Top Cal Flame Charcoal Grills for 2019


Our review process

Purchasing a grill is no simple task. It can quickly escalate into an overwhelming choice. Luckily for you, we've already put together and analyzed information on more than 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 took another look at three Cal Flame charcoal grills using our progressive AI technology. The following article will break down the advantages and disadvantages of the three grills mentioned above and show you some of the more relevant information our research focused on, such as body construction and installation type.

Thinking about getting a Cal Flame charcoal grill? We can start by telling you a bit about the brand. Founded in 1979, Cal Flame is an award-winning Hearth and Barbecue manufacturer that offers creative backyard solutions for every budget. In addition to grills, Cal Flame makes barbecue islands, barbecue accessories, barbecue carts, fireplaces, and fire pits. Cal Flame products are proudly manufactured in the United States. Cal Flame is internationally recognized for its high-end Home Resort products. It has been awarded the Finalist and Vesta Awards. Now that you have some more knowledge on the brand, take some time to read about Cal Flame charcoal grills.

Charcoal grills cook food gradually over a longer period of time, ensuring that meat remains tender and preserving all of its nutrients. They are capable of reaching high temperatures, adding grilled flavors and aromas to your food. They feature searing capabilities, which let you quickly grill your fish fillets, steaks, or veggies to achieve that delicious caramelized outer crust. However, they should be cleaned after each use, meaning if you're looking for the easiest grilling option, charcoal grills may not be for you. Additionally, they take more time to heat up, resulting in a lengthier cooking process. A plus is that they can burn off unnecessary fats and grease, providing a healthier alternative to other grilling methods. They can achieve a smoky, rich flavor, preserving a mouth-watering flavor for all food.

Our Top Ranking Grills:
Product NameGrill TypeCooking Grate Material
Best Overall Score
1
An image of Cal Flame BBQCR11-Coal Charcoal Stainless Steel Freestanding Covered Grill
Cal Flame BBQCR11-Coal Charcoal Stainless Steel Freestanding Covered Grill
covered grill
stainless steel
Runner Up
2
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
covered grill
stainless steel
3
An image of Cal Flame BBQ15K21 21" Charcoal Freestanding Kamado Grill
Cal Flame BBQ15K21 21" Charcoal Freestanding Kamado Grill
vessel/kamado grill
stainless steel
Our Top Ranking Grills
Customer Rating
Grill Type
covered grill
Cooking Grate Material
stainless steel
Customer Rating
Grill Type
covered grill
Cooking Grate Material
stainless steel
Customer Rating
Grill Type
vessel/kamado grill
Cooking Grate Material
stainless steel
Best Overall Score
An image of Cal Flame BBQCR11-Coal Charcoal Stainless Steel Freestanding Covered Grill

For easier assembly and mobility, you'll want to hear about the Cal Flame Charcoal Covered Grill. This charcoal grill features a freestanding design, giving you the freedom and flexibility to roll it out of your way while you use your outdoor patio. Using charcoal, it enables you to conveniently control the temperature, ensuring tender results every time. Featuring a warming rack, it is ideal for keeping food hot until you are ready to eat. It has a built-in hood thermometer, so you can maintain the perfect temperature so that you can cook your meat just the way you like it.

    Pros
    • Stainless steel construction is highly resistant to corrosion and dust
    • Designed with a warming rack to keep your food from cooling down
    • Uses charcoal, grilling your food slowly to develop stronger flavors for an authentic barbecue experience
    Cons
    • Stainless steel construction tends to lose its color over time
    • Includes a stainless steel cooking grate, getting dirty easily and requires intense cleaning
    • Features a manual ignition, taking longer to heat up
Runner Up
An image of Cal Flame BBQ09G870 G-Series 31" Charcoal Stainless Steel Covered Grill

Host outstanding dinner parties with the Cal Flame G-Series Charcoal Covered Grill. This covered grill features a built-in design, adding a level of class to any outdoor cooking area. It has a warming rack, which allows you to prevent your prepared food from getting cold while you continue barbecuing. Using charcoal, it cooks your food slowly to develop a rich barbecued flavor.

    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 Cal Flame BBQ15K21 21" Charcoal Freestanding Kamado Grill

Enjoy every summer barbecue with the Cal Flame Charcoal Vessel/kamado Grill. This charcoal grill has a freestanding design, which saves space, providing you with more flexibility in your outdoor kitchen. It has fold-down side tables, so you can enjoy expanded work space. Featuring four locking wheels, it will be perfect for sloped or elevated areas. Using charcoal, it cooks the meat and infuses an excellent smoky flavor. This kamado grill includes a stainless steel cooking grate, giving you an easy-to-maintain, dependable, non-stick surface.

    Pros
    • Includes a stainless steel grill grate, supplying a dependable non-stick surface that you can rely on for a long time
    • Charcoal cooks the food over a long period of time to ensure that the meat remains soft for an authentic barbecue experience
    • Features a freestanding design, allowing you the freedom and flexibility to roll it out of the way while you are using your patio
    Cons
    • Stainless steel cooking grate doesn't get as hot as cast iron grates
    • Uses charcoal, taking much more time to heat up
If You Need Help Making Your Choice, Here's Some More Information About the Cal Flame Charcoal Grills Available:
What Is the Ultimate Grill Type for Your Cal Flame Charcoal Grill?
Kamado Grills

The following will help you narrow down what to keep in mind when considering kamado grills. You can check out this Cal Flame charcoal grill if these kinds of grills are what you're looking for. Kamado grills have ventilated heat regulation, so you can cook seafood at a steady temperature without it overcooking or burning. Designed to increase temperature and heat at a quickly in order to sear all your favorite meat, they have a ceramic construction, so you can roast your meat at very low temperatures or grill your meat at high temperatures. They preserve flavor and moisture due to the constant rotation of the grill's interior, adding juiciness and flavor.

Covered Grills

Think that covered grills are right for you? Then check out this Cal Flame charcoal grill after you finish reading about them. Covered grills have even heat distribution, so that you can achieve the perfect consistency of your meat, vegetables, or seafood dishes. They feature ventilated heat regulation, altering extremely high temperatures to ensure that your food is properly cooked. With a larger surface and flame for grilling several food items at once, they are ideal for cooking a whole meal for a large, hungry crowd.

What Type of Installation Do You Need?
Built-in Grills

Not sure if you should get a built-in grill? We can help you make your decision by giving you some important information that you need. Built-in grills feature an aesthetically-pleasing build, which will enhance your backyard by balancing incredible performance with a stylish design. These built-in grills are ideal for cooking at dinner parties or larger events. One downside is that they are installed permanently into your outdoor kitchen, so you won't have the same mobility that you can have with freestanding grills. They are considerably more expensive, so they should only be considered if you're looking to make a big investment in an outdoor kitchen. Additionally, they don't have the most convenient installation process since they take a longer time to set up than other types of grills. If you think a built-in grill is a good choice, here's one to take a look at.

Freestanding Grills

Interested in freestanding grills? Here are a few things you should consider about them. Feel free to check out this great Cal Flame charcoal grill in the meantime. Freestanding grills are particularly great for grilling novices since they don't demand the same long-term commitment that built-in grills do and don't come with as hefty a price tag. They are easy to move around, so you can save space in your outdoor area. They are easily stored, making them great if you want to save space. Freestanding grills typically include internal storage compartments, making them great for keeping all barbecuing accessories in one handy place. One downside is that they don't have any prep space, unlike built-in grills, so if you're trying to install a full outdoor kitchen, they're not the ideal choice.