13 Best Char-Griller Grills for Everyday BBQ Parties

By
Jeremy Bivens
Jeremy Bivens
Research Writer
Jeremy Bivens is a passionate writer and grilling enthusiast. He's been working as a freelance journalist for over 15 years now and has a particular interest in food writing read more
reviewed
Reviewed By
Bruce Williams
Bruce Williams
Expert Consultant
Claims that grilling is the art that he has been learning all his life long and is not planning to stop. Has been grilling for as long as he can remember. Author of numerous read more
Last updated: August 20, 2023
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  • Jan 18, 2023: The review was published.
  • Feb 07, 2023: We updated the Char-Griller E06614 Akorn Jr. Kamado Kooker Charcoal Grill review.
  • Feb 15, 2023: We reconsidered the ranking and moved the Char-Griller E06614 Akorn Jr. Kamado Kooker Charcoal Grill to position no. 6.
  • Feb 15, 2023: We reconsidered the ranking and moved the Char-Griller E2123 Wrangler to position no. 7.
  • Feb 15, 2023: We reconsidered the ranking and moved the Char-Griller 5050 Duo to position no. 8.
  • Feb 15, 2023: We reconsidered the ranking and moved the Char-Griller 96619 Akorn Kamado Kooker Combo to position no. 9.
  • Feb 15, 2023: We reconsidered the ranking and moved the Char-Griller 1224 to position no. 10.
  • Feb 15, 2023: We reconsidered the ranking and moved the Char-Griller E14822 Premium Red Kettle to position no. 11.
  • Feb 15, 2023: The Char-Griller E22424 Table Top Charcoal Grill was discontinued/became unavailable for purchase, so we moved it to position no. 12.

If something’s unbreakable, there’s not much to fix—right? That seems to be the case with the brand Char Griller, which has seemed to have devised the perfect formula for making a mark in the grilling industry. From the taste of their final product to how smoothly the entire grilling process goes, each of the best Char Griller’s different types of grills has something to offer that you simply won’t get with just any brand out there.

Although there are so many great grills out there under the Char Griller name, we’ve outlined our favorite 13 grills today. From our Editors Choice, the Char-Griller E56720 all the way to our Best for Parties pick, we’ve tried to remain objective in our findings to help present you with the best of the best to help you make your most educated decision. In our review, we’ve highlighted the important features we considered, like cooking space, weight, fuel, and extra features to bring you an informed recap about the product itself.

Quick Summary

Top 13 Char-Griller Review 2024

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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 7712 people in the past 30 days
10
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.7
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.5
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.7
10
1
Editor’s Choice

Char-Griller E56720

Features
  • Cooking area: 314 sq in
  • Dimensions: 45 x 31 x 47 in
  • Weight: 100 lbs
  • Fuel: charcoal
  • Warming rack: none

More features: folding side shelves, adjustable dampers, triple wall steel, cast iron cooking grates, 8-inch locking caster wheels

The Char-Griller E56720 Akorn Kamado is known for being one of the best value char-grillers currently on the market. Featuring a large cooking surface of 447 square inches, this char-griller can deal in large volume.

One of the best features of the Char-Griller E56720 Akorn Kamado is the inclusion of strong powder-coated insulation material in the product design. Having strong insulation improves efficiency and reduces your charcoal needs when grilling – which will ultimately save you money.

Although the Char-Griller E56720 Akorn Kamado does not contain a warming rack, the adjustable side shelves provide that much needed extra space for you to prepare or rest your char-grill food. Another bonus of the product design is the addition of tubular steel with rubber wheels. These materials allow the wheels to perform better for longer, ensuring the char-grill is easy to maneuver.

Getting rid of the ash can be a real issue with poorly designed char-grillers. Thankfully, the Char-Griller E56720 Akorn Kamado easy dump ash pan, makes removal of any ash waste easier than ever. A good tip to help maintain your char-griller is to always remove the ash a few hours after use, otherwise, it will ruin the slick back metal shelves.

    Why is it special?
  • Large cooking space
  • Strong insulation
  • Reduced use of charcoal
    What are the flaws?
  • No heat rack
  • Heavy materials
Also Product Ranking:
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 3822 people in the past 30 days
9.8
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.3
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.7
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.6
9.8
Features
  • Cooking area: 314 sq in
  • Dimensions: 45 x 31 x 47 in
  • Weight: 97 lbs
  • Fuel: charcoal
  • Warming rack: 133 sq in

More features: triple-walled steel insulated design, cast iron grates, 8″ locking caster wheels, removable warming rack

The Char-Griller E16620 Akorn Kamado Charcoal Grill is a well designed egg-shaped grill with a hinged lid available in gray, red, or blue colors. The insulated steel body is coated with porcelain which differentiates this product from a more traditional kamados grill. This grill can attain high temperatures to grill steaks and burgers and the heat is retained for longer cooking times. External weather conditions have a lessened effect on this grill and it’s important to monitor the temperatures carefully. The insulation ensures that the cooking temperatures are extremely consistent, but the cool down times will be longer.

The firebox is a separate unit that keeps the hot flames away from the grill to prevent scorching and warping. The warming rack is removable, it can be rotated out of the cooking space if extra space is needed. There are folding side shelves that increase the food prep space with useful hooks for cooking utensils. The edge of the grill lid has a squishy gasket that protects the surface and it tightly seals the lid when it’s closed. This grill is double-walled which keeps the exterior surface cool the tough even during grilling. So, this is a very safe option if you have kids and pets that play in close proximity to the cooking area.

    What makes it special?
  • The insulated cooking area retains an even level of cooking heat for long periods.
  • The metal construction feels solid and durable.
  • The exterior surface is cool to the touch.
    What cons did we find?
  • Controlling the heat can be a challenge.
  • No smoking accessories are included.
Also Product Ranking:
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 7034 people in the past 30 days
9.7
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.5
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.6
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.6
9.7
Features
  • Cooking area: 438 sq in
  • Dimensions: 48 x 28 x 48 in
  • Weight: 92 lbs
  • Fuel: propane
  • Warming rack: 192 sq in

More features: fixed side shelf, cool-to-touch handles, heavy-duty steel exterior, electronic ignition, 48,000 BTU’s heat for three burners, 12,000 side burner heat, porcelain-coated cast-iron grates

The Char-Griller E3001 Grillin’ Pro is constructed with durable heavy steel and powder coated to ensure that you use it for a longer period in the outdoors for your grilling needs. It is easy and convenient to move this griller around the backyard as it has wheels attached to it and it weighs less than 100 pounds.

The grill produces 40,800 BTU’s while the side burner produces an additional 12,000 BTU’s. With a cooking area of 630 square inches in total, the Char-Griller E3001 Grillin’ Pro provides enough and convenient space for grilling and warming, with 438 square inches of the main grill and 192 square inches of warming rack.

You can easily and quickly start up this grill with an electronic starter, meaning you do not have to wait for your grill to get hot. The cooking grates are coated with porcelain and cast-iron while the burners are made of stainless steel for durability purposes.

The Char-Griller E3001 Grillin’ Pro has a side shelf that acts as a convenient workspace and the side burners are useful as you can cook your side dish and grill your steak at the same time.

    What makes it special?
  • Convenient ignitor probe makes this griller more convenient
  • High-quality design
  • Easy to assemble the parts
    What cons did we find?
  • The bottom part of the grill can be affected by rust
  • Some customers have experienced packaging issues and missing parts during delivery
Also Product Ranking:
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 3385 people in the past 30 days
9.5
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.1
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.0
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.0
9.5
4
Best Char Griller Outlaw

Char-Griller 2137 Outlaw

Features
  • Cooking area: 725 sq in
  • Dimensions: 49 x 29 x 50 in
  • Weight: 114 lbs
  • Fuel: charcoal
  • Warming rack: 125 sq in

More features: utensils hook, powder coating finish, bottom storage, front shelf, fixed side shelf, heavy-duty steel exterior, temperature gauge, adaptable rotisserie

If your kind of fun is holding large backyard or family parties, then the Char-Griller 2137 Outlaw could be the griller for you. This is because it has a grilling space of 1063 square inches in total. The primary cooking area is 725 square inches while the secondary cooking area is 338 square inches.

This grill has attached wheels that allow you to easily move the grill around the backyard and provide study support during grilling. For longevity purposes, the Char-Griller 2137 Outlaw is powder coated and made with heavy-duty steel. The grill is cast iron to ensure even distribution of heat.

There is great control of the heat of this griller with the use of adjustable fire grate and heat gauge located in the hood. The warming grate keeps your food warm for longer periods of time. The three available shelves ensure that you keep all your grilling essentials near you.

The front and side shelves can be used to store spices, sauces and grilling tools while the lower shelf can be used to store the remaining charcoal. Disposing of ash is convenient and easy with the use of a dump ash pan.

    Why are we impressed?
  • Large grilling space suitable for a large number of people
  • Adjustable fire grates maintain the heat distribution
  • Durable
    What negatives must you be aware of?
  • Easily affected by rust
Also Product Ranking:
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 2963 people in the past 30 days
9.4
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.3
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.3
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.2
9.4
Features
  • Cooking area: 250 sq in
  • Dimensions: 31 x 21 x 44 in
  • Weight: 50 lbs
  • Fuel: charcoal
  • Warming rack: none

More features: fixed side shelf, cast iron grates, dual damper control, bottom storage rack, heavy-duty steel exterior, utensils hooks, caster wheels

If you have limited space in your home and would like to have a charcoal grill, the Char-Griller E1515 Patio Pro could be for you. This griller has a cooking space of 250 square inches and is made of heavy steel and a cast iron grate.

This griller can perfectly fit a whole chicken or even cook up to 17 kebabs and still have room for extra tomatoes and pepper. This griller allows for easy movement in your patio as it weighs only 50 pounds. It is 21 inches deeper and 31 inches wide with a height of 44 inches, making it suitable for small spaces.

The heavy-duty steel is powder-coated to ensure its long life. The cast iron grill will give your food a wonderful sear. If you are grilling more burgers, the Char-Griller E1515 Patio Pro has enough space for storage with the wooden side shelf. And if there are any unused charcoal at the end of your grilling, you can store them at the rack under the grill.

The easy dump ash pan ensures easy and quick clean up after use. No need for you to tip over the grill or lift any greasy grill to clean, just remove the pan and dispose of the ash.

    What are its best features?
  • Useful for your backyard space
  • Ideal for side firebox or portable grilling
  • Easy to assemble the parts
    What could be improved?
  • You might repaint this griller after some time
  • Some parts of the grill may not fit
Also Product Ranking:

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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 4329 people in the past 30 days
9.0
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.7
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.6
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.5
9.0
Features
  • Cooking area: 153 sq in
  • Dimensions: 20 x 20 x 25 in
  • Weight: 40 lbs
  • Fuel: charcoal
  • Warming rack: none

More features: 14-inch cooking diameter, even heat technology, heat gauge, triple wall steel, dual dampers, 200°-700°F heat range

The Char-Griller E06614 Akorn Jr has a grilling space of 153 square inches which offers plenty of space for grilling at camping, a park, tailgating or in your backyard. It has 22-inch gauge steel constructed to last longer with the interior coated with porcelain and the exterior coated with powder.

The triple-walled design provides insulation to maintain temperatures of between 200 and 700 degrees Fahrenheit and retain heat. The Char-Griller E06614 Akorn Jr has an adjustable top tamper that maintains the heat control and airflow with the help of a built-in temperature gauge. These features provide a great grilling experience.

The bottom damper ensures that there is precise temperature control by maintaining the airflow. The cooking grates are made of cast iron to lower the flare-ups meaning that you can use less charcoal to grill more food.

The easy dump ash pan ensures easy and quick clean up after the grilling process. The Char-Griller E06614 Akorn Jr features two durable handles grilling on the go and portability. It has short sturdy legs to keep it steady when you are grilling. This griller is best for grilling at the park, during camping and tailgating.

    What are its best features?
  • Suitable for camping, picnics, and use at the park
  • Easy to put together the different parts
  • Great value for your money
    What could be improved?
  • Some customers report missing parts when the griller is delivered
  • Can be affected by rust
Also Product Ranking:
Read full review: akorn jr grill review
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 2464 people in the past 30 days
9.0
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.8
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.7
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.8
9.0
Features
  • Cooking area: 435 sq in
  • Dimensions: 50 x 29 x 35 in
  • Weight: 73.5 lbs
  • Fuel: charcoal
  • Warming rack: 200 sq in

More features: cast iron grates, bottom storage rack, fixed side shelf, adjustable fire grate, adaptable rotisserie, dual damper control, heavy-duty steel exterior, front shelf, temperature gauge

If you want to throw a party in your backyard or want to entertain your large family during the holidays, the Char-Griller E2123 Wrangler is perfect for you. This is because it has enough grilling space with 635 square inches in total – featuring a 200 for the warming rack and 435 for the main grill.

The grates are made of cast iron to ensure there is even distribution of heat and the grill will last for a longer period as it is powder coated and made of heavy-duty steel. In case you need extra storage for things such as sauces, spices, and utensils, Char-Griller E2123 Wrangler has three shelves. If there is charcoal left after grilling, you can store it at the bottom shelf.

You can easily control the heat for your grill using the adjustable fire grates that come with it. You can lower the firebox when you want cooking something slow and low and the heat gauge tells you how hot your griller is.

The Char-Griller E2123 Wrangler has an easy-to-remove the ash pan from the side of the grill and disposes of the ash quickly and efficiently.

    What stands out?
  • The grill has three shelves for extra storage
  • Enough grilling space for parties and large families
  • Easy to clean
    What cons did we manage to find?
  • Easily affected by rust
  • Poor packaging during delivery which may lead to damaged parts
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 6991 people in the past 30 days
8.5
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.3
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.1
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.0
8.5
8
Upgrade Pick

Char-Griller 5050 Duo

Features
  • Cooking area: 1,260 sq in
  • Dimensions: 65 x 28 x 49 in
  • Weight: 168 lbs
  • Fuel: charcoal, propane
  • Heat: 40,800 BTU’s primal, 12,800 BTU’s side burner

More features: heavy-duty steel exterior, electronic ignition, porcelain-coated cast-iron grates, adjustable fire grate, 3 burners, double bottom, front storage for sauces

If you love grilling, then the Char-Griller 5050 Duo is a dream for you as it features the gas and charcoal grilling on one grill. It is constructed with heavy steel to ensure that it serves your grilling needs for a longer period.

Each cooking surface of the Char-Griller 5050 Duo serves a specific purpose. The charcoal surface is to add flavor to the BBQ and the gas surface is for convenience. The smoking and BBQ grilling space of the Char-Griller 5050 Duo is 1,260 square inches and has a side burner for any additional cooking that you may need to do such as side dishes and sauces.

The cooking crates are coated with porcelain and cast-iron to ensure that there is maximum heat retention when grilling. Both the gas and charcoal surfaces have warming racks and temperature gauges that are built inside the grill for added control.

The Char-Griller 5050 Duo uses electronic ignition to fire up the side burners and gas burners with a push of a button. When you are not using the side burner, you can fold the cover and use the surface as an additional workspace.

    What are our favorite features?
  • Easy addition of charcoal
  • Extra storage with the underneath shelf and condiment basket
  • You can easily move the cart using the wheels
    What could be better?
  • Some parts can be affected by rust – reducing durability
  • Some reported cases of missing parts of the griller during delivery
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 6087 people in the past 30 days
8.4
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
7.9
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.1
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.3
8.4
Features
  • Cooking area: 314 sq in
  • Dimensions: 45 x 31 x 47 in
  • Weight: 97 lbs
  • Fuel: charcoal
  • Warming rack: 133 sq in, removable

More features: 8-inch lockable caster wheels, folding side shelves, triple wall steel, 200°-700°F heat range, adjustable dampers

The Char-Griller 96619 Akorn Kamado Kooker Combo will give you an experience of the kamado-style of cooking where it is easy to enjoy a slow and low roast or to sear meat with high heat. The smoker and the grill are made of 22-gauge steel which is triple-walled to maintain the cooking temperatures of between 200-700 degrees Fahrenheit.

When using the Char-Griller 96619 Akorn Kamado Kooker Combo to smoke or cook, it is easy to control the temperatures with the help of the adjustable dampers at the top and bottom of the griller as they maintain even flow of air in and out.

The kamado design ensures that you use less charcoal when cooking making this grill fuel-efficient. The Char-Griller 96619 Akorn Kamado Kooker Combo is built to last as the exterior finish is powder-coated while the steel interior finish is coated with porcelain.

The cast iron grill space is 314 square inches with a removable warming rack which is 133 square inches. This griller comes with a grill cover to protect it from environmental elements when you are not using it. The cover is made of PVC vinyl which is weather resistant ensuring that you enjoy your grilling for a long period.

    Why are we impressed?
  • It can also be used as an outdoor oven with the use of the smoking stone
  • You can easily assemble the grill for use
  • Can withstand extreme weather conditions
    What negatives must you be aware of?
  • Some issues with packaging
Features
  • Cooking area: 925 sq in
  • Dimensions: 67.3 x 27.8 x 50.6 in
  • Weight: n/s
  • Fuel: charcoal
  • Firebox: 296 in

More features: EasyDump ash pan, heavy-duty construction, cast iron cooking grates

With a cooking space of 925 square inches in total, the Char-Griller 3737 Smokin’ Outlaw Charcoal Grill and Offset smoker made of heavy gauge steel that is durable. To prevent warping and improve the distribution of flavor, the grill is made of non-stick cast iron. To achieve the Texas smoke flavor, the grill has a side firebox which is 296 square inches that you can use to roast a side dish.

The adjustable dampers will help you in controlling the heat while the heat gauge and the adjustable fire grate on the hood will let you know the temperatures of the grill. After you are done with grilling, you can easily clean up by removing the dump ash pan and dispose of the ash easily.

The Char-Griller 3737 is the most versatile grill in the market and serves you if you are a backyard enthusiast or professional BBQ’er. It has a side shelve for extra storage.

The Char-Griller E1224 Smokin’ Pro uses a traditional barrel design to improve heat circulation and convection to ensure that the burgers and ribs are efficiently and evenly cooked.

    What makes it special?
  • Easy transportation
  • Comes with barbecue recipes that you can try on
  • One-year warranty for craftmanship or material defects
    What cons did we find?
  • The paint of the side smoker box may easily come off
  • No warming rack
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 2648 people in the past 30 days
9.6
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.4
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.4
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.2
9.6
11
Best Space Saving Model

Char-Griller E14822 Premium Red Kettle

Features
  • Cooking area: 379 sq in
  • Dimensions: 30 x 28 x 41 in
  • Weight: 62 lbs
  • Fuel: charcoal
  • Warming rack: none

More features: folding side shelves, 22-inch cooking diameter, hinged lid, dual dampers, temperature gauge, bottom storage

The Char-Griller E14822 Premium Red Kettle has a dual damper design that regulates the temperature. During cooking the side and top dampers allow the air to flow and the heat to be regulated.

You can easily change the cooking temperatures by adjusting the airflow: for low and slow smoke close both dampers, to sear a steak open both dampers or you can vary in between if you want to cook poultry, pork, burgers or beef.

If you are planning a family gathering or cookout, this griller has plenty of space as it has a 22-inch diameter and is 379 square inches.  The center of the grill has an access point that you can easily and quickly add wood chips or charcoal to it and you can keep the fire going without stopping the grilling.

It is easy to clean this griller because of the easy dump ashtray that slides off the bottom for you to dispose of the ash and you can easily slide it back into place. The Char-Griller E14822 Premium Red Kettle has a convenient hinged lid that allows you to use both of your hands when cooking or prepping and you do not have to worry about a hot lid.

    What makes it special?
  • Quality folding shelves for food prep
  • Easily to control the temperature when cooking
  • Fast cooking
    What cons did we find?
  • Poor packaging
  • The paint on the griller may come off
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 6576 people in the past 30 days
9.6
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.2
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.3
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.1
9.6
12
Best Food Preparation

Char-Griller 6520

Features
  • Cooking area: 314 sq in
  • Dimensions: 45 x 31 x 47 in
  • Weight: 110 lbs
  • Fuel: charcoal
  • Warming rack: none

More features: 20-inch cooking diameter, cast iron grates, 8-inch caster wheels, adjustable dampers, triple wall steel, stainless steel heat gauge, bottom storage

With the Char-Griller E6520 Akorn Kamado Cart, you will enjoy a kamado-style of cooking as you can easily enjoy a slow and low roast or sear your meat in high heat. This grill is built to last with its solid steel construction of 22-inch gauge. The interior steel is coated with porcelain while the exterior steel is powder-coated.

The Char-Griller E6520 Akorn Kamado Cart is triple-walled to maintain the temperatures that range between 200 and 700 degrees Fahrenheit as well as retain heat. You can easily move this griller with the help of two large 8-inch wheels.

The cast iron grill space is 314 square inches with an additional side cart that you can use to store utensils and prepare food. The griller has a built-in temperature gauge to control heat and adjustable dampers at the top and bottom to maintain the airflow.

The Char-Griller E6520 Akorn Kamado Cart has a lower storage rack that offers a convenient place for you to keep chimney starter, briquettes or any other thing that you may need for grilling. The easy dump ash pan enables you to quickly and easily clean the grill.

    What makes it special?
  • Innovative technology to increase durability
  • Convenient and affordable
  • Lightweight compared to other traditional ceramic kamados
    What cons did we find?
  • The paint at the bottom of the grill can be affected by heat
  • Some missing parts during delivery
Also Product Ranking:
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 8203 people in the past 30 days
9.2
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.9
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.8
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.0
9.2
Features
  • Cooking area: 153 sq in
  • Dimensions: 20 x 20 x 25 in
  • Weight: 40 lbs
  • Fuel: charcoal
  • Warming rack: none

More features: 14-inch cooking diameter, even heat technology, heat gauge, triple wall steel, dual dampers, 200°-700°F heat range

The Char-Griller E06614 Akorn Jr has a grilling space of 153 square inches which offers plenty of space for grilling at camping, a park, tailgating or in your backyard. It has 22-inch gauge steel constructed to last longer with the interior coated with porcelain and the exterior coated with powder.

The triple-walled design provides insulation to maintain temperatures of between 200 and 700 degrees Fahrenheit and retain heat. The Char-Griller E06614 Akorn Jr has an adjustable top tamper that maintains the heat control and airflow with the help of a built-in temperature gauge. These features provide a great grilling experience.

The bottom damper ensures that there is precise temperature control by maintaining the airflow. The cooking grates are made of cast iron to lower the flare-ups meaning that you can use less charcoal to grill more food.

The easy dump ash pan ensures easy and quick clean up after the grilling process. The Char-Griller E06614 Akorn Jr features two durable handles grilling on the go and portability. It has short sturdy legs to keep it steady when you are grilling. This griller is best for grilling at the park, during camping and tailgating.

    Why is it special?
  • Suitable for camping, picnics, and use at the park
  • Easy to put together the different parts
  • Great value for your money
    What are the flaws?
  • Some customers report missing parts when the griller is delivered
  • Can be affected by rust
Also Product Ranking:

Things to Consider

As we mentioned at the beginning of the article—we know how seriously you take your grill outs—so we want to help you make the most informed buying decision you can when it comes to buying a Char Griller.
In this buying guide, we’ve separated a few important features that you’ll definitely need to know before you jump into a Saturday cookout with the product. These finer details can help you make the best buying decision.

Why you should choose Char-Griller grills

13 Best Char-Griller Grills for Everyday BBQ Parties

Especially since there are so many different brands to choose from, putting all your eggs in one basket (and burgers in one grill) means that you’re fully trusting that one particular brand and type of grill to pull through on perfection.

We know that finding that perfect match made in heaven when it comes to barbecue grills can be a daunting perspective task. However, if you would be trusting any type of barbecue grill, you definitely should feel confident in your decision to trust Char-Griller with all your grilling needs and wants—from impressing a business colleague to whipping out all those burgers perfectly for your Sunday neighborhood cookout.

So, why should you trust Char-Griller? Their company brand and history explain it all.

Not only do they pride themselves in making quality grills, smokers, and accessories, they also want to truly make those quality products available to all types of grillers, from all different financial backgrounds.

They know that not only are their customers at the forefront of their products—so are their families. This family-first brand actually got started with family, from humble beginnings of a Georgia brother and sister duo as founders to the dependable and trustworthy employees that work for them today.

If we haven’t yet convinced you that Char-Griller is the brand to go to when you want a high-quality brand, we’re going to go through some other additional facts that can help persuade you otherwise.

How do Char-Griller grills work?

First and foremost, before you invest in a Char-Griller grill, you might want to figure out how it works.

So, whether this is your first time working with a grill like this before or if you simply haven’t worked with this brand before, these tips and step-by-step pieces of advice can definitely help you sort out the ins and outs of your new Char-Griller.

How does a Char-Griller grill work? A lot like a regular grill, fortunately. Here are the steps to help you get grilling in no-time, from when you first assemble the griller to throwing on your first steak.

  1. First, half an hour before you will plan on grilling, you should start to fill your chimney with charcoal. You can do this with something as simple as a fire starter or newspaper. Once the fire is lit, you can then place the charcoal chimney right on top. The fire should start to light—this entire process is so that you don’t actually have to work with lighter fluid, which helps essentially keep the process as healthy as possible.
  2. Secondly, you need to be prepared to wait around 15-20 minutes. This is the time it generally will take for the charcoal to be ready and warm enough to be able to heat up and sear your food.
  3. Once the charcoal is heated and seems to have a healthy layer of ash on top, you can then place the charcoal into the chimney. Fortunately, the Char-Griller comes with a “dump-release” feature, which helps make this process as easy and as mess-free as possible.
  4. After you’ve got all the charcoals set up and heated, you should then set up your heat zones. Whether you’re going to spreading the charcoal along the bottom or moving your charcoal off to one side, this decision alone can make a huge difference in how your barbecue will be cooked and how evenly it will be heated. You can also just smoke your meats by placing the charcoal in the side fire box.
  5. Once that’s all done, you’re then ready to move onto the grates on the grill—which need to be replaced. Finally, when they’re replaced with new ones, you can close the lid (which is an extremely important step!). This will help your grill get to that ideal temperature for cooking and heating up before you even begin grilling. This step may have you waiting from five to ten minutes depending on how quickly it takes for it to heat up.
  6. Now that you have hot coals, a hot grill, and replaced grates, you should be good to go!

How to cook on Char-Griller grills

Now that you know how to set your grill up, the next thing you might need to learn is how to actually cook with it!

If you need help with cooking on a Char-Griller grill, you can check out this video, which has tons of advice on how to start the grill and get your barbecue going full-blown:

If you now know how to cook on a Char-Griller grill but need help finding inspiration on your first recipe, this one is a surefire win to get all your neighbors happy with your backyard barbecue:

The BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Roll

Although the prep time is only around 15 minutes, the cook time can get up to 50 minutes to an hour.

What you’ll need to make it:

  • Sugar-Free BBQ Sauce (about a quarter-cup)
  • Cheese (Your Choice) around four slices or two sticks
  • 2 diced jalapeño peppers
  • Half a pound of ground beef
  • Bacon slices (around 5 or 6)

You actually don’t even need buns—as the cheeseburger will be fully wrapped in bacon.

Here’s how you do it:

Preheat your grill for 350 degrees Fahrenheit and set up your Char-Griller so you can use the dual zones.

Once the grill reaches the optimal temperature, place the bacon on the sushi mat for grilling. Depending on how many pieces you use, you should be able to fit all the bacon slices on there at once.

On the side, mix the ground beef, jalapeños, and barbecue sauce all in a bowl. Once it’s thoroughly mixed, you can place it on the grill along with the bacon and the cheese.

The grill should take about 45 minutes in total. You can also add on the baste of barbecue sauce. The sushi mat should then be used to roll it into one so it’s like a cylinder.

Take the sushi mat and mixture off of the grill and let it cool. Slice it fully into rolls and serve to your family and friends! Enjoy!

Price range

Just because you’re on a budget, that doesn’t have to mean that you can’t get the dream griller you’ve always wanted.

So whether you’re looking for a Best Value choice, like the Char-Griller E2123 Wrangler or want a griller with all the various features important to you—no matter the price, there’s definitely going to be a choice out there for you that also can meet your price range.

Features to consider while buying the best Char-griller

Before you invest in a Char-Griller, you’ll most likely need to know which features are the ones that you should look out for and the ones which are best for your buck.

If the amount of surface area will make a difference for you, you might want to consider a larger grill, like the Char-Griller 2137 Outlaw, which is rated as our Best Grilling Space Char-Griller, with 725 square inches.

However, space might not be at the top of your priority list.

Perhaps you need a grill that can be used with both propane and charcoal, like the Char-Griller 5050 Duo our Upgrade Pick.

Whatever the case may be, you’ll learn more about the various features of a Char-Griller and why they can be important to you.

Guarantees

Since these appliances are generally are bought to be reserved for the longer haul, having a Char-Griller backed by a proper guarantee should definitely be something at the forefront of your mind.

The grills in this article are all under the same warranty associated with the Char-Griller brand, which replaces any parts of the grill accordingly. The detailed warranty covers from two months to one year are specific parts and cases.

Grill type

13 Best Char-Griller Grills for Everyday BBQ Parties

Having the right type of grill match not only your lifestyle but also the space you have available is pivotal in making the relationship between you and your grill work out.

Especially since you might not have time to do all kinds of research about the various types of grills available, in this section of the article we’re going to go over the various types of grills out there for you.

Although there are so many factors to consider when choosing the right grill, you’ll definitely need to consider the size of the area you’ll be keeping your grill, your personality and the type of griller you are (perhaps you want a grill with various features) or you might just want a basic budget grill that can get the job done without having to take out a second mortgage.

To help you figure out the types of Char-grills out there, we’ve outlined four specific types that you’ll be able to choose from:

  1. Gas Grills: Like the propane-run Char-Griller E3001 Grillin’ Pro, multiple types of gas grills use this gas to cook your food effectively. The grill uses stainless steel to help the effectivity of the gas last longer. You also might simply enjoy that sleek, stainless steel look, as well.
  2. Charcoal Grills: Like most of the Char-Grills on this buying guide, the charcoal grill uses charcoal predominantly as the source of heat for the cook. To help turn the heat up and down, the rack can simply be lowered or raised accordingly.
  3. Kamado Grills: Dating back in history, this type of grill can be traced back to tradition. The egg-shaped grill, made out of ceramic and hardened clay, helps keep the heat in while you cook, giving you juicier and more flavor-infused meats.
  4. Portable grills: These types of grills can all be sort of minimized to be a portable grill. This smaller size makes it possible for you to take the grill along with you for a camping trip or barbecue as you RV across the country.

Cooking area

The cooking surface makes a huge difference when it comes to deciding whether or not a particular Char-Griller is for you.

Not only does this help dictate how big the grill actually is, but it also can give you an idea as to how much you can actually cook on its surface at once.

If you are planning to cook for the masses, hold huge barbecue parties or if you’re just a lone-wolf wanting a barbecue for American Football Sundays, the size can and should definitely have an impact on your purchasing decision.

From 153 square inches with the Char-Griller E06614 Akorn Jr (rated as our Best for RV) up to the 1,250 square inch surface of the Char-Griller 5050 Duo, knowing the surface area of you future grill can definitely help you make a more informed purchasing decision.

Grates material

The type of material your grill and grates are made out of can be valuable information to be able to predict how long your grill will last and remain in good condition.

When the grill is designed with stainless steel (especially when its higher grade), that typically means that it’s going to last a relatively longer time.

However, you’ll notice that there are various types of materials that a grill can be designed with, from stainless steel to ceramic to cast iron.

Fuel type

When it comes to fuel type, you can generally choose between charcoal (most grills on this guide) or propane, like the Char-Griller E3001 Grillin’ Pro featured here. However, there are also options that have two different types of fuel grills, like the Char-Griller 5050 Duo, which has the ability to run on both charcoal and propane.

Heat range

13 Best Char-Griller Grills for Everyday BBQ Parties

The heat range of each particular Char-Griller can also make a huge difference when choosing a particular type of grill.

Although most grills on this guide here today don’t necessarily display the heat range—aside from the Char-Griller E06614 Akorn Jr and its 200°-700°F heat range—you can generally measure the heat of the grill with BTUs. Generally, a grill should produce 100 BTUs per one square inch of surface space.

Dimensions

Although it was measured with BTUs in the past, the dimensions are now relating to the actual size of the grill, which is generally measured in inches.

There are multiple “bigger” grills highlighted on the guide today—one of them being the Char-Griller E1224 Smokin’ Pro, which has dimensions of 62 x 29 x 50 inches.

Bigger doesn’t have to mean better—but can definitely come in handy when you’re looking to cook for a lot of people.

Weight

If you’re looking for a portable Char-Griller, you’ll definitely need to keep the weight of the grill in mind—especially if you might have to be lifting it up!

The Char-Griller E06614 Akorn Jr, for example, only weighs around 40 lbs, which makes it great for transportability. The Char-Griller Box Charcoal Grill, rated as our Most Portable, also weighs only 42 lbs, which makes it easy for transportation.

Some Char-Grillers, however, are unfortunately not very transportable at all. The Char-Griller 5050 Duo, for example, weighs 168 lbs! This type of grill would be a headache and a half to move!

Convenience

Let’s get down to the point—there’s no use of having this amazing product if you don’t even know how to use it!

The ease of use and convenience of your Char-Griller can make or break the whole purpose of buying it! Therefore, the easier it is to use, as well as the easier it is to transport to and from your favorite grill spot can help make the experience of having a Char-Griller much better (or worse, depending on your experience of grilling as well as how easy setup would have to be every single time you want to grill.

Burners

Although not specifically stated in every individual product review, the number of burners that each Char-Griller has can say something about how much food can be cooked—and what temperature it can be cooked at (even all at once).

For example, there are some Char-Grillers that have two specific burners that allow you to cook two different foods at two different temperatures.

However, if it’s just me, myself, and I, you might not have to worry about racking up the number of burners here.

Accessories

If you’re looking for the complete barbecuing set, you might want to look into getting a Char-Grill with all the “fixin’s”.

Whether you’re looking for a package that has multiple accessories included, like spatulas for cooking or covers for protection from outdoor elements, or if you need to invest in an accessory kit that comes along with that particular brand and type, you’ll definitely need to look into those before you start investing in a particular Char-Grill.

Maintenance tips

13 Best Char-Griller Grills for Everyday BBQ Parties

Buying a Char-Grill is only half the battle—after your purchase and investment, you now actually have to also worry about maintaining and keeping your Char-Grill working in pristine condition to help extend its life—at least until its warranty deadline.

These next few tips can help make grill maintenance a breeze:

  1. If you’re starting out with a dirty grill to begin with, you may want to consider starting a fire inside your grill to bake off and fire away any of the remaining yuck from the last grill session. This can also help you kill off bugs, germs or insects that have gotten in there since the last time you’ve used it.
  2. This cleansing fire should last about half an hour, leaving you with scrape-able ash, which can then be brushed off and removed through a debri-dusting cleanse.
  3. If you’re just going to be cleaning it off after the offseason has taken its course, all you need to do is remove the cooking grate and brush away any remaining charcoal or ash from the grate. You can also soak these grates in soapy water to truly get them clean.
  4. The lid and bowl need to also be given a bit of a wash with soapy water. Once everything is thoroughly washed and cleaned, put some vegetable or olive oil on the cooking grate to help prevent rust and sticking.
  5. To help you maintain that clean, make sure you’re emptying the ash receptacle regularly. You also should be cleaning the inside of the lid, as well—the inner parts should never go overlooked!
  6. Finally, when storing that Char-Grill back again, make sure you use that weather and water-proof cover to help keep everything rust-free and as clean as possible!

Safety advice

When it comes to enjoying the finer things in life, you might even need to heed caution to some safety regulations—especially when there’s fire involved.

When it comes to a Char-Grill, well, there is definitely fire involved.

The construction of the grill can help tell you a lot about its sturdiness and how durable it is from the get-go. Before you even start cooking, you should make sure that you’ve done a double-check not only on the cart but also on the wheels, lid, and firebox.

If the description related to the Char-Griller states that it is made with stainless steel and seamless construction, that usually means they’re trying to avoid the whole fiasco of nuts and bolts, which can make it a smart move when it comes to durability.

We would also suggest that you pay extra attention to the fact that you’re going to be working with fire. You should never light up a grill with pets and young children nearby. You should also never leave a grill unattended—especially if there are pets and children that can come in close contact with a grill without adult supervision.

 

The last piece of safety advice we have for you is to test the wheels and casters on the grill, which will help make it easier to maneuver. The wheels and axles should be working properly to ensure that you’re going to be able to move it and transport it with ease.

We know that you have questions—well, we have the answers. In this section, we’re going to go through a few different frequently asked questions that customers, just like you, have had throughout the buying process. We hope that our answers to these questions can also help guide you in the best way to helping you purchase the best Char-Griller.

FAQ

Where are Char-Griller grills manufactured at?

Although the Char-Griller website and manufacturing packaging claims that the product is designed and supported in the USA, the actual barbecue grills have been technically sourced back to the country of China.

What is the best Char-Griller type for BBQ?

If you’re looking to grill up some smokey barbecue, your best bet will be with the Char-Griller E1224 SmokinPro. Not only does it have 830 square inches of cooking space in total, but it also actually specializes in Texas-style BBQ.

This particular smoker is designed with powder-coated and heavy gauge steel, which is durable and helps prevent the warping of flavor—ensuring your barbecue to come out perfect, every time. Designed with non-stick cast iron, the Smokin’ Pro helps give you that Texas smoke flavor and the side dishes that come along with the main attraction. The grill has a side firebox which is 250 square inches that you can use to roast a side dish, perfected for that barbecue dinner.

How to season a Char-Griller?

First and foremost, you should definitely be aware that seasoning a griller should be mandatory at one point. The Char-Griller Barbecue is no exception—you need to definitely season it before you use or it will even rust over time.

A couple of other reasons as to why you should season a Char-Griller? The drum inside and the smoker box on the outside both need to be protected from the outdoor elements. This is also important because the outside surfaces of the Char-Griller are actually finished off with a high-temperature paint.

So, how do you season it? Here are the very easy to follow steps on how to prepare and season your griller:

First and foremost, you need to cure your new Char-Griller. This will help you not only protect the interior of the grill but also the exterior finish. You can also rest assured that through curing your grill, you’ll be preventing unnatural flavors from infiltrating your grill and first meats.

Once you’re ready, you need to coat the grill, grates, and inside of the barrel—which means all interior surfaces of your grill. After that’s done, you can then build a fire on the fire grate to help kick off the use of your new Char-griller.

Once that fire’s truly going, you should notice that the coals are starting to ash. After you notice that happening, it’s time to replace the cooking grates and close the lid. With the lid closed, you should keep that heat going for two hours at around 250º F.

Once the two hours are over, you should re-coat only the grates and then push the temperature back up to 200º F for another two hours.

Should I cover my Char-Griller when it is not in use?

When you’re not using your Char-Griller, it should definitely be in your best interest to help maintain and preserve its pristine condition.

Especially if you’re in an area where rain or snow is inevitable, you’ll definitely want to cover up your Char-Griller when you’re not using it (even if you’re not keeping it fully outside). The cover can help reduce the possibility of even dust or dew getting onto or in the grill.

Even though the Char-Griller brand mentions that it will replace any defective part (as long as the warranty is still in effect), from the charcoal and pellet grills, gas grills, dual fuels, parts, accessories, and grill covers, it’s also great to invest in a product that helps protect and maintain the Char-Griller as best as possible.

The Char-Griller 8080 Dual Fuel Grill Cover, is a great product to invest in to help maintain the condition of your griller. Equipped with enough space to cover the side burner, this cover helps extend a grill’s lifetime with its heavy-duty, weather-resistant, and polyester material. Not only does the cover provide a secure, customized fit, it also protects your grill from the outdoor elements which would generally harm it and shorten its life.

Can I assemble my Char-Griller item myself or do I need a professional?

We would definitely suggest that you should either get in touch with a professional about the setup of your Char-Griller or look up a step-by-step video to help you do it correctly the first time.

The setup of your Char-Griller is extremely important to get right because if it’s not done properly, you might not only be dealing with an improperly functioning grill, it can also be a full-fledged safety hazard.

Our verdict

If you’ve decided to skip over the entire guide—no problem. We’ve highlighted our favorite products for you upfront:

The Char-Griller E56720 Akorn Kamado is our Editor’s Choice. With a cooking area of 314 square inches and weighing 100 lbs, this charcoal-run grill has features that will ease the cooking process, with adjustable dampers, triple wall steel, and cast iron cooking grates.

The Char-Griller E16620 Akorn Kamado is available in a choice of colors and features an insulated steel body. This grill can reach the high temperatures needed to sear meat, while the insulation negates external weather conditions to some degree.

With whichever of the best Char-Grillers you’ll choose, we hope this article has helped you make the most well-informed decision.

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Char-Griller E56720 - Editor’s Choice
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