9 Best Charcoal Grills Under $100 (October 2026)
The best charcoal grills under 100 dollars include the Weber® Original Kettle Charcoal Grill for everyday backyard grilling, the Gas One for compact transport, and the Cuisinart Charcoal Grill for tabletop cooking.
On this page (4 sections)
The best charcoal grill under 100 dollars for most people is the Weber® Original Kettle Charcoal Grill, with a porcelain-enameled bowl and lid, adjustable dampers and a One-Touch ash cleaning system. For portable cooking, consider the Gas One or Cuisinart; for a larger cooking area, compare the Royal Gourmet barrel grill.
A strict budget can still leave you with different shapes and uses to choose from. If you want a flat top and grill grate in one unit, see charcoal grill and griddle combos.
Compact tabletop grills take less room and are easier to transport, while cart-style barrels offer more cooking surface and prep space.
Start with your cooking space and the number of servings you make at once. Then compare cleanup, airflow controls and whether the grill's overall size suits your outdoor area.
Our picks at a glance
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Best for everyday backyard grillingWeber® Original Kettle Charcoal Grill
9.4/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
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Check itRoyal Gourmet CC1830 28 Inch Barrel Charcoal
Best for a larger cooking zone - 5
Best for adjustable charcoal heightCheck it - 6
Check itWeber® Jumbo Joe Premium Compact Charcoal Grill
Best for a portable Weber kettle - 7
Check itDNKMOR Charcoal Grill with Side Table
Best for prep space beside the grill - 8
Check itJoyfair Portable Charcoal Grill with Thermometer
Best for small meals on the go - 9
Check itVINGLI 18 Inch Multi-Layer Charcoal BBQ Smoker
Best for smoking and grilling
How we chose charcoal grills under 100 dollars
We compared grill type, cooking area, lid and vent features, ash handling and portability against the needs of buyers working with a firm spending cap. Our score weighs specs, features and buyer feedback against what you're shopping for.
A stated budget does not guarantee that every model will stay below the cap. Prices can change, so confirm the current amount before you buy and compare the grill's footprint with your available space.
For a broader look at kettle and cart designs, see our Best Charcoal Grill guide. If you're still deciding on fuel, our comparison of Is Charcoal Or Gas Grill Better? explains the main tradeoffs.
| Product | Best for | Cooking area | Grate | Cleanup | Our score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weber® Original Kettle Charcoal Grill | everyday backyard grilling | 254.47 sq in | Plated steel | Aluminized steel ash catcher | 9.4 |
| Gas One | compact transport | 150 sq in | 9.2 | ||
| Cuisinart Charcoal Grill | tabletop cooking | 196 sq in | Chrome-plated | 9.0 | |
| Royal Gourmet CC1830 28 Inch Barrel Charcoal | a larger cooking zone | 585 sq in | 8.9 | ||
| Kendane Barrel Charcoal Grill | adjustable charcoal height | 500 sq in | 8.7 | ||
| Weber® Jumbo Joe Premium Compact Charcoal Grill | a portable Weber kettle | 363 sq in | Plated steel | Aluminum ash catcher | 8.5 |
| DNKMOR Charcoal Grill with Side Table | prep space beside the grill | About 500 sq in | 8.4 | ||
| Joyfair Portable Charcoal Grill with Thermometer | small meals on the go | 118.8 sq in | Chrome-plated stainless steel | 8.0 | |
| VINGLI 18 Inch Multi-Layer Charcoal BBQ Smoker | smoking and grilling | 7.9 |
The top charcoal grill picks under 100 dollars
The Weber Original Kettle leads for its adjustable dampers, enameled bowl and lid, and ash cleaning system. The remaining picks cover compact transport, tabletop cooking, larger cooking areas and smoking.
For an insulated steel kamado, read our Char-Griller AKORN review.
Weber® Original Kettle Charcoal Grill: Best for everyday backyard grilling
- Porcelain-enameled lid and bowl
- One-Touch cleaning system
- Adjustable dampers
- All-weather wheels
This kettle pairs an enameled bowl and lid with adjustable dampers for airflow control. Its One-Touch system moves ash into an aluminized steel catcher.
Pros
- Adjustable dampers
- Angled lid hook
- Wheels for moving around an outdoor space
Cons
- Larger and less portable than tabletop picks
- Check current price against your budget
The Weber® Original Kettle Charcoal Grill is the most balanced pick for a regular outdoor cooking spot. Its porcelain-enameled lid and bowl retain heat, and the adjustable dampers give you a way to manage airflow as the fire changes.
For differences between Weber kettle versions, see Master-Touch vs Premium.
The One-Touch cleaning system moves ash into an aluminized steel catcher, which makes cleanup a central feature rather than an afterthought. A plated steel cooking grate, glass-reinforced nylon handles and an angled lid hook round out the practical details.
All-weather wheels help move it around an outdoor space, but this is not a tabletop grill for packing into a small bag. Choose it if you want a conventional kettle format and room for it to stay set up between cooks.
Gas One: Best for compact transport
- 14 in cooking surface
- 3-point locking lid
- Dual ventilation
- Ash catcher
The compact grill has a locking lid for transport, dual vents and an ash catcher. Its 14 in cooking surface suits smaller meals and outdoor spaces.
Pros
- Locking lid helps secure it for transport
- Dual vents
- Compact size
Cons
- Smaller cooking surface than the kettle and barrel picks
- Check current price against your budget
The Gas One suits buyers who need a compact charcoal grill that can move between a backyard, patio or camping area. Its 14 in cooking surface is smaller than the kettle picks, but the three-point lid lock helps secure it for transport.
Dual vents help keep airflow moving through the fire. An ash catcher sits below the grill to collect residue, which is useful when you want a tidier cooking area.
Choose this model for smaller meals and portability over a broad cooking zone. Check its current price and the outdoor setup requirements before taking it camping or using it in a shared space.
Cuisinart Charcoal Grill: Best for tabletop cooking
- 196 sq in cooking surface
- Chrome-plated grate
- Dual adjustable vents
- 3 lid locks
This portable 14 in grill offers dual vents and three lid locks. Its ash base and enamel-coated firebox support cleanup after tabletop or travel use.
Pros
- Larger surface than some compact grills
- Dual vents for heat adjustment
- Three lid locks
Cons
- Compact cooking area may not suit group meals
- Check current price against your budget
The Cuisinart Charcoal Grill is another compact option, with a 196 sq in cooking surface. Its chrome-plated grate, enamel-coated firebox and ash base make it a straightforward choice for tabletop use, tailgating or small outdoor spaces.
Three lid locks help keep the lid secure during transport. Dual adjustable vents give you more control over airflow than a grill with no vent adjustment, though cooking over charcoal still takes attention as heat shifts.
Pick it if you want a portable design with more cooking room than the smallest option here. A compact grate can still feel crowded when cooking several different foods at once, so match it to your typical meal size.
Royal Gourmet CC1830 28 Inch Barrel Charcoal: Best for a larger cooking zone
- 585 sq in total cooking zone
- Adjustable charcoal pan
- Lid-mounted thermometer
- Side shelf with hooks
The barrel grill has a broad cooking zone with a warming rack, plus a two-level charcoal pan. Its side shelf, hooks and wheels add workspace and mobility.
Pros
- Largest stated cooking zone in this roundup
- Adjustable pan height
- Side shelf with utensil hooks
Cons
- Needs more outdoor space than tabletop grills
- Check current price against your budget
The Royal Gourmet CC1830 offers the largest stated cooking zone in this roundup at 585 sq in, including a warming rack. Its barrel design makes more sense for a backyard or patio than for someone seeking a compact camping grill.
The charcoal pan adjusts to two heights, and a side air vent and smoke stack support heat adjustment. A lid-mounted thermometer displays heat changes, while the side shelf and hooks provide a place to keep tools and seasonings nearby.
This model is a fit when cooking area and prep space matter more than a small footprint. Two wheels help with movement, but allow enough room for the grill and its side shelf where you plan to use it.
Kendane Barrel Charcoal Grill: Best for adjustable charcoal height
- Nearly 500 sq in cooking area
- 4-level adjustable charcoal pan
- Lid-mounted thermometer
- Side table and bottom shelf
A four-level charcoal pan changes the distance between the coals and food. The side table and bottom shelf add room for prep and storage.
Pros
- Four charcoal pan positions
- Thermometer on the lid
- Side table and bottom shelf
Cons
- Large cart-style footprint
- Check current price against your budget
The Kendane Barrel Charcoal Grill combines nearly 500 sq in of cooking area with a four-level adjustable charcoal pan. Changing the pan height lets you vary the distance between the coals and food.
A lid-mounted thermometer helps you monitor heat, and the adjustable chimney supports airflow changes. The side table and bottom shelf add space for prep and storage, while two wheels and a side handle help move the grill.
Choose Kendane if you want a barrel format with multiple charcoal positions. Its larger cart design needs more room than the portable picks, so measure the intended spot and check the current price against your budget.
Weber® Jumbo Joe Premium Compact Charcoal Grill: Best for a portable Weber kettle
- 363 sq in cooking surface
- Porcelain-enameled lid and bowl
- Rust-resistant aluminum dampers
- Aluminum ash catcher
This Weber kettle has more cooking surface than the 18 in Original Kettle, while retaining adjustable airflow, an angled lid hook and an ash catcher.
Pros
- Larger cooking area than the Original Kettle
- Adjustable dampers
- Angled lid hook
Cons
- Check its dimensions against your storage space
- Check current price against your budget
The Weber® Jumbo Joe Premium Compact Charcoal Grill has 363 sq in of cooking surface, more than the Original Kettle in this roundup. It keeps familiar kettle features, including a porcelain-enameled lid and bowl, adjustable aluminum dampers and an ash catcher.
An angled lid hook gives you a place to rest the lid while you check food. This model works for buyers who want a larger cooking surface but should still compare its dimensions with the space where it will be stored and used.
Consider it when extra grate area matters more than the smallest possible footprint. Confirm that its current price stays within your limit before ordering.
DNKMOR Charcoal Grill with Side Table: Best for prep space beside the grill
- About 500 sq in cooking area
- 4-level charcoal pan
- Lid-mounted thermometer
- Side table and bottom shelf
The side table gives you room to set seasonings or prep food, and the bottom shelf adds storage. A four-level charcoal pan helps adjust the heat distance.
Pros
- Side table and lower storage shelf
- Four charcoal pan positions
- Lid thermometer
Cons
- Large cart-style grill needs room
- Check current price against your budget
The DNKMOR Charcoal Grill with Side Table gives you about 500 sq in of cooking area, a warming rack and a four-level charcoal pan. Its side table can hold seasonings or provide prep space, and the bottom shelf adds storage.
A lid-mounted thermometer helps you monitor heat while cooking. The adjustable pan holds up to 4.5 lb of charcoal, giving you a way to change the distance between the fire and food.
Choose this cart-style model if you value work space beside the grate. Check the footprint before buying, since a side table and lower shelf need more room than a tabletop grill.
Joyfair Portable Charcoal Grill with Thermometer: Best for small meals on the go
- 118.8 sq in cooking area
- Built-in lid thermometer
- Adjustable side vents
- Locking latch
The small grill is designed for portable use and has a thermometer, adjustable vents and a locking latch. Its cooking area is suited to smaller servings.
Pros
- Built-in thermometer
- Adjustable vents
- Locking latch
Cons
- Smallest cooking area in this roundup
- Check current price against your budget
The Joyfair Portable Charcoal Grill is the smallest cooking option in this group, with a 118.8 sq in area. Its cylindrical form, locking latch and portable design suit small meals and limited storage space.
A built-in lid thermometer gives you a heat reference, and side vents let you adjust airflow without lifting the lid. The cooking area is intended for 1–3 people, so it may be restrictive for a larger meal or several foods at once.
Pick it when portability matters more than capacity. Measure your cooking needs honestly, since a small grill can mean preparing food in batches.
VINGLI 18 Inch Multi-Layer Charcoal BBQ Smoker: Best for smoking and grilling
- Three-layer design
- Built-in thermometer
- Adjustable air supply
- Two access doors
The three-layer design supports smoking, grilling, baking and roasting. A built-in thermometer and adjustable air supply help manage airflow and heat.
Pros
- Multiple cooking modes
- Two doors for access
- Built-in thermometer
Cons
- Round multi-layer design differs from a basic kettle
- Check current price against your budget
The VINGLI 18 Inch Multi-Layer Charcoal BBQ Smoker is the most versatile format here, with a three-layer design for smoking, grilling, baking and roasting. Its bottom layer can also be used as a fire pit.
A built-in thermometer, adjustable air supply and top air outlet support airflow and temperature adjustments. Two doors provide access to the inside while cooking, and the round design differs from the open grate of a standard kettle.
Choose VINGLI if smoking and multiple cooking styles matter alongside grilling. For a simple charcoal setup with fewer layers, compare the Weber kettle or a compact portable option instead.
What should you check before buying a charcoal grill under 100 dollars?
The best choice depends on cooking area, storage space and how much control you want over the fire. A grill that looks like a bargain can still be the wrong fit if its shape or capacity doesn't match your meals.
How much cooking area do you need?
For smaller meals, the 118.8 sq in Joyfair and 150 sq in Gas One keep the grill compact. The Cuisinart has 196 sq in, while the Weber Original Kettle has 254.47 sq in.
The barrel models offer more area, from about 500 sq in for Kendane and DNKMOR to 585 sq in for Royal Gourmet. More grate space helps when cooking for a group, but the cart format takes more room in storage and use.
Which heat controls matter?
Vents and dampers adjust airflow, which affects the charcoal fire. The Weber kettle and Cuisinart have adjustable vents, while the barrel picks add adjustable charcoal pan height to change the distance from coals to food.
A thermometer can help you monitor conditions, but it doesn't cook the food for you. Keep an eye on the fire and use safe charcoal handling practices.
How much cleanup and storage can you manage?
Ash catchers or ash bases collect residue after cooking. The Weber, Gas One and Cuisinart each include an ash collection feature, while barrel designs in this group add shelves and side tables that can require a larger storage spot.
Before choosing a portable model, think about where you'll carry it and how you'll let it cool after use. Don't transport or store a grill until the coals and ash are fully cool.
Is a charcoal grill under 100 dollars the right choice?
A charcoal grill under 100 dollars can work well when a basic outdoor setup, compact portability or a straightforward kettle design meets your needs. If you need more room or want to compare a broader range of models, see our best charcoal grills under 150 dollars.
If you're weighing fuel types, our guides to Which Is Better Gas Grill or Charcoal Grill Which Is Better? and Can You Use A Gas Grill With Charcoal? can help clarify the choice. For a related safety question, read Can You Use Charcoal In A Gas Grill?.
For a regular backyard spot, choose the Weber Original Kettle if its size and current price fit. Pick Gas One or Cuisinart for compact cooking, and choose a barrel model when you need a larger grate and have space for its cart.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
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1
Best for everyday backyard grilling
Weber® Original Kettle Charcoal Grill
9.4/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
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3
Frequently asked questions
What should you expect from a charcoal grill under 100 dollars?
Expect a basic charcoal setup, with compact tabletop models and some larger cart-style options. Compare the cooking area, lid and vent controls, ash handling and storage needs before choosing.
Prices change, so check the current amount before buying to make sure the grill fits your cap.
Is a small portable charcoal grill enough for two people?
A compact grill can suit two people if you cook in batches or prepare smaller meals. The Gas One has a 150 sq in cooking surface, while the Joyfair has 118.8 sq in.
Think about the largest meal you usually grill, since burgers, vegetables and larger cuts take different amounts of room.
Do charcoal grills with lids help control heat?
A lid helps hold heat, while dampers or vents let you adjust airflow. The Weber Original Kettle and Cuisinart have adjustable vents, and the Gas One has dual ventilation.
Airflow control takes practice, so use the grill's instructions and make small adjustments as the fire changes.
What is the benefit of an adjustable charcoal pan?
An adjustable pan changes the distance between the coals and the cooking grate. The Royal Gourmet CC1830 has a two-level pan, while the Kendane and DNKMOR have four-level pans.
That feature can help you adapt the heat setup, but it doesn't replace airflow control or attention to the food.
Can you use a charcoal grill on a balcony?
Check your building rules and local fire codes before using any charcoal grill on a balcony. Charcoal produces fire and smoke, so use it only in a permitted outdoor area with safe clearance from walls, railings and overhead surfaces.
Never use a charcoal grill indoors or in an enclosed space.
