Best Charcoal Grills Under $300 – Review And Buyer’s Guide

The medium used for cooking has a lot to do with the taste of food. Imagine getting your favorite food roasted on a charcoal grill with the perfect Smokey flavor!

Charcoal grills allow complete control over your cooking process, making your recipes more complimenting and delicious for your guests. You have complete choice of using as many coals, for a longer or shorter period for infusing Smokey flavor according to your demands. 

You may be thinking that different grills will not affect the flavor of your meals you may buy any of them. But there are some differences which make charcoal grills different from any other kind of outdoor cooking, smoking. You can beat the best barbeque, grilling recipes of top hotels by using the best charcoal grills as a cooking method for slow and juicy food flavor.

Following are some of the best charcoal grills available in market under $300.

Best Charcoal Grills Under $300 Overview

IMAGE PRODUCT DETAILS
Best Overall Best Overall Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill
  • Power Source: Charcoal
  • Material: Porcelain
Check On Amazon
Highly Recommended Highly Recommended Weber 121020 Go-Anywhere Charcoal Grill
  • Power Source: Charcoal
  • Material: Porcelain-Coated Cast Iron
Check On Amazon
Editor’s Choice Editor’s Choice Weber Jumbo Joe 18 inch Charcoal Grill
  • Power Source: Charcoal
  • Material: Alloy Steel
Check On Amazon
Top Pick Top Pick Char-Griller E6714 Akorn Jr Kamado Charcoal Grill
  • Power Source: Charcoal
  • Material: Alloy Steel
Check On Amazon
Weber 741001 Original Kettle 22-Inch Charcoal Grill
  • Power Source: Charcoal
  • Material: Alloy Steel
Check On Amazon
Highly Recommended Highly Recommended Cuisinart CCG190 Portable Charcoal Grill
  • Power Source: Charcoal
  • Material: Alloy Steel
Check On Amazon
Premium Pick Premium Pick ISUMER Portable BBQ Charcoal Grill
  • Power Source: Charcoal
  • Material: Stainless Steel
Check On Amazon
Weber 14501001 Master-Touch Charcoal Grill
  • Power Source: Charcoal
  • Material: Alloy Steel
Check On Amazon
Heavy Duty Heavy Duty Royal Gourmet 30″ BBQ Charcoal Grill
  • Power Source: Charcoal
  • Material: Steel
Check On Amazon
Dyna-Glo DGN486SNC-D Heavy Duty Charcoal Grill
  • Power Source: Charcoal
  • Material: Alloy Steel
Check On Amazon

10 Best Charcoal Grills Under $300 Review

Best Charcoal Grills Under $300

We have researched for the top 10 best charcoal grills for you that provide you with a lot more features than simple grilling methods.

1. Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill – Best Charcoal Grill Under $300

Specifications:

  • Material: Porcelain
  • Power Source: Charcoal
  • Weight: 32.3 Pounds
  • Dimensions: 39.5 x 22.5 x 27 inches

It has a built-in thermometer which measures heat so you would be easily kept in check the temperature for cooking time.

This grill provides you with the facility of the cooking grate so you can easily add coal while grilling.

It is sturdy and has a very high quality looks and feel.

How is it getting a rust-free charcoal grill which is long-lasting and can be used in moisture too? Weber original kettle premium charcoal grill has aluminum dampers which keep the rust away keeping it a long-lasting charcoal grill. Besides, its Porcelain-enameled lid and bowl retain heat and protects against color peel.

It provides you with easy cleaning as it has a removable ash catcher. You can easily clean charcoal ash and debris by wiping them into it. The dampers allow you to control the cooking temperature. Closing the dampers will cut off the oxygen decrease the coal heat. You can adjust the temperature by adjusting the dampers.

This grill has durable wheels so you can easily drag it to your favorite place in the backyard, and with its heat shield, the lid is prevented from getting too hot so you will not burn your hands. It has a convenient lid placement which allows you to hang the lid on the grill and hooks, for conveniently hanging your spatulas and tongs avoiding them to put on the ground. You can spark your passion for charcoal grilling with this grill!

What do we like?

  • Rust-resistant
  • Durable wheels
  • Easy to clean
  • Heat control

What don’t we like?

  • Needs time to assemble

2. Weber 121020 Go-Anywhere Charcoal Grill – Best Charcoal Grill Under $100

Specifications:

  • Material: Porcelain-Coated Cast Iron
  • Power Source: Charcoal
  • Weight: 13.45 Pounds
  • Dimensions: 11.5 x 19.5 x 15 inches

You can enjoy the taste of home-cooked delicious food without spending dollars searching for a homey taste in different hotels.

It has to carry handles which make it convenient to carry.

It has a perfect design for slow and coal flavor infused cooking.

Want the taste of home wherever you go? Weber Go-Anywhere charcoal grill is a perfect design for you. You can take this grill with you wherever you go. This grill is best for small barbecue jobs.

This grill is compact and lightweight. Due to its Porcelain-enameled lid, it does not rusts and color will not feel making it able to be used for a long-lasting period.

Its steel grates retain heat and increase its durability allowing you to give a cooking space of160 square inches which are enough for you and your family on the way. Besides, it can easily fit in your trunk due to its size and less weight.

Also, it has built-in lid hangers allowing you to rest the lid on the side and creates an effective barrier against the wind if you are out on a windy day. It is easy to set up so you will not need to waste much time in setting it up. You will need a few minutes you would be enjoying juicy steaks after a couple of time.

You may also be interested to read about best gas grills for steaks

What do we like?

  • Easy to setup
  • Portable
  • Lightweight
  • Easy to clean

What don’t we like?

  • Body of grill is closer to coal
  • Less cooking space

3. Weber Jumbo Joe 18 inch Charcoal Grill

Specifications:

  • Material: Alloy Steel
  • Power Source: Charcoal
  • Weight: 17.61 Pounds
  • Dimensions: 19.75 x 20.5 x 19.75 inches

This Jumbo Joe Charcoal Grill allows you to cook meat quickly with less time.

It is compact and lightweight so you can easily hold it and walk without having a burden to your arms.

It is of high gauge steel. The build quality is up to the usual high standard.

This grill is portable with its convenient to carry handle allows you to travel with taste. You can find a beach or any other weekend travel and cook your favorite food having the taste of your home.

It has a metal bar that goes over the whole grill and serves two purposes to best effect. It holds the lid off to the side for you so, you will not have to find somewhere safe to put a large, 500-degree piece of metal when you need to rotate or retrieve your food and it also swivels up to snap in place over the lid’s handle, which holds it on securely for transport.

With its aluminum ash catcher, you can easily clean ash without wasting time finding equipment. There are dampers in this charcoal grill. Dampers allow you to easily control the temperature inside your grill and infuse smoke into food according to your taste.

Its Tuck-N-Carry lid lock doubles as a lid holder to avoid placing the lid on the ground.

What do we like?

  • Easy to carry
  • Large cooking space
  • Adjustable temperature
  • Portability

What don’t we like?

  • Top vent difficult to turn

4. Char-Griller E6714 Akorn Jr Kamado Charcoal Grill – Best Charcoal Grill Under $200

Specifications:

  • Material: Alloy Steel
  • Power Source: Charcoal
  • Weight: 33 Pounds
  • Dimensions: 20 x 20 x 20 inches

This small but versatile grill is made of strong gauge steel, powder-coated exterior finish, porcelain-coated steel interior finish, providing you with a long-lasting grill.

It can be used for years without being rusted or color peel off.

This charcoal grill is fuel-efficient, so you will not be adding charcoal again and again.

Enjoy Kamado style cooking with this Kamado Kooker Charcoal grill. You can choose to enjoy a slow and low roast or a lump of high heated meat. You can impress your guests by providing them with their favorite cooked food at home.

It has 153 inches of cooking space which is plenty of room for grilling at the park, camping, tailgating, or in the backyard. The easy dump ash pan makes for quick and easy cleanup.

You may also be looking for a best grill under $300

What do we like?

  • Easy portability
  • Heat control 
  • Long-lasting
  • Fuel efficient
  • Lightweight

What don’t we like?

  • Grates may rust

5. Weber 741001 Original Kettle 22-Inch Charcoal Grill

Specifications:

  • Material: Alloy Steel
  • Power Source: Charcoal
  • Weight: 3.3 Pounds
  • Dimensions: 25 x 22.5 x 39.5 inches

It is ultra-durable with Porcelain enameled lid and bowl for heat adjustment.

With its one touch up cleaning system, you will not need to clean it by sparing its parts after a long grilling day.

Its One-Touch cleaning system provides hassle-free ash cleanup and removable, aluminum ash catcher.

A modern version of the charcoal grill has a lot more features for easy grilling. Porcelain-enameled lid and bowl retain heat, and will not rust or peel your grill, and you will be enjoying a rust-free glow grill for a long time.

It has a durable, easy-to-clean, steel-plated cooking grate that retains heat for even and consistent grilling. You will have a professional cooking experience with this super cool grill.

You can arrange charcoal on the fuel grate for either direct or indirect grilling which means food can either be placed over the coals for high heat or away from them for more gradual indirect cooking according to your choice.

Good charcoal is not cheap, so it can be used multiple times in this grill if you completely close the vents when you have completed cooking. The airtight nature of this grill allows for charcoal recycling.

What do we like?

  • Highly adjustable
  • Efficient
  • Provides heat retention
  • Mobility

What don’t we like?

  • Pricey
  • Difficult to Assemble

6. Cuisinart CCG190 – Best Portable Charcoal Grill Under $50

Specifications:

  • Material: Alloy Steel
  • Power Source: Charcoal
  • Weight: 2 Pounds
  • Dimensions: 14.5 x 14.5 x 15 inches

This charcoal grill provides a large surface area for cooking in a large quantity. Still it distributes heat evenly to all its sides efficiently making your meals deliciously cooked.

It has dual vents which provide you temperature control and you can manage the amount of charcoal.

You can easily add the amount of wanted charcoal as according to the infusion of heat you want in your food. You can adjust the temperature easily for cooking different types of foods.

It has a dual venting system to control the temperature so you can cook slow & low or up at searing hot temperatures. It has three lid locks which allow you to carry the grill easily, and safely.

You can take this grill anywhere with you like camping, balconies, decks or tailgating as it is compact and lightweight. It has a firebox, coated with enamel giving it strength & durability to survive the harshest grilling conditions. It will be a long-lasting product for you.

Undoubtedly, it is worth the price. For a low price having this portable grill is a good buy. You will not need hours for its assemblage. It is quick and easy to assemble.

Also have a look at review of best infrared gas grills

What do we like?

  • Low Price
  • Temperature control
  • No color peel
  • Easy to carry

What don’t we like?

  • Flimsy

7. ISUMER Portable BBQ Charcoal Grill

Specifications:

  • Material: Stainless Steel
  • Power Source: Charcoal
  • Weight: 3.83 Pounds
  • Dimensions: 15.9 x 11 x 8.8 inches

It is perfect for travelling to harsh areas and small spaces where you cannot take heavy burdens.

It is of thick steel with high resistance avoiding rust and is long-lasting. So you would not be changing your grills again and again.

This Charcoal grill is portable. It has four legs which can be removed. It makes it easy to carry and store. It is easy to assemble, will not need someone for your help in is assembling. It is very convenient to carry anywhere.

This charcoal grill is easy to adjust and balance. It has four legs with an adjustable plastic floor mat in bottom. It helps in adjusting height and balancing the grill. It comes with two air vents to control temperature. You can easily adjust the temperature for a slow-cooked or a fast-cooked food. 

Its grid, charcoal frame makes it easy to clean ash and unburned coal. It is perfect and has enough size for your parties!

What do we like?

  • Portable
  • Firm and durable
  • Easy assemble

What don’t we like?

  • Not too long-lasting
  • Flimsy

8. Weber 14501001 Master-Touch Charcoal Grill

Specifications:

  • Material: Alloy Steel
  • Power Source: Charcoal
  • Weight: 37.25 Pounds
  • Dimensions: 42 x 24 x 29.5 inches

This charcoal grill provides you with an easy and efficient charcoal organization for both direct and indirect grilling. 

You can easily control the heat as according to the type of food. It provides with dampers, so you will not need to lift the lid.

You can easily adjust the temperature by adjusting the dampers.

The packing of the grill is top-notch with quality materials. The cardboard and plastic bags are just better packing. With its expanded grilling possibilities, you can remove the circular grate replace it with a griddle any of the many Gourmet barbeque System inserts. The hinged grates make it easy to add coal while grilling.

Due to its convenient lid placement, you can slide the lid over to the side of the grill and tuck it away to avoid placing it on any other surface while grilling. The quality of the grill is outstanding with the noticeable upgrades.

The top adjustable vent has a plastic handle that makes it easier to change temperature when the grill is hot. The wheel covers are a nice touch. When you look, you see the quality. Regardless of how you load the charcoal, this insert makes it easier, without having to take off the entire grate.

What do we like?

  • Heat adjustment
  • Good quality
  • Superior heat retention
  • Expanded grilling possibilities

What don’t we like?

  • A bit difficult to assemble

9. Royal Gourmet 30″ BBQ Charcoal Grill

Specifications:

  • Power Source: Charcoal
  • Weight: 57 Pounds
  • Dimensions: 45.7 x 28 x 48.8 inches

You can use it as a smoker or charcoal grill. Prepare delicious meals for your family and friends with Royal Gourmet charcoal grill and smoker. 

With its 183 square inches large cooking area you can enjoy more quantity of smoked and grilled vegetables, meats and drumsticks.

Its compact royal design and the versatile appliance can fit on most patios, balconies and decks easily. So you can enjoy a delicious fresh meal at a place of your choice easily. It has two adjustable dampers which help you to control heat according to the need of food.

You can lift handles to raise or lower fire pan to 2 different levels. Control the distance between charcoal and meat for better grilling. Besides it has a front, side and underneath rack for putting grilling things and an additional hooks for hanging tongs or other grilling accessories.

It has porcelain wire grates which retain heat evenly and help to lock in the juices and make your meat more tender and delicious. Its removable ash pan makes ashes disposal easy and efficient for you. It has durable wheels to drag it wherever you want.

What do we like?

  • Portable
  • Large cooking area
  • Smoker and grill
  • Easy clean

What don’t we like?

  • Temperature cannot exceed 400F
  • Thin grates

10. Dyna-Glo DGN486SNC-D Heavy Duty Charcoal Grill

Specifications:

  • Material: Alloy Steel
  • Power Source: Charcoal
  • Dimensions: 55.79 x 28.43 x 50.98 inches

This easy to use charcoal grill doesn’t need to be installed. You just need to put down the folding legs to start grilling.

There are bracelets on both sides of the grill for easy carrying which makes it highly portable.

This grill has a very lightweight of 1.6kg. So you can easily take it where ever you want very portably.

It has ventilation holes at both sides of the grill so that airflow can be easily controlled and heat is evenly distributed on the grill. The grill grids can be removed and cleaned very conveniently.

You can take it with you to enjoy roast, barbeque on some beach on a sunny day or any forest for camping. 

It is made of safe materials. Stainless steel plays a role of rust-proof, heat-resistant and non-deformable material without having any harmful chemicals.

It is very easy to clean due to its simple structure. It all folds up so you can easily store it anywhere in a small area or place. It has very good quality for long-lasting use.

What do we like?

  • Convenient
  • Portable folding 
  • Easy to use

What don’t we like?

  • Color peels off

Things to Consider While Choosing Affordable Charcoal Grill

Things to Consider While Choosing Affordable Charcoal Grill

1. Paint Quality of Charcoal Grill

There is no need of finding an attractive colored Charcoal grill, as it has nothing to do with its working. The paint of charcoal grill should be heat resistant with heat exposure. Bad paint quality causes the grill to become rusty and useless.

2. Size of Charcoal Grill

There are grills with both large and small sizes. Choose the best for yourself. A large charcoal grill allows you to cook the food in large quantity else the small one will be lightweight and carried anywhere.

3. Budget to buy a Charcoal Grill

Choose the charcoal which perfectly suits your budget. Don’t go for the most expensive ones for your first experience. 

4. Portability of Charcoal Grill

Mostly we want to enjoy the grilled meat at outdoor places. Grab the portable charcoal grills so you can travel with taste. Portable charcoal grills can easily be carried to parks, balconies, camping etc. 

5. Charcoal Grill Material

Good heavy material is a need for a charcoal grill. As it has exposure to heat, it should be of high gauge steel to prevent itself from burning.  

Wrapping Up Charcoal Grills Under $300 Review

We have provided you with the best charcoal grills. But there are significant differences between every charcoal grill. Find the best one for as per your requirements and enjoy best-grilled meat, everywhere you go.

Leave a Comment