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Best Cast Iron Charcoal Grills of 2026

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Bryan Hicks

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Cast iron charcoal grills are a popular choice for outdoor cooking enthusiasts. These grills are known for their durability and ability to retain heat, making them ideal for cooking up everything from burgers and hot dogs to steaks and vegetables. Cast iron grills are also great for searing meats and creating a delicious crust. Plus, they are easy to clean and maintain, ensuring that they will last for years to come. Whether you are a seasoned griller or just starting out, a cast iron charcoal grill is a must-have for any backyard barbecue.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Top 10 Cast Iron Charcoal Grills

#TOP 1

Weber Original Kettle 22-Inch Charcoal Grill

Weber Original Kettle 22-Inch Charcoal Grill Cover

Weber Original Kettle Charcoal Grill for Outdoor Cooking and Barbecue, 22-Inch, Black

The Weber Original Kettle 22-Inch Charcoal Grill is built to last with its ultra-durable, porcelain-enameled lid and bowl that retain heat and won't rust or peel. The dampers allow for precise temperature control, and the One-Touch cleaning system makes ash cleanup hassle-free. With a capacity to hold up to 13 burgers, you can grill for the whole family. Plus, the lid hook provides convenience by avoiding placing the lid on the ground while grilling. Assembly is made easy with the 3D interactive instructions available through the free BILT app.

9.9
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Large cooking surface
  • Easy heat control
  • Simple cleaning system
  • Sturdy construction
  • Great smoky flavor
#TOP 2

Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill, 22-Inch

  • Weber
  • 14401001
  • Black
  • 22 inch
Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill, 22-Inch Cover

Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill, 22-Inch, Black

The Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill is designed to cook up to 13 burgers at a time, and comes with a built-in lid thermometer and rust-resistant aluminum dampers. The One-Touch cleaning system with high-capacity ash catcher provides hassle-free ash cleanup, while the porcelain-enameled lid and bowl retain heat and won't rust or peel. Additionally, this grill features a hinged cooking grate for easily adding charcoal while grilling, and a lid hook to avoid placing the lid on the ground.

9.8
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Easy assembly process
  • Classic, timeless design
  • Versatile cooking options
  • Affordable entry cost
  • Durable and long-lasting

Royal Gourmet CC1830S 30" Charcoal Grill and Offset Smoker

Royal Gourmet CC1830S 30" Charcoal Grill and Offset Smoker Cover

Royal Gourmet CC1830S BBQ Charcoal Grill and Offset Smoker | 823 Square Inch cooking surface, Outdoor for Camping | Black

The Royal Gourmet CC1830S 30" Charcoal Grill and Offset Smoker is perfect for outdoor camping. It offers an 811 square inch cooking surface, which includes 443 sq. in. porcelain-enameled steel wire cooking grates, 184 sq. in. chrome-plated warming rack and 184 sq. in. offset smoker. The offset smoker is securely attached to the grill, ensuring good circulation of heat and smoke. The adjustable pan offers 2-level height-adjustable charcoal pan for better heat control, while the lid-mounted thermometer gauge helps check and monitor the cooking temperature. With front and side tables, and a bottom shelf for extra storage space, this grill offers ample workspace for seasonings and grilling tools.

9.6
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Affordable price
  • Sturdy construction
  • Generous accessories
  • Multiple grilling areas
  • Easy to assemble
#TOP 4

DNKMOR Charcoal Grill with Side Table

DNKMOR Charcoal Grill with Side Table Cover

Charcoal Grill Outdoor BBQ Grill, Barrel Charcoal Grills with Side Table, with Nearly 500 Sq.In. Cooking Grid Area, Outdoor Backyard Camping Picnics, Patio and Parties, Black

The DNKMOR Charcoal Grill offers a spacious cooking area of approximately 500 square inches, perfect for hosting large gatherings. Its enamel-coated grilling racks and chrome-plated warming rack are designed for high-temperature cooking and are easy to clean, making your grilling experience hassle-free. The built-in lid thermometer allows you to keep an eye on the cooking temperature, while the adjustable charcoal pan gives you control over the heat levels. Additionally, with its two wheels and side handle, moving the grill is a breeze, and the side table provides ample space for your grilling essentials.

9.4
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Spacious grilling area
  • Easy assembly and setup
  • Durable construction
  • Perfect for small spaces
  • Maintains heat well

Gas One Charcoal Grill - Portable and Compact with 3-Point Locking Lid

  • Gas One
  • CG-14
  • 14 Inch (Diameter)
Gas One Charcoal Grill - Portable and Compact with 3-Point Locking Lid Cover

Gas One – 14-inch Portable Barbecue Grill with 3-Point Locking Lid for Heat Preservation – Dual Venting System – Small Charcoal Grill for Backyard, Camping, Boat

The Gas One Charcoal Grill is a portable and compact barbecue grill perfect for backyard, camping or boat trips. It has a 14-inch/150-square inch cooking surface that ensures even heat distribution and uniform cooking. The 3-point locking lid traps heat and cooks your food uniformly like in a smoker or oven. Its dual ventilation system provides a constant air flow to keep the fire going and ensure optimal temperature for perfect cooking. The grill also features an ash catcher that prevents any mess around the grilling area.

9.4
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Portable and lightweight
  • Easy assembly and cleaning
  • Even heating
  • Affordable price
  • Good for small groups
#TOP 6

Royal Gourmet CC1830 30 Barrel Charcoal Grill

Royal Gourmet CC1830 30 Barrel Charcoal Grill Cover

Royal Gourmet CC1830 30 Inch Barrel Charcoal Grill with Warming Rack, Outdoor BBQ Grill with 627 Sq. In. Grilling Space for Backyard, Patio and Parties, Black

The Royal Gourmet Charcoal Grill is a great option for outdoor cooking. With 627 square inches of smoking space, you can cook a lot of food at once. The height-adjustable fire pan can hold up to 6 lbs of coal, giving you more control over the heat. The side air vent can be closed to help extinguish coals and the smoke stack can be adjusted for extra heat control. The lid-mounted thermometer gauge helps you check heat fluctuations for confident grilling. Cleaning up is also a breeze thanks to the removable charcoal pan. Overall, the Royal Gourmet Charcoal Grill is a versatile and practical choice for your backyard, patio, and parties.

9.2
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Spacious cooking area
  • Sturdy construction
  • Easy assembly
  • Good temperature control
  • Simple cleanup
#TOP 7

Cuisinart Portable Charcoal Grill

Cuisinart Portable Charcoal Grill Cover

Cuisinart 14" Portable Charcoal Grill, Tabletop Outdoor Small Grill with Locking Lid and Dual Vents, Chrome Plated Travel Size BBQ Perfect for Camping, Tailgates, Cookouts, Red

The Cuisinart Portable Charcoal Grill is a durable and portable solution for on-the-go grilling needs. It features a 196-square-inch chrome plated cooking rack that distributes heat evenly and efficiently. The dual venting system helps control the temperature, allowing you to cook slow and low or up at searing hot temperatures. This grill is compact and lightweight, making it easy to transport to decks, patios, balconies, camping, and tailgating. It also features three secure lid locks for easy and safe transport, and a mess-free ash catcher for convenience.

9.0
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Compact and portable design
  • Durable build quality
  • Easy assembly and cleaning
  • Locks securely for transport
  • Fits multiple portions
#TOP 8

Char-Griller® AKORN® Jr. Portable Kamado Charcoal Grill and Smoker with Cast Iron Grates and Locking Lid

Char-Griller® AKORN® Jr. Portable Kamado Charcoal Grill and Smoker with Cast Iron Grates and Locking Lid Cover

Char-Griller® AKORN® Jr. Portable Kamado Charcoal Grill and Smoker with Cast Iron Grates and Locking Lid with 155 Cooking Square Inches in Ash, Model E86714

Features

  • Easy Mobility
  • Easy Dump Ash Pan
  • Triple Wall Steel
8.8
FTB Score
#TOP 9

Royal Gourmet 30 Barrel Charcoal Grill

Royal Gourmet 30 Barrel Charcoal Grill Cover

Royal Gourmet CC1830V 30 Barrel Charcoal Grill with Wood-Painted Side Front Table, 627 Square Inches Cooking Space, for Outdoor Backyard, Patio and Parties, Black

The Royal Gourmet 30 Barrel Charcoal Grill offers 627 square inches of cooking space with porcelain-enameled steel wire cooking grates and chrome-plated steel wire warming rack. The side air vent can be closed to cut off oxygen flow and adjust the smoke stack for extra heat control. The adjustable fire grates offer two different heights to control the distance between charcoal and food, while the lid-mounted gauge helps to monitor the inner temperature. The fire grate is easy to dump, allowing for quick and mess-free cleanup after cooking.

8.6
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Easy assembly
  • Good heat control
  • Sturdy construction
  • Reasonable price
  • Spacious grilling area
#TOP 10

Char-Griller E1515 Patio Pro Charcoal Grill

Char-Griller E1515 Patio Pro Charcoal Grill Cover

Char-Griller® Patio Pro Charcoal Grill and Smoker with Cast Iron Grates, Premium Wood Shelf and Damper Control, 250 Cooking Square Inches in Black, Model E1515

The Char-Griller E1515 Patio Pro Charcoal Grill is the perfect solution for small decks, backyards, and patios. With its heavy-duty steel construction and powder coating finish, this barrel style BBQ grill is built to last. Its 250 square inch total cooking area allows you to cook up exceptional tasting meals with charcoal flavor. This grill features thick cast iron cooking grates, a bottom storage rack, side air vent, stay-cool wood handle, wheels for easy mobility, and a side shelf workstation with barbecue tool storage hooks. The grill is easy to assemble and clean, thanks to its easy dump ash pan.

8.5
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Heavy-duty steel construction for durability
  • Large cooking area for exceptional taste and charcoal flavor
  • Side shelf workstation with barbecue tool storage hooks for convenience
  • Easy to assemble and clean with the easy dump ash pan
  • Wheels for easy mobility

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can cast iron be used on a charcoal grill?

And yes, this is our solution. Cast iron works on the grill just like it does on your kitchen's stovetop: Place it directly on your grill's grates and let it get ripping hot.

2. Is grilling on cast iron better?

Whether a high direct heat or a low indirect heat, placing a cast iron pan on the grill provides the space to safely hold these more troublesome foods. This is also a perfect solution for grill items that might need a sauce.

3. How often should you replace cast iron grill grates?

A porcelain grill grate, it will last between 5 to 10 years before replacement is needed. Steel grill grates are made of heavy-duty materials and will last over 15 years before replacement is needed. With proper oiling and cleaning, cast iron grill grates could last 20 years and beyond.

4. How much does a cast iron grill cost?

Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Reversible Grill/Griddle With Handles, 20 Inch x 10.5 Inch - One trayDyna-Glo DGN576Expert Grill EG24Landmann Cast Iron BBQ 0630Dyna-Glo DGN405Lodge 12 in. Portable Cast Iron Kickoff Charcoal Grill in BlackChar-Griller E1515 Patio Pro Charcoal Grill - Black - 21"Char-Griller Super ProChar-Griller WranglerKitchenAid 810-0021 Charcoal GrillCast Iron Charcoal GrillLodge Cast Iron Sportsman's Grill. Large Charcoal Hibachi-Style Grill for...Char-Griller Pro DeluxeLodge Sportsman Cast Iron Bbq Grill Discontinued In Box Last ChanceSon Of Hibachi Mr. Flame625 Sq Steel Portable Cast Iron Charcoal Bbq Grill With AdjustableBruntmor Pre-Seasoned Hibachi-Style Portable Cast Iron Charcoal Rectangle BBQ Grill, 14 inch x 12 inch Grilling SurfaceChar-Griller Akorn Kamado Jr Kooker Charcoal GrillChar-Broil 16302039Nexgrill 810-0025

Editor's Notes

During our cast iron charcoal grill research, we found 24 cast iron charcoal grill products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 253,859 customer reviews through our big data system to write the cast iron charcoal grills list. We found that most customers choose cast iron charcoal grills with an average price of $113.73.

The cast iron charcoal grills are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of cast iron charcoal grills, including Weber, Royal Gourmet, DNKMOR, Gas One, Cuisinart. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by

Bryan Hicks Avatar

Bryan Hicks

Bryan Hicks is a professional gardener and a writer who lives in North Texas with his family and his dog. Bryan has spent more than half of his life surrounded by garden products. He has extensive experience in garden makeovers and maintenance and lawn care. His areas of expertise include outdoor decoration, gardening and garden design.