Best Char-Griller Grills for Every Cookout

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Best Char-Griller Grills for Every Cookout

The best Char-Griller grill depends on your cookout size and whether you want charcoal, gas, or both: choose a kettle for a small, simple setup; a barrel for larger charcoal cooks; a kamado for versatile, fuel-efficient cooking; or a dual-fuel model when you want charcoal flavor and gas convenience.

Choose by cooking area and fuel

Cooking area is a useful starting point, but it doesn’t tell the whole story. A kettle’s circular grate may fit fewer large cuts than a similarly sized rectangular grate, while a barrel’s extra rack can make it easier to cook several foods at once. The figures below are approximate; configurations and specifications can vary by model year, so check the current product details before buying.

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#1 Pick

Char-Griller AKORN 20-Inch Kamado Charcoal Grill and Smoker, Triple-Wall Insulated Steel with Cast Iron Grates, Warming Rack and EasyDump Ash Pan, 445 Sq. In. Cooking Area, Graphite

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#2 Pick

Char-Griller® Dual-Function 2-Burner 24,000 BTU Propane Gas and Charcoal Combination Grill and Smoker with 870 Cooking Square Inches in Black, Model E5030

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#3 Pick

Char-Griller®Smokin Pro Charcoal Grill and Offset Smoker with Side Fire Box, Dual Damper Control, Chrome Plated Steel Warming Rack, 1,130 Cooking Square Inches in Black, Model CG30044223

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#4 Pick

Char-Griller CG30040725 22-inch Kettle Charcoal Grill and Smoker – Steel, Black – 363 sq. in. Cooking Area

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“Total” area may combine primary cooking grates and warming racks. Don’t compare that figure directly with a model’s primary grate area: upper racks are useful for buns and finished food, but they don’t replace the hotter, more accessible main grate.

Best picks by cookout size and style

For a compact charcoal setup: AKORN Jr.

The AKORN Jr. is a practical choice when storage space is tight or you usually cook for one to three people. Its 153 square inches can handle a modest batch of burgers or a smaller roast, but it leaves little room for separate direct- and indirect-heat zones. It’s a kamado-style cooker, so its insulated body holds heat more effectively than a thin-walled open grill. That helps with longer cooks, but the small grate makes it less suited to hosting.

For simple, occasional grilling: Kettle Charcoal Grill

Choose the Char-Griller kettle if you want a familiar charcoal layout without a large barrel grill taking over the patio. Around 250 square inches is generally enough for a small household meal. The kettle’s rounded shape makes it easy to bank coals to one side for a basic two-zone setup: sear over the coals, then move food to the cooler side to finish. Its open, relatively simple design is easier to understand than a kamado, though it typically needs more attention to airflow and charcoal replenishment on long cooks.

For more grate space in a smaller footprint: Patio Pro

The Patio Pro offers about 250 square inches in a barrel-style layout. Its rectangular grate suits foods arranged in rows, and the side firebox provides a place to manage charcoal away from the main cooking area. It’s a good match for cooks who want a more traditional barrel configuration but don’t need a full-size grill. Check the usable grate dimensions, not just the area: long items such as ribs or vegetables may fit differently than they do on a round kettle.

For a family grill that can smoke: AKORN

The full-size AKORN’s roughly 447 square inches gives you a more workable main cooking area than the Jr. while retaining the kamado’s heat-holding advantage. It suits households that grill regularly and want to try roasting or low-and-slow barbecue without buying a separate smoker. Kamados reward careful vent adjustment: make small changes, then give the temperature time to respond. Opening the lid repeatedly can release heat and disrupt a long cook.

For a bigger charcoal crowd: Super Pro

The Super Pro barrel grill’s approximately 850 square inches of total cooking space is a stronger fit for larger gatherings. The main grate handles the active cooking; the warming rack helps keep cooked food or buns out of the way. Its larger fire and open barrel format can use more charcoal than a compact kettle, especially in cold or windy conditions. If you only cook for a couple of people most of the time, the extra capacity may mean more fuel and cleanup than you need.

For convenience plus charcoal flavor: Duo

A Char-Griller Duo combines propane burners with a charcoal side, with approximately 1,260 square inches of total cooking area depending on configuration. It’s the most flexible pick here when guests arrive at different times: use gas for quick, controlled cooking and charcoal when you have time to build a fire. The trade-off is a larger, more complex appliance. You’ll maintain two fuel systems, and the quoted total area shouldn’t be mistaken for one uninterrupted grate.

Make the decision using your real cooking load

• Mostly two or three diners: Start with the AKORN Jr., kettle, or Patio Pro. Pick the kamado for heat retention, the kettle for a straightforward charcoal layout, or the Patio Pro for a rectangular grate and barrel format.
• Family meals plus occasional barbecue: The AKORN offers a balance of usable space and versatility if you’re comfortable learning vent control.
• Regular parties: The Super Pro provides more charcoal cooking capacity; the Duo is better if some meals need to be ready quickly or guests prefer different cooking styles.
• Limited storage or a small patio: Measure the grill’s full footprint, including handles and any side shelves, and leave room to open the lid. Cooking-area square inches don’t indicate how much floor space the unit needs.
• Infrequent use: Favor a simpler model that’s easy to move and clean. A large grill can be less convenient if it takes more fuel and time to set up than the meal warrants.

Ownership details that matter after the first cook

Charcoal grills need ash removal and occasional grate cleaning; kamados also need careful vent management. Let ash cool completely before emptying it, and keep vents clear so airflow remains predictable. Grease and food residue should be removed regularly because buildup can cause flare-ups and make later cleanup harder.

On any steel grill, the finish and exposed metal are vulnerable to weather and neglected moisture. A fitted cover helps, but cover only after the grill is fully cool and dry. Inspect fasteners, hinges, handles, and the cooking grate periodically. Grates and exterior finishes are typical wear points; replacement parts and availability can differ by model, so check that parts support before purchase if you expect frequent use.

Kamado ceramic or insulated construction helps retain heat, but it does not make the grill immune to damage. Avoid sudden temperature shocks and don’t force the lid shut. For barrel and kettle models, avoid piling lit charcoal against painted surfaces or leaving ash trapped in the fire area, where moisture can accelerate corrosion.

Bottom line

For a small charcoal cookout, choose the kettle or Patio Pro; for compact heat retention, choose the AKORN Jr. The full-size AKORN is the most versatile charcoal option for family grilling and slower cooks, while the Super Pro makes more sense when you need substantial charcoal capacity. Choose the Duo if having both propane and charcoal is worth the extra space and upkeep. Match the grill to the meals you cook most often—not just the largest gathering you host once a year.