Grilling food has always been one of the most favorite methods of cooking. Best charcoal grills under $300 are the most popular outdoor devices that people choose for their cookouts.
A large number of foods like chicken, pork, beef, fish, and other types of meat can be cooked to soften the meat and cook it instead of using any medium or oil.
Are you looking for one? If you are looking for an outdoor grilling device that isn’t cheap but has still a reasonable price then you are in the right place since I selected 5 different grills that you can use to surprise your guests and family.
What are the best charcoal grills under $300?
Cooking on charcoal brings that smoky flavor to the food that we all like.
However, there is a difference when you prepare food on a cheap grill or a little more expensive one. The main difference is in the material quality and longevity of the device.
| Image | Title | Buy |
|---|---|---|
 | Z GRILLS ZPG-450A 2020 Upgrade Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker 6 in 1 BBQ Grill Auto Temperature Control, 450 sq in | Check Latest Price |
 | Dyna-Glo DGN576DNC-D Premium Charcoal Grill, Extra Large, Black | Check Latest Price |
 | Weber 18-inch Smokey Mountain Cooker, Charcoal Smoker | Check Latest Price |
 | Char-Griller E16620 Akorn Kamado Charcoal Grill, Graphite | Check Latest Price |
 | Royal Gourmet CC1830F Charcoal Grill with Offset Smoker, Black | Check Latest Price |
A good one will have a sturdy design, quality grates that won’t bend and will last for years.
So, if you want to have a model that you will be happy to use year after year, check the features, pros, and cons of the next devices.
Weber 15301001 Performer Charcoal Grill
- ★ULTIMATE 6-IN-1-- Barbecue wood fire pellet grill: bbq✓bake✓roast✓braise✓smoke✓grill
- ★PELLET GRILL TECHNOLOGY★FLAVOR--There just isn’t an easier way to get the flavor of wood smoked food than with a pellet grill. Try it, you’ll taste the difference from a GAS or CARBON grill ★ ACCURACY--Most stay within 10 degrees of the set temperature
- ★EFFICIENCY--You can cook for about 20 hours per 20 lbs. of pellets. When you do the math, you will find that pellet cooking typically costs less than a comparably sized GAS or CARBON grill.
- ★EASIER THAN YOU THOUGHT--One button starts up and temperature control eliminates starter fluid. No need to run to the local station to trade in your propane. ★EASY TO USE--Electronic AUTO-Start Ignition, Digital Auto Temperature Control
- ★2020 UPGRADE--Known Issues Fixed and More Precise Temperature Control and Pellet Feed Control System. The new upgrade digital control board auto ignites the grill and allows you to set the cooking temperature from 180°f to 450°f.
- ★AUTOMATED ELECTRIC FEED SYSTEM--Maintains the heat within 10 degrees of the set temperature for you from 180ºf to 450ºf and produce the optimal amount of smoke. Just set it and let it work: No more babysitting. Enjoy the cooking!
- ★EASY TO CLEAN--Special Designed Waste Oil Collector to assist you with safe and easy cleanup. ★EASY TO MOVE--Upgraded cart with locking caster wheels.
- ★HUGE GRILLING AREA--450 Square inches grilling area; 15-pound hopper capacity. Foldable working shelf; heavy duty all terrain wheels; rust proof cover & racks
- ★STAINLESS STEEL BUILT--High resistance to corrosion means a longer lasting grill, with a sleek and polished finish.
- ★US-BASED Brand and Customer Service--Manufacture 30-days refund/replacement and 3 year , please see the PDF file in & Support part for details.
When talking about the best charcoal grills under 300 dollars, this one is definitely one on top of the list. With all the amazing features it offers, this is not really surprising.
Impressive design
First of all, the design of this model is very impressive that it has not changed in a lot over the years. The circular shape makes a convection grill setting.
The big space and outstanding venting let it smoke easily and effectively, which makes it one of the most affordable grills on the market.
Cooking surface
Its dimensions are 43.5 x 29 x 42 inches and it weighs 66.2 pounds. The Weber Original Kettle features a 363 square-inch cooking surface.
It has a grate that is compatible with GBS inserts and is hinged so you can easily add charcoal while cooking. You can slide the lid into the Tuck-Away lid holder on the side of the unit to avoid placing it on the ground.
Other features
It offers a factory assembled stainless steel, One-Touch cleaning system, a cooking grate, as well as a detachable high-capacity ashtray to make food preparation a lot easier.
With dumpers, you will be able to control the heat like a pro.
Porcelain-enameled lid and bowl will also help you to have a consistent temperature within the grill for even cooking. You won’t experience rusting, cracking, or peeling of the color with this one.
Its built-in cover thermometer lets you monitor the temperature of the unit and the bowl handle has an assimilated tool hook for simple and convenient storage.
The device has tool hooks for hanging grilling tools, such as a spatula and tongs. With a side table, you will have an extra workspace.
It features 8-inch rubber-molded wheels and shield heat handles that make the usability of the device even greater.
Check Reviews On AmazonDyna-Glo DGN576SNC-D Dual Zone Premium Charcoal Grill
- Primary cooking area is 576 square inches
- Secondary cooking area is 240 square inches
- TOTAL cooking area is 816 square inches
- Protect your grill with a custom-fit Dyna-Glo premium cover - Model DG576CC (Sold Separately)
Dyna-Glo is one of the bigger names when it comes to grills that run on charcoal, so seeing this brand in this list should not come as surprise.
The DGN576DNC model offers different designs and features of a regular gas-powered model.
Large cooking area
Its dimensions are 60.22 x 50.51 x 28.16 inches and it weighs 112 pounds. It features 576 square inches of primary cooking surface and 240 square inches of secondary cooking area (total 816 sq inches).
The cooking space is big enough for you to prepare 30 burgers at the same time and a cover that has a temperature meter.
Cooking experience
You will be able to use a single or dual cooking zone due to a removable firebox divider. The two charcoal trays adjust separately to provide flexibility with cooking temperature.
It offers extra working areas on the sides and a little basket below for storage. And to make it even easier for you, you can easily move it with built-in caster wheels.
With this model, you will be able to minimize heat loss and improve the burn effect of the briquettes due to the lid and front firebox that are double-walled. Clean-up is easy because it features the high capacity ash pan.
Check Reviews On AmazonWeber Smokey Mountain Cooker 18-Inch Charcoal Smoker
- Material Type: Steel
- The Weber Smokey Mountain charcoal smoker helps you achieve an authentic smokehouse flavor at home
- It can accommodate a whole turkey and an entire ham at the same time. Item weight- 39.1 pounds
- Made of porcelain-enameled steel, this smoker comes with 2 nickel-plated 18-1/2-inch-wide cooking grates
- Includes a water pan, thermometer, individual vents on bowl and lid, and heat-resistant nylon handle
Giving a total of 481 square inches cooking area, this unit is perfect for big groups or family. Its dimensions are 19” x 21” x 41” and it weighs 39.10 pounds.
It has two nickel-plated cooking grates with a width of 18 ½”. So, you are certain to have enough space to prepare many burgers at the same time.
The built-in thermometer
You will love the built-in thermometer. Keeping track of the charcoal grill’s temperature wasn’t easy at all. Due to its built-in thermometer, you can assure that it’s not only easy to use but also durable.
This thermometer helps you monitor the temperature when your food is getting smoked within. The device can reach approximately 190°F inside temperature.
Grills the most tender and juicy meat
The grill has plated steel cooking grates and rust-resistant metal legs. If you like adding moisture to your food, then you will like this one.
It has a porcelain-enameled water pan that will add liquid or moisture to your meat that will make it tender.
Check Reviews On AmazonChar-Griller 1224 Smokin Pro 830 Square Inch Charcoal Grill with Side Fire Box
- 314 square inches of primary cooking space, warming rack 133 square inches for a total of 447 square inches
- Assembled Dimensions: 45 L x 31 W x 47 H | Weight: 97.0 lb
- Insulated design means more heat uses less charcoal and less airflow means insulated heat for juicy meat and folding side shelves
- Cooking surface is cast iron, Body is constructed of 22 gauge steel, Exterior finish is powder coated steel, Interior finish is porcelain coated steel
- Cart is constructed of tubular steel w/rubber wheels, locking caster on front, Indexed damper is numbered so you can note the position of the damper
- Features Locking Lid, 2 folding black metal shelves, Easy dump ash pan, Double wall insulation, Heat gauge
Char-Griller 1224 Smokin Pro is a traditional charcoal grill offset smoker that uses a horizontal drum as its main cooking chamber. It is perfect for backyard barbecuing and smoking.
One of the favorite features about the Smokin Pro is that the side fire chamber could be taken off and used as a steadfast tabletop unit.
Cooking surface
Its dimensions are 62″ X 29″ X 50″ and it weighs 146 pounds. It has good quality, powder-covered steel, and has a big cooking surface of 830 square inches when the side box is included.
250 square inch side firebox will serve you for charcoal grilling or smoking.
Other features
The device has removable nonstick cast-iron grates for even cooking. It comes with removable charcoal draws that let you add briquettes and easily dump ashes. This model features a double bottom for long-term durability.
It comes with a temperature gauge, storage rack, easy dump ash pan, and 2 wheels for easy transport. You can adjust the fire grate to have a low, medium, or warm heat for preparing your favorite dishes.
A simple design
This unit has a very simple and straightforward design and is ideal for some simple modifications to make it an excellent offset smoker.
So, if you are searching for a good outdoor cooking device that will enable you to have a Texas-style barbecue then the Char-Griller 1224 is worth checking out.
Check Reviews On AmazonRoyal Gourmet CC1830F Charcoal Grill with Offset Smoker
- Assembling easily, adopt new process,the paint on the burn box wont flake.total 800 sq inches cooking surface, 438 sq inches of main chamber, 1/4” diameter porcelain steel cooking grates; 179 sq inches for chrome warming rack; offset smoker provides extra 183 sq inches cooking area with porcelain steel cooking grates.
- Combination offset smoker, good for smoker and heating, side door for easy adding charcoal, air vent grants better air flow.
- Heavy duty lid, with professional thermometer, big stack and cool-touch spring handle. Adjustable damper for better air flowing.
- Big capacity charcoal pan, contains 5 lbs charcoal at once; lifting handles adjust the height of the charcoal for better heating
- Steel mesh front table and bottom shelf, provide plenty of working and storage space, very easy to clean up.
With this device you will be able to smoke, barbecuing and grilling at the same time if you want.
This unit with offset smoker measures 45.3 x 26.8 x 48 inches and weighs 57 pounds. It is made of stainless steel and comes in black color.
The color won’t peel off because of the heat. This model has 800 sq inches of cooking area, 438 sq inches of the main chamber, 179 sq inches for chrome warming rack as a secondary cooking area, and the offset smoker that provides extra 183 sq inches of grilling space.
Cooking features
The grill grates are made from porcelain steel material and have 1/4” diameter. It has a side door for easy briquette filling, air vent grants better airflow.
The model has a heavy-duty lid, a professional thermometer, a big stack, and a cool-touch spring handle. An adjustable dumper allows you to adjust the airflow.
The charcoal pan is big as it can handle 5 lbs of briquettes at once. You won’t experience problems with heating since it has handles that can be lifted to adjust the height.
It is easy to clean, has a steel mesh front table and bottom shelf, and provides plenty of working and storage space. This is a good family grill that holds heat well and heats up pretty evenly and quickly.
Check Reviews On AmazonWhat is charcoal grilling?
There are a lot of ways in which food can be grilled. The most popular method of barbecuing food is using charcoal briquettes.
This type of cooking is the process where food and meat are prepared by placing lumps and briquettes underneath the surface. When heat is applied to the briquettes, they turn red and start grilling the meat placed on top of it.
Charcoal grills have been customized and modernized. Usually, wire meshes and nets are used to place the food underneath the briquettes.
You have a lot of ways in which food can be cooked using this type of cooking device. Read on to know and find out about these cooking devices in use, their aspects, and the way they help to tenderize the meat.
Different types of charcoal grills
Do you know which types of charcoal grills do you have as an option? These ones come in different shapes, grilling sources, and features. Feel free to look at the most popular ones.
What is a pellet grill?
The pellet grill is composed of small lumps or pellets of charcoal placed in the container underneath the wire mesh.
The temperature is controlled electrically and the charcoal is lit up automatically through heat applied by an ignitor. The base of the unit is fed with pellets of briquettes which keep the temperature running.
What is a kettle grill?
One of the classic grills is the kettle grill. This type consists of a kettle like a container that holds the charcoal and the meat.
It has a lid for covering the surface of the unit, an inner chamber, a wire mesh for placing the meat on, a venting chamber, and legs to support the entire contraption.
The kettle unit is one of the most successful designs incorporating briquettes to date as the heat is spread evenly on the entire grid. This makes the meat cook faster.
What is a tandoor?
A tandoor oven is also a type of a charcoal grill in which the food is placed inside a mud oven. Fire is applied to the wood or coal present in the bottom of the oven.
Long skewers are kept on the cooking device with the meat hanging on top of it.
Food gets prepared very fast. This method involves cooking and grilling at very high temperatures. A lot of Indian, Pakistani, Iranian dishes are made this way, and some of the dishes have been named after its usage.
Click here to see how a man is preparing Tandoori Chicken in his homemade tandoor.
What is a brazier grill?
The most simple form and the easiest to set up and use is the brazier grill. It consists of a wire mesh and a metal container beneath it which is used to place the briquettes.
The container gets heated manually and the briquettes underneath turn red. Heat application to the food is adjusted by manually moving the wire mesh which has a handle fixed to it, up or down.
What is the best charcoal grill for the money?
I showed you which cooking devices that run on charcoal are worth buying. For $300 you can get a quality and sturdy unit that you will be able to use year after year if you maintain it properly.
When looking on the list of the best ones, consider the cooking surface, for how many people you intend to cook, material, heat control, cleaning options, and user experience.
Are charcoal grills better than other types?
It depends on what you are looking for. Charcoal grilling has its advantages as it produces juicy and tasty dishes in a natural way. The flavor of the grilled food is better than cooking on a gas or electric models, that’s for sure.
However, if you want to prepare food fast, gas and electric cooking devices win over charcoal. It takes time to let the briquettes burn to produce the heat you want.
At gas and electric grilling, you have the desired heat in a matter of seconds.
What should I look for in a charcoal grill?
These are very popular with giant retail stores like Amazon and Walmart stocking up on its numbers when holidays are coming. Customers worldwide prefer them also because they are easily available in different designs.
When shopping for one, there are certain things that you need to keep in mind. You should consider its size, the desired temperature to be attained, and the nature of meat to be used.
These factors are just some that you need to be careful with when shopping for a charcoal unit.
Today we have a lot of variations of them, and technology is gradually allowing for an easier and satisfactory cooking experience.
Grilled food is considered a delicacy in some parts of the world. The tantalizing aroma of it is one to be savored and cherished.
Is grilling healthier than frying?
The process of grilling involves applying dry heat to the food surface from either over it or below. The food gets cooked faster and is generally healthier than other forms of food preparation like frying.
It doesn’t make the food greasy. There is no question of excess oil and other unwanted substances in the food.
Grilling as a healthy cooking method
Grilling poultry and other meat are generally preferred over cooking, as studies and research have shown that cooking meat produces a lot of harmful carcinogens which can lead to deadly diseases and also cancer.
The process of grilling food is done by placing the food item on a grilling device of wire mesh. Heat is applied from below it or over it.
What are the other advantages of a charcoal grill?
Nowadays modern grills provide heat from both sides which helps to prepare the food faster. Also, grilling food, especially meat, produces a unique aroma to the food and renders it delicious.
More and more people are opting to buy these ones for their homes and restaurants. Grilled meat is being used everywhere, from burgers to hot dogs, pizzas, risottos, steaks.
Are charcoal grills hard to use?
I shouldn’t say they are hard to use but you will have to practice cooking with them.
When you will grill on the device several times you will master lightning the briquettes, cooking, and heat control.
So, my final answer is no, they are not hard to use when you know how they work.
Grill on charcoal
Recent studies have indicated that when you grill food, you are saving yourself from the harmful carcinogens generated from cooking on a regular pan. Therefore grilling is a safer alternative and definitely better.
This guide helped you to find the best charcoal grill under $300 and develop the idea about outdoor cooking and the types that exist. All spare parts are available in the market in case you need to change them.
Special types of briquettes, which light up easily are being manufactured to help ease the process of grilling and making it faster (instead of waiting for the wood to burn off).
Grills are definitely a healthier alternative for your home when it comes to food, so you should endeavor to go ahead and use one. Get yourself a good charcoal unit and prepare yourself for an exhilarating and unforgettable experience.
