The Best Charcoal Grill and Smoker: What’re You Waiting?

1. Royal Gourmet CC1830SC Charcoal Grill Smoker

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Pros

• Extra storage space for  accessories
• Better heat control
• Able to adjust the temperature
• Waterproof cover

Cons

• A little thin metal

2. SUNLIFER Portable Charcoal BBQ Grill Smoker

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Pros

• Portable and compact design
• Multiple purposes
• Two access panels 
• Easy to use water smoker

Cons

• Quite small ash hopper

3. Realcook Vertical 17 Inch Steel Charcoal Smoker

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Pros

• Porcelain-enameled material
• Large cooking space
• Multiple purposes
• Two access doors

Cons

• Quite small charcoal pan

4. Royal Gourmet CD1824AX Charcoal Grill Smoker

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Pros

• Air circulation design
• Easy lift charcoal pan
• Easy access for stoking coals
• Easy to assemble

Cons

• Quite expensive 

5. MAISON HUIS Charcoal Smoker Grill 

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Pros

• Provided thermometer on the lid
• easy to clean
• Portable and flexible design

Cons

• Quite small cooking area

6. Char-Griller E1224 Smokin Charcoal Grill

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Pros

• Nonstick cast-iron cooking grates 
• Removable charcoal drawers
• Additional features
• Able to cook different dishes at one time

Cons

• Relative high price 

Are you still confused about which product to choose? The information collected below may be of help to you.

Shape 

There are two types of charcoal grills smoker shapes:

• Round shape: This is the traditional design. Coals will be placed in the center position just below the grate, creating more indirect cooking zones around the outer edge. 
• Rectangular shape: As this type creates separate cooking zones, it is more similar to the gas grill. 

Size

Charcoal grill and smoker sizes often range from minor portable versions to bulkier tabletop models. 

Small ones make it easier for you to transfer and store, while large sizes are ideal for feeding a crowd at once. 

Smaller models will be good if you want to cook for a group of 2 to 4 people. In the opposite case, consider buying more significant devices. 

Grate material

There are many materials for the grate, namely stainless steel, enameled steel, ceramic, etc. All are good. You can choose any type that is the most suitable for your purposes. 

Versatility

It depends on what and how much you intend to cook. A basic version will be okay if you wish to cook a typical family meal. 

In other cases, if you're looking to prepare different complex dishes for a party, then consider an insulated model that can reduce heat loss. 

Special features

You may want to consider the following features when testing a charcoal grill and smoker: oversized handles, storage shelves, and oversized handles. 

Although these details often come with a higher price, they will make your cooking experience more enjoyable.

How to light up charcoal?

There’re three ways to make charcoal burn, preparing your grill, with lighter fluid, and with a chimney starter. Make sure you read the instruction carefully to minimize making mistakes. No one wants to screw up their effort. 

How do I calculate the amount of charcoal necessary?

How much charcoal you need depends on which and how much food you're cooking. If you want to sear a steak, you'll need a few pounds of coals. 

For thinner and lighter food, such as a filet of white-fleshed fish, a third of a chimney starter will be enough.

How long should I let the charcoal burn before grilling?

Typically, it’ll take 15 to 20 minutes for the charcoal to light and turn into embers. However, time also depends significantly on the type and the amount of charcoal you use. 

The tip is when the majority of coals turn grayish-white like ash; it’s time to cook. 

What kind of charcoal should I use?

People often choose between charcoal briquets and lump charcoal. In reality, lump charcoal burns faster and hotter than briquets, but there is no difference in how they work great on charcoal grills for fast or slow cooks. 

All you should remember is to pay attention to choosing all-natural charcoals that are free of fillers and additives.

How can I stop a charcoal smoker properly? 

After turning off the gas:

• Don't starve the fire of oxygen.
• Remove all the ash out.
• Clean the grease and run-off fluids.

Otherwise, it'll be more likely for the charcoals to keep on going and then smoke. 

Perhaps you’re now confident enough to buy for yourself the best charcoal grill and smoker. We’re sure you’ll be surprised by the fantastic experience it brings to your life. 

Hopefully, the information above can help you somehow to choose the product that fits all your needs.

Don’t forget to leave a message below to inform us about your final pick.

Thank you for reading!