Food grilled over charcoal, fresh from the grill, is unquestionably something special. Meat, Poultry, vegetables—all these flavors are enhanced by a good charcoal grill. In addition to cost, many people opt for Best Charcoal Grills Under 200 because their food is prepared on them. These foods tend to have a distinct taste and texture because of their smoky flavor, and also have a juicy texture.
Nevertheless, out of the many choices of best charcoal grills under $200 available on the market in the present day, it can be hard to decide which one to buy, especially if one has a limited budget.
How to choose a charcoal grill?
Several manufacturers sell inexpensive charcoal grills, but it might be better to invest in a high-quality grill that costs somewhere between $100 and $200.
The best way to choose between kettle-style grills, cart-style grills, combo grills, and Kamados is to compare them to each other. Any kitchen appliance can set the tone for how your family will use it.
In addition, you need to determine the frequency of cooking, the kitchen environment that you intend to cook in primarily, the number of guests you plan to serve frequently, and, of course, the amount of space in your backyard, patio, or deck.
Smaller grills usually resemble kettles, though they may also be large enough to feed half a campsite when used properly. These BBQ grills are considered more traditional and are easy to transport, install, and clean.
This type is distinguished by detachable charcoal boxes beneath the firebox, tall metal or ceramic lids, and air vents.
Generally speaking, the cart grills which are typically larger in size are better suited for parties because they have extended cooking surfaces, built-in smokers, and side tables.
Although they require more space, they also come in compact designs and with caster wheels, so you may be able to carry them while camping in your car or tailgating as well, though you will have to reassemble them on-site.
A charcoal grill can do just as well as a coal grill, although combo grills or Kamado-style grills may not be favored by charcoal grill purists. Combi grills can serve as well for those who like a variety of meats.
Best Charcoal Grills Under $ 200– Reviews
It’s great to find that top-tier manufacturers offer the Best Charcoal Grills for Under $ 200 without cutting down on quality.
As the name suggests, the Weber Original Kettle Premium is a symbol of tradition and quality that would satisfy all lovers of charcoal grilling. This classic apple-shaped charcoal grill offers a balanced combination of smart design and increased functionality, with an emphasis on portable dimensions and griddle space.
At approximately 22.5 inches in width, this spacious Weber grill offers an impressive griddle for a model in its class and reaches a total of 363 square inches. At maximum capacity, the racks can hold up to 13 extra-large burgers at one time.
The efficiency of this grill is further enhanced by its heat control system, which allows you to adjust temperatures during cooking via the position of the flaps. In addition, the hinged design of the plated steel grate allows you to manipulate the charcoal while cooking, increasing the overall performance.
The actual fuel grate, which contains charcoal, absorbs significant heat, allowing you to expand your cooking techniques and even prepare meals using indirect grilling.
With its high lid, the combustion chamber creates ideal conditions in the chamber, which is especially important for smoking your food.
With its protective layer coated with anti-rust porcelain, the firebox can withstand high temperatures for a long time, so that the beautiful obsidian color of the grill does not peel off so easily.
It’s also extremely easy to clean the grill tray with the one-touch cleaning system that lets you easily empty the charcoal bin.
In addition to the utensil hooks for your cooking utensils, the grill has a special cooker for the firebox lid so you can hold it to the side of the grill instead of resting it on the floor. The lid handle is also insulated to prevent injury from heat.
The assembly is mounted on three legs, two of which are equipped with portable steering wheels to make any type of transport less strenuous. Joining the legs is a rubbed bottom shelf that provides balance but can also be used for storage.
This traditional Royal Gourmet smoking grill combination is an ideal cooking station for the garden or camping, especially for large gatherings.
The CC1830S runs on charcoal and is reinforced with durable materials. It offers a very large kitchen area and a well integrated smoking area.
This Charcoal Royal Gourmet is a dual style grill with a large cooking surface and flexible design. It’s a great addition to any garden, porch, patio, or campsite.
Equipped with two convenient wheels, the entire unit is easier to move from place to place despite its impressive dimensions and party-friendly.
The cooking surface measures a total of 800 square inches and is 438 square inches for the main grate area, 179 square inches for the additional swivel base for the heater, and 183 square inches for the smoker offset on the left side of the stove. area of the grid, but the grill can be used as an additional cooking zone.
Thanks to its easily removable pan, the grill allows faster and easier cleaning after each cooking. You can simply remove the pan and dispose of the accumulated charcoal ash in a few simple steps.
You can also better control your cooking temperatures by adjusting the charcoal tray while cooking.
Charcoal is also the recommended fuel for the side smoker, whether in the form of lumps or briquette charcoal. Any type of wood chips or pellets can also be used for smoking.
All main racks have undergone the additional porcelain coating process so you can be sure all food particles are easy to clean up after every meal.
The black coated grill can handle temperatures up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and lasts much longer than normal models with a protective coating.
Other functional upgrades include the lid thermometer, side door to place charcoal and vent, fireplace, heat-resistant handle, lower storage compartment and utensil hooks. The device needs to be assembled, although it is also very simple in itself.
Cuisinart, a leading manufacturer of kitchen utensils and cooking appliances, offers sustainably constructed and smartly designed products at affordable prices.
The CCG-190RB charcoal barbecue is no exception, but a clear example of how the high-quality company holds up and combines exceptional portability with consistent performance.
This portable charcoal barbecue is only 14.5 inches in diameter and 15 inches in height. This makes it the perfect choice for road trips, car camping, and even hiking. Since it only weighs around 2 pounds, it can easily be carried in a backpack or trunk and easily set up on almost any more or less flat surface.
While the grill is designed to be as compact as possible, it still offers an impressive 150 square inch cooking surface that can be used to grill various types of meats, burgers and vegetables for the whole family or even for camping or camping. tailgate parties.
The chrome grille distributes heat evenly to every corner of the rack, not to mention it’s incredibly sturdy and easy to maintain. The firebox itself comes with an additional layer of protective enamel for better heat resistance.
In addition, the grill has a system with double ventilation slots that allow a more precise adjustment of the heat during cooking.
There’s also the convenience of the removable pan that collects the ashes, as well as the protective tabs on the lid to enhance safe reading when moving the grill or installing it.
Smaller dimensions suit the type of cooking on the go
Works for camping and tailgating
Can be placed almost anywhere
Properties:
Plate cooking cast of 153 square inches
20.5 “x 21.5” x 25.3 “
37 pounds of weight
2 air shutters
Dark red exterior in kamado style
Known for its wide range of household appliances, Char-Griller lives up to its reputation with this one-of-a-kind Kamado-style charcoal barbecue. Although it looks like a traditional ceramic grill, the E06614 is actually a steel charcoal grill with improved insulation and temperature retention.
One of the main advantages of this steel grid is its lightweight construction and some durability of the material. Not only is it lighter and cheaper than ceramic grills, but it also reaches equally high temperatures with less fuel.
This heat saving, which corresponds to that of ceramic grills, is made possible by the triple-walled steel insulation of this robust but mobile model.
It also has two flexible louvers – one at the top and one at the bottom, which you can use to control the intensity of the heat while cooking.
Thanks to the complex adjustment capacity of its flaps, the grill is able to create a number of open and closed combinations that determine the cooking conditions and allow you, depending on the position of the steamer, to smoke food, properly grill tender white meat, ribs and burgers. , cook poultry, fry red meat like pork or beef and sauté even juicy stakes.
Another great addition is the grill ash collection pan, which is designed to make routine cleaning faster and messier. The egg-shaped grill also has two handles for portability and a neat hinged lid that allows you to lock in and adjust the fuel while cooking.
A thermometer has been attached to the top of the lid to help monitor internal temperatures.
Portable and compact, but suitable for large groups
High combustion chamber with side shelves
Two durable wheels
Storage compartment under the combustion chamber
Properties:
Plate Cooking 250 square inches
1 side table
31 “x 21” x 44 “
50 pounds of weight
The E1515 Patio Pro is a version of classic barbecue sets of Char-Broil and offers a barbecue experience ultimate with charcoal at lower prices, without compromising durability or quality of materials.
This patio grill is extremely portable and has room for cooking capacity. It takes up little space compared to its grid size and is ideal for small backyards, verandas, balconies and car suitcases.
The table cooking has 250 square inches has a grill on top of 44-inch legs with two wheels for better mobility increased. The grates are made of cast iron and prove to be strong and incredibly heat resistant, while the rest of the grill’s reinforced steel base ensures that heat is well retained throughout the cooking process.
There is a compact wooden prep table to the left and an easily accessible charcoal drawer to the right of the combustion chamber for better fuel control. Plus, you can continuously determine the heat intensity via the integrated ventilation slots, while the charcoal tray can be easily removed and emptied after each session.
While this grill is handy for small spaces, it can still hold a whole turkey for a smoke or grill burgers for the whole family at once. In addition to the high lid design, the handle is made of wood to prevent burns. So you can check the preparation of the meat at any time.
The combustion chamber has a side door for faster fuel adjustment
High cover and extra large rust protection grid
Separate smoker
Serves large crowds
Superior fuel control
Properties:
800 square inches of barbecue or smoking area
1 offset smoker
45.3 “x 26.8” x 48 “
57 pounds in weight
In many ways, resembles the CC1830F, the aforementioned Royal Gourmet Double Grill and offers more cooking options, adding an offset smoker and the main cooking surface with the extra extended heat rack, which adds up to a total of 800 square inches of cooking surface.
This generous grill gives you plenty of cooking space, including the 438-inch square main grill, 179-square-inch collapsible heat shelf, and 183-square-inch smoker’s side.
What sets this model apart, however, is the lack of a side table, but the convenient addition of a two-level charcoal bin that lets you adjust the height you want for fuel for more control. precise of the amount of heat. .
Another feature that allows you to adjust the heat is the built-in vent, which controls allowing and limiting the flow of air between the firebox and the outside area. By setting the flaps to different settings, you can create ideal conditions for different types of food.
The large charcoal bowl, which can hold up to 5 pounds of fuel, and the main grate are both covered by the domed lid with a touch-proof spring-loaded handle and heat indicator external which allows you to check internal temperatures without losing any. heat or smoke.
And of course, the side smoker is connected to the main grill, which has plenty of space on its special grill and its own bowls for charcoal and wood chips. The grill is also equipped with two wheels and a sturdy steel floor in which you can store utensils and cooking utensils.
Blackstone is known for producing high quality gas grill stations and is not afraid of grills combined with different energy sources. The Blackstone 1819 combines a classic propane-powered burner grill surface with a charcoal-powered grill grate, so you can use different cooking techniques at the same time.
This combo grill station is a perfect solution for those who enjoy grilling and grilling alike and prefer to cook both types in their own backyard. Made of sturdy powder-coated black steel, the unit is large enough to host an entire party without affecting your patio or patio space.
The area of the grill is fueled with charcoal and measure 16 x 15.75 inches , or about 252 inches square of cooking surface grated , which is enough to accommodate many burgers and vegetables at a time. On the side of this section, you’ll see a quick access side door to adjust the charcoal for more granular heat control while cooking.
When it comes to the cooking section, the surface is traditionally cold rolled steel which, with the right amount of seasoning, wonderfully enhances the flavor of any meal.
The frying pan measures 17 inches long and 15.7 inches wide, giving you a total of about 267 square inches of yields. Equipped with a single stainless steel burner, the grill plate runs on propane and can be adjusted using the heat control knob on the front panel.
Although there is no cover that would form a classic shaped firebox, the combi grill generates enough heat to cook any type of food thoroughly and efficiently.
In addition to useful upgrades such as the rear grease management system, utensil hooks and a lower storage compartment, this Blackstone has two wheels that improve portability so you can easily transport the entire set.
Types of Charcoal Grills:
There are ten different types of charcoal grills. Those are:
Brazier: This is the simplest and most affordable type of grill. It has a metal plate and a cooking pan with charcoal and the heat is regulated manually by raising or lowering the cooking grid. However, it does not have a cover or ventilation system.
Grill pellets: The pellet grill is the type of grill as complete as it can be used as a smokehouse and grill. This type of grill is powered by hardwood pellets made from sawdust and vegetable oil which are loaded into the hopper and directed into the firebox. The main advantage of the pellet grill is its versatile temperature, which is controlled by a thermostat.
Shichirin: Shichirin is a traditional Japanese cookware set that uses the heat of the charcoal. These are made of aluminum or cast iron and are used in the teppanyaki style. These are also known as hibachi (traditional Japanese heater).
It is similar to the brazier style to regulate the heat by moving the grill up and down and does not include a cover, while some types may include a ventilation system to control the heat. Due to their small size, they are very mobile and are often used by travelers worldwide.
Kettle: This is the most marketed grill and considered a classic American design invented by George Stephen in 1951. This one has a cover that cooks the charcoal grates, ventilation system and legs. Some models also have wheels and ash collectors. The lower coal chamber is shaped like a cauldron, hence its name.
Barrel: The grill barrel takes its name from the standard fifty-five-gallon barrel which is cut in half, with the lower half holding the cooking and charcoal grates and the upper half forming the lid. Vents are cut in the upper and lower halves of the cylinder to control airflow. This is the most primitive form of the grill and, like the kettle grill, is the best for grilling.
Ceramic cooker: Shichirin, the traditional Japanese grill, was originally made of ceramic because it stores heat more efficiently than others and is therefore very suitable for smoking, grilling and grilling. The stoves ceramic existed for 3000 years, but the new models have been influenced by the mushikamado , now commonly called the kamado.
Oven Tandoor: The tandoor is also an infrared grill and oven. It is mainly used to cook Indian, Iranian, Pakistani, and Naan dishes. In the oven, the charcoal is laid and knocked into the ground and other items are placed on skewers and exposed to the direct infrared heat and temperature of the oven. Because it can reach high temperatures, it can cook meat faster than others.
Portable Charcoal: As the name suggests, this is the most portable type of charcoal barbecue, usually rectangular in shape that fits in the trunk of the car. This technically falls under the category of braziers or kettle grills. There are models with or without cover and ventilation systems.
Portable Backpack Grids: Super light and easy to carry in a backpack, giving it the name of Backpack Grid. There are variations in the backpack grids and in general, the backpack comes with the grid.
Let’s take a look at the 10 best charcoal grills. Before we go into detail, just watch the instructional video for tips on how to grill charcoal, which are very helpful for beginners.
How do you use a charcoal grill?
Clean the grates and remove the ashes from the last meal
Determine the amount of charcoal needed. One layer is ideal for burgers and steaks. If you’re cooking something that takes longer to cook, like roast or chicken, you’ll need two layers.
Heat the charcoal. There are different options like fireplace starters, bio fire starters, electric charcoal grill starters.
Before putting food on the grill, make sure the coals are hot. Lumpy charcoal is similar to hard charcoal with little smoke, while briquettes start to turn white and gray. Distribute the coals evenly over the grill box with long-handled tongs.
Lightly oil the grill with cooking oil and a brush
If your grill has temperature control, set the desired temperature or adjust the temperature by opening and closing the ventilation slots. If your grill has a lid, open it to increase the heat or close it to dampen the heat and create more radiant heat so you can cook faster.
When you’re done, close the vents and scrub the grill with a brush while they’re still hot. Close the lid and let the coals slowly go out.
How to light a charcoal grill?
a) Fireplace starter: This is a metal cylinder that you fill with charcoal. Add a newspaper to the bottom and light in several places to ignite the charcoal. Give it ten minutes and when you see flames at the top, carefully pour the charcoal into the grilling drum, adding additional charcoal if needed.
b) Organic Fire Stater: These are all natural cubes that are easily flammable. Place it between the charcoal and just turn it on and let it heat the charcoal.
c) Electric Charcoal Grill Starter: Just insert the electric starter buried in the charcoal and turn it on. Wait for it to turn red and the charcoal to heat up. It’s a great way to safely light coals.
d) Lighter Liquid: Assemble the charcoal in a pyramid shape so that it lights up slightly when they are together. Read the instructions on the lighter liquid and pour them into the charcoal pyramid. Never use the liquid on a hot fire or elsewhere.
Charcoal Grill or Gas Grill
When it comes to grilling, the biggest debate is gas versus charcoal.
Gas grill: One of the advantages of a gas grill is without doubt the speed. You can turn it on, instantly have a hot surface. Turning it off will cool it down much faster. You can control the temperature much more finely. Increase or decrease the flames to increase or decrease the heat depending on what you are cooking and what your needs are. It burns much cleaner without smoke.
Charcoal BBQ : Many people say that charcoal has drawbacks and sometimes its true. You’ll need to do something with the ashes when you’re done. There is also a potential fire hazard if the coals fall.
Despite these drawbacks, cooking on a charcoal grill has many advantages. You can move the coals and cook with zone heating. You can also add wood chips if you need more smoke for flavor, and a charcoal grill (can go up to 1000 degrees) gets much hotter than a gas grill (550 degrees).
If you have the right kind of charcoal and the right kind of meat that’s actually hot enough to cook straight over the charcoal, and you can’t do that with the gas grill.
Why Do You Prefer Charcoal for Grilling?
There is a taste problem because if you have a gas grill you only taste the meat, there is no charcoal flavor.
Charcoal outshines the gas grill with a very distinct flavor it gives when meat is cooked, and that’s what people generally think of when we talk about grilling. You don’t get that with gas, but you get the charcoal as it is cooked on the fire, but the taste is not the same.
If that’s not for you, you’d rather taste a steak like a steak, get yourself a gas grill, but when you’ve got a little extra time and you’re ready to clean up and be creative with the taste, go for it. for charcoal. grill.
Tips for Using A Charcoal Grill for The First Time?
Choosing the Grill: Well, gas grills are easier to use, but they can never replicate the smoky taste of a charcoal grill. If you are a beginner, it is advisable to go with a little classic like Weber Smokey Joe as it can be used in the apartment or in the small backyard. Don’t be overwhelmed by the range of models available in the market.
Equipment: The main equipment for grilling is long tongs. In addition to this cleaning brush, a long-handled spatula, a stapling brush and a wire basket for grilling vegetables, fish and aluminum foil.
Type of Charcoal: There are only two types of charcoal for lumps and briquettes. Lumpy coal burns cleaner and hotter while producing less ash. However, briquettes are cheaper and burn longer, but are less pure with sawdust and additives like vegetable oil. If you want to save money, get the briquettes, or want the taste , choose the charcoal method as the briquettes will not taste the same as the briquette.
Lighting: There are several ways to turn on the fire. Lighter fire fireplace firelighters bio, electric starter, and a grill lighter fluid. So practice what is easy for you. However, the lighter liquid is generally not recommended as it harms the environment and changes the taste.
Adjusting the heat: It is very important to know the heat. The easiest and easiest way is to use the manual counting method. If you can hold your hand an inch above the grill for six seconds, it will be medium, medium high for four seconds, and high for two seconds.
Move the charcoal around to adjust the temperature by spreading it out to cool and stacking up like a pyramid to build up heat. Even knowing how direct and indirect heat works, you will significantly improve your skills.
The other part of perfect cooking is choosing meats that are one to two inches thick. Make sure the cut is clean (like marble) and avoid any extra grease to prevent outbreaks.
When to cook: The time required for cooking always depends on the type and cut of meat, the amount of heat and individual preferences, whether you like it infrequently or medium in size. Timing can only be perfected by trial and error.
What’s the Best Way to Start a Charcoal Grill?
If this is your first time using a charcoal grill, you might be looking for the best way to light a charcoal grill. There are many ways to light a charcoal barbecue. However, we will focus on the best ways to light a charcoal barbecue. Go over the following points and find out what is the easiest way to start your grill.
Method 1:
Step 1: Take the charcoal tray and arrange the coals very close together. After arranging them, put them on the grill.
Step 2: Now light a match or two and bring them near the edge of the coal. Therefore, do not throw matches between piles of coal at random, as this can lead to uneven heating.
Step 3: Once all the coals are on fire, you can start grilling.
Conclusion: This process is inexpensive, but takes a little time. Therefore, it takes about 10 to 15 minutes to light all the coals. If you have a large charcoal bin, it can take up to 20 minutes.
Method 2: Lighter Liquid
Step 1: As in Method 1, arrange the coals close together or arrange them in a pyramid structure.
Step 2: the time to pour over the lighter coals. Pour the liquid evenly, including the sides and top. Then let the liquid sit for 2-3 minutes.
Step 3: Bring up the coals with a match and let the fire spread to each individual coals. As soon as the color of the coals changes from black to white-gray, you can start toasting.
Bottom Line: This process is a bit quick and all you have to do is light a charcoal grill with a match. It’s a bit dangerous, however, as lighter fluids are involved. Be careful not to accidentally spill lighter fluid on yourself. Also, do not pour lighter fluid when the coals are burning.
Method 3: Charcoal Fireplace
Step 1: Fill the top grate of the fireplace with charcoal.
Step 2: Roll up small pieces of newspaper and stuff them into small holes at the bottom of the fireplace. So, make sure there is a small part of the newspaper outside the hole as you will need it to light it. If you have hard charcoal, you can use it instead of the newspaper. Or you can just use both if you want.
Step 3: Now carefully light some newspaper or hard charcoal with a match or lighter. After that, wait for the charcoal to burn and change its color to white-gray.
Step 4: Gently lift the chimney and pour the charcoal directly onto the grill. If the coals do not spread out properly, you can use pliers to lay them out. Finally, place the grid on the grill and start cooking.
Conclusion: This method is dangerous and should be done with great care. For safety reasons, you can use heat resistant rubber gloves.
Best Charcoal for Grilling
It is important to choose the best charcoal for grilling as it will ultimately result in perfect cooking. In addition, good charcoal burns for a long time. This saves charcoal and eliminates the need to refill the charcoal grate during cooking. Here are some of the best pieces of charcoal for grilling. Check them out for the best cooking experience.
Jealous Devil: The company offers 100% natural charcoal. And because of its 100% purity, this piece is ideal for any kamado grill or kooker.
Original Natural Charcoal: The name itself shows that the product is 100% natural. And in fact, everything is natural, organic and chemical free. A unique blend of apple, cherry and oak trees also gives the meat a delicious taste.
Cowboy: Cowboy offers a total of 3 packs of charcoal. And they offer a mix of small and large antlers. Therefore, large pieces of wood are the best for creating a smoky taste.
Weber: If you like the sweet and smoky taste, then this is the best product for you. Weber offers pieces of applewood that give the meat a subtle and sweet taste. You also have a choice of different sizes.
How do I clean a charcoal grill?
Cleaning the charcoal grill ensures a long life for the appliance and makes it hygienic for future use. If you’ve been using your grill for a long time, you’ll need to clean it properly for the best results. Cleaning a charcoal grill is very easy and only takes 10 minutes for a thorough cleaning. So, follow the steps below to properly clean a charcoal grill.
First, take all necessary cleaning supplies with you, such as gloves, foil, a brush, and paper bags.
Then remove the cooking and grill grid and scrub it with a grill brush. This removes all dirt and deposits on the grill surface.
The next step is to make a medium sized ball out of aluminum foil. After making a ball, rub it against the surfaces of the grill. This, in turn, will help remove small debris from the grill surface.
Now empty the remaining ashes into the ash pan. All of the products in our top charcoal grill reviews feature renowned charcoal ashtrays. This in turn makes it easier to clean the device.
Collect any remaining charcoal in disposable paper or plastic bags. And one last time, use a grill brush to remove any residue from the bottom of the grill.
Once you have finished cleaning a charcoal grill, return all the grates to their respective places.
Kind Note: After cleaning the charcoal grill, use an oil brush to apply oil to the grates.
This prevents food from sticking to the grill. And if possible, reapply oil to scrub before you start cooking. It will also reduce the likelihood of food sticking to the grill.
So, you have a great cooking experience with your best charcoal grill.
Conclusion
As you can see, there is a wide variety of grills to choose from at almost any price point. Whatever your budget, chances are you can find a grill that will meet your needs.
If the budget isn’t that important, the freedom to choose your grill based only on the features that best suit your needs gives you plenty of options, whether you’re looking for something portable or a massive grill that can cook up to 30 burgers at that time. You can find the best charcoal grill that will suit your needs perfectly.
