There are so many different types of charcoal grills out there. It’s hard to figure out which one is going to be the best one to fit your needs.
In this week’s BBQ Tips Podcast, champion pitmaster Christie Vanover breaks down the types of charcoal grills, along with their advantages, disadvantages and costs.
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Barbecue lovers know that the right charcoal grill can make all the difference when it comes to flavor, performance and overall grilling experience. But with so many options ranging from budget-friendly $50 models to high-end grills that cost over $10,000, how do you choose the one that’s right for you?
Champion pitmaster, cookbook author, and BBQ expert Christie Vanover tackled this burning question in the latest episode of the BBQ Tips Podcast.
Vanover, the founder of Girls Can Grill and a contestant on Food Network’s Barbecue Brawl, has tested dozens of grills and has around 30 in her backyard at any given time. With her extensive hands-on experience, she breaks down the different types of charcoal grills, highlighting their advantages, disadvantages and price points. Here’s a closer look at what she uncovered.
The Basics: Kettle Grills
The Weber Kettle Grill, priced between $100 and $500, remains a classic entry-level option. Its design allows for both direct and indirect cooking, making it a great choice for beginners who want that authentic charcoal flavor without breaking the bank.
Going Vertical: Bullet Smokers & Drum Smokers
For those looking to dive into smoking meats, vertical bullet smokers, like the Weber Smokey Mountain ($280–$550), offer a more controlled cooking environment. Meanwhile, drum smokers ($400–$1,000+) provide a larger capacity and a distinct smoky flavor, ideal for competition-style BBQ.
The Ceramic Revolution: Kamado Grills
Kamado-style grills, such as the Big Green Egg and Kamado Joe, bring ceramic heat retention to the next level. These grills, ranging from $500 to $2,700, excel at both grilling and smoking but can be tricky to cool down if temperatures get too high.
Santa Maria & Open Fire Grills
For live-fire cooking enthusiasts, open-flame grills like the Breeo Live Fire Grill, the FYR Grill and Grillworks offer unparalleled versatility. Adjustable grates allow for precise heat control, with prices starting at $800 and climbing into the tens of thousands.
Offset Smokers: True Low-and-Slow BBQ
Offset smokers, featuring a side-mounted firebox, provide indirect heat for optimal slow-cooking results. This style is popular among pitmasters, with prices ranging from affordable backyard models to custom-built rigs in the thousands.
Tech Meets Tradition: Digital & Gravity-Fed Charcoal Grills
One of the most exciting advancements in charcoal grilling is the introduction of digital and gravity-fed grills. Brands like Kamado Joe with the Konnected Joe and Masterbuilt’s Gravity Series allow users to control airflow and temperature electronically, combining the convenience of pellet grills with the flavor of charcoal. Prices for these high-tech grills range from $700 to well over $10,000.
Which One is Right for You?
Vanover emphasizes that the best charcoal grill depends on your cooking style, budget and how much time you want to spend managing the grill’s temperature.
Beginners might prefer a simple kettle grill, while serious pitmasters may opt for a drum smoker or a ceramic kamado. Meanwhile, tech-savvy grillers might gravitate toward digital or gravity-fed models for precise temperature control.
For those considering an upgrade or a first-time charcoal grill purchase, Vanover recommends doing thorough research and thinking about what type of cooking you enjoy most.
With so many charcoal grills on the market, there’s truly something for every budget and skill level. Whether you’re grilling burgers on a $50 tabletop grill or reverse searing tomahawk steaks on a $10,000 open fire grill, the key is understanding what each grill offers and how it aligns with your needs.
