Finding a great charcoal grill less than $200 is a bit tricky. This budget neither comes in cheap options nor in those costly long-lasting grills.
But still, there are a lot of sturdy options available in the market today. As they say, money spent on the right product is money well-invested.
Who doesn’t love delicious, juicy, and tasty grilled food? To achieve this, read our reviews of our budget-friendly options for the best charcoal grills under $200 and get a better idea of which one to select.
Some Charcoal Grills are even under $150. There is no reason to break the bank to get a quality grill.
10 Best Charcoal Grills Under $200 – Reviewed
1. Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill
- Holds up to 13 burgers made with a Weber burger press; Built-in lid thermometer. Rust-resistant aluminum dampers
- One-Touch cleaning system with high-capacity ash catcher provides hassle-free ash cleanup
- Porcelain-enameled lid and bowl retain heat, and won’t rust or peel
- Use the lid hook to avoid placing the lid on the ground while grilling
- Cooking grate is hinged for easily adding charcoal while grilling
- 3D interactive assembly instructions for this product are available through the free BILT app.
This is almost an iconic grill at this point, aptly named the “Original Kettle” grill. The fact that it comes in at such an affordable price is a bonus over the great round of features it offers.
This is definitely one of the BEST charcoal grills you can find for under $200.
Weber made things easy with its one-touch cleaning system. You can simply swipe the ash and debris into the removable ash catcher, for incredibly easy cleanup.
With large, long-lasting wheels, you’ll be able to move this around quite easily.
There is also an angled lid hook to hang the lid on the side of the grill when not needed during cooking. The heat shield protects the lid handle is an inconspicuous but awesome feature.
Some other tiny but well-thought-out features are a cooking grate with hinged section to easily add coals during cooking, tool hooks on the side handles, and a built-in thermometer.
With 363 sq in of cooking space, this solid grill won’t let you down.
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]Easy to clean cooking grate
Heat shield
Long-lasting wheels
Allows you to hang your grill tools[/i2pros][i2cons]Not easy to assemble
Built-in temperature gauge is not accurate[/i2cons][/i2pc]
- 250 square inches of cooking space, cast iron cooking grates, side drawer
- Ideal for small decks or patios
- Features Stay Cool wood handle, side shelf, double steel bottom and side air vent
- Wheels make this grill easy to move
- Assembly required
If you are searching for a quality grill with smoker feature, the Char-Griller E2123 will be an excellent choice.
It’s made from heavy-duty steel and has a powder coating to boost durability. The large legs and wheels provide extra stability and portability.
This grill provides an amazing sear to your food. Another nice feature is how easy it is to adjust the fire grate to control the heat of the grill.
You can also lower the firebox for slower cooking, and keep an eye on things with the built-in temperature gauge.
This 250 sq in grill also includes an easy dump ash pan for quick cleanup. The large cooking size plus 3 shelves make this a truly convenient setup for your cooking experience.
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]Sturdy construction
Easy dump ash pan
Easy to control the temperature
Consistent heat
3 Storage shelves[/i2pros][i2cons]Not easy to assemble[/i2cons][/i2pc]
3. Party Griller Yakitori Grill
- RUST-PROOF AND WARP-PROOF, EASY TO CLEAN - Made of Commercial Grade 18 gauge, 3/64 inches Stainless Steel Inside and Out. Size of Grill (L x W x H) : 32 x 11 x 7 (Bottom Vent 2.5” Height, Charcoal to Grill Grate 4.5” Height) / Grill with Stand (included) 32 x 11 x 34. 11” Width includes 1” hanging edges, Charcoal area is 10” wide. Item comes pre assembled, very minimal assembling is required.
- VENT CONTROL ON BOTH SIDES - This BBQ Grill features easy to adjust vent that controls heat intensity and create even air circulation throughout the grill. Eliminate hot spots with this easy to use charcoal grill! Split grate designed for versatility. Easily move charcoals around and choose to use only one grate and use open area for contact-less grilling as needed.
- RESTAURANT QUALITY DESIGN - Rectangular grill makes grilling Yakitori, Satay and Kebab a breeze. Shorter Yakitori Style skewers can be hanged from both sides. Traditionally these Skewer Grills are made of iron. Stainless Steel design makes it light and portable, yet maintain its functionality. Bring this Portable Grill to the park or use it as Camp Grill!
- BARBECUE GRILLS AT ITS BEST - Also called a Portable Mangal Grill, this stainless steel grill is perfect for any Skewers, Shish Kebab, Lamb Kebab, Shashlik, Japanese Yakitori, Malaysian Satay, Thai Satay and Chinese Lamb Skewer (羊肉串) Makes Juicy Shish Kebab, Shashlik, Spiedini on the Skewer.
- EXTRA BONUS - Set of 2 Stainless Steel Seasoning Shakers, perfect for your custom BBQ seasoning spice blend. High Quality 12 inch Scissor BBQ Tongs. That’s $10 in value! This grill comes with two 11x16 Stainless Steel Mesh Grill Grate, covering the entire 32” x 11” grill. Genuine PartyGriller items will be shipped from California.
The most outstanding thing about this charcoal grill is that it’s made of commercial-grade 18 gauge and 3/64 in stainless steel. It also comes pre-assembled, which sure saves a lot of time and potential headaches.
This grill is rustproof and easily cleaned with a simple garden hose wash.
While most grills we’ll look at are round, the rectangular shape can present unique challenges to airflow. This grill, however, has good air ventilation on each side to easily control the airflow.
It also heats the 256 sq in of cooking area quite evenly with the controlled side airflow.
The legs of the grill fold up for storage, which is a unique feature to this grill (as if it didn’t have enough already).
A word of caution: the edges can be very sharp so watch yourself when around this grill.
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]Foldable design
Vent control on the two edges
Heat is distributed evenly
Portable
[/i2pros][i2cons]Sharp edges[/i2cons][/i2pc]
5. Weber Jumbo Joe
- Travel with taste, or grill up a quick meal on your patio with the Jumbo Joe portable charcoal grill. The compact size with larger grilling area and convenient carry handle is perfect for any weekend getaway or spontaneous day at the beach. Combustion by-products produced when using this product contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
- Holds up to eight burgers made with a Weber burger press
- Compact and lightweight for grilling on the go
- Porcelain-enameled lid and bowl retain heat, and won’t rust or peel
- The Tuck-N-Carry lid lock doubles as a lid holder to avoid placing the lid on the ground
- Dampers allow you to easily control the temperature inside your grill
- 3D interactive assembly instructions for this product are available through the free BILT app.
This was one of our finalist on our reviews of best portable charcoal grills. While it is quite a bit smaller of an option at just 18 inches, it’s still a great grill to get you started with charcoal without breaking the bank.
This would be an especially good grill for those people that want a chance to try charcoal cooking but without a huge investment.
With a plated steel cooking grate and 240 sq in of cooking area, this grill will definitely get the job done as a great starter size (or portable) charcoal grill.
The built-in handle lock double as a lid holder, and the porcelain enameled steel construction provides long-lasting durability.
The damper vent on the lid allows you to readily control temperature, and they clearly thought of everything with a lid handle heat shield and an easy to empty ash catch pan.
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]Lightweight and portable
Extremely affordable price
Durable porcelain enameled steel construction
240 sq in cooking area
10 year warranty[/i2pros][i2cons]Smaller than a full-size charcoal grill
No built in temperature gauge[/i2cons][/i2pc]
6. Royal Gourmet 30″ BBQ Charcoal Grill & Offset Smoker
- Your purchase includes One Gourmet 30” BBQ Charcoal Grill and Offset Smoker, CC1830S model | Cover is not included
- Grill dimensions: 55.1 H x 48.4 W x 27.2 L | Cooking area – 800 square inches | Porcelain-coated steel wiring grates – 438 sq. in | Chrome-plated warming rack – 179 sq. in | Offset smoker – 183 sq. in | No ignition system
- Removal charcoal, ashes pan allow users to tend charcoal and dump ashes easily
- Traditional charcoal grill with offset smoker combination for dual style barbecue. The offset smoker can also be used as a small grill. Please fuel it using lump charcoal or briquet, with a small amount of wood chips added to help increase flavor
- Includes smoke stack, temperature gauge, scald-proof handle, seamless connection, access door on side to tend charcoal, side air vent, and wheels to transport. New black coating process withstands temperature up to 400 and will not peel off easily
This grill delivers a truly sweet setup in a unique and functional package.
The total cooking area is 800 sq in which is more than ample for fixing a meal for a large crowd; 183 sq in of that is the offset smoker.
The really cool thing about the offset smoker is first, the obvious, that you can smoke something all day long without giving up the ability to grill your dinner. Secondly, the smoker can be used as extra grill space, which means you could easily grill steaks to perfection while slow roasting veggies on the other level.
You’ll love the easy-dump ash catch pan, as well as the stay-cool handles.
This grill could definitely be a decent contender for portability at just about 55lbs, but we think it makes a nice fixture in the backyard.
You can expect good durability out of the coated steel, although the max temp it can withstand is not quite so high as some other options.
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]Large cooking area
Offset smoker for versatility
800 sq in of total cooking area
Durable steel construction
Built-in temperature gauge[/i2pros][i2cons]Does not withstand the highest temps on this list
Some owners complain about the height at only about 48 inches total[/i2cons][/i2pc]
7. The Original Po’ Man Charcoal Grill
- Charcoal Grill with 1 round grate, flavor lock drip-plate, 2 skewers
- Huge capacity cooker that will be the talk of your next BBQ
- More meat. More value. More flavor. LESS FANCY-PANTS
- trashcan cooker
- Out-cooks other high-dollar, high-falutin grills.
What kind of list would this be if we didn’t include one of the ULTIMATE charcoal grilling experiences?
This is one of those grills you’d buy to have a true statement piece. That said, it still delivers on the goods, just without some of the higher-ticket frills on other charcoal options.
It’s no surprise that this is one of the few grills available on Amazon with a solid, 100% 5-star review (and it maintains 5 stars off-Amazon as well).
Offering about 1018 sq in of cooking area, skewers for slow roasting, a drip plate, and a drop-in firebox, this grill truly offers everything you need to grill your steaks (and more!) to perfection but with a lot less fuss about it.
At 23 lbs, it is exceptionally portable. The company calls it grilling “on autopilot” — add the meat, tilt the lid, let it cook.
Its seriously affordable, well worth the laugh alone, and made of durable rolled steel so the laughs will keep coming for a long time.
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]Affordable
Very lightweight – 23 lbs
Complete grill setup with some extras (skewers)
Conversation starter to make your cookouts more fun
Over 1000 sq in cooking area[/i2pros][i2cons]Need to move it from place to place by carrying, not via wheels
Must wait for everything to cool off before doing any cleanup
[/i2cons][/i2pc]
8. Royal Gourmet 24″ Charcoal BBQ Grill
- Easy to assemble. 393 square inches for cooking grates, porcelain enamel steel wiring, 205 square inches for warming rack, chrome steel wiring
- Heavy duty Lid-Mounted Temperature Gauge design, with stainless steel handle, two fixed side shelves offer extra season area
- Easy-lift charcoal pan adjustment system for heat control and cooking flexibility, pull-out drawer catches ashes for easy post-cookout clean-up
- Front door with cool-touch handle to safely reach and tend your charcoal
- Square tube leg cart, with steel bottom shelf, built -in stainless steel bottle opener
This grill offers a fairly different experience from the Royal Gourmet grill higher on our list.
While you’ll still find a solid 598 sq in total cooking area, you’ll enjoy some of the differences with this grill. In place of the offset smoker, you’ll get an extra side shelf.
Instead of adjusting the height of the cooking grate itself, you can adjust the position of the charcoal box via crank handle. Additionally, you can tend to the charcoal is via a small front access door, which is a real convenience compared to many other charcoal grill models.
With adjustable air vents, a full-width drawer-style ash pan, and a built-in temperature gauge, maintaining the optimum cooking environment will be a cinch.
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]598 sq in total cooking area
Easy front-access to charcoal
Wide ash catch pan for easy cleanup
Adjustable height charcoal box
Built-in temperature gauge[/i2pros][i2cons]Some owners say assembly is difficult, slow[/i2cons][/i2pc]
9. Oklahoma Joe’s 19402088 Rambler Portable Charcoal Grill
- Heavy-duty Steel construction ensures durability you can trust
- Thick cast-iron grates produce a perfect sear
- Height-adjustable charcoal tray lets you grill with high heat or cook Low and slow
- Large air dampers allow for accurate airflow control
- Full-size, removable ash pan makes clean-up easy
A tabletop grill is a great option not just for portability but also for the ability to customize your cooking experience. You can buy or even build a custom work table to set this grill on for up to a worktable sized work space!
This is a solidly built grill, with heavy-duty steel construction and cast-iron cooking grates. Don’t expect it to need replacing any time soon, it’s solid!
The charcoal tray is adjustable, similar to the model just before this on our list.
Despite its smaller size, you’ll still enjoy a 218 sq in cooking area, which covers cooking for a pretty good number of people.
The solid side handles and 53 pounds size make it a good option for one grill to cover both your at-home and on-the-go needs.
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]Adjustable height charcoal pan
Compact size to fit multiple situations and locations
218 sq in cooking area
Heavy-duty steel construction with rubber-gripped stay-cool side carry handles[/i2pros][i2cons]Heavy for some to carry
Side handles are close to the firebox, may be a safety risk[/i2cons][/i2pc]
10. Foggo Grill Portable Indoor/Outdoor Smokeless Charcoal Grill
- EVERYONE CAN BE A BBQ MASTER: You will be ready to grill in just five minutes as the battery operated turbo fan regulates the airflow for a perfect barbecue. It’s quick and easy assembled and the stainless steel grill grid and inner splasher bowl are dishwasher safe.
- READY TO GO | TRAVEL BAG INCLUDED: The Foggo Grill is super lightweight (8.1 pounds), compact (15.7 W x 9.3 H IN / 13.4 grill DIA) and comes with a transport cover, making it the best portable grill for camping, picnics or any outdoor activity.
- LESS CHARCOAL, MORE FLAVOR | VENTILATION SYSTEM: Unlike most barbecues, the Foggo Grill ventilation system helps to dramatically reduce the amount of charcoal you’ll need, while still giving your food that smoky flavor you love.
- DON’T WORRY, BE HAPPY | SAFE: Its double-walled design keeps the Foggo Grill cold to the touch, making it easier to move it around even if it’s still hot! You won’t have to worry, as the charcoal burns inside a closed mesh container at all times and has a safety lock that prevents that container from falling outside the grill in case it is dropped.
- LOVE IT OR SEND IT BACK | NO RISK 30 DAY RETURNS - We built our brand on happy customers and we are sure that you’ll love our product. So, we offer 30 day returns no questions asked and even a two-year limited warranty. Buy with confidence we won’t let you down.
Not only is this a great choice for a budget charcoal grilling experience, but it’s ALSO a great option for multiple housing situations.
Backyard grill-out? No problem. Only have an apartment with no outdoor space? Also no problem!
You can assemble this grill in about 5 minutes, and with a battery-operated turbo fan to regulate airflow you’ll be up and running to get cooking in literally minutes. The ventilation system reduces the amount of charcoal it uses as well.
The interior splasher bowl and stainless steel cooking grate are dishwasher safe for ultimate easy cleanup.
The double-walled design also allows you to carry it even while still hot. The charcoal is contained in its own closed mesh container, which helps keep cleanup speedy.
At just 8.1 lbs and with a transport cover included, this is truly an awesome grill for the money!
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]Outdoor and indoor safe for maximum versatility
Lightweight
Uses less charcoal due to closed mesh box design
Smokeless with turbo fan for great ventilation
Ready to use in 5 minutes[/i2pros][i2cons]Smaller cooking area at 140 sq in
No lid for use during cooking[/i2cons][/i2pc]
Factors to Consider When Buying a Charcoal Grill
Durability
The materials used in its construction will determine the quality of the charcoal grill. It should be made of long-lasting materials such as stainless steel, cast iron, aluminum or any other reliable material. It should also be sturdy enough.
Size
Before you purchase the charcoal grill, you need to ask yourself whether you have enough space. If you are intending to be using it for outdoor activities, you need to consider its portability. Again, think of the number of people in your family or the number of friends you normally invite during your outdoor parties. Doing so will enable you to choose a suitable size.
Safety
Whether you are a beginner or a professional chef, you need to ensure that it is very safe. You also need to go through the user manual provided to ensure that you clearly know how it works.
Maintenance
The charcoal grill may look messy after cooking. Therefore, you should ensure that it is easy to clean. If possible, look for a model that comes with a removable ash casher.
Final Verdict
When buying a charcoal grill but you are on a tight budget, purchasing any model can be a very expensive mistake. This is because most of the cheap models are made of cheap materials which means that they may not be sturdy enough.
If you are not sure of the best model you should consider, go with the one we consider to be the best charcoal grill, the Weber Original Kettle Charcoal Grill.
You can pick any from the products we have reviewed and know that you’re getting a solid option. You will find that they are very affordable and will provide great functionality just like high-end models.
They are also sturdy, safe, and spacious. Regardless of your choice, you should always stay safe when grilling. Ensure that you have gone through the instructions provided if you want to enjoy tour grilling.
