Top 7 Best Charcoal Grills Under 100 for 2022

Nowadays, people are becoming wiser on how they spend money. Specifically – when looking for charcoal grills, apart from grill features, they also consider price tags.

Who is to blame? If you can get a charcoal grill that’s priced under 100 but can rival the features of a high-end model, why burn cash?

If you can relate, you’ve come to the right place. Today, we’re going to list down the 7 best charcoal grill under 100 plus 2 of the best accessories you can buy with it.

With so many available options, it can get overwhelming to go over each of them and keep tabs on their advantages and disadvantages! Plus, it can be really hard to tell. Read on to find which grill is best for you!

See also:

• 10 Best Charcoal Grills Under 200
• Top 7 Best Charcoal Grills Under 300
• 4 Best Charcoal Grills Under 500

Top Charcoal Grills Under 100

1. Weber 121020 Go-Anywhere Charcoal Grill – Most Portable Charcoal Grill

The first on our list is a portable griller that is usable anywhere you go, whether it’s a backyard cookout or an outdoor trip. With its Tuck-N-Carry lid lock, you get to hold it with ease and transport without worry. Having a rectangular shape, this griller can definitely fit in your car’s trunk.

This grill may look small but it has 160 square inches cooking area which is enough for you to cook 6 burgers or around 4 medium-sized steaks. To help with cooking, it has dampers that enable you to control the heat inside the grill. You also get to regulate further the temperature with its porcelain-enameled lid and base.

This grill has lid hangers that serve as a shield from strong gusts which is why it’s great for outdoor use. Installed as well are plated steel cooking grates that retain heat and make your cleaning faster and easier.

Although this grill is a great choice, it doesn’t have a removable ash tray that makes cleaning easier. In addition, the grill might seem a bit low for some even with the plated steel legs that give it additional elevation. Lastly, a safety precaution for this grill – users have reported that the handles can get hot. When using this grill, it’s best to wear protective gears.

Pros	Cons
+ Porcelain-enameled lid and base + Adjustable dampers + Durable plated steel cooking grate + Tuck-N-Carry Lid Lock	– Handles can get hot – Difficult to clean – Low elevation

2. Texsport Heavy Duty Over Fire Camp Grill – Most Easy-To-Use Charcoal Grill

Going camping? S’mores shouldn’t have to be the only thing you’re heating over your campfire. With the Texsport Heavy Duty Over Grill, cooking hotdogs, burgers, and other meat over an open fire has never been so easy.

Its entire grilling surface of 114 square inches is enough for you to put several grill pans for cooking different kinds of meat simultaneously. Plus, it has a reasonable distance from the fire pit so you should be able to get nice, evenly cooked meat.

The best thing about this grill is that it’s designed for cooking over open fires which makes for effortless preparation and cleaning. Even better, this grill is made of heavy-duty welded steel which makes it durable. Therefore, it can handle both cast iron pans and dutch ovens.

One of its drawbacks is its weight. It can be too heavy for backpackers to bring to areas that require much walking. Moreover, you shouldn’t put food directly on the grill as the paint can peel off and transfer to your food. This means you would need to bring pots and pans with you, which can also add to the things you need to bring.

Pros	Cons
+ Heavy-duty welded steel + Foldable legs + Can be used with pans and pots	– Can be difficult to pack

3. Weber 40020 Smokey Joe Premium 14-Inch Portable Grill – Most Compact Charcoal Grill

The next on our list is another grill from Weber. It also has a Tuck-N-Carry Lid Lock which doubles as a lid holder and makes it easy to transport. If you love grilling outdoors, this unit can be worth the shot.

With its compact size, you will be surprised that this grill can still offer 596 sq. in. of cooking space. That’s enough to fit 5 burgers or around 4 medium-sized steaks! While that may not be a lot, you can still feed a family of 4 comfortably with this unit.

This grill is also perfect for grilling your veggies during camps as it is equipped with plated steel grates that give your dish that rustic and appetizing grill marks. Its grates also help in spreading heat evenly. In addition, its lid and body are enameled with porcelain, enabling it to sustain the set temperature for a more extended period. This also means that this grill won’t rust or peel.

One unique feature of this grill is that it’s made of metal, which means that it has a high resistance to tarnishing. It also has dampers that allow you to control the flow of heat inside the grill. Plus, unlike the previous grill from Weber, the Smokey Joe comes with an ash catcher which makes for easier cleaning!

One of the inconveniences you might experience with the Smokey Joe is that it might be quite low for some. However, it has retractable steel plates that provide additional height. Another thing is that most users have reported that they prefer to have the handles by the side of the grill. Lastly, similar to the first Weber grill, the handle has been reported to heat up so make sure to wear protective gears when working with this grill.

Pros	Cons
+ Tuck-N-Carry Lid Lock + Ash catcher + Adjustable air damper + Porcelain-enameled body and lid	– Handles can get hot – No thermometer

4. ISUMER Portable Charcoal Grill – Most Convenient Charcoal Grill

The ISUMER Charcoal Grill Kebab is a foldable and portable BBQ grill perfect for camping and other outdoor adventures. You don’t have to worry about rust and cracks because its handles and sides are carefully made with high-quality stainless steel.

Grill to your heart’s desire as this BBQ grill offers enough cooking space for your meat and is suitable for 5 to 15 people. Its non-stick square grill pan lets you grill your skewers, kebabs, burgers, and many more without the added hassle.

It provides a convenient storage rack to keep your vegetables and meat fresh before you grill them. It also comes with two alloy seasoning side baskets for placing your utensils or tools. Its active air vent design offers proper temperature regulation, allowing you to adjust and control the fire while you are grilling. It also comes with double air vents on both ends to create air circulation throughout the grill and a built-in charcoal frame ash catcher for hassle-free cleanup.

This BBQ grill is perfect if you are looking for a portable and convenient grill on the go. However, don’t let your kids near the product because some users have reported getting multiple deep cuts from its razor-sharp edges.

Its metal grill surface is flimsy and prone to bowing. Given that, you may be at risk of burning food or produce uneven cooking. Its design also does not guarantee you a sturdy grilling session. It also does not come with a lid or cover for extra wind protection.

Pros	Cons
+ Double air vents + Ash catcher + Non-stick grill pan + With storage rack + Built-in side table	– Sharp and pointy edges – Prone to bowing – Uneven cooking

5. BEAU JARDIN 22.5 Inch Charcoal Grill – Most Versatile Charcoal Grill

Are you looking for a grill for your next family camping trip? Look no further since Beau Jardin Charcoal Grill is such a good steal. It has features that serve not just as a charcoal grill but also as a warming grate, kettle grill, and a barbeque grill.

This all-in-one grill is 22.5 inches in diameter and equipped with a large cooking space of 398 square inches. This can whip up multiple meals for 4 to 6 people more efficiently. This unit is specially-made with a porcelain-enamel coating to regulate heat flow and is assisted by durable thickened legs for extra stability.

A unique feature of this grill is its additional warming grid. This element makes it easier to heat more items, such as baked and frozen goods. WIth that, you don’t need to buy  additional equipment just to satisfy your craving. Plus, it also has a one-touch cleaning system feature with adjustable airflow which makes cleaning and grilling a lot easier.

The only minor inconvenience to watch out would be the time it takes to assemble it. It doesn’t come with any manual or labeled parts, so first-time grillers might have a hard time. However, once you get the hang of it, you’ll get used to it in no time.

Pros	Cons
+ Thickened round porcelain-enameled bowl + Heavy-duty durable plated steel cooking great + Built-in ash catcher + One-touch cleaning system + With adjustable airflow	– Difficult to assemble

6. Fox Outfitters Quick Grill – Most Heavy Duty Charcoal Grill

The Fox Outfitters Quick Grill is one of those exceptional grills that can last for years. Setting this workhorse up is very simple and you can pack it away just as quickly. If you dread grill assemblies, you might want to add this to your shortlist.

This product is made from a premium stainless steel that is responsible for its high durability. It rarely gets twisted or bent because of its robust condition. Many people choose this grill because it is environmentally friendly. It does not utilize fuel canisters; thus, it produces no chemical emission and saves energy. You can grill multiple portions of meat at once since its cooking area is approximately 144 square inches.

The grill comes with excellent wind resistance and a funnel-shaped design that makes it unique. This allows and promotes its high-efficiency heat collection. It has airflow holes and mortarboard that ensure carbon and dust do not mix for a more effective charcoal burn. Consequently, you can cook your meat more easily. It is also commendable for its portability. You can enjoy grilling anywhere you want since it is foldable and easy to carry.

Although this unit has exemplary features, there still have been issues reported about it. Its grid is not stable and moving, which makes the grilling process a little harder and inconvenient. You have to hold it or devise a stopper to be able to cook your meat properly. Other than that, the grill is great and can be used in camping, picnic, and other outdoor activities.

Pros	Cons
+ High efficient heat collection + With airflow holes and mortar board + Stainless steel construction	– Unstable grid

7. Americana Swinger Charcoal Grill –  Most Efficient Charcoal Grill

If you are looking for a portable yet durable grill, The Americana Swinger Charcoal might just be what you are looking for. It’s height has been praised by users saying it is at a comfortable level. Plus, it has wheels so you don’t have to worry much about the weight when moving it around. 

It has 332 square inches of cooking space, so you can easily cook for about 3 to 4 people in one grilling. Its chrome-plated grills can be adjusted through a lever so that you can get the perfect height between the grill and the charcoal. This allows you to find the ideal heat level so you can cook any type of meat simultaneously.

One of the best things about this grill is its tilt-away hood that puts out any charcoal fire. This way, you won’t need to spray it with water. The tilt-away hood also allows you to check on your food quickly, and with the adjustable air vents, you can also control the grilling temperature more efficiently. The elevated fire grate starts the grill easier, prevents bottom burnouts, and allows for quick and easy cleaning. Finally, there are the side tables that make your cooking supplies reachable; otherwise, you can easily fold them away.

However, this grill can be hard to assemble, mainly because its manual has very few pictures you can refer to. Also, if you’ve had a similar grill previously, you’ll notice that this new model is made of thinner, more lightweight steel. Another thing, users have commented that it has a mediocre paint job so the legs are most likely to rust eventually.

Pros	Cons
+ Removable ash dump + Dual grid adjusters + Has wheels + Built-in side table	– Difficult to assemble – Tends to rust

Top Charcoal Grill Accessories

1. Pizzacraft PizzaQue Deluxe Grill Conversion Kit

Who said you have to stick with grilling? The Pizzacraft PizzaQue Deluxe Grill Conversion Kit is what you would need to transform ordinary charcoal grills into a pizza oven in an instant. Enjoy a traditional wood-burning pizza at home!

With the weight of 13.5 lbs, you can carry it almost everywhere without hassle. This kit holds a cooking temperature up to 900°F so you can cook as fast as 3-5 minutes using charcoal or fuel. But if you use wood chunks, cooking time can be lessened to 2 minutes with a cooking temperature up to 1000°F. It also fits Weber kettle grills,  Home Depot’s Master Forge grills, and other similar models.

This deluxe kit includes everything for pizza-making:

• kettle converter or insert, which is the main component of the kit inclusive of a built-in thermometer to gauge the cooking temperature;
• pizza stone, a deck used to bake your pizza with the perfect size of 15”;
• folding aluminum pizza peel, to easily take your pizza out of the grill; and
• a charcoal fence, to hold the charcoal and to keep your pizza elevated from the pizza stone.

What makes this PizzaQue unique is the bonus accessories! These four bonus accessories are included in this kit to complete your pizza-cooking experience: pizza recipe book, 12” round aluminum pizza screen, 12” round pizza pan, and a pizza stone brush. Basically everything you would need to be a pizzaiolo.

However, the charcoal fence easily collapses because its material is made of a lightweight steel screen. Another problem is that it doesn’t fit in all Weber Kettles. It may need modification to be able to use it properly, which becomes a hassle for most users.

2. Dracarys Charcoal Kamado Cast Iron Top Vent

Grilling in charcoal-based grill units is sometimes vexing because it gives people no way of controlling the amount of heat the coals emit. As a result, cooking meat at their hearts’ content becomes difficult.

If you encounter the same problem, using the Kamado Grills might be the solution that you need.

This Dracarys Charcoal Kamado Cast Aluminum Top Vent Chimney is made from cast iron; thus, it has higher durability than stainless vents. It is approximately 70 square inches and can fit Classic B Series Vision Grills that are 18 inches and above.

Moreover, it also accommodates Pit Boss 71220 and 71240 Ceramic Grill that are 22 and 24 inches in size, respectively. This top vent chimney is essential because it lets you control airflow. It vents combustion products, allowing you to set your grill in its perfect cooking temperature.

One of the features that sets it apart from other traditional cookstoves is that it does not accumulate tar even if you smoke your meat for far too long. You do not have to worry about the lid getting shut or glued, unlike in stainless vents.

However, there have been issues with the device, such as faulty adjustments. It does not seal properly; that is why air still gets through the unit, and it allows the coal to continue burning even after use. You still have to do some intervention, like using a gasket sealer to address the problem. Nevertheless, the product is worth its price.

See also: The Best Kamado Grills Under 1000

FAQs section

How long do you let charcoal burn before cooking?

It is best to make sure the grill is perfectly heated before you start grilling. To ensure this, let the charcoal heat up for at least 15 to 30 minutes. You can start cooking when it turns to white-ash color and has no smoke.

How do you keep a charcoal grill hot?

To keep the charcoal grill hot while cooking makes your food well-cooked and flavourful, you need to pile sufficient amounts of charcoal. Use intervals when adding new charcoal as you grill. Spread the coals so that air can circulate since the coals might die when there’s not enough air passing through. Remove dead ashes too to give room for more air.

How do you remove ash after grilling?

It is important to note that Suffocate the fire by closing the lid and shutting the vents for at least 48 hours before you can remove the ash. You may also pour water over the charcoal, it can cool the ash faster and complete.

Wrapping Up

This sums up the list of the grills that are under $100 plus the 2 accessories that are worth pairing with it. This article aims to make your grill purchase a lot easier by laying out everything you need to know about the best grills available within your budget.

However, if it were up to us, we think the winner of this list is clearly the ISUMER Charcoal Grill. Apart from portability, it offers a decent cooking area, and you can grill more than just barbecue too! Plus, its height is just at a right level to make your grilling experience more comfortable.