The best charcoal grills of 2026
Updated June 2026Independently researchedNo paid placement.
The Weber Original Kettle Premium 22-Inch is our top pick for its unbeatable balance of price, performance, and built-in convenience features.
The standard Weber Original Kettle 22 is the best everyday budget-friendly option, while the Weber Performer Deluxe 22 adds a gas-assist ignition and work table for serious grill masters, and the Royal Gourmet 24-Inch Kettle is the best pick for bargain hunters who still want kettle-style results.
A charcoal kettle grill is the backyard workhorse that delivers that unmistakable smoky flavor no gas grill can replicate. The simple design, a round firebox with adjustable vents, gives you direct control over temperature for everything from searing steaks to low-and-slow smoking. Choosing the right one means deciding how much you want to spend, how large a cooking area you need, and which extras (like a built-in thermometer or ash-catch system) actually matter to you. Most kettle grills follow the same basic blueprint, but small details make a big difference in daily use. Look for a sturdy, rust-resistant steel body, a well-sealed lid, and easy ash removal. The best models hold steady heat, don’t wobble, and come with thoughtful touches like a hinged cooking grate for adding fuel mid-session. Below are the top kettle grills for 2026, ranked by value, durability, and real-world owner satisfaction.
Weber Original Kettle 22-Inch Charcoal Grill
the do-it-all default
4.5out of 5This is the charcoal grill that defines the category. It’s simple, reliable, and large enough for most families. The no-frills design means you get the core kettle experience at a very reasonable price, though you’ll want to buy a cover and thermometer separately.
Price range: $$
Check price on Amazon →Weber Original Kettle Premium 22-Inch Charcoal Grill
the best overall upgrade
4.8out of 5The Premium 22 takes the classic kettle and adds the two most useful quality-of-life features: a lid thermometer and a hinged cooking grate. The ash catcher is also improved. For a modest step up in price, you get a grill that’s much more user-friendly from day one. It’s the sweet spot of the lineup.
Price range: $$
Check price on Amazon →Weber Performer Deluxe 22-Inch Charcoal Grill
the premium all-in-one
4.7out of 5The Performer Deluxe is the kettle for someone who grills often and wants every convenience. It includes a built-in gas ignition system, a large side table, a charcoal storage bin, and a lid holder. The price is higher, but you’re paying for a complete grilling station that saves time and clutter.
Price range: $$$
Check price on Amazon →| Award | Model | Our score | Price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best overall | Weber Original Kettle 22-Inch Charcoal Grill | 4.5 / 5 | $$ | Buy this if you want a straightforward, classic charcoal grill that’s proven to last, and | Check price → |
| Runner-up | Weber Original Kettle Premium 22-Inch Charcoal Grill | 4.8 / 5 | $$ | Buy this if you want the best balance of performance and convenience without stepping up t | Check price → |
| Best value | Weber Performer Deluxe 22-Inch Charcoal Grill | 4.7 / 5 | $$$ | Buy this if you grill multiple times a week and want a tidy, fast-start setup with plenty | Check price → |
| Runner-up | Weber Master-Touch 22-Inch Charcoal Grill | 4.6 / 5 | $$ | Buy this if you love experimenting with different cooking styles, like searing, griddling, | Check price → |
| Best budget | Royal Gourmet 24-Inch Kettle Charcoal Grill with Cover | 4.3 / 5 | $ | Buy this if you want a large charcoal grill on a tight budget, and you’re willing to accep | Check price → |
The picks in detail
1. Weber Original Kettle 22-Inch Charcoal Grill: the do-it-all default
Best overallThis is the charcoal grill that defines the category. It’s simple, reliable, and large enough for most families. The no-frills design means you get the core kettle experience at a very reasonable price, though you’ll want to buy a cover and thermometer separately.
Pros
- Iconic design with decades of proven performance
- Generous cooking surface for whole birds and plenty of burgers
- Excellent airflow control via the One-Touch cleaning system
- Easy to find replacement parts and accessories
Cons
- No built-in lid thermometer (must buy separately)
- Basic plastic handles that can feel flimsy over time
- Ash catcher is decent but not as tidy as the Premium model
Who it’s for
Buy this if you want a straightforward, classic charcoal grill that’s proven to last, and you’re comfortable adding a few accessories on your own.Who should skip it
Skip this if you want a thermometer, a hinged grate, or a more refined ash removal system out of the box.3. Weber Performer Deluxe 22-Inch Charcoal Grill: the premium all-in-one
Best valueThe Performer Deluxe is the kettle for someone who grills often and wants every convenience. It includes a built-in gas ignition system, a large side table, a charcoal storage bin, and a lid holder. The price is higher, but you’re paying for a complete grilling station that saves time and clutter.
Pros
- Gas-assist ignition lights charcoal in minutes with no lighter fluid
- Large side table with utensil hooks and bin for charcoal storage
- Lid holder keeps the lid safely out of the way while you work
- Smooth rolling wheels make it easy to move around the yard
Cons
- Heavy and bulky, not ideal for small patios or balancing
- Gas canister adds complexity and must be replaced periodically
- Significantly more expensive than the Premium model
Who it’s for
Buy this if you grill multiple times a week and want a tidy, fast-start setup with plenty of workspace and storage.Who should skip it
Skip this if you’re on a tight budget or you prefer the simplicity of a traditional kettle without gas components.4. Weber Master-Touch 22-Inch Charcoal Grill: the versatile runner-up
Runner-upThe Master-Touch sits between the Premium and Performer. It adds a premium grate with a hinged section and a center that converts to a wok or griddle, plus a larger ash pan. It’s a great choice for cooks who want one grill that can do low-and-slow smoking and high-heat searing, but you still don’t get a gas starter or built-in table.
Pros
- Gourmet BBQ grate includes a removable center for wok, griddle, or sear insert accessories
- Tuck-away lid holder is handy and doesn’t add bulk
- Large ash catcher with a rust-resistant aluminum rim
- Excellent heat retention for consistent smoking
Cons
- No integrated side table or propane ignition (you must supply your own workspace)
- The grate accessories are sold separately
- Some owners find the lid holder a bit flimsy over time
Who it’s for
Buy this if you love experimenting with different cooking styles, like searing, griddling, or stir-frying, and want a grill that can handle smoking too.Who should skip it
Skip this if you need a stable workspace or a fast ignition system; the Performer is a better fit.5. Royal Gourmet 24-Inch Kettle Charcoal Grill with Cover: the budget-friendly alternative
Best budgetThe Royal Gourmet 24-inch kettle offers a larger cooking surface than the Weber 22-inch at a lower price. It comes with a cover and a built-in thermometer. Build quality is not quite as refined as Weber’s, but it’s a solid performer for occasional grilling and a great value for those watching their spending.
Pros
- diameter gives you more cooking space than standard kettles
- Includes a grill cover and a lid thermometer right out of the box
- Budget-friendly price point without sacrificing basic kettle functionality
- Easy-to-use air vents for temperature control
Cons
- Thinner steel than Weber kettles, which can affect heat retention
- No premium features like hinged grate or ash catcher system
- Some owners report rust after a few seasons in damp climates
Who it’s for
Buy this if you want a large charcoal grill on a tight budget, and you’re willing to accept a shorter lifespan for a much lower upfront cost.Who should skip it
Skip this if you plan to grill year-round in wet conditions, or if you prefer the long-term durability and parts availability of a Weber product.Best for specific needs
Best for first-time charcoal grillers
The Weber Original Kettle 22 is the perfect entry point. It’s simple, forgiving, and produces excellent results with a short learning curve. You can start with basic burgers and hot dogs and work your way up to slow-smoked ribs. The large community of owners means endless tips and recipes online. If you’re new to charcoal, this is the grill to learn on. Our pick: Weber Original Kettle 22-Inch Charcoal Grill.
Best for high-heat searing and versatility
The Weber Master-Touch 22 is built for cooks who want to sear a steak at 700°F one night and smoke a brisket the next. Its Gourmet BBQ grate lets you swap in a griddle or wok for breakfast, stir-fry, or plancha-style cooking. While the add-on accessories cost extra, this grill gives you more cooking styles than any other kettle in its price range. Our pick: Weber Master-Touch 22-Inch Charcoal Grill.
Best for maximum convenience and workspace
The Weber Performer Deluxe 22 eliminates the hassle of charcoal starting with its built-in gas ignition, and the large side table keeps tongs, rubs, and plates within arm’s reach. The charcoal bin stores a full bag, and the lid holder frees both hands. If you grill often and value a clean, efficient setup, this model is worth the extra investment. Our pick: Weber Performer Deluxe 22-Inch Charcoal Grill.
Our verdict
Any of the kettles above will turn out seriously good food, but the Weber Original Kettle Premium 22 is the one we’d buy with our own money. It delivers the best mix of essential features, build quality, and price. If your budget is tighter, the Royal Gourmet 24-inch is a capable alternative. For those who want a complete grilling station with no compromises, the Weber Performer Deluxe is a joy to use. Whichever you choose, you’re getting the smoky flavor that only charcoal can give.