The Best Charcoal Grills & Grilling Gear
Charcoal is more work than gas, and it's worth it — you can't fake that flavor. But you don't need a $1,500 setup. A classic kettle and four cheap tools will out-cook most fancy rigs. Here's exactly what to buy, in order of how much it matters.
| Pick | Type | Best for | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weber Original Kettle 22" | Charcoal grill | The do-it-all first grill | $$ | View → |
| Weber Master-Touch 22" | Charcoal grill | Upgrading for control | $$$ | View → |
| Chimney starter | Lighting tool | Lighting coals fast, no fluid | $ | View → |
| Instant-read thermometer | Thermometer | Never overcooking again | $$ | View → |
Price tiers are our rough guide ($ = budget, $$$ = premium); check Amazon for the current price.
Some links below are affiliate links — if you buy through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend gear we'd be glad to own ourselves.
The grill itself
A kettle grill is the right first charcoal grill for almost everyone — simple, durable, and good at both direct searing and low-and-slow.
Weber Original Kettle 22"
the one everyone recommends for a reason — it lasts decades and does everything a beginner needs.
Best for: your first charcoal grill
Check price on Amazon →Weber Master-Touch 22"
the upgrade pick — hinged grate, ash catcher, and a built-in lid thermometer make low-and-slow much easier.
Best for: more temperature control
Check price on Amazon →Budget portable charcoal grill
if you're tight on space or money, a small portable kettle still gives you real charcoal flavor.
Check price on Amazon →The four tools that actually matter
Skip the 20-piece gadget kits. These are the things you'll reach for every single cook.
Weber chimney starter
lights a full load of coals in ~15 minutes with newspaper and a match — no chemical taste, ever.
Best for: lighting coals with no lighter fluid
Check price on Amazon →Instant-read meat thermometer
the single best upgrade to your cooking — pull everything at the perfect temp instead of guessing.
Best for: never serving raw or dry meat
Check price on Amazon →Stainless grill tool set
a long spatula, tongs, and fork that keep your hands away from the heat — get one decent set and stop.
Check price on Amazon →Heat-resistant grill gloves
for moving the chimney, the grate, and the coals without a trip to urgent care.
Check price on Amazon →Frequently asked questions
Charcoal or gas grill — which should I buy?
Gas is faster and more convenient for weeknights; charcoal gives better flavor and higher heat for searing. If flavor is the priority and you don't mind 15 extra minutes, charcoal wins. Many people end up owning both eventually.
How do I light charcoal without lighter fluid?
Use a chimney starter. Stuff newspaper underneath, fill the top with charcoal, light the paper, and in about 15 minutes the coals are ashed over and ready. It's faster than fluid and leaves no chemical taste.
What's the one tool beginners skip that they shouldn't?
A good instant-read thermometer. It does more for your results than any fancy grill — it's the difference between perfectly cooked and dry-or-raw, every time.