When it comes to authentic BBQ flavour, nothing beats cooking over a charcoal grill. But with so many options available, choosing the right type of charcoal grill can be overwhelming—especially if you're new to grilling.
At Live2Grill, we’re passionate about helping you get the most out of your outdoor cooking experience. In this guide, we break down the different types of charcoal grills, their pros and cons, and how to choose the best one for your BBQ lifestyle.
1. Kettle Charcoal Grills
Best for: Beginners and casual grillers
The kettle grill is one of the most popular and widely used types of charcoal grills. Its classic round shape and domed lid make it ideal for both direct and indirect cooking.
Pros:
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Affordable and widely available
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Great heat control with adjustable vents
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Easy to move and clean
Cons:
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Smaller cooking surface
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May require practice to master temperature control
Popular Brands: Weber, Napoleon, Everdure
2. Barrel Charcoal Grills
Best for: Smoking enthusiasts and large families
Barrel grills resemble a cut-open steel drum and offer a large cooking area. Their horizontal design makes them ideal for low and slow cooking or cooking for a crowd.
Pros:
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Excellent for smoking and grilling large cuts of meat
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More space for cooking multiple items at once
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Some models come with a side firebox
Cons:
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Bulky and harder to move
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Can be more expensive
Great for: Ribs, brisket, pulled pork
3. Ceramic Kamado Grills
Best for: Versatile and high-performance cooking
Kamado grills are thick-walled ceramic grills that retain heat and moisture incredibly well. They excel at both high-heat searing and low-temperature smoking.
Pros:
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Superior temperature retention and control
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Great for grilling, smoking, baking, and even pizza
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Durable and weather-resistant
Cons:
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Heavy and not easily portable
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Higher price point
Popular Models: Big Green Egg, Kamado Joe
4. Portable Charcoal Grills
Best for: Camping, tailgating, and small balconies
Designed for convenience, portable grills are compact, lightweight, and easy to set up anywhere. Ideal for grillers on the go.
Pros:
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Lightweight and compact
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Quick to heat up and easy to clean
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Budget-friendly
Cons:
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Limited cooking surface
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Less precise heat control
Perfect for: Burgers, hot dogs, kebabs, camping meals
5. Built-In Charcoal Grills
Best for: Custom outdoor kitchens and serious BBQ lovers
These are designed to be permanently installed in an outdoor kitchen or patio setup. They offer a professional look and long-term durability.
Pros:
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Seamless integration with outdoor kitchens
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High-quality construction
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Excellent performance
Cons:
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Expensive installation
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Not portable
Which Charcoal Grill Is Right for You?
Here are a few questions to ask yourself before choosing:
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How often will you grill?
Occasional grillers may prefer a kettle or portable grill. -
Do you love low and slow BBQ?
A barrel or ceramic grill will serve you best. -
Is space a concern?
Opt for a portable or compact kettle grill. -
Do you want a full outdoor kitchen setup?
Consider investing in a built-in charcoal grill.
Final Thoughts
Every grill master has their own style, and your perfect charcoal grill depends on how and where you like to cook. No matter your choice, cooking with charcoal gives your food that unmatched smoky flavour that gas and electric grills just can’t replicate.
Ready to upgrade your grill game?
Check out our full selection of charcoal grills, reviews, and BBQ tips at https://live2grill.com.