9 Best Charcoal Grills Under $150 (November 2026)
The best charcoal grills under 150 dollars include the Weber® Original Kettle Charcoal Grill for everyday grilling, the Royal Gourmet CC1830S BBQ Charcoal Grill for smoking and grilling, and the Cuisinart Charcoal Grill for tabletop portability.
On this page (4 sections)
The Weber® Original Kettle Charcoal Grill is the best charcoal grill under 150 dollars for most buyers, with airflow dampers, a One-Touch cleaning system and room for up to 13 burgers. For more cooking zones, consider a barrel grill; for travel, choose a compact tabletop model.
We compared these charcoal grills by their cooking area, heat controls, cleanup features, portability and added cooking zones. The scores weigh those specs and features against what a buyer with a modest budget is likely to need.
If your budget is lower, compare these picks with our best charcoal grill under 100 dollars guide. For a broader field of kettle and barrel styles, see our Best Charcoal Grill overview.
Our picks at a glance
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Best for smoking and grillingRoyal Gourmet CC1830S BBQ Charcoal Grill
9.7/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
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Check itRoyal Gourmet CC1830 28 Inch Barrel Charcoal
Best for a roomy barrel grill - 5
Best for adjustable grate distanceCheck it - 6
Check itWeber® Jumbo Joe Premium Compact Charcoal Grill
Best for compact kettle cooking - 7
Check itDNKMOR Charcoal Grill with Side Table
Best for side-table workspace - 8
Check itRealcook Charcoal Grills with Offest Smoker
Best for separate smoke chamber - 9
Check itHaSteeL Portable Charcoal Grill for Outdoor Barbecue
Best for a small travel grill
Which charcoal grill under 150 dollars fits your cooking plans?
The Weber® Original Kettle is the best all-around fit for regular backyard meals, while the Royal Gourmet CC1830S offers more room and a smoker chamber. Choose by cooking area and layout first, then consider cleanup and portability.
Our score weighs specs, features and buyer feedback against what you're shopping for. The two leading options each score 9.7, with the Weber prioritized for its straightforward kettle layout and the Royal Gourmet for larger cooking plans.
| Product | Best for | Cooking area | Heat control | Cleanup | Our score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weber® Original Kettle Charcoal Grill | everyday grilling | 363 sq. in. | Adjustable airflow dampers | One-Touch system with aluminized steel ash catcher | 9.7 |
| Royal Gourmet CC1830S BBQ Charcoal Grill | smoking and grilling | 824 sq. in. total | Two-level adjustable charcoal pan | 9.7 | |
| Cuisinart Charcoal Grill | tabletop portability | 196 sq. in. | Dual adjustable vents | 9.0 | |
| Royal Gourmet CC1830 28 Inch Barrel Charcoal | a roomy barrel grill | 585 sq. in. | Two-level adjustable charcoal pan | 8.9 | |
| Kendane Barrel Charcoal Grill | adjustable grate distance | Nearly 500 sq. in. | Four-level adjustable charcoal pan | 8.7 | |
| Weber® Jumbo Joe Premium Compact Charcoal Grill | compact kettle cooking | 363 sq. in. | Rust-resistant aluminum dampers | Aluminum ash catcher | 8.5 |
| DNKMOR Charcoal Grill with Side Table | side-table workspace | About 500 sq. in. | Four-level adjustable charcoal pan | 8.4 | |
| Realcook Charcoal Grills with Offest Smoker | separate smoke chamber | 510 sq. in. total | Adjustable vents and chimney damper | 8.2 | |
| HaSteeL Portable Charcoal Grill for Outdoor Barbecue | a small travel grill | 117 sq. in. | Air vents and chimney damper | 7.9 |
The best charcoal grills under 150 dollars
The best choice depends on whether you want a simple kettle, a larger barrel or a grill that travels easily. A combined flat top and grate is another option; compare charcoal grill and griddle combos.
These 9 options are ordered by score, from highest to lowest.
Weber® Original Kettle Charcoal Grill: Best for everyday grilling
- 363 sq. in. cooking area
- Holds up to 13 burgers
- One-Touch cleaning system
- 10-year limited warranty
The 22 in kettle balances family-size cooking room with simple ash cleanup and airflow control. It suits buyers who want a familiar charcoal setup for regular outdoor meals.
Pros
- Holds up to 13 burgers
- Ash catcher and One-Touch cleaning system
- Porcelain-enameled lid and bowl
Cons
- One main cooking area
- Requires charcoal fire management
The Weber® Original Kettle is a versatile choice for family meals and regular backyard cooking. If you want to cook food on a spit, compare charcoal grills with rotisseries.
Its 363 sq. in. cooking surface can hold up to 13 burgers, and the porcelain-enameled lid and bowl retain heat.
Airflow dampers let you adjust the fire, while the One-Touch cleaning system moves ash into an aluminized steel catcher. The angled lid hook gives you a place to hang the lid while you tend to food.
The kettle shape keeps the setup simpler than a barrel grill with an offset smoker or multiple racks. Weber backs this model with a 10-year limited warranty.
Choose it for a familiar kettle layout and easier ash removal. If stainless steel is a priority, compare our guide to the best stainless steel charcoal grill.
Royal Gourmet CC1830S BBQ Charcoal Grill: Best for smoking and grilling
- 824 sq. in. total cooking area
- Offset smoker
- Adjustable charcoal pan
- Lid thermometer
An attached offset smoker adds a separate cooking zone alongside the main grill. The large footprint and multiple work surfaces suit cooks who want space for a bigger outdoor meal.
Pros
- Main grate, warming rack and offset smoker
- Side door for adding charcoal and removing ash
- Front and side tables
Cons
- Larger cart-style setup
- Bottom shelf holds up to 20 lb when evenly distributed
The Royal Gourmet CC1830S is for cooks who want to grill and smoke in one cart-style setup. Its 824 sq. in. total area includes a 475.3 sq. in. main grate, 151 sq. in. warming rack and 197.3 sq. in. offset smoker.
A side door gives access for adding charcoal and removing ash. The two-level charcoal pan changes the distance between food and heat, and the lid thermometer helps you monitor cooking temperature.
Front and side tables provide work space, while the bottom shelf holds up to 20 lb when weight is evenly spread. This is the largest and most involved format in the group, so measure your patio and storage area.
Choose it when you need the extra smoker chamber and cooking zones. For a simpler fuel comparison before deciding, read Is Charcoal Or Gas Grill Better?.
Cuisinart Charcoal Grill: Best for tabletop portability
- 196 sq. in. cooking area
- 14 in tabletop design
- Dual adjustable vents
- Three lid locks
This compact grill is suited to tailgating, camping and small outdoor spaces. Its dual vents support heat adjustment, while lid locks help keep it closed during transport.
Pros
- Lightweight tabletop form
- Ash base for cleanup
- Enamel-coated firebox
Cons
- Less cooking room than full-size grills
- Designed for small outdoor meals
The Cuisinart Charcoal Grill is a portable tabletop option for camping, tailgating or a small outdoor space. It weighs 4 lb and has 196 sq. in. of cooking area, enough for a modest meal rather than a large gathering.
Its dual vents let you adjust airflow, and three lid locks help keep the top secure during transport. An enamel-coated firebox and ash base support simpler cleanup after cooking.
The compact format gives up the workspace and cooking area of a full-size cart. Check the cooking surface against your usual food load before choosing it for regular family meals.
Choose it when portability matters more than a broad cooking surface. It is one of the more compact options in our Best Charcoal Grill roundup.
Royal Gourmet CC1830 28 Inch Barrel Charcoal: Best for a roomy barrel grill
- 585 sq. in. cooking area
- Adjustable charcoal pan
- Lid thermometer
- Side shelf with hooks
This barrel model offers a broad cooking zone with a warming rack and side shelf. Its adjustable pan and lid thermometer add useful control for different foods.
Pros
- Large cooking area
- Side shelf with tool hooks
- Air vent and smoke stack adjustments
Cons
- Needs more patio space than a kettle
- Requires charcoal management
The Royal Gourmet CC1830 barrel grill gives you 585 sq. in. of cooking space, including a 151 sq. in. warming rack. Its side shelf has hooks for grilling tools, which helps keep seasonings and utensils close while you cook.
The two-level charcoal pan changes the distance from food to heat, while the side air vent and smoke stack offer additional adjustments. A lid thermometer gives you a way to monitor heat without opening the lid.
Two heavy-duty wheels help move it around the patio or backyard. Consider its 40.87 in width when choosing a storage spot.
Choose it for a roomy barrel format with a shelf and warming rack. If you want a similar larger layout with a side table, the Kendane below also has an adjustable charcoal pan.
Kendane Barrel Charcoal Grill: Best for adjustable grate distance
- Nearly 500 sq. in. cooking grid
- Four-level charcoal pan
- Lid thermometer
- Side table
The four-level charcoal pan gives you several ways to change the distance between food and heat. It also has a side table and bottom shelf for outdoor cooking supplies.
Pros
- Four charcoal pan positions
- Lid-mounted thermometer
- Two wheels and side handle
Cons
- Large cart-style footprint
- Charcoal capacity is limited to 6.6 lb
The Kendane Barrel Charcoal Grill offers nearly 500 sq. in. of cooking grid area and a chrome-plated warming rack. Its four-level charcoal pan is the standout feature for buyers who want several options for adjusting the distance between the coals and food.
For more options, compare charcoal grills with adjustable grate height.
A lid-mounted thermometer helps monitor temperature, and the adjustable chimney supports airflow changes. A side table, bottom shelf, two wheels and a side handle round out the cart setup.
Kendane states the charcoal pan holds up to 6.6 lb. The grill's larger surface suits outdoor meals for several people, but its cart format needs more patio and storage room than a portable grill.
Choose it for four charcoal-pan height settings and a broad cooking area. Buyers who want less floor space occupied can compare the compact charcoal grill options under 100 dollars.
Weber® Jumbo Joe Premium Compact Charcoal Grill: Best for compact kettle cooking
- 363 sq. in. cooking area
- Holds up to 13 burgers
- Porcelain-enameled lid and bowl
- Aluminum ash catcher
This compact Weber kettle keeps the 363 sq. in. cooking area and airflow dampers, with an ash catcher for cleanup. It fits buyers who want kettle-style cooking in a compact design.
Pros
- Room for up to 13 burgers
- Heat-retaining porcelain-enameled bowl and lid
- Angled lid hook
Cons
- Single cooking area
- Needs outdoor storage space
The Weber® Jumbo Joe Premium Compact Charcoal Grill offers a 363 sq. in. cooking area and room for up to 13 burgers. Its porcelain-enameled lid and bowl retain heat, while rust-resistant aluminum dampers help regulate airflow.
The durable-plated steel grate and aluminum ash catcher mirror useful features of a larger kettle. An angled lid hook helps keep the lid off the ground while you tend food.
This is a good fit when you want kettle cooking in a compact design. It still has a full-size cooking area, so check the dimensions against your storage space.
Choose it for a compact kettle layout with a family-size cooking surface. For a different take on the same classic style, compare the Original Kettle above.
DNKMOR Charcoal Grill with Side Table: Best for side-table workspace
- About 500 sq. in. cooking area
- Four-level adjustable charcoal pan
- Lid thermometer
- Side table and bottom shelf
A side table, bottom shelf and adjustable charcoal pan make this a workspace-focused barrel option. The cooking area is intended for larger outdoor meals.
Pros
- Side table for seasoning and prep
- Four charcoal pan levels
- Two wheels and side handle
Cons
- Charcoal pan holds up to 4.5 lb
- Cart format takes more storage space
The DNKMOR Charcoal Grill with Side Table has about 500 sq. in. of cooking area, a side table and a bottom shelf. The side table gives you room for seasonings and food prep, and the shelf holds tools or other supplies.
Its four-level charcoal pan adjusts the distance between food and coals, and the lid-mounted thermometer helps you monitor heat. The pan holds up to 4.5 lb of charcoal, so consider that limit alongside the cooking area.
Two wheels and a side handle help move the grill across an outdoor space. This is a cart-style choice for buyers who value workspace and adjustable heat distance.
Choose it for a large prep surface with multiple charcoal-pan positions. If you want an attached smoking chamber, compare it with the Royal Gourmet CC1830S.
Realcook Charcoal Grills with Offest Smoker: Best for separate smoke chamber
- 510 sq. in. total cooking area
- Side offset smoker
- Adjustable vents and chimney damper
- Front shelf and bottom rack
The main chamber and offset smoker offer two cooking areas in one grill. A front shelf and bottom rack add storage, while adjustable vents and a chimney damper support heat control.
Pros
- Offset smoker beside main grill chamber
- Temperature gauge
- Two-grate system for adding charcoal
Cons
- Assembly and lid alignment need care
- Larger setup than a portable grill
The Realcook Charcoal Grills with Offest Smoker pairs a main charcoal chamber with a side offset smoker and has 510 sq. in. of total cooking space. Its front shelf and bottom rack add 467 sq. in. of storage area.
Adjustable air vents and a chimney damper support heat management, while the built-in gauge lets you monitor temperature without lifting the lid. A two-grate system in the main chamber makes it easier to add charcoal during a cook.
The assembly instructions emphasize aligning the lid and chamber connection. Plan time to follow them carefully, since proper alignment supports a stable fit.
Choose it for a two-chamber layout with added storage. The Royal Gourmet CC1830S is another smoker combination, with a larger stated total cooking area.
HaSteeL Portable Charcoal Grill for Outdoor Barbecue: Best for a small travel grill
- 117 sq. in. cooking area
- For 1–3 people
- Buckle-secured lid
- Rotating air vents and chimney damper
This small portable grill is sized for 1–3 people and has a lid buckle for carrying. Its vents and chimney damper give you ways to adjust airflow in a compact setup.
Pros
- Compact for storage and transport
- Built-in lid thermometer
- Wooden handle
Cons
- Smallest cooking area in this group
- Limited room for larger gatherings
The HaSteeL Portable Charcoal Grill has 117 sq. in. of cooking space and is sized for 1–3 people. At 7.2 lb, it is a compact option for camping, fishing or a small outdoor meal.
A lid buckle helps secure the top for carrying. The built-in thermometer, rotating side vents and chimney damper give you several ways to monitor and adjust airflow.
The small surface is the tradeoff: it has less room than the Cuisinart tabletop grill and is a poor fit for group cooking. Confirm that its cooking area suits your typical meal before choosing it as your main grill.
Choose it for small portions and compact storage. For more room while staying portable, consider the Cuisinart above.
How do you choose a charcoal grill under 150 dollars?
Choose a charcoal grill by cooking area, fire controls, cleanup needs and storage space. A bigger surface can help with group meals, but the cart may take more room and require more assembly than a compact kettle.
How much cooking area do you need?
A 363 sq. in. kettle can hold up to 13 burgers, while the Royal Gourmet CC1830S has a total 824 sq. in. across its main grate, warming rack and offset smoker. Compare the main cooking surface separately from warming and smoking areas when estimating how much food you can cook at once.
For a small meal or travel, the Cuisinart has 196 sq. in. and the HaSteeL has 117 sq. in. Measure your storage space too, especially for a cart grill with shelves and wheels.
What heat controls matter on a charcoal grill?
Airflow dampers and vents change the oxygen flow to the coals, while an adjustable pan changes the distance between food and heat. The kettle picks use dampers, and several barrel models add a height-adjustable charcoal pan.
A lid thermometer gives a temperature reading, but it does not remove the need to manage the charcoal fire. Look for controls you are comfortable adjusting during a cook.
Which grill is easier to clean?
An ash catcher makes it easier to collect ash after the coals cool. The Weber® Original Kettle has a One-Touch cleaning system and an aluminized steel ash catcher, while the Cuisinart has an ash base.
Some barrel grills use a side door for ash removal. Check how you will access ash and clean the cooking grates before buying, and wait until the coals are fully cool before disposing of ash.
Can you use charcoal in a gas grill?
Only use charcoal in a grill designed for charcoal, unless the grill's manufacturer specifically approves another setup. Adding charcoal to a gas grill can create a fire or damage risk, and a gas grill's burners and grease management are designed for gas cooking.
Read our guides on using a gas grill with charcoal and whether charcoal belongs in a gas grill before trying to combine fuels.
Which charcoal grill under 150 dollars should you pick?
Pick the Weber® Original Kettle for everyday grilling and straightforward ash cleanup. Choose the Royal Gourmet CC1830S if you want an attached smoker and more cooking zones, or the Cuisinart when a compact portable grill fits your plans better.
If you want the broadest comparison across styles, start with our Best Charcoal Grill guide. For a lower budget, use the best charcoal grill under 100 dollars roundup to narrow your choices.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
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2
Best for smoking and grilling
Royal Gourmet CC1830S BBQ Charcoal Grill
9.7/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
Frequently asked questions
What should I prioritize in a charcoal grill under 150 dollars?
Start with cooking area and the amount of charcoal cooking you plan to do. A kettle is a practical fit for everyday meals, while a barrel grill offers more room and often a side shelf or warming rack.
For travel, check the grill's weight, cooking surface and lid closure before choosing a compact model.
Is a kettle or barrel charcoal grill better for a small patio?
A kettle generally uses a simpler layout with one main cooking area, while barrel grills tend to add shelf space and a wider cart. Measure the patio and storage spot before choosing.
If you are deciding between fuel types, see our guide to whether charcoal or gas grilling is better.
Can a charcoal grill under 150 dollars smoke food?
Some models here include an offset smoker, such as the Royal Gourmet CC1830S and Realcook. These add a separate chamber for smoking, but they take more space than a basic kettle.
A grill's vents, dampers and fuel arrangement affect heat management, so check the specific layout that fits your cooking plans.
Are compact charcoal grills suitable for camping?
Compact models can be easier to transport and store, but their cooking areas are smaller. The Cuisinart has 196 sq. in. of cooking space, while the HaSteeL has 117 sq. in. and a lid buckle.
Use charcoal grills outdoors only, and check the campsite's fire rules before lighting one.
Should I choose a stainless steel charcoal grill?
A stainless steel finish or frame may suit buyers who prefer that material, but compare the complete grill, cooking area and heat controls too. Material labels alone do not tell you how well a grill fits your cooking needs.
See our guide to stainless steel charcoal grills for more options.
