We Use CookiesWe use cookies to enhance the security, performance, functionality and for analytical and promotional activities. By continuing to browse this site you are agreeing to our privacy policy

10 Best Charcoal Grills 2025 in the UK

How do we rank products for you?

Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

headphones-stars

Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Weber Compact Kettle Charcoal Grill, Ø 47cm Grill Area, BBQ Grill with Porcelain-Enamelled Lid & Bowl, Tripod Stand & Wheels, Chromed Grill Grate - Black (1221004)

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,108
Grill Size
Material
Ventilation System
Grill Size
Its size perfectly balances compactness and capacity, easily accommodating groups of 10 or more with room to spare.
Material
The grill is exceptionally well built with high-quality materials, showing thoughtful design down to every detail.
Ventilation System
The sturdy vents and close-fitting lid provide excellent temperature control, simplifying the cooking process.
Portability
Portability is a strong advantage, making it ideal for backyard gatherings and family picnics alike.
Additional Features
Accessories from the same brand enhance usability and enjoyment, making it worthwhile to invest in them early on.

The Weber Compact Kettle Charcoal Grill offers a 47cm round grilling area, which is a practical size for small to medium gatherings, making it suitable for families or casual BBQs with friends. Its porcelain-enameled steel lid and bowl are durable and help retain heat effectively, contributing to even cooking. The ventilation system, common to Weber kettles, allows good airflow control for temperature management, essential for charcoal grilling. This model is also easy to move around thanks to its tripod stand with wheels and weighs just over 9 kg, which makes it fairly portable without sacrificing stability.

The triple-plated cooking grate and heavy-gauge steel fuel grate ensure longevity and better heat distribution. While it doesn't have advanced features like built-in thermometers or side shelves, it covers the basics well, offering a smokeless experience and straightforward cleaning. The 10-year warranty underscores its build quality and the brand's confidence. However, the compact size might limit cooking for larger groups, and its shape and materials mean it requires regular maintenance to prevent rust over time.

This grill is an excellent choice for those seeking a reliable, classic charcoal BBQ that balances portability, solid construction, and good cooking performance in a compact form.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,108
Grill Size
Material
Ventilation System
Grill Size
Its size perfectly balances compactness and capacity, easily accommodating groups of 10 or more with room to spare.
Material
The grill is exceptionally well built with high-quality materials, showing thoughtful design down to every detail.
Ventilation System
The sturdy vents and close-fitting lid provide excellent temperature control, simplifying the cooking process.
Portability
Portability is a strong advantage, making it ideal for backyard gatherings and family picnics alike.
Additional Features
Accessories from the same brand enhance usability and enjoyment, making it worthwhile to invest in them early on.
#2

Char-Broil Gas2Coal Hybrid Grill - 3 Burner Gas & Coal Barbecue Grill, Black Finish

Rating
10.0
Material
Material
The grill is praised for its sturdy construction and ease of use once assembled, providing a satisfying grilling experience.

The Char-Broil Gas2Coal Hybrid Grill offers the versatility of both gas and charcoal options, making it a great choice for those who enjoy both grilling methods. It comes with three durable stainless steel burners and a patented charcoal tray that ensures uniform heat and fewer flare-ups, which are important for evenly cooked food. The electronic igniter provides convenience with a push-button start, and the lid-mounted temperature gauge helps monitor cooking temperatures easily.

Additional features like the side-burner for warming sauces and the warming rack for keeping food warm add to its appeal. It has a sturdy construction with stainless steel and cast iron materials, ensuring longevity and durability. The grill is relatively large, with dimensions of 62.5 x 134.4 x 120.7 cm and weighs 47 kilograms, which might make portability a challenge. However, it's ideal for use in a fixed outdoor space like a garden.

The removable grease tray makes cleaning easier, and the product comes with a solid warranty – 5 years for the burners and 2 years for other parts. While it has received positive reviews with a high customer rating of 4.6 stars, some users might find the need for AA batteries for operation to be a minor inconvenience. This grill ranks well in the natural gas grills category, indicating its popularity and reliability.

Rating
10.0
Material
Material
The grill is praised for its sturdy construction and ease of use once assembled, providing a satisfying grilling experience.
#3

CosmoGrill Outdoor XL Smoker Barbecue Charcoal Portable BBQ Grill, 2 Folding Side Table, Built-in Thermometer, Adjustable Charcoal Pan & Chimney, Wheels, Large Coal BBQ Smoker for Home Garden Cooking

Rating
9.9
Grill Size
Material
Ventilation System
Grill Size
Spacious cooking area perfect for larger gatherings, allowing for simultaneous grilling of multiple items.
Material
The build quality feels robust, with sturdy materials that withstand outdoor conditions well.
Ventilation System
Temperature control takes practice; adjustable vents help but require experimentation for optimal results.
Portability
Despite its larger size, the grill's portability shines with wheels that make it easy to move around the garden.

The CosmoGrill Outdoor XL Smoker Barbecue Charcoal Portable BBQ Grill is a versatile option for those who love outdoor cooking, whether for large gatherings or smaller family meals. With its generous cooking space, you can easily grill over 10 burger patties and 10 sausages at once, or smoke larger cuts like whole chickens. This makes it a great choice for entertaining. The built-in thermometer and adjustable chimney and vents provide good temperature control, allowing precise cooking.

The height-adjustable charcoal tray is a useful feature that helps manage heat across different recipes, and the variable heat zones ensure even cooking of various meats simultaneously. The stainless steel warming rack is handy for keeping food warm until you're ready to serve. The grill is designed with convenience in mind; the removable grill grates and ash pan make cleaning straightforward, while the built-in bottle opener and utensil hooks keep essentials within reach.

Two foldable side tables offer ample prep space and can be tucked away for storage. The grill's portability is enhanced by two castor wheels, allowing you to move it easily even when it's loaded. However, at 24 kilograms, it might still be somewhat heavy for some users to maneuver. The combination of stainless steel and alloy steel materials promises durability, though regular maintenance will be necessary to prevent rust. Given its thoughtful design and practical features, this grill is best suited for home garden cooking enthusiasts who value both functionality and ease of use.

Rating
9.9
Grill Size
Material
Ventilation System
Grill Size
Spacious cooking area perfect for larger gatherings, allowing for simultaneous grilling of multiple items.
Material
The build quality feels robust, with sturdy materials that withstand outdoor conditions well.
Ventilation System
Temperature control takes practice; adjustable vents help but require experimentation for optimal results.
Portability
Despite its larger size, the grill's portability shines with wheels that make it easy to move around the garden.

Buying Guide for the Best Charcoal Grills

Choosing the right charcoal grill can greatly enhance your outdoor cooking experience. Charcoal grills are known for imparting a unique, smoky flavor to food, which many grill enthusiasts prefer. When selecting a charcoal grill, consider factors such as size, material, and additional features that can make grilling more convenient and enjoyable. Understanding the key specifications will help you find a grill that suits your cooking style and needs.
Grill SizeGrill size refers to the cooking area available on the grill. It's important because it determines how much food you can cook at once. Grill sizes can range from small, portable models to large, stationary ones. If you often cook for a large group, a bigger grill with a larger cooking surface is ideal. For smaller gatherings or if you have limited space, a compact grill might be more suitable. Consider how many people you typically cook for and choose a size that accommodates that number comfortably.
MaterialThe material of a charcoal grill affects its durability, heat retention, and maintenance. Common materials include stainless steel, cast iron, and porcelain-coated steel. Stainless steel is rust-resistant and easy to clean, making it a popular choice. Cast iron retains heat well, which is great for searing, but it requires more maintenance to prevent rust. Porcelain-coated grills offer good heat retention and are easier to clean. Choose a material based on how often you plan to use the grill and your willingness to maintain it.
Ventilation SystemThe ventilation system in a charcoal grill controls airflow, which is crucial for regulating temperature. A good ventilation system allows you to adjust the heat by opening or closing vents. More vents provide better control over the cooking temperature. If you enjoy experimenting with different cooking techniques, such as smoking or slow cooking, look for a grill with a versatile ventilation system. For straightforward grilling, a basic system with a few adjustable vents will suffice.
PortabilityPortability refers to how easy it is to move the grill. This is important if you plan to take your grill to different locations, such as camping trips or tailgating events. Portable grills are typically lighter and may have features like wheels or foldable legs. If you need a grill that can be easily transported, look for one that is compact and lightweight. For stationary use, portability may not be a priority, and you can opt for a sturdier, heavier model.
Additional FeaturesAdditional features can enhance your grilling experience by adding convenience or versatility. These might include built-in thermometers, ash catchers, side tables, or warming racks. Built-in thermometers help monitor the cooking temperature without opening the lid. Ash catchers make cleaning easier by collecting ash in a removable tray. Side tables provide extra space for food preparation. Consider which features will make your grilling experience more enjoyable and choose a grill that offers those options.