The 8 Best Charcoal Grills Under 200 to Buy in 2022

Buying a charcoal grill while being on a budget does not mean you have to settle for a subpar product. However, it is important that you’re looking in the right direction. That said, this article will give you valuable insight to buy the best charcoal grill under 200 for you in 2022. Furthermore, I’ll also share some tips I discovered to help you make an excellent choice from the various options available on the market. So, don’t stop reading!

Charcoal Grills Under 200: The Top Options for You

1. Weber Premium Charcoal Grill

First on this list of charcoal grills that cost less than $200 is a product from Weber. If you want a high-quality grill that also offers convenient portability, this 22-inch Weber charcoal grill is perfect for you! Also, the grill only weighs around 32 pounds, which contributes to its mobility.

The Weber kettle grill offers you uniform heat distribution while you cook, which is undoubtedly crucial to achieving a good quality result. Not only that, but it also features a precise control that enables you to regulate the intensity of the heat your food gets. This significantly reduces the chances of your food overheating or burning.

There’s more. The Weber grill has a hinged cooking grate that allows you to throw in some charcoal while you grill to boost the taste of your food. It also comes with a handle or shield that enables you to handle the pot safely when it gets hot.

Besides, the charcoal grill features built-in wheels to facilitate hassle-free movement and stability while you cook. I should also mention that the Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal grill has a one-of-a-kind design, complete with an efficient ash catcher to reduce the mess that that ash can create.

Finally, the grill is very easy to clean! Indeed, according to the manufacturers, it is a one-touch cleaning grill.

Pros

Cons

Takeaway

The Weber Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill is perfect if you’re looking for a high-quality grill that’s efficient, portable, and relatively affordable.

2. Char-Griller E1515 Charcoal Grill

Next on my recommendations of the best charcoal smokers under 200 in 2022, I present the Char-Griller E1515 Patio Pro Charcoal Grill. 

This charcoal grill is perfect for you if you have limited space in your home but don’t want to let go of your favorite grilling pastime. The Char-Griller Patio Pro Charcoal Grill conveniently fits into smaller decks or patios. Also, it can cook meals for smaller families (5 people or less) without a hassle.

There’s more.

For many people, one of the perks of the Char-Griller is its traditional, barrel-like design, which gives you that old-school feel. Furthermore, the grill is very sturdy, featuring a solid cast iron grate, complete with a wooden handle for easy access while you cook.

The E1515 Patio Pro also has a removable ash pan, which you can detach when you want to get rid of ashes. On its side, you’ll find a wooden shelf, which comes in handy when you cook as you can place your grilled food on it. On its bottom, there is also a rack where you can store miscellaneous items or even charcoal.

I should also add that this grill gives you control over the heat while you cook with its adjustable side damper. Lastly, it has two wheels, which make for quick movements.

Pros

Cons

Takeaway

The Char-Griller Patio Pro Charcoal Grill is ideal for you if you have a smaller family or limited space to set up your grill.

3. Royal Gourmet CC1830F Charcoal Grill

The Royal Gourmet CC1830F Charcoal Grill’s unique blend of affordability and quality earned it a spot on this list. For many, the CC1830F is arguably the best charcoal grill under 150, and I’ll tell you why.

The Royal Gourmet CC1830F Charcoal Grill offers you a relatively large cooking surface of approximately 800 square inches. This way, you’d have no problems cooking if your entire family shows up. The grill also has a sizable charcoal pan containing up to five pounds of charcoal per time, a front table, and a shelf on its bottom.

Additionally, the CC1830F comes with top-quality cook grates, ensuring only the precise level of heat you want reaches your food. The grill also comes with built-in warming racks on which you can cook side dishes simultaneously. 

Furthermore, the grill uses a unique air vent system to achieve perfect airflow while you cook. In addition to this vent system, the Royal Gourmet CC1830F also comes with a heavy-duty cover, an adjustable damper, and a professional thermometer — all to achieve smooth airflow and heating.

However, the most distinctive feature of this charcoal grill may be its offset smokers, which give a desirable smoky flavor to your meat that even the best gas grills cannot achieve.

Pros

Cons

Takeaway

The Royal Gourmet CC1830F Charcoal Grill is perfect if you’re on a budget. It offers very efficient grilling and has a straightforward operation.

4. Char-Griller E06614 Charcoal Grill

This is yet another product from the stables of Char-Griller. The Char-Griller E06614 Charcoal Grill is a kamado-style grill, which means it offers superb insulation while you cook. 

Suppose you’re looking for good value for the money you spend. In that case, the Char-Griller E06614 Charcoal Grill is undoubtedly an excellent place to look, and It features a 22-gauge steel body which will ensure that you have your grill in good physical condition for a relatively long period.

However, this does not mean the E06614 is deadweight. On the contrary, this Char-Griller product is quite light. This, in combination with its small size, makes the E06614 Charcoal Grill very easy to move around whenever you need to.

The E06614 has a volume large enough to cook for three people in terms of cooking size conveniently. Furthermore, its triple-lined steel wall allows for effective heat retention, which improves the flavor you get when you cook with it. Indeed, the Char-Griller E06614 Charcoal Grill can maintain temperatures of up to 700 degrees Fahrenheit while you cook.

I should also mention that the E06614 has two airflow dampers — one on top and one on the bottom. You may use the top and bottom dampers to vary the heat while you cook or convert the grill to a smoker by sealing both dampers.

Pros

Cons

Takeaway

If you’re looking to buy a top-quality charcoal grill that allows you to cool small amounts of food effectively in the fastest times possible, the Char-Griller E06614 Charcoal Grill is an excellent choice.

5. Cuisinart CCG190 Portable Charcoal Grill

Next, in my compilation of the top outdoor charcoals grills that cost less than $200 in 2022, I present the Cuisinart CCG190 Portable Charcoal Grill. This grill ranks very high in terms of its portability.

The Cuisinart CCG190 Portable Charcoal Grill is one of the most compact grills out there today. It is incredibly lightweight, weighing only two pounds. This makes it ideal for carrying around for various occasions such as camping, tailgating, and other outdoor events. Of course, if you want to grill to just sit on your patio, it works just as fine.

I should also mention that the grill features three locks on its lid to ensure secure traveling and handling.

The cooking surface of the Cuisinart CCG190 is approximately 14  square inches, which is large enough to accommodate four hamburgers at a time. However, if you’re worried about this comparatively small size, the grill’s grate system makes up for it. The CCG190 grates help to retain heat to ensure your food cooks evenly.

Also, this charcoal grill has a dual vent system, which allows you to regulate the temperature at which you cook, as well as how much charcoal you use. Besides, the grill has an enamel-coated firebox and an ash catcher to reduce the mess cooking creates.

Pros

Cons

Takeaway

The Cuisinart CCG190 Portable Charcoal Grill is ideal if you move around a lot and you’d like to have your grill with you or if you attend outdoor events frequently and like to bring your charcoal grill with you.

6. Isumer Charcoal Grill

If you’re looking for the best charcoal grill under 200 to buy in 2022, this portable folding charcoal grill from Isumer is another popular recommendation for you.

As the name implies, one of the most distinctive characteristics of this charcoal grill is its portability and tight-space value. The Isumer Portable Folding Charcoal Grill is an ideal choice if you have limited space for a grill or you have to transport your grill to various outdoor locations. 

Due to its compact size, the Isumer Portable Folding Charcoal Grill is very convenient to transport to picnics, park hangouts, and whatnot. Moreover, it has a simple assembly and disassembly process, making the transportation process even more convenient. 

So, you can detach the stand from the grill relatively quickly, and they can carry both parts separately.

In terms of its cooking surface, you can grill at least three small steaks at a time on this Isumer product. However, if you’re more interested in kebabs, Japanese Yakitori, skewers, and more, the grill is also up to the task.

The Isumer Portable Folding Charcoal Grill has two air vents that ensure optimum air circulation to make its grilling operation more seamless and efficient. It also has two handles to facilitate safe handling when the grill gets hot.

Another interesting feature of this charcoal grill is its adjustable legs. You can adjust them to keep the equipment perfectly level, even if you’re on uneven outdoor grounds.

Pros

Cons

Takeaway

The most desirable features of the Isumer Portable Folding Charcoal Grill is its lightweight and ease of use. So, if you’re in the market for a charcoal grill that meets these requirements, this is a great option!

7. Weber Jumbo Joe Charcoal Grill

Are you still looking for more options? Here is another product that is arguably the best charcoal grill under 150. The Jumbo Joe charcoal grill is another product from Weber, and not surprisingly, it offers excellent value for your money.

Weber’s Jumbo Joe charcoal girl has a surface area of approximately, which is enough to grill up to eight burgers conveniently. Of course, its compact size means that it is very travel-friendly and can be a go-to for various camping, picnics, and other outdoor activities.

Aside from its portable build, the Jumbo Joe is relatively easy to assemble. It comes with an ash catcher for its pan to reduce the mess you make while cooking, complete with a lid. Furthermore, its parts are very light in weight to facilitate stress-free mobility.

The grill has built-in dampers on the lid, which enable you to regulate the amount of heat by releasing some air while you cook. However, if you shut the dampers, the coal goes out with time. Also, the lid comes with a lock system that ensures it stays tightly closed, especially when you’re moving it around.

I should also mention that the Weber Jumbo Joes has a beautiful enamel-coated body that gives a sophisticated look.

Pros

Cons

Takeaway

The Weber Jumbo Joe Charcoal Grill is ideal if you’re looking for a lightweight, portable grill that cooks just as well as larger models.

8. Fire Sense Black Notebook Charcoal Grill

The Fire Sense Notebook Folding Charcoal Grill arguably comes out on top regarding portability and ease of storage. Not only that, this Fire Sense charcoal grill has a design that’s truly one-of-a-kind. If I didn’t know better, I’d have taken it for one of the gas grills out there.

So, if you’re looking for an ultra-modern charcoal grill that has a luxurious feel, this may just be the grill for you. The grill has a triangular design and does require any assembly. But that is not even the best part.

As the name implies, this Fire Sense charcoal grill folds into a notebook shape when you need to move! No doubt, that particular feature makes it hard to beat when it comes to portability.

However, due to the compact design of the grill, it does not have the biggest grilling surface. But, it is large enough to grill two sizable steaks at once. The Fire Sense Notebook Charcoal Grill has a simple, minimalist design with only a 14-inch grill surface and its charcoal rack,

Of course, this makes cleaning the grill very convenient!

Pros

Cons

Takeaway

The Fire Sense Notebook Folding Charcoal Grill is ideal for grilling enthusiasts who don’t cook large-scale or who desire ultra-portable equipment that’s easy to move around.

Buying the Best Charcoal Grill for You: Factors You Need to Consider

Now that you know the top charcoal grills that I recommend, the next step is choosing the product that’s perfect for you. In this case, it’s not all about knowing the best charcoal smokers under 200. Instead, certain factors can guide you to making the right shopping decision. 

Here some factors to keep in mind when buying a charcoal grill:

Size

When shopping for outdoor charcoal grills, one of the most crucial features to consider is the size. Do you have a large family? Will you be cooking for many people at once? Do you have enough space to accommodate a large grill? All these are questions you want to answer before you decide on the grill you’re buying.

Portability

Depending on your cooking activities, it may be important for you to buy a very portable charcoal grill. This is especially necessary if you mostly use your grills at outdoor events and hangouts. Thankfully, most charcoal grills that cost less than 200 are relatively portable. However, if you buy a heavy-duty grill, you’ll likely have to confine it to your deck or patio.

Also, many charcoal grills today have wheels to facilitate easy movement. But, if you wish to take your grill along with you to various places, it is generally better to buy a more portable model.

Heat Control

Heat control is another crucial factor you want to examine before making a charcoal grill purchase. Like gas grills, most charcoal grills have dampers, vent systems, or other similar features that help to regulate and control your cooking temperature. 

Therefore, if you want to get the best quality of food that you can from your grill, it is best to buy a model that has an efficient heat control system. Fortunately, the various products in my compilation of outdoor grills allow you to control the intensity of your cooking temperature

Ease of Cleaning

Undoubtedly, grilling can be a very messy process. As a result, the ease of cleaning your grill is a critical factor you want to check for. The perfect grill should be relatively easy to clean in terms of grease and other grilling-related stains. Furthermore, it should have an efficient process for getting rid of ashes from the burnt charcoal.

In this case, an ash catcher is a valuable addition. If the catcher is removable, it is even better!

Durability

Buying a charcoal grill is an investment, and like every investment, you will no doubt want proper value for the money you spend. This means being able to use your grill for a relatively long period before you have to buy a new one. Generally, most people use their grills for many years before it needs a replacement.

As such, you want to ensure you buy a product that can stand up to the rigors of your cooking operations. If you plan to carry your charcoal grill around, I recommend buying a product with a more durable body that can withstand continuous transportation.

FAQs

How to light charcoal grills?

The most common technique grilling enthusiasts use today is the pyramid method. In this method, you’ll group the charcoals into a pyramid formation. Then, light the bottom of the coals and allow the flame to rise. The closeness of the coals will facilitate the dispersion of heat from one coal to the next. However, don’t forget to soak all the coals in lighter fluid for at least three minutes before you light them.

Should you leave your grill open when lighting it?

Yes, it is important to keep your grill open when trying to light your grill. This is because air (or oxygen) is necessary to get the fire going. Otherwise, the coals will go out.

Should you leave your charcoal grill open or closed when cooking?

There is no right or wrong answer here — it all depends on what you want to achieve. As a rule of thumb, the heat will build up and cook your meat faster if you close the lid. But, if you open the grill, more steam will escape, which will lead to faster cooking times.

How long should you let the charcoal burn before grilling?

Generally, it is best to allow your charcoal to heat up for about fifteen to twenty minutes before grilling. However, if you’re using more charcoal, you may need to wait longer.

Is a charcoal grill better than a gas grill?

Both grill types are effective in terms of how they cook. However, a charcoal grill will give you the traditional, smoky flavor that comes from cooking on an open fire, while a gas grill will not.

Can you use a charcoal grill indoors?

The answer is no. You should not use a charcoal grill, not even if you’re in a garage. The reason is simple. Burning charcoal produces a significant amount of carbon monoxide, which is lethal when inhaled, even in the smallest amounts.

Final Take

Hopefully, this article helps you to buy the best charcoal grill under 200 that works for you. I tried to compile only the top-rated products across-board. So, irrespective of your choice, you should end up with a charcoal grill that gives you good value for your money. Also, I threw in some important factors that can guide you in the decision-making process.