10 Best Charcoal Grills Under 200

Charcoal grill or gas grill?  Will there ever be a final resolution on this seemingly endless debate as to which one is better?

Have you ever encountered a Charcoal purist, whose strong passion in charcoal grilling, borders on the absurd?  They profess their loyalty and will never ever be caught dead using a gas grill!

While there are strong arguments to be made for both sides, in the end, it will always boil down to one thing – preference.

If you’re on the side of the Charcoal grill aficionado, I’m sure you have a lot of reasons to justify why Charcoal is better than gas grills.  And you are definitely not alone. 

Studies have shown that those who prefer to grill using only charcoal, do so because of the distinct taste that it brings to the food.

And so if you’re on the charcoal purists side, we have come up with the 10 best charcoal grill under 200 that are worth checking out!

• Top 7 Best Charcoal Grills Under 100
• Top 7 Best Charcoal Grills Under 300
• 4 Best Charcoal Grills Under 500

Top 10 Best Charcoal Grill Under 200

1. Royal Gourmet BBQ Charcoal Grill and Offset Smoker, 30” L

“You get what you pay for”, is a familiar saying that is almost always true.  And the Royal Gourmet BBQ Charcoal Grill and Offset Smoker is no exception.  What you will get is your money’s worth if regular charcoal grilling is what you need.  

Its 800 square-inch of cooking surface is more than enough to cook your favorite food, and the availability of an offset smoker makes it a 2-in-1 grill that most grills on this price range don’t have.

The porcelain-coated cooking grates retain an even heat which is ideal in locking in the juices of your meat.  With side vent that can regulate the airflow to control the temperature of your grill.  The height-adjustable charcoal pan with high capacity is ideal when you’re cooking different types of food.

It’s portable and can be moved around effortlessly and it’s easy to clean.  It takes time to assemble it since there are so many pieces to complete the grill. But overall, this is a grill that will cook great food and with proper care and maintenance should last you for a good number of years. 

Pros

• 2-in-1 Charcoal Grill and Offset Smoker
• 800 square-inch cooking surface is more than adequate
• Porcelain-coated cooking grates for uniform heat distribution
• High-capacity charcoal pan that is height-adjustable  
• Portable and easy to clean

Cons

• Takes a long time to assemble

2. Weber 741001 Original Kettle 22-Inch Charcoal Grill

In 1952, a guy named George Stephen revolutionized the grilling industry when he introduced a revolutionary grill design that sparked a backyard revolution.

Guess what it was?  You’re right – it’s the Kettle.  Almost 70 years to the date it was invented, it’s still one of Weber Company’s best selling grills.  After all, there’s a saying, “if it ain’t broke don’t fix it”.  In fact, a lot of its loyal customers who grew up with the Weber, still prefer this classic over any other model or brand.

The Weber Original Kettle 22-inch Charcoal Grill is a classic that doesn’t need any introduction.  Its buoy design allows for controlling the temperature with its porcelain-enameled lid and bowl that retain heat.  The angled lid hook allows you to conveniently hang it on the grill to avoid placing it on the ground.

The upper and lower dampers allow you to control the heat inside the grill.  Adding charcoal while grilling is easy with its hinged cooking grates for easy access.  The lid handle has a heat shield preventing it to get hot.

The grill is super air-tight and with both dampers closed, it can be used as an indirect heat smoker.  Cooking different types of food in this grill is a breeze as it’s very versatile and durable.  With a more than adequate cooking surface, it can easily handle 13 regular burgers with ease. 

Most importantly, it’s the excellent smokey flavor that this grill can produce that is hard to beat.  The Weber’s durable wheels allow it to be moved anywhere in your yard easily.  Cleaning the grill is super easy with a hassle-free ash clean up. The Kettle, like all Weber grill products, comes with a 10-year limited warranty.

Pros

• Great classic design
• Airtight porcelain-enameled lid
• Excellent heat retention
• Versatile and efficient
• Highly Durable
• Easy to clean
• 10-year Limited Warranty

Cons

• No fold-up rack

3. Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill, 22-Inch, Black

This is the same model as the Weber 741001 Original Kettle.  The only difference is the high-capacity, removable ash catcher which makes it very convenient in cleaning and getting rid of the ash. 

Pros

• Great classic design
• High-capacity, removable ash catcher
• Airtight porcelain-enameled lid
• Excellent heat retention
• Versatile and efficient
• Highly Durable
• Easy to clean
• 10-year Limited Warranty

Cons

• No fold-up rack

4. Lodge Cast Iron Sportsman’s Grill. Large Charcoal Hibachi-Style Grill

Lodge is rich in history dating back to 1896 in making cast iron cookware in South Pittsburg, Tennessee.  And with over 120 years of experience, it’s no wonder their cast iron is one of the best in terms of durability and quality.

The Lodge Cast Iron Sportsman’s Grill is perfect to carry anywhere, whether in picnics, camping, tailgating, or even just in your own backyard. It has a 142 square-inch cooking surface that is good for cooking for 2-4 people.

It’s a seasoned cookware with 100% vegetable oil, no synthetic coatings or chemicals.  It’s a classic design with a flip-down door at the front for easy access to the charcoal.  The grill has two adjustable height for cooking different types of foods.

The sliding mechanism enhances airflow, and its superior heat retention means less charcoal is needed to grill your favorite foods. If you want a charcoal grill that will last a lifetime, this is the right grill for you. 

Pros

• Heavy-duty cast iron grill
• Portable and versatile grill
• Requires less charcoal because of superior heat retention
• Grill plate heats evenly
• Sliding mechanism ensures airflow when needed
• Adjustable charcoal grill height
• Flip-down door for easy charcoal access
• Lifetime warranty

Cons

• Charcoal grate may rust in time

5. Expert Grill Heavy Duty 24-Inch Charcoal Grill

If you think about all the features that’s included in this charcoal grill, you would think twice if it’s the right price.  And lucky for you, the Expert Grill Heavy Duty 24-inch Charcoal Grill, is just a little over 100!

With its 372 square-inch cooking surface, you can easily grill 20 regular-sized burgers all at once.  It also comes with a chrome-plated warming rack which can be removed if you don’t need it.  But it’s cool to have it there.  The cast-iron cooking grates allow for even cooking, and with the powder-coated lid closed, you can be sure that cooking will be fast. 

The adjustable charcoal pan is convenient in cooking different types of food.  Move it closer to the grates if you want to sear steaks, or move it away for indirect cooking.  This grill can reach up to 650⁰F and keep it there with the vents on both sides closed.  The temperature gauge will make sure of that. 

It has a foldable side shelf that you can use for prepping or just putting cooking tools close at hand.  And it also comes with a bottle opener located on the side.  Cleaning is easy with an ash catcher at the bottom of the grates.

It comes with a 2-year warranty.  It’s hard to go wrong with this grill, and with proper maintenance, it should bring you many years of great grill experience.

Pros

• Cast iron heavy-duty cooking grates
• High-temp powder-coated lid
• Adjustable charcoal pan
• Foldable side shelf
• Bottle opener
• Temperature gauge
• 2-year limited warranty
• Expert Grill 24″ charcoal grill comes in black

Cons

• Cooking grates will rust in time
• Takes a long time to assemble

6. Pilot Rock Steel Park-Style Backyard Charcoal Grill

This backyard charcoal grill is a commercial-park quality, heavy-duty 1/8 inch plated steel construction.  It has a 224 square-inch of total cooking area which can easily cook 12 regular-sized burgers.  It’s a no-fuss, straight-forward charcoal grill that is built to last.

The cooking grate adjusts to 4 separate cooking levels for your grilling preference.  Installation is easy with a 2-piece post assembly.  The firebox comes fully assembled, in high-temperature black enamel paint finish.  It can swivel 360⁰ and once the locking pin is inserted, the firebox can no longer be removed. 

The only drawback of the Pilot Rock grill is that it cannot be moved from place to place once the locking pin is inserted.  This is great for backyard grilling but you need to allocate a permanent space for this grill.  It’s very easy to assemble, easy to use, and very easy to clean. 

If a permanent grill post appeals to you, then this is the best heavy-duty charcoal grill that won’t go anywhere, and will cook great food for you. 

Pros

• Easy to assemble, no tools needed
• Heavy-duty 1/8 inch plated steel construction
• Built to last
• Easy to use and maintain
• 4-height adjustment for cooking grate
• Grill can swivel 360⁰

Cons

• Cannot be moved once locking pin is used
• Need to pour concrete for the post

7. Party Griller Yakitori Grill 32” x 8″ w/Double Mesh Grill Grate – Portable Stainless Steel Charcoal BBQ Grill

The Party Griller Yakitori Grill is a 32-inch long, and an 8-inches wide rectangular grill, which is highly suited for Yakitori, Satay, and Kebab type of grilling.  It’s made of a stainless steel body with minimal assembly required.  This charcoal grill is light and portable which can be used in picnics, camping, or tailgating.

While you can grill steak, hotdogs, burgers, and other food, this is more suitable and perfect for skewers.  It’s designed such that the skewers can sit on both sides of the grill, while the meat is at the center and slowly being cooked. 

The easy to adjust vents, control the airflow and the heat intensity of the charcoal.  This creates an even circulation throughout the grill.  It also eliminates hot spots with the easy to use Party Griller. 

The body of this grill is rust-proof and warp-proof and very easy to clean. 

Pros

• Great for skewing meat
• Stainless steel body
• Minimal assembly required
• Even heat distribution
• Airflow for temperature control

Cons

• Charcoal base may rust in time

8. Kuuma Premium Stainless Steel Mountable Charcoal Grill

The Kuuma Premium Stainless Steel Mountable Charcoal Grill is originally designed for use on boats.  It’s built to withstand harsh marine environments, but are also perfect for RVing, camping, tailgating, and patio or deck grilling.

This particular model, which is the Stow N’ Go 160 Charcoal grill, is made from 300-series marine grade stainless steel and comes fully assembled.  It has a 160 square-inch grilling surface which is just perfect for 4-5 people.  An integrated fold-away legs make it easy to grill on any flat surface.   The inner lid liner helps protect cover from high-heat discoloration.

It features a removable liner, latching lid, and stay cool handle.  This grill can be easily transported and can also be mounted to any Kuuma rail, rod or pedestal mount for your boat, RV, or home.  If you’re looking for a premium quality material charcoal grill with convenient portability, this may be the right one for you

Pros

• Made from 300-series marine grade stainless steel
• Fully assembled grill
• Integrated fold-away legs for use on flat surface
• Mountable grill on Kuuma rail, rod, or pedestal for boat and home
• Great for camping, tailgating or RVing

Cons

• Coals take longer to burn out after use

9. TACKLIFE 22.5-inch Diameter Double-Layer Grid Portable Charcoal Grill

The Tacklife Charcoal Grill looks similar design-wise, to the Weber Original Kettle.  But while the Kettle has three legs to stand on, the Tacklife uses four 32 mm thick legs, and two 170 mm large wheels for more stability. 

It has a 363 square-inch cooking area, enough to cook 21 regular-sized burgers all at once.  The cooking grill is a corrosion and high-temperature resistant stainless steel. 

The upper cover has an air vent, while the lower one has an airflow control bar.  These are used to control the temperature through the airflow.  With a built-in thermometer, it’s easier to monitor and maintain the cooking temperature for your food.   

The double grill allows to hold more food and the storage basket is perfect for storing condiments and other cooking items.  It has a big ash catcher at the bottom of the grill for a one-touch cleaning system. 

All in all, this is a value for money charcoal grill from Tacklife. 

Pros

• 32 mm thick legs and 170 mm large wheels for stability
• 363 square inch cooking area
• Corrosion and high-temperature resistant stainless steel
• Upper and lower vents controls airflow
• Built-in thermometer for easy monitoring of food
• Big and deep ash catcher for easy cleaning

Cons

• Poor assembly instruction manual

10. Titan Single Post Park Style Charcoal Grill

If you compare this to the Pilot Rock Steel Park-Style Grill, they’re almost identical.  The only difference is that the Titan Single Post Park Style Grill can be moved around with its rolling base.  So this is a little bit more flexible in terms of mobility.

This is a heavy-duty charcoal grill with four cooking level adjustment for the heavy-duty steel grill.  The firebox also swivels up to 360⁰, and the rolling base allows you to easily move your grill to any location that you want to. 

This will cook anything whether its steak, burgers, sausages, and so much more. After you’re done grilling, you can simply roll it back into its storage area until your next grill. The heavy-duty grills are easy to clean.

Pros

• Heavy-duty grill
• Four cooking levels
• Firebox swivels up to 360⁰
• Rolling base for easy transport
• Easy to clean grill

Cons

• Some users have an issue with the grill grates falling off on its own

Frequently Asked Questions

How much charcoal do you need to grill?

It depends on the food that you will cook on your grill.  But more importantly, it depends on the size of the grill that you are using.  As a rule of thumb, you need to fill with charcoal about 2/3 of your grill.

How long should you allow the charcoal to burn before cooking?

You should let the charcoal to light and burn for at least 20-30 minutes before putting food on to the grill.  Make sure also that the charcoal is glowing hot before you start cooking. 

Can you reuse old charcoal?

Definitely yes.  Old charcoal can still be used as this will still light and burn.  It will save you money and you still get to enjoy your food.   Sometimes even when the charcoal got wet, you can still have it dried and then use after. 

CONCLUSION

Having a great tasting charcoal-grilled food does not need to be done in a thousand dollar grill.  While the materials used in grills that are under 200 may not be at par with a charcoal grill that cost twice or ten times, the basic principles in grilling is found in all of the grills on our list. 

While some are a bit more expensive than others, it depends on which features are important to you when choosing one from the others.  Some would put compact and portability as the main features that they look for, while others will put more premium on the larger cooking surface.

Whatever the features that you deem is important will boil down to you as the end-user.  What’s good for John may not necessarily be good for Martha.  So again everything boils down to what is most important to you in choosing your charcoal grill.