Searching for the Best Charcoal Covered Grill for You:
Choosing the Right Kind of Charcoal Covered Grill
Stainless Steel Grills

If you want an idea of a great charcoal covered grill with a stainless steel design, you can get started here. With excellent corrosion resistant, stainless steel grills will stay in great condition for long-term use. Designed with weather-resistant materials, they can withstand extreme environments. They are bacteria-resistant, ensuring that your food will not be contaminated while you're grilling. Stainless steel grills are easy to clean, saving you time dealing with messy spills and leftover residue. However, they don't retain heat very well, so they are harder to keep hot as opposed to cast iron grills, which can reach and maintain very high temperatures.

Steel Grills

If you are looking for a grill that is high-quality with a modern appearance, check out this stainless steel grill. These anti-corrosion steel grills will stay in great condition for long-term use. With a bacteria-resistant surface, they will protect your meat from contaminants while cooking. They are easy to clean, so you don't need to waste time on maintenance. One downside is that they don't retain heat very well, so they won't maintain a high cooking temperature once you've removed the heat source. Feel ready to decide on the right charcoal covered grill for you? You can get started here.

Find Out What Kind of Cooking Grates You Need for Your Charcoal Covered Grill
Grills with Stainless Steel Grates

If you want a charcoal covered grill with a stainless steel grate design, you can find a high-quality one here. Featuring anti-corrosion materials, stainless steel grates provide long-lasting durability even after repeated use. The grates are built with heat retention technology, limiting the amount of charcoal you need while you cook. They are simple to clean, so you can use a grill brush to get off any leftover food. They feature a non-stick surface to help you remove any remains of food after you are finished grilling. The grates feature a low maintenance build, designed for an easy cleanup.

Grills with Chrome Plated Grates

If you want a charcoal covered grill with a chrome plated grate design, you can find a high-quality one here. With material necessary for infrequent use, chrome-plated grates suit beginner cooks. These grates are easy to clean, so most grill brushes will do the trick. They feature a low maintenance design, so it won't be a hassle to ensure that they are kept in great condition over time.

Grills with Cast Iron Grates

If you want a charcoal covered grill with a cast iron grate design, you can find a great one here. Cast iron grates can transmit heat evenly, making them excellent for ensuring that food is thoroughly cooked. The grates have heat retention technology, lessening the amount of charcoal you need while you cook. They are designed with a non-stick finish, which will prevent meat from sticking to the grate after cooking. However, the grates have a heavier design, making it difficult to adjust or remove them for cleaning. Also, these grills need 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 Size Cooking Area Is Best for Your Charcoal Covered Grill
Over 700 Sq. Inch Grills

If you want to cook a lot of food on your grill at one time, then keep reading the following paragraph to learn more about charcoal covered grills. Large grills are perfect for big parties, giving you lots of space for tons of food. They can grill up to 16 chicken pieces, 20 sausages, 8 steaks, and 16 burgers at a time. They often have a rotisserie kit, slow-cooking your chicken to create tender, juicy, and flavorful results. They often include eight burners and usually feature several grates, so you'll have extra space to warm and grill your food. They usually feature side burners, providing additional cooking space for your pots, pans, or woks. They are manufactured to function at varying temperatures at the same time, so you can simultaneously grill items at high temperatures while slow cooking others at lower heats. Interested in a more than 700 sq. in. grill? You might want to consider this one.

Under 500 Sq. Inch Grills

Want to learn more about less than 500 sq. in. grills? Well, keep reading the following section to learn more about charcoal covered grills. Small grills are ideal for the entire family, so you can cook with sufficient space for all your meals. They typically feature two burners, making them great for simultaneously searing at high temperatures and slow cooking at low temperatures. They are not difficult to move, allowing you to place them anywhere you want in your yard or patio. Thinking about getting a less than 500 sq. in. grill? You might want to consider this one.

500-700 Sq. Inch Grills

Want to learn more about 500-700 sq. in. grills? Well, keep reading the following paragraph to learn more about charcoal covered grills. These 500-700 sq. inch grills can grill up to 12 chicken pieces, 15 sausages, 6 steaks, and 12 burgers at one time. They are great for the whole family, giving you ample room to grill your meals with comfort and space. They typically include up to eight burners, enabling you to cook different food items at the same time. Manufactured to operate at different temperatures at the same time, they allow you to simultaneously grill items at high temperatures while slow cooking others on lower heat settings. Now that you know more about 500-700 sq. in. charcoal covered grills, and you think they could be a good fit for you, here's one that we recommend.