Summer is here, and it’s time to elevate your outdoor cooking game! Nothing beats a charcoal grill for those who love the traditional smoky flavor of grilled food. But, with so many options available, finding the right one that fits your budget can be challenging. That’s why we’ve scoured the market and handpicked the top charcoal grills for under $100 just for you.
Our list features grills that deliver on quality, durability, affordability, and versatility, making them the perfect choice for grilling enthusiasts of all levels. Whether a seasoned grill master or just starting, prepare to cook up a storm and experience the joy of charcoal grilling with the best charcoal grills under $100.
Discovering the Magic of Charcoal Grilling
Charcoal grilling is a timeless cooking method that has been around for centuries and is still popular among outdoor enthusiasts. It’s no secret that people love charcoal grilling for its unique smoky flavor and versatility. This article will explore what makes charcoal grilling unique and why it is a favorite among foodies.
The Smoky Flavor
One of the biggest reasons people love charcoal grilling is the smoky flavor it imparts to food. Charcoal grilling creates a natural smoky flavor that enhances the taste of the food, making it truly unforgettable. Whether you’re grilling up juicy steaks or delicate vegetables, the smoky flavor from charcoal grilling can elevate your dishes to new heights.
Versatility
Another reason people love charcoal grilling is its versatility. Charcoal grills come in various sizes, shapes, and styles, making it easy to find the right one for your needs. Whether you’re cooking for a small family or a large gathering, a charcoal grill is perfect for you. You can also use charcoal grills for cooking a wide range of foods, including meats, vegetables, fruits, and even desserts.
Affordability
One of the best things about charcoal grilling is its affordability. Charcoal grills are generally much less expensive than gas grills, making them an excellent option for those on a budget. Plus, charcoal is relatively cheap and widely available, so you won’t have to break the bank to enjoy delicious grilled food all summer.
Charcoal grilling is a timeless cooking method that is a favorite among foodies. Its smoky flavor, versatility, and affordability make it an ideal choice for outdoor cooking enthusiasts. So why not discover the magic of charcoal grilling and experience why it’s so special?
The Best Charcoal Grills Under $100 – The Top Picks
Look no further for those seeking to elevate their grilling experience without incurring exorbitant expenses. This guide presents a curated selection of the finest charcoal grills in the market, each priced under one hundred dollars.
From design to cooking performance, value for money, and maintenance, our top picks have been rigorously evaluated and selected for their exceptional attributes. So, whether you’re an experienced grill master or simply seeking to enhance your culinary repertoire, this guide is here to help ignite your passion for charcoal grilling.
Are you looking for a portable, compact, and affordable charcoal grill? Look no further than the Weber Jumbo Joe Charcoal Grill 18 Inch Black. This grill packs a punch with its larger grilling area and convenient carry handle, making it perfect for weekend getaways, beach trips, or quick meals on your patio.
Here, we will dive into the features, benefits, and drawbacks of the Weber Jumbo Joe Charcoal Grill to help you make an informed decision. So fire up your grilling spirit, and let’s get started!
Specifications
- Brand: Weber
- Color: Black
- Weight: 17.41 pounds
- Fuel Type: Charcoal
- Finish Type: Painted
- Item Dimensions: 19.75 x 20.5 x 19.75 inches
- Warranty: 10, 5, or 2 years depending on the part
Why we picked this product over others?
We selected the Weber Jumbo Joe Charcoal Grill for its compact design, portability, and versatile cooking performance. This grill is perfect for those who want to enjoy the traditional flavor of charcoal grilling on the go or for small family gatherings. With its larger grilling area and convenient carry handle, you can easily take this grill with you on a weekend getaway or a lucky day at the beach.
Design and Cooking Performance
- The porcelain-enameled lid and bowl retain heat, won’t rust or peel, and are durable for long-term use.
- Dampers allow for easy temperature control inside the grill, allowing you to cook various dishes precisely.
- The Tuck-N-Carry lid lock doubles as a lid holder, which avoids placing the lid on the ground and prevents contamination.
- With a larger grilling area, you can cook up to 8 burgers made with a Weber burger press, making it ideal for small family gatherings.
Cleaning and Maintenance
- The porcelain-enameled surface makes cleaning easy and prevents food from sticking to the grates.
- The compact design of the Jumbo Joe makes it easy to clean and maintain, even after several uses.
Value for Money
- The Jumbo Joe Charcoal Grill offers excellent value for money with its compact design, versatility, and premium features.
- The portability and larger grilling area make it an excellent choice for those who want to enjoy the traditional flavor of charcoal grilling on the go.
What We Love
- Compact and portable design
- Durable porcelain-enameled surface
- Easy temperature control
- Larger grilling area
- Tuck-N-Carry lid lock doubles as a lid holder
- Good value for money
What We Don’t
- The compact size may not be suitable for large family gatherings
- Some users may find the dampers challenging to control
Expert Opinion
In conclusion, the Weber Jumbo Joe Charcoal Grill is an excellent option for those who want to enjoy the traditional flavor of charcoal grilling on the go. Its compact design, portability, and versatile cooking performance make it perfect for small family gatherings or lucky days at the beach.
The porcelain-enameled surface, easy temperature control, and larger grilling area make it an excellent choice for those looking for premium features at an affordable price. Overall, this grill is an ideal investment for any griller who wants to experience the magic of charcoal grilling.
Intro Grill up a delicious meal no matter where you are with the Smokey Joe portable charcoal grill from Weber. This lightweight and compact design are perfect for grilling on the go, whether at the beach, on a road trip, or just hanging out with friends.
Specifications
- Brand: Weber
- Special Feature: Adjustable Air Vent
- Color: Black
- Fuel Type: Charcoal
- Recommended Uses For Product: Outdoor
- Dimensions: Lid closed 17 H x 14.2 W x 14.5 D inches
- Cooking Grate Material: Durable Plated Steel
- Cooks up to 5 burgers made with a Weber burger press
Why did we pick this product over others?
Design
- Compact and lightweight for grilling on the go H4:
- Durable plated steel cooking grate
- Porcelain-enameled lid and bowl retain heat and won’t rust or peel
Cooking Performance
- Easily control the temperature inside your grill with an adjustable air vent
- Porcelain-enameled lid and bowl retain heat, ensuring consistent cooking
Cleaning and Maintenance
- Plated steel cooking grate is easy to clean
- Porcelain-enameled lid and bowl are rust and peel-resistant for long-lasting use.
Value for Money
- Affordable and high-quality portable charcoal grill from a trusted brand
- 3D interactive assembly instructions available through the free BILT app
What We Love
- The compact and lightweight design makes it easy to take anywhere
- A durable plated steel cooking grate retains heat and is easy to clean
- Porcelain-enameled lid and bowl have heat and won’t rust or peel
What We Don’t
- Only cooks up to 5 burgers, limited cooking space
Expert Opinion
The Weber Smokey Joe 14-Inch Portable Grill is an excellent choice for a high-quality and affordable portable charcoal grill. Its compact design and lightweight construction make it easy to take anywhere, while its durable plated steel cooking grate and porcelain-enameled lid and bowl ensure consistent cooking and long-lasting use.
Whether at the beach, on a road trip, or just hanging out with friends, the Smokey Joe will make your grilling experience a success.
For those looking for a portable charcoal grill that can go anywhere, the Weber 121020 Go-Anywhere Charcoal Grill is an ideal design. The small box design is perfect for camping, fishing, picnics, or backyard tabletop use.
Specifications
- Fuel Type: Charcoal
- Color: Black
- Finish Type: Painted
- Dimensions: 11.5 x 19.5 x 15 inches
- Cooking Area: 160 square inches, enough to hold up to six burgers made with a Weber burger press
Key Features
- Compact and lightweight for easy portability
- Porcelain-enameled lid and base for heat retention and rust/peel resistance
- Lid locks for easy transport
- Dampers for temperature control
- Durable plated steel cooking grate for heat retention and easy cleaning
Why did we pick this product over others?
The Weber Go-Anywhere Charcoal Grill stands out for its high-quality construction, efficient heat control, and great portability. With a cooking area of 160 square inches, it is well suited to 2-3 people, making it an excellent option for camping and picnics.
Sturdy construction
Despite its small size, the Weber Go-Anywhere Charcoal Grill is built to last with its porcelain-enameled lid, base, and plated steel cooking grate.
Portable design
The grill’s lightweight and compact design and lid locks make it easy to take on the go, wherever your adventures may lead.
Efficient heat control
Thanks to its adjustable dampers, the Go-Anywhere Charcoal Grill allows you to easily control the temperature inside the grill, ensuring that your food is cooked to perfection every time.
What We Love
- High-quality construction
- Portable design
- Efficient heat control
- Cooking area suitable for 2-3 people
Don’t Love
- Not suitable for low and slow cooking
- Limited cooking area, not ideal for larger groups or cooking more significant cuts of meat
Expert Opinion
Despite its limitations, the Weber Go-Anywhere Charcoal Grill is one of the best for those looking for a portable charcoal grill. With its sturdy construction, efficient heat control, and great portability, this grill is an excellent choice for anyone who wants to enjoy delicious, perfectly cooked food on the go.
Char-Griller’s portable charcoal grill is a versatile and practical solution for outdoor grilling and smoking. With its 250-square-inch cooking area and heavy-duty construction, it can tackle full racks of ribs and handle extensive grilling sessions. It’s perfect for tailgating, camping, and road trips.
Specifications
- Grilling Area (sq. in): 250
- Weight: 38 lbs
- Build Materials: Steel, cast iron (cooking grates)
- Dimensions: 18″ x 21″ x 20″ (L x W x H)
- Warranty: 1 year
Why did we pick this product over others?
The Char-Griller Smoker Side Fire Box Portable Charcoal Grill is a top-notch choice for a portable charcoal grill, providing full-sized performance for outdoor grilling and smoking. This grill is built from heavy-gauge steel, making it sturdy and durable, ensuring a long lifespan. It also has a powder coating finish for added protection against the elements.
One of the key features that sets this grill apart from others is its large cooking area. With 250 square inches of grilling space, it can cook up to 12 burgers at once, making it ideal for cooking for larger groups. The cast iron cooking grates retain heat evenly, providing even searing for your food.
Another great feature of the Char-Griller Smoker Side Fire Box Portable Charcoal Grill is its dual damper controls that easily adjust the heat levels. It provides more control over the cooking process, ensuring your food is perfectly cooked. The removable ash pan also makes cleaning up after grilling a breeze.
The Char-Griller Smoker Side Fire Box Portable Charcoal Grill can also be attached to most Char-Griller Barrel Grills or Dual Fuel Grills, creating the ultimate Texas-style offset smoker. That adds even more versatility to the grill, allowing you to smoke your food and grill it.
Overall, the Char-Griller Smoker Side Fire Box Portable Charcoal Grill is a well-designed, high-quality grill that offers excellent value for money. Its large cooking area, sturdy construction, and versatility make it a standout choice for outdoor cooking and grilling.
Key Features
- Dual function as a side firebox for an existing Char-Griller grill
- Removable ash pan for easy cleaning
- Cool-touch hood handle for safety
- Sturdy and durable construction
- Large cooking area for cooking for the entire family
What We Love
- Large cooking area
- Sturdy and durable
- Sliding drawer for easy access to coals and ashes
- Removable ash pan for easy cleaning
- Portable – great for tailgating and camping
What We Don’t
- Cast iron grates may require extra effort to clean
Expert Opinion
The Char-Griller Smoker Side Fire Box Portable Charcoal Grill is ideal for outdoor cooking and smoking. Its large cooking area and durable construction make it a reliable choice for grilling on the go. Its versatility, as both a portable grill and a side firebox, sets it apart from other portable grills on the market.
However, cast iron grates may require extra effort to clean. Overall, its quality and versatility make it worth the effort.
The Weber Original Kettle Charcoal Grill is a classic design renowned for its authentic charcoal grilling taste, loved worldwide. This grill is built for everyone, with features that make grilling enjoyable and effortless.
Specifications
Fuel Type: Charcoal
Color: Black
Finish Type: Painted
Dimensions: Lid Closed (inches) – 36″H x 18.5″W x 23″D
Capacity: Holds up to nine burgers made with a Weber burger press.
Why did we pick this product over others?
The Weber Original Kettle Charcoal Grill stands out for its superior heat retention, precise heat control, and easy-to-clean features. The porcelain-enameled lid and bowl retain heat, ensuring consistent temperature and even cooking, while the dampers can be easily adjusted for precise temperature control.
The One-Touch cleaning system eliminates the hassle of cleaning up after a grilling session, making it a convenient option for those who want to spend more time grilling and less time cleaning. The durable, plated steel cooking grate retains heat and is easy to clean, while the heat shield protects the lid handle from getting too hot.
The angled lid hook provides convenient placement, and the durable wheels allow easy mobility. These key features make the Weber Original Kettle Charcoal Grill a top choice for anyone looking for a durable and convenient grill for outdoor cooking.
Key Features
- One-Touch cleaning system for easy ash cleanup
- Precise Heat Control: Adjustable dampers to control temperature without lifting the lid
- Superior Heat Retention: Porcelain-enameled lid and bowl retain heat for consistent temperature and even cooking
- Durable Cooking Grate: Plated steel cooking grate has heat and is easy to clean
- Convenient Lid Placement: Angled lid hook allows you to hang the lid on the side of the grill
- Shields Handle From Heat: A heat shield protects the handle from getting too hot
- Durable Wheels: Durable wheels allow for easy mobility and withstand the elements
What We Love
- Precise heat control
- Superior heat retention
- Easy to clean
- Convenient lid placement
What We Don’t Love
- Assembly can be challenging for some users, requiring patience and attention to detail.
Expert Opinion
The Weber Original Kettle Charcoal Grill is an excellent option for anyone who wants to enjoy the authenticity of charcoal grilling. The grill’s features make it convenient and effortless to use, from its precise heat control to its one-touch cleaning system.
The porcelain-enameled lid and bowl retain heat, while the adjustable dampers allow you to control temperature without lifting the lid. The durable cooking grate, heat shield, and lid hook are additional features that make this grill a standout choice. The Original Kettle is built for everyone, making it the perfect grill for a family gathering or a solo grilling adventure.
Budget Grilling: Finding the Best Charcoal Grills for Under $100
Grilling is a time-honored tradition that brings people together, and the rich smoky flavors you can achieve with a charcoal grill are unparalleled. But finding the best charcoal grill that fits both your needs and budget can be a daunting task. This comprehensive guide will explore the key factors to consider when shopping for the best charcoal grills for under $100.
Size
The first aspect to consider is the size of the grill. It is crucial to determine the amount of food you plan to cook and the number of people you serve. Choose a grill that is appropriate to meet your requirements while avoiding one that is too large and cumbersome.
Construction
When shopping for a charcoal grill, it is essential to consider the product’s construction. Opt for a grill made from durable materials such as steel or cast iron, ensuring it is built to last. Additionally, inspect the legs of the grill to make sure they are sturdy and capable of supporting the weight of the grill and food.
Ease of Use
When grilling, the experience should be effortless and stress-free. A good charcoal grill should have adjustable cooking grates and vents that allow for temperature control and ash pans for easy cleaning.
Portability
For those who enjoy grilling on the go, it is essential to select a lightweight and easily transportable grill. Consider the shape and size of the grill and whether it has handles or wheels to make moving it from one location to another convenient.
In conclusion, finding the best charcoal grill under $100 is attainable. By carefully considering the grill’s size, construction, ease of use, and portability, you can find a high-quality product that fits your budget and requirements. So fire up the grill and enjoy those delicious smoky flavors with friends and family!
Wrap Up
Grilling season is upon us, and the Weber Jumbo Joe Charcoal Grill is the perfect solution for an affordable and high-quality option. With its compact design, precise heat control, and durable construction, it’s no wonder this grill stood out among the rest.
Whether you’re cooking for a small gathering or a family of four, the Jumbo Joe Charcoal Grill is the perfect addition to your outdoor cooking setup.
So say goodbye to average grilling experiences and hello to the best cookouts of your life with the Weber Jumbo Joe Charcoal Grill – the clear winner in the under $100 category!
Happy grilling!
FAQs
Are Cheap Grills Worth It?
-It depends on your budget and usage. Of course, expensive grills are more solid, more powerful, reliable, and durable than cheap ones, but not everyone can afford them.
Another reason to be careful is that you don’t cook regularly. So, if you turn on the grill on special days like birthdays, December 25, or other public holidays, the grill will cost less than $100 (or even under $50) is sufficient.
How Can I Make a Cheap Grill Better?
- Add Additional Rust Protection
- If the grates don’t have handles, add them. It’s simple, cheap, and adds value to the grill
- Use fire bricks because they add insulation to the grill