Best Charcoal Grills Under 500 Dollar Top Picks Reviewed

Summer is the perfect time to break out the grill and enjoy some delicious barbecued food. However, not all grills are created equal. When it comes to grills, two are three main types, gas and charcoal. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages. Gas grills are typically easy to use and require little setup time. However, they can be expensive to operate, and some people find them difficult to control.

Best charcoal grills under 500 are great grills that can be a bit more work to set up, but they’re generally less expensive to use. They also tend to offer a more authentic grilling experience. A charcoal grill is a great way to add flavor to your food. The smoky flavor of the charcoal infuses into the food, giving it a unique taste that you can’t get from other grilling methods. While gas grills are convenient, they just can’t match the flavor of a charcoal grill.

Our Top 3 Picks:

Benefits of Using Charcoal Grill Under 500:

  • The first benefit of using a charcoal grill is that it gives the meat an exquisite smoky flavor over a natural gas or electric grill.
  • Charcoal grills are more versatile than gas or electric grill; you can do almost any cooking over this grill, from baking bread to braising short ribs.
  • It is an easy-to-use and portable grill, so you can have it with you wherever you go.
  • The charcoal grill is healthier than other grills because it doesn’t emit any gas or other chemicals.
  • Charcoal gives you an unlimited fuel source, while gas or electric provides a constant heat source. This allows you to cook for long hours and at a lower heat.

Now, come down and analyze the benefits and purchase the best charcoal grills under 500.

Best Charcoal Grills Under $500 Reviews:

Grilling is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and cook delicious food. However, finding a good charcoal grill can be tricky, especially if you’re on a budget. Luckily, we’ve done the research for you and compiled a list of the best charcoal grills for under 500 dollars.

Weber 15501001 Performer Deluxe Charcoal Grill

Specifications:

  • Brand: Weber
  • Material: Alloy Steel
  • Color: Black
  • Item Dimensions LxWxH: 43.5 x 29 x 42 inches
  • Item Weight: 66.2 Pounds

So Winner! This is absolutely the one if you are looking for the best charcoal grill under 500. The recommendation has a lot of reasons. This product has a strong steel frame that can easily bear up to 450 pounds of meat.

It comes with hassle-free features, a sturdy body, and a pleasant outlook. What’s more, with the help of interactive assembly instructions, you can quickly assemble it without any hassle. Last but not least, it has a temperature control gauge on the lid so that you can cook food perfectly.

Product Highlights:

  • It has 363 square inches of cooking, making it perfect for larger meals.
  • The electronic Touch-N-Go ignition system makes starting the grill quick and easy.
  • The One-Touch cleaning system with a removable, easy dump ash pan makes cleanup a breeze.

Final Verdict:

So, if you are looking for a durable and easy-to-use charcoal grill, the Weber 15501001 Performer Deluxe Charcoal Grill is a great option to consider. It has many features that make it stand out from the competition

Pros

  • Easy assembly with BLT app.
  • Easily moveable.
  • Cook timer with LCD display.
  • Ease of cleaning.
  • Built-in lid thermometer.

Cons

  • A propane tank is not included.

Weber 15301001 Performer Charcoal

Specifications:

  • Brand: Weber
  • Material: Porcelain Coated Steel
  • Color: Black
  • Item Dimensions LxWxH: 30 x 48 x 43.5 inches
  • Item Weight: 91 Pounds

Weber’s Performer grill is a workhorse that will make your daily charcoal grilling experience a breeze. Even to save your time, you can place the lid into the Tuck-Away lid holder on the side of the grill to prevent it from falling to the ground.

The smart design includes an easy-to-use One-Touch cleaning system, as well as a built-in thermometer in the lid to ensure both safety and accuracy. It’s also compatible with GBS inserts, which means it can be customized to fit your needs.

Product Highlights:

  • The BILT app offers 3D assembly instructions for this product.
  • Its 363-square-inch cooking area can easily accommodate up to 13 burgers at once.
  • Hooks are available for hangings.

Final Verdict:

If you’re looking for a reliable charcoal grill that won’t let you down, the Weber Performer charcoal Grill will not disappoint. With its powerful performance and smart design, it’s everything you could ask for in a grilling experience at such an affordable price.

Pros

  • Manageable and portable.
  • Perfect temperature control.
  • The lid thermometer ensures accuracy and safety.
  • The grill has a powerful performance.
  • It is versatile.

Cons

  • The wheels are small.

Char-Griller E16620 Akorn Kamado Charcoal Grill

Specifications:

  • Brand: Char-Griller
  • Material: Porcelain, Alloy Steel, Cast Iron, Ceramic
  • Color: Graphite
  • Item Dimensions LxWxH: 45 x 31 x 47 inches
  • Item Weight: 97 Pounds

If you’re looking for a smoker and charcoal grill combo, the Char-Griller E16620 Akorn Kamado Charcoal Grill with Smoking Stone is a great option to consider. This grill has 314 square inches of primary cooking surface as well as a 133-square-inch warming rack, giving you a total of 447 square inches of cooking space.

It’s made with cast iron cooking surfaces, so it’s sure to last for many years. Additionally, this grill has an insulated design which helps maintain heat and uses less charcoal, meaning more efficient grilling.

Product Highlights:

  • It offers less airflow, which means insulated heat, which results in tender meat.
  • This grill has cast-iron cooking grates, a lid that locks, eight-inch locking casters, and a warming rack that is removable.
  • Additionally, it has folding side shelves with barbecue tool hooks for easy food preparation.

Final Verdict:

Kamado grill is known for its sturdiness, reliability, durability, and outstanding performance. This grill transforms into an outdoor convection oven that works great for low or slow smoking to keep your meat moist and tender with smoking stone. So if you’re looking for a long-lasting smoker, then Char-Griller E16620 with Smoking Stone is a great option.

Pros

  • Primary cooking area for more place.
  • 3 times more heat insulation.
  • Very versatile grill.
  • Durable and sturdy.
  • Easy to assemble.

Cons

  • Hard to move as it is heavy.

KUDU Grill Open Fire Outdoor BBQ Grilling System

Specifications:

  • Brand: KUDU
  • Material: Alloy Steel
  • Color: Black
  • Frame Material: Stainless Steel

There’s nothing quite like grilling over an open fire when it comes to outdoor cooking. The KUDU Grill brings that experience to your backyard with durable construction and high-temperature ceramic coating that will stand up to years of use.

The stainless steel grill grate provides plenty of space for cooking up a feast, while the heavy-duty components and welded core construction ensure that you can enjoy it for years to come.

Product Highlights:

  • 390 square inches of cooking space, enough for up to 20 hamburgers at one time.
  • The steel legs are self-leveling and make this grill easy to use on any surface.
  • You can remove the grate entirely to cook over an open fire if you wish.

Final Verdict:

The KUDU Grill is grill-master tested, and backyard approved. It provides the perfect cooking surface for grilling over an open fire. It may be a bit expensive for some, but the KUDU Grill delivers an incredible value for your dollar. If you’re serious about grilling, you can easily get this one of the best charcoal grills under 500.

Pros

  • Heavy and durable construction
  • Adjustable cooking height.
  • Spacious stainless steel grates.
  • Compatible with charcoal or open flames.

Cons

  • Requires seasoning before use.

TITAN GREAT OUTDOORS Group Park Grill

Specifications:

  • Brand: TITAN GREAT OUTDOORS
  • Material: Alloy Steel
  • Finish Type: Powder Coated
  • Frame Material: Alloy Steel
  • Item Weight: 254 Pounds

Looking for a durable, reliable charcoal grill that will suit your needs for larger gatherings? The TITAN GREAT OUTDOORS Group Park Grill with Shelf is perfect for the job! This sturdy grill is made of 9 gauge steel and has a cooking surface area of 942 square inches.

It has adjustable grates for different heights and a perfect finish that is absolutely long-lasting. The grill is also powder coated with black paint to add rust resistance and has a large room perfect for cooking up delicious steak, chicken, grilling hot dogs, burgers, fish, and more!

Product Highlights:

  • Two sturdy grates that can be mounted to four different heights.
  • Strong, freestanding post that keeps grill secure and anchored to the ground.
  • Spring handle attached to each grate for greater safety.

Final Verdict:

By far, this is another best grill under $500 on the market. The durability of the brand, combined with its heavy-duty build, gives it an advantage over its kitchen top counterparts. This park grill is perfect for adding smokey flavor to all sorts of food items on your camping trip or picnic setting.

Pros

  • Suitable for any setting.
  • Durable quality.
  • More cooking space.
  • Easy to clean.
  • Ample space to cook a meal.
  • Grates are easy to move.

Cons

  • The body is heavy, so tough to move.

Dual Fuel Combination Charcoal

Specifications:

  • Brand: BLOSSOMZ
  • Material: Alloy Steel
  • Color: Stainless Steel
  • Item Dimensions LxWxH: 64 x 28 x 49.75 inches
  • Item Weight: 103 Pounds

The Charcoal Grill is a high-quality grill that offers plenty of cooking space for large events. The cast-iron cooking grids are easy to lift and provide even heat distribution, while the adjustable charcoal tray/basket allows you to customize your cooking temperature.

The ash drawer makes cleanup a breeze. This grill is an excellent choice for anyone who wants the quality and functionality of a more expensive grill without the high price tag.

Product Highlights:

  • This product is a durable and good charcoal grill with heavy-duty cooking grids.
  • It has 607 sq inch of total cooking area, which is huge enough for your parties.
  • Its fold-down cast-iron front door eases charcoal loading while BBQs.

Final Verdict:

This is a solid charcoal grill that offers little to no drawbacks. Despite its low price, it still has heavy-duty cast iron cooking grids and a large amount of cooking space. If you’re looking for great value on a quality grill, the Charcoal Grill should definitely be considered.

Pros

  • It is very affordable
  • The grates are of great quality.
  • Easy to clean.
  • Excellent heat retention.

Cons

  • No heat indicator still works best.

The Bincho Grill GR610S Yakitori Tabletop Charcoal Griller

Specifications:

  • Brand: The Bincho Grill
  • Material: Stainless Steel
  • Color: Silver
  • Item Dimensions LxWxH: 24 x 6 x 6.75 inches
  • Item Weight: 23 Pounds

If you’re looking for a quality charcoal grill that will let you cook up some delicious Japanese-inspired food, the Bincho Grill GR610S is the perfect option. It is made from heavy-gauge stainless steel construction with double walls and bends for extra rigidity; this grill is built to last. It comes with an aluminum insert and ash collection.

You’ll love the stylish appearance of this grill and its ability to let you customize your grilling experience by controlling airflow with its adjustable windows.

Product Highlights:

  • Extra-thick aluminum inserts to insulate heat better and reduce the need for extra fuel. 
  • You can control the hot coals with the help of two adjustable windows for airflow.

Final Verdict:

If you want to make sure tasty Japanese food at your next event or gathering, there’s no better grill to use than the Bincho Grill GR610S. With its stylish looks and high-quality craftsmanship, it’s clear why this grill is on our best choice of grills list. Do yourself a favor and check this one out today.

Pros

  • Saves fuel.
  • Keep the meat hot for long hours.
  • Easy to carry.
  • Strong and reliable.

Cons

  • The skewer bars are not included.

Weber 15401001 Performer Premium Charcoal Grill

Specifications:

  • Brand: Weber
  • Material: Porcelain, Alloy Steel
  • Color: Black
  • Item Dimensions LxWxH: 43.5 x 30 x 48 inches
  • Item Weight: 91 Pounds

The Weber 15401001 Performer Premium Charcoal Grill is a high-quality, durable grill perfect for the grilling enthusiast. This grill does not have the Electronic Touch-N-Go Gas Ignition System, but it still fits up to 13 burgers. The cooking area is 363 square inches, and the one-touch cleaning system with a high-capacity ash catcher makes it easy to keep your grill clean.

The porcelain-coated cast iron lid and bowl retain heat, keeping the grill ready to use after a short break. The cooking grate is compatible with GBS inserts and is hinged to add charcoal while grilling.

Product Highlights:

  • The cooking grate is hinged for easy adding of charcoal.
  • The weatherproof Char-bin storage container is a convenient way to store your charcoals.

Final Verdict:

This is the best charcoal grill for 2018. The ability to store excess charcoal is unique, and also it has a dedicated container to discard the ash from the ashes, which stands out. It also ensures that you can light up your grills simply by pressing a button with the touch of your fingers.

Pros

  • Saves your time in cleaning.
  • Excellent heat retention.
  • Easy access to grilling tools.
  • Temperature display.
  • Excellent heat control system.

Cons

  • Non-availability of  Touch-N-Go Gas Ignition System.

 Kamado Joe KJ15040320 Kettle Joe Charcoal Grill

Specifications

  • Brand: Kamado Joe
  • Material: Metal
  • Color: Blaze Red
  • Item Dimensions LxWxH: 23.82 x 30.3 x 20.47 inches
  • Item Weight: 121 Pounds

This Kamado Joe KJ15040320 Kettle Joe 22 inch Charcoal Grill is a great option if you are looking for something with a lot of surface area. The 363 square inches of cooking space means that you will cook large items or multiple items at once.

Additionally, the adjustable hinge means that you can smoke at temperatures up to 500°F, or grill at temperatures up to 700°F, making it a versatile option. The folding side shelves also provide added convenience and easy storage. And finally, the ash drawer allows for easy and quick cleanup.

Product Highlights:

  • Innovative design allows for easy access to all areas of the grill.
  • Cast Iron cooking grids allow for optimum high heat retention and distribution.
  • Porcelain-enameled lid and fire pit resist heat to the maximum range.

Final Verdict:

The Kamado Joe Kettle grill is a great option for the price. The cart it comes with is great for storage and mobility. It’s an affordable upgrade from a traditional charcoal grill, especially if you want to smoke or grill at higher temperatures.

Pros

  • Contains dual cooking zones.
  • Quality smoke chamber.
  • Great cooking space.
  • Easy cleanup.
  • Gets original smokey flavor

Cons

  • No grease tray, but it has an ashtray. 

Tritogenia Cyprus Charcoal Grill

Specifications:

  • Brand: Tritogenia
  • Material: Stainless Steel, Alloy Steel
  • Item Dimensions LxWxH: 27.25 x 13 x 28 inches
  • Frame Material: Stainless Steel, Alloy Steel

The Cyprus Grill from Tritogenia is heavy-duty and constructed with a 2.5 mm thickness that ensures durability for many years. You can enjoy grilling on your pool deck or during a picnic as it does not require any assembly and comes with 3 long skewers and a 304 food-grade stainless steel grill.

Thanks to its height regulator, you can be able to change the height of your charcoal with ease. The motor is also equipped with a one-push lever height regulator, so there are no more flare-ups from dripping fat.

Product Highlights:

  • The Cyprus Grill from Tritogenia is made of heavy-duty steel and is adjustable to fit any height of charcoal.
  • It has a variable speed motor that can rotate up to 40 lbs of meat.
  • It also comes with two 6RPM motors for roasting skewers.

Final Verdict:

If you are looking for an easy-to-use charcoal grill that will make your grilling experience hassle-free, then the Cyprus Grill from Tritogenia is a perfect option. It comes with all the convenient options to strengthen your grilling game with lump charcoal.

Pros

  • Juicy meat gets direct heat.
  • Robust construction & sturdy legs.
  • It is made of heavy-duty steel.
  • Suitable for various cooking options.

Cons

  • The grill is a bit bulky.
  • No weatherproof cover.

Buying Guide To Get The Best Charcoal Grill On The Market:

There are several different charcoal grills on the market, so how do you know which one is the best for you? In this buying guide, we’ll take a look at some of the factors you need to consider when choosing a charcoal grill. Following are the factors:

Size of an Item:

One of the most important things to consider when purchasing a charcoal grill is size. Do you need a small grill that can fit on a balcony, or do you need a large grill that can accommodate a lot of food? Keep in mind that larger grills may be heavier and more challenging to move around.

Fuel Source:

A charcoal grill can be fueled by either charcoal or wood chips, or gas. Which one is right for you? Some may prefer the flavor of food cooked over charcoal, while others like the convenience of gas grills. If you like to grill many different types of food, you may want to consider a grill that can use both charcoal Fand gas grills.

Side Table:

For some applications, such as indirect heat cooking, where you use a drip pan or plate setter to create a second heat zone for cooking food slow and low with smoke, it’s better to have somewhere convenient to put all of your supplies, so you’re not running back and forth between the grill and your kitchen.

Ease of Assembly and Cleaning:

A grill might have all the features you need, but it’s no good if putting it together or cleaning it is a headache. A problematic assembly process means that the grill won’t get used as often as you want to use it, and dirty grills can be unsightly and smelly. Factor in assembly time when choosing your grill, and look for one with a removable cooking grate that can be easily cleaned.

Temperature Range:

Different charcoal pellet grills or simple ones have different temperature ranges, so it’s important to know what yours is before shopping. Most of them have a temperature range of around 200-700 degrees Fahrenheit, which is plenty in the grilling season. This will help you narrow down your choices and find the perfect grill for your needs.

Final Words:

Each of the charcoal grills mentioned in this article has its own unique set of features that make them stand out. However, if we had to choose one as the best charcoal grill, it would have to be the Kamado Joe KJ15040320.

The Kamado Joe Kettle grill is a great option for the price. The cart it comes with is great for storage and mobility. It’s an affordable upgrade from a traditional charcoal grill, especially if you want to smoke or grill at higher temperatures. Now that we have reviewed the best charcoal grills that are available for less than 500, it’s up to you to decide which one is the best fit for your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is the Best Charcoal Grill under 500?

The Weber 15501001 Performer is the best charcoal grill because it is durable and has a lot of features that make it easy to use. It has a cooking area of 363 square inches, which is plenty of space for grilling a large feast. Plus, the porcelain enameled cooking grates are easy to clean, so you won’t have to spend hours scrubbing off charred food residue.

Are Charcoal Grills under 500 Worth it?

These are great if you want to grill outside. They are generally cheaper than gas, electric, and pellet grills, not only in the initial purchase but also in the long-term, with fewer maintenance costs. If you are environmentally conscious or are simply looking for a less expensive way to cook your food with more flavor, a charcoal grill is worth it.

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