Best Charcoal Grill Under $300: Top 8 Favorite Brands

Charcoal cooks your meat faster than wood!

My husband and I love flame-kissed vegetables, fruits, and steaks. But I was always concerned about the HCAs and phenolic compounds entering my food from smoke.

My friends and colleagues always raved about their charcoal grills, and I couldn’t resist following the lead.

Panic alert: how and where to buy the best charcoal grill under $300?

Why charcoal grills are overly hyped?

Grilled foods get exposed to flame and produce various carcinogenic compounds (primarily when the wood is used). To avoid this hazard, you should minimize the grilling time.

Charcoal grilling adds delicious woody flavors to meat and reduces the cooking time. It also keeps the meat tender and juicy. Moreover, you get better control over the temperature and texture of your grilled food.

After long hours of struggle and research each day, I succeeded in buying the best charcoal grill under $300. And I am proud of this smart choice.

Buying the best charcoal grill under $300 means:

• No gas leakage
• Greater capacity
• Efficient firebox
• Charcoal trays
• Ash catcher
• Affordable and long-lasting

I’m not a huge fan of buying fancy and expensive products. So, keeping the budget constraint in mind, I have picked the best charcoal grills under $300 in 2022.

#1 Cuisinart Portable BBQ Charcoal Grill

The Cuisinart CCG190RB is not only my favorite but also one of the best charcoal grill under $300 because of its portability and price. It is a 14″ portable charcoal grill with a 2-piece grilling system.

It has a large cooking surface that can accommodate food up to 14″ x 14″ x 15″.

Besides, it has a quick heating firebox and ash-catcher, which means an ash-free grilling experience.

It also comes with a stainless steel nonstick grilling plate for easy cleaning. The plate is built with a porcelain enamel coating that won’t rust or corrode even after use.

Cuisinart CCG190RB has an adjustable temperature regulator that works well in different cooking conditions. It carries a handle on the top for easy transportation and storage and is convenient for hanging on hooks inside the house or garage.

I love this product because it provides longevity due to its stainless steel body and porcelain-coated grilling plate. Compared to other charcoal grills, this one lasts longer without rusting or corroding in time due to its nonstick design and porcelain enamel coating. You can also buy replacement parts easily when needed by following the manufacturer’s manual (included in the box). Its small size but excellent capacity makes it perfect for outdoor parties and family picnics.

#2 Weber Premium Charcoal Grill

The Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill has a large cooking surface of 22 inches and weighs about 32.3 pounds. This charcoal grill has a stainless steel firebox and an adjustable Ash Catcher.

I love its design because it is elementary and graceful. Its handle is comfortable to hold for long hours of grilling. The grill has an innovative ash catcher that keeps the ashes from falling down in the food.

The lid comes with a sturdy handle, making it easier to lift or move from one place to another. This charcoal grill also comes with a side table that can hold additional food items like meat, potatoes, burgers, etc. It also has wheels for easy transportation.

I am happy to have bought this product because I am confident about its performance and quality over time.

This charcoal grill is perfect for outdoor cooking because it is rust-free and weather-resistant! This charcoal grill is made of stainless steel, which can be used in any weather condition without worrying about rust damage or corrosion issues. Considering it as best charcoal grill under $300 you can never go wrong with its great features!

The firebox provides maximum heat distribution from one side of the grate to another to help you cook more food at once! It works great for small parties as well as large gatherings.

#3 Oklahoma Joe’s Portable Charcoal Grill

Oklahoma Joe’s Rambler Black Portable Charcoal Grill is an affordable charcoal grill that offers you unparalleled performance.

The grill is well built and highly durable that’s why this is one of the best charcoal grill under $300. It’s made up of heavy-duty steel with a rust-resistant black finish.

The construction is simple but effective. The lid is firmly attached to the main body with screws, making it easy to clean and maintain.

It has a large cooking area of 218 sq., which is enough for most grilling needs, i.e., cooking 10 burgers at once. The cooking surface can be easily adjusted using the side handles.

I love that it comes with larger air dampers for controlling airflow so you can have a mess-free grilling experience. The temperature gauge on the lid

helps monitor the temperature and adjust it as per your need.

The heat distribution is excellent, so all the burgers are cooked evenly on both sides. The flame is controlled with an easy-to-use adjustable lid, making it easier to use without getting your hands dirty.

The ash catcher keeps your grill clean and prevents ashes from falling into your food or onto your food when using the lid for smoking.

It comes with an adjustable charcoal tray that can be oriented in 3 dimensions using handles. This setting makes the grill easy to move around and clean up after the grilling session.

#4 Char-Broil American Gourmet Offset Smoker

I love this 3-in-1 offset smoker, BBQ, and grill machine. The gadget is versatile and long-lasting because it is made of heavy-duty steel and has a porcelain enamel coating. The enormous main chamber is 290 square inches, spacious enough to cook 18 burgers at once. Meanwhile, the 140 sq. firebox provides plenty of room for perfect grilling.

The temperature gauge on the lid and multiple dampers assist in a comfortable temperature and smoke control. The porcelain-coated grilling grates are easy to clean and won’t rust or corrode.

The side shelves are also helpful for storing utensils, sauces, and other accessories.

#5 Royal Gourmet Charcoal Grill Offset Smoker

The Royal Gourmet CC1830SC Charcoal Grill Offset Smoker is an offset smoker with a porcelain-coated cooking grate for easy cleaning. 

It has heavy-duty steel construction for durability and easy assembly. The offset smoker attached to the grill ensures proper circulation of air and smoke.

The adjustable (2-level height) charcoal trays/pans ensure proper heat control and can store up to 4.4 lbs. of coal. 

The swing-away warming rack retains the flavors and texture of food by keeping it warm for longer. The smoker is fitted with a side door for easy access, and the bottom shelf can be used to cook food.

The Royal Gourmet CC1830SC Charcoal Grill Offset Smoker features rust-resistant powder-coated steel construction. It comes with a cover to protect the smoker from dust and other elements.

This charcoal Grill Offset Smoker is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts who love barbecuing and smoking. It is excellent for camping, tailgating, picnics, and family gatherings because of its easily portable features. This smoker will make grilling easy, fun, and delicious!

#6 Fire Sense Notebook Charcoal Grill

Fire Sense 60508 Notebook Charcoal Grill is a portable charcoal grill that can be used to cook food on the go. It features a compact design (the notebook-style), making it easy to store and carry around.

The notebook-style charcoal grill features a porcelain-coated cooking grate for easy cleaning, heavy-duty steel construction for durability, and adjustable charcoal pans/trays to ensure proper heat control.

The compact grill offers a premium grilling experience with its 228 sq. inch surface. It can cook a large meal or 2 large steaks at once.

This portable grill is great for outdoor enthusiasts who love barbecuing and smoking, especially during camping trips, picnics, tailgating events, etc. It is also helpful in homes where space is limited.

#7 Isumer Portable Charcoal Grill

The triangle-shaped grill is exceptionally compact, lightweight, portable, and efficient. The 180 sq. inch chrome-plated racks provide enormous space for cooking and cleaning.

The grill is made of supreme quality steel that is rust-free and durable. The grill is highly durable and will last for a long time. The grill can be folded with the help of the included handle and tabletop, making it very portable.

The foldable tabletop can also be used as a serving platter or a tray to hold food while cooking.

The porcelain-enameled cooking system is excellent at heat retention and keeps food fresh for longer. The dampers adjust the temperature efficiently and circulate heat evenly.

The grill comes with a hinged lid that can be used as a support and avoid placing the grill directly on the surface. The lid can also protect the grill from rain, snow, or dust.

The easily portable charcoal grill is excellent for outdoor cooking and barbecuing. It is also effortless to clean and maintain. The rust-free steel lasts for years and will not rust or corrode easily. The grill includes a handle that makes it easy to carry around while camping, picnics, hiking, etc.

The foldable tabletop can also be used as a serving platter or a tray to hold food while cooking.

#8 Char-Griller Kamado Charcoal Grill

This grill meets all your grill and low heat/slow-cooking needs.

It’s perfect for outdoor cooking, camping, picnic, patio, and backyard cooking. The heavy-duty grill comprises powder-coated steel and cast iron handles that provide a stainless cooking environment for years.

The dual air vents provide a steady flow of air in the lid, and with the help of the dampers, it allows you to control the heat. The grill is also very easy to clean and maintain. It also has a temperature gauge, secured lid, and insulated handles. The high-quality construction material locks in temperature, moisture, and smoke that embeds authentic flavors in meat and other grilled items. The enormous cooking area and precise temperature control ensure perfect searing and no burnt marks.

Frequently asked question on best charcoal grills under $300

If you’re still confused and want some more insight on charcoal grills, this detailed user guide is for you. 

What are the parts of a charcoal grill?

There are several parts to a charcoal grill. The main body is called the firebox, which holds the charcoal and is responsible for heat retention. 

The firebox consists of two main components – a plate and a chimney. The plate is where the fire is started, and then it flows into the chimney, which directs the smoke out of your grill. 

You can also see two grates on either side of your grill called grilling grates or cooking grates. These grates help you to cook foods evenly by allowing air to circulate around them for even cooking. The lid can support your grill or as an extra cooking surface when you wish to cook on top of it and the main cooking surface below it.

How do I clean my charcoal grill?

You should always use mild soap/dishwashing detergent and warm water with a stiff brush or sponge (do not use metal scrubbers or abrasive sponges). You can also use a gentle wire brush for stubborn areas. Do not use harsh chemicals to clean your grill because they will damage the porcelain-enameled cooking system.

On average, how often should I clean my charcoal grill?

It is recommended that you clean your charcoal grill at least once a week to keep it in good condition. If you do not clean your charcoal grill, the smoke residue will eventually build up and cause your firebox to rust.

How many pounds of charcoal do I need for my charcoal grill?

You can find these instructions on the back of all charcoal grills or on their packaging. You will want to make sure you have enough charcoal to not run out while cooking since this would affect your heat retention and cooking results.

What is the best way to store my charcoal?

You should store your charcoal in an airtight container away from direct sunlight and humidity. This will help to keep it from moisture and burn effectively.

How do I get the last bits of food off my grill?

You should never scrape food off your grill by hand to prevent damage to your cooking surface. Instead, you should use a spatula or grill scraper explicitly made. When cleaning, you could also try using a nylon bristle brush on stubborn residue areas and a non-abrasive sponge to remove any remaining residue.

How to use a temperature gauge on charcoal grills?

Two different temperature gauges are mainly employed on charcoal grills: analog and digital. 

An analog gauge works like a thermometer, with a dial that reads off degrees. Digital gauges work like an oven thermometer by displaying the current temperature of your grill.

How do I keep my charcoal burning evenly?

You should always maintain even heat distribution across the charcoal grate when grilling to achieve consistent results when preparing food on your barbecue grill. To accomplish this, you should adjust the height of your charcoal grate to preheat your barbecue grill evenly.

What are some insane mistakes people make while cleaning their charcoal grills?

People make many common mistakes when cleaning their charcoal grills. The most common are:

• Using harsh chemicals such as ammonia or bleach instead of soap and warm water will damage the finish of your barbecue grate and cause it to rust.
• Although the hard-to-clean parts may need extensive cleaning, the rest of your grill can simply be wiped off using a damp cloth and allowed to air dry. If your charcoal grill does not have a hood, you should also wipe down any exposed parts with a damp cloth and allow it to air dry.

How do I use a thermometer on my charcoal grill?

You should never place a thermometer directly on your charcoal grate. Instead, you should place it in the center of your charcoal grate to ensure that the temperature of your grill is evenly distributed.

How do I season my charcoal grill?

If you are using new charcoal, you will need to season it before first use. 

To season your charcoal, follow these steps: 

• Lightly oil the grate of your barbecue grill using vegetable oil or olive oil. 
• Place one handful of briquettes on the grate and close the lid for 1 minute.
• Open the lid and remove briquettes. 
• Repeat step 2 until all of your briquettes have been used up or three or more full piles on the grate (1/2-inch in height). 
• Repeat step 3 once more if necessary as long as there are no signs of ash in between all of the layers (e.g., no ash balls). If you have over three piles on your fire, repeat steps 1 through 3 until all of your fuel is used up.

Conclusion

Don’t exceed your budget if you can buy the best at cheap prices. Before buying the best charcoal grill under $300 in 2022, you must know the pros and cons of each top-rated product. I hope this power-packed guideline has helped you a lot in making the right choice. If you still have any questions, feel free to comment and I’d love to respond.