Charcoal grills give you more control over your cooking process so you can cook your food the way you want. Charcoal being an inexpensive fuel source also gives your food a beautiful, smokey flavor, so you can cook great tasting food outdoors even on a budget.
Comparison table
| Product | Cooking space | Amazon link |
|---|---|---|
| Weber original kettle 18” charcoal grill | 240 sq. feet | Amazon |
| PK grills original PK grill & smoker | 310 sq. feet | Amazon |
| PK grill PK360 grill and smoker | 360 sq. feet | Amazon |
Best charcoal grills under $1000 Review
Weber original kettle 18” charcoal grill
- The Weber Original Charcoal Grill has a durable-plated, steel cooking grate, crafted from premium steel for enhanced durability; Cooking grate offers a resilient surface that stands up to the demands of frequent grilling
- Durability and Flavor Retention: Porcelain-enameled lid and bowl are engineered to withstand high temperatures and retain heat; Bowl and lid combination on outdoor grill and BBQ resist rust and won't peel
- Easy Ash Cleanup: The One-Touch cleaning system included in the black charcoal grill has an aluminized steel ash catcher, allowing for efficient removal of ash from the bottom of the grill and ensuring longevity and resistance to corrosion
An affordable grill made with a lid and bowl made from porcelain-enamel to retain heat for even cooking, durable and easy to clean cooking grate, and a rust-resistant ash catcher. The built-in thermometer and damper on the lid monitor and adjust the temps inside. The angled lid hook allows you to hang the top of the grill on the side.
Pros
- Classic, compact design
- Easy to clean ash catcher
- Can add more coal without removing the grate
Cons
- Small cooking space
PK grills original PK grill & smoker
- PORTABLE BBQ GRILL AND SMOKER - The PK360 Grill & Smoker is just that! The 4-point venting system allows for hot and fast one zone cooking for steak, chicken or hamburgers. Craving brisket? Easily adjust the vents for two zone cooking to smoke ribs, pork butt or brisket. Grill and smoker for outdoors features the best-in-class thermometer from Tel-Tru, accurate to +/- 1%.
- FOUR POINT VENTING SYSTEM – This portable charcoal grill excels at both low and slow; or hot and fast barbecue grilling. Unique capsule shape with four vents for heat control. This premium meat smoker is perfect for charred meats, burgers, brisket, ribs and steak. Ideal for both direct and indirect cooking methods. A unique ash management solution controls ash within the cook chamber for easy clean-up and disposal.
- CAST ALUMINIUM CAPSULE DESIGN - Superior, rust proof, thick cast aluminum barbecue grill distributes heat evenly and 4x faster than steel, giving you the perfect cook every time. Capsule volume: 5374 cubic inches. All PK grills are exceptionally durable, built to cook, and built to last. Join the PK legacy and have this heirloom for generations to come.
The perfect grill for cooking using both high temps and low-slow cooking methods. It has a unique shape and 4 steam vents that allow for good airflow and temp control, perfect for grilling and smoking food. It has over 305 sq. feet of cooking space and 2 work shelves where you can prep your food. The rectangular shape provides a lot of cooking area and even coal distribution.
Pros
- Great heat retention and control
- Easy setup
- Sturdy construction
Cons
- No ash catcher
PK grill PK360 grill and smoker
- PORTABLE BBQ GRILL AND SMOKER - The PK360 Grill & Smoker is just that! The 4-point venting system allows for hot and fast one zone cooking for steak, chicken or hamburgers. Craving brisket? Easily adjust the vents for two zone cooking to smoke ribs, pork butt or brisket. Grill and smoker for outdoors features the best-in-class thermometer from Tel-Tru, accurate to +/- 1%.
- FOUR POINT VENTING SYSTEM – This portable charcoal grill excels at both low and slow; or hot and fast barbecue grilling. Unique capsule shape with four vents for heat control. This premium meat smoker is perfect for charred meats, burgers, brisket, ribs and steak. Ideal for both direct and indirect cooking methods. A unique ash management solution controls ash within the cook chamber for easy clean-up and disposal.
- CAST ALUMINIUM CAPSULE DESIGN - Superior, rust proof, thick cast aluminum barbecue grill distributes heat evenly and 4x faster than steel, giving you the perfect cook every time. Capsule volume: 5374 cubic inches. All PK grills are exceptionally durable, built to cook, and built to last. Join the PK legacy and have this heirloom for generations to come.
A grill with a unique capsule shape with 4 points of ventilation that make it perfect for quick, hot, and slow cooking. The 4 vents combined with its unique shape makes it ideal for 2-zone cooking. The unique, durable, black shelves are weather-resistant and are removable.
Pros
- Durable aluminum construction
- 2-zones heat system
- Durable food prep shelves
Cons
- No fire bowl divider
Factors to consider when buying a charcoal grill
Size
Consider how many people you’ll be serving daily and the cooking space you have in your home. Remember smaller grills are more portable than larger ones in case you need to move your grill.
Grill quality
Charcoal grills are meant for the outdoors, so you need a grill that will last in all weather. Most grills are made from a wide range of materials including cast iron, metals, stainless steel, enamels, and porcelain-coated.
Unique features
Some grills come with special features like a built-in thermometer, a 2 in 1 grill and smoker, side prep tables, or easy clean ash catchers.
Conclusion
There are many charcoal grills under $1000 in the market and Weber original kettle 18” charcoal grill is an affordable grill that you can use to cook all types of food with a great smokey flavor.
FAQ
Is charcoal grill better than gas?
A charcoal grill is much cheaper than a gas grill and is more portable. Charcoal also burns hotter than gas, but you can use vents to control the temps inside the grill.
Does charcoal grilling taste better?
The drippings from your meat evaporate and rise back into your meat giving it a very wonderful and smokey flavor.