Best Charcoal Grill Under $200 (Cheap Grills in 2024)

Nothing beats the oh so delicious char and intense flavor that comes with a good barbecue. If you are traditional at heart, like me, you know grilling on a gas or electric grill just doesn’t cut it. There is just something about those dripping steaks and all that smoky goodness that a charcoal grill brings to the table. Today, we shall be discussing more awesome choices for the best charcoal grill under 200.

Now, when I was shopping for my charcoal grill, there were several things I wanted to emphasize. They are portability, capacity, functionality, and then the pricing. These factors may seem oddly specific, and you’re right. I wanted a grill that was compact enough to travel with me and also large enough to cook for my army of friends and family.

Eventually, I ended up with the Char-Broil TRU-Infrared Kettleman Charcoal Grill coming in at around $150. This quest for a cheap but kickass charcoal grill is what prompted this review.
Without further ado, let’s get into it

Top 5 Charcoal Grills Under $200

1. Char-Broil TRU-Infrared Kettleman Charcoal Grill

Char-Broil TRU-Infrared Kettleman Charcoal Grill


Char-Broil TRU-Infrared Kettleman Charcoal Grill is one beautiful piece of machinery. And it’s not just about the looks; this bad boy can throw down like any high-end grill in the market.

Features

Construction and Capacity:

For starters, this beauty comes out swinging with the heavy-gauge steel and aluminum exterior. The exterior is powder-coated for extra durability.

Inside is a rust-resistant, heat hogging porcelain-coated cooking grate with a generous 250 square inch cooking area. This cooking grate features a lip around the edge that prevents food from falling through.

Also, 360-degree air inlets are surrounding the perimeter of the grill. These, plus the significant damper, create perfect temperature control. I mean, just consult your in-built temperature gauge fitted on the lid.

Speaking of the lid, this one is hinged. This feature is particularly pleasing for me mainly because I hate having to put my grill lid on the ground uurgh!

Functionality:

On matters grilling, this beauty handles like a pro. Thanks to the infrared feature, the temperature is evenly distributed inside the grill. I can assure you that you will not have any cold spots on your cooking grate. Ultimately, the infrared feature helps you to cook faster and evenly.

That’s not all. Char-Broil fitted a barrier between the flames and your food. For this reason, your barbecue will not drip on the charcoal. And before you think this is a bad thing, consider the fact that no dripping means no flare-ups or excessive smoke. You will be surprised how much tastier your barbecue will be. Mine was the best charcoal bbq I had ever whipped.

Additional Features:

  • Fuel efficiency. This grill uses a third less fuel than the typical grill in its category
  • Chrome-plated wire bottom shelf, which provides better stability and extra storage. You can keep your bag of charcoal there.
  • Removable ash pan for easier cleanup
  • Lockable lid.

Pros

  • Easy to assemble
  • Sturdy and durable
  • Incredibly fuel-efficient
  • Compact and easily portable
  • No fall-through cooking grate
  • Infrared technology reduces cooking time
  • Has lots of advanced features typical in top charcoal grills

Cons

  • Roasting on this grill is a hassle because it reaches very high temperatures
  • Not a smoker

Why do We Recommend this Grill?

The Char-Broil TRU-Infrared Kettleman Charcoal Grill is excellent value for money and our top choice for the best charcoal grill for under $200. Admittedly, it takes a little getting used to. Ultimately, this is the best charcoal grill to have for any low-key braai.

2. Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill

Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill

Barbecue buffs know that the Weber brand of grills needs no introduction. Weber has been producing the best-rated charcoal grills and other grilling accessories for a long time. This is why it’s no surprise that Weber grills will prominently feature in our best charcoal grill under 200 list.

Now, on to our choice, the Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill. This baby is all functionality without any useless features. In fact, in my opinion, Weber tried to provide the bare minimum in this stylish cheap charcoal grill.

Don’t get me wrong; this is not just another basic charcoal grill, no! This baby burns like a connoisseur but without any unnecessary flare.

Features

Construction and Capacity:

To begin with, this Weber grill has a 22” diameter plated steel cooking grate. Just in case you are wondering, yes, you can cook up to 13 burger patties on that thing.

You will love the porcelain-enameled bowl and lid. Both of these components can withstand and sustain incredibly high temperatures.
One great feature is the hinged cooking grate. This means you can add fuel as you continue to grill. You will also enjoy the fully enclosed ash catcher, which ensures no ash particles are flying around.

Functionality:

Perhaps the reason this grill wasn’t my top pick is the fact that the lid is not hinged. But all is not lost. This baby comes with an angled lid hook where you can conveniently hang your lid as you cook. There are a few more hooks too that you can hang your grilling accessories.

Have we spoken about the lid? Well, the lid features a glass-reinforced nylon handle that is both heat and rust-resistant. Additionally, there are two more similar handles on either side of the bowl for easy portability.

And finally, the star of the feature show is the One-Touch Cleaning. All you have to do is rotate the handle. As a result, three blades inside the bowl will automatically sweep the ash out through the vents and into the ash catcher.

Additional Features:

  • Fuel efficiency. This grill uses a third less fuel than the typical grill in its category
  • Chrome-plated wire bottom shelf, which provides better stability and extra storage. You can keep your bag of charcoal there.
  • Removable ash pan for easier cleanup
  • Lockable lid.

Pros

  • Cheap
  • Easy to clean
  • One-Touch cleaning
  • Heat-resistant handles
  • 10-year limited warranty
  • Angled lid hook means you don’t have to place the lid on the ground

Cons

  • Eventually, the lid stops fitting on the grill
  • Maybe a little challenging to assemble
  • Ash catcher is quite small

Why do We Recommend this Grill?

The Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill provides a 363 square inch cooking space. I mean, for such a cheap grill, this is quite impressive.

3. The Original Po’ Man Charcoal Grill

The Original Po’ Man Charcoal Grill

Are you wondering why you are staring at what looks like a trash can? Ha! This is a grill. It is a fun and eccentric and bad-ass to have in your backyard. After you know how well this thing can grill, you’ll never look at trashcans the same again.

Features

Construction and Capacity:

I know, I know; it looks like a DYI project, but trust me, this is a formidable grill with incredible capacity. You will be surprised at the cult following this grill has garnered since it was released.

For starters, this is a patented design, and mainly because the barbecue results of this grill are incredibly tasty.

Two, it is unbelievably easy to use. This grill is made up of three components; a single round grate, two skewers, and a drip plate.

Now, my favorite feature of this grill is the expansive vertical space dedicated to grilling. Do you know you can hang ten half slabs of ribs in that space? This does cooking for a large family to a whole new level.

Functionality:

This is a self-run grill. What this means is you can let it autopilot for a while because your barbecue is seldom directly on the heat. And this is why the Original Po’ Man is the perfect charcoal grill for beginners.

Additional Features:

  • Perfectly portable thanks to the two handles on either side of the grill (just like a real trash can)
  • Made from highly durable rolled steel and stainless metals. It is then painted with high-temp resistant bbq paints
  • Perfect for slow cooking and smoking.
  • Not galvanized
  • Simple set-up

Pros

  • Cheap
  • Durable
  • Can auto-pilot grill
  • Looks like a trashcan
  • Simple to set up and use

Cons

  • You can’t control the temp

Why do We Recommend this Grill?

If you were ever looking to make a statement with a cheap but competent grill, this would be the perfect choice. That is, as long as you don’t mind your neighbors gawking at you because you’re cooking out of a trash can.

4. Char-Griller E06614 Akorn Jr. Kamado Kooker Charcoal Grill

Char-Griller E06614 Akorn Jr. Kamado Kooker Charcoal Grill


If you know, the Kamado brand produces high-end grills. In truth, most of the Kamado grills I know to range in the $1000 mark. But behold a cheap under 200 Kamado grill, which is just as sturdy and durable as her pricey siblings.

Features

Construction:

When I think of durability and sturdy dependability, this is the grill that comes to mind.

The Char-Griller Akorn Jr. Kamado Kooker is built with triple-walled 22-gauge steel plus some added insulation for a superior grilling experience. In actuality, this compact beauty can reach and maintain temperatures of between 200- and 700-degrees Fahrenheit.

The exterior is powder-coated while the interior is all porcelain-coated steel. This feature helps in maintaining constant temperatures, which also contributes to less fuel consumption.

You can easily keep an eye on the temperature thanks to the inbuilt temperature gauge on the lid.

Capacity and Functionality:

Speaking of the lid, Char-Griller comes with a hinged lid. Inside, you can grill a generous amount of food thanks to the 153 square inches of cooking grill.

Temperature control is even easier because this baby comes with both a top and bottom adjustable damper. Sturdy side handles ensure you can carry or move your grill fast and easy.

Additional Features:

  • Lighter and more durable than typical, pricier ceramic grills
  • Easy dump ash pan for a hassle-free cleanup
  • Makes a great smoker
  • Hinged locking lid
  • Cast iron grates

Pros

  • Durable
  • Easy cleanup
  • Simple to set-up
  • Incredibly versatile
  • Cheap with the functionality of expensive grills
  • Dual dampers and extra insulation help to efficiently control temperatures

Cons

  • I couldn’t find a single con for this product

Why do We Recommend this Grill?

This is the perfect grill to take camping, travelling, or tailgating. You will be hard-pressed to find a better charcoal grill under $200.

5. Weber 14501001 Master-Touch Charcoal Grill

Weber 14501001 Master-Touch Charcoal Grill

Here, we’ve got another Weber. The Master-Touch is only slightly different from the Original Kettle. Even so, it is still an excellent choice for the best cheap charcoal grills. Don’t believe me? Check out the Weber charcoal grills reviews to get an eyeful.

Features

Construction and Capacity:

Like the Original Kettle, this grill comes with two wheels a one-leg stand and porcelain-enameled, rust-resistant lid and bowl.

One main difference is that the lid is not hinged. Thankfully, you will not have to put your cover on the ground. Instead, slide the lid into the handy Tuck-Away lid holder on the side of the bowl. This way, you can forget about it until such a time when you need to cover your grill.

What is the capacity of this thing? Well, you will be looking at 363 square inches of cooking space upon a hinged cooking grate. You can cook 13 beef patties on that cooking grate.

Functionality:

On matter temperatures, this baby features multiple vents for controlling the temperature. These are evenly distributed all around the bowl to give 360-degree heat circulation. Plus, you can always keep a close eye on your temperature from the built-in temperature gauge fitted on the lid.

Can you smoke with this grill? Absolutely. Furthermore, the Gourmet BBQ System cooking grate can be easily fit other cooking accessories, including a Pizza stone, Sear grate, griddle, and a poultry roaster.

Enjoy the One-Touch cleaning system that quickly and efficiently removes all the ash from the bowl and into the ash catcher in a straightforward move.

Additional Features:

  • Super easy assembly thanks to the spring-loaded pin push leg assembly. This feature attaches and fastens the legs on the grill with a simple pin push.
  • You can add fuel as you grill thanks to the hinged cooking grate
  • Bottom wire rack for additional storage and better stability
  • Lid handle with glass-reinforced nylon heat shield
  • Two heat resistant handles for easy, safe mobility
  • Heavy gauge steel cooking grate
  • Removable ash catcher

Pros

  • Easy to assemble
  • Heat resistant handles
  • Can be a great smoker
  • Removable ash catcher
  • One-Touch cleaning system
  • Multiple dampers for better heat control
  • Versatile Gourmet BBQ System cooking grate

Cons

  • Legs are weak and wobbly

Why do We Recommend this Grill?

This Weber grill is no basic charcoal grill. It is highly functional, portable, and durable. If you are looking for a cheap, cooking-on-the-go grill, this is a perfect choice.

Things to Consider Before Buying a Charcoal Grill for Under 200

Before you go shopping for your grill, it is essential to have a few must-have features depending on why you are buying the grill and your level of grilling expertise.

This is my checklist

a) Size

Before buying a grill, ensure you know the primary cooking space it offers. And especially if yours is a large family, you need a grill with upwards of 300+ square inches cooking space plus a warming rack and perhaps side shelves. 

However, tastes differ. You may be looking for a small grill. Ultimately, make sure the functional element of the grill you buy matches the money you spent on it. 

b) Durability

No one wants to end up with a grill that doesn’t last. For this reason, you want to look out for cast-aluminum, cast-iron, or enamel-bonded steel for the exterior. Similarly, look for stainless steel burners and porcelain-enameled interiors.

The bottom line is, stainless steel or aluminum on the exterior looks good, but it will fade. Any grates that aren’t porcelain-enameled will end up rusty or so encrusted with food you won’t know how to clean them.

c) Safety

We all know charcoal grills love to flare-up. Also, the risk of causing a fire in your back yard is that much more heightened. 

If you are a beginner, look out for grills with fewer chances of flare-ups. Also, place your hand in the lid handle to check for the distance between your knuckles and the surface of the lid. If you are not careful, a lid can severely burn your knuckles.

d) Maintenance

Cleaning a charcoal grill is nothing short of a nightmare. But it doesn’t have to be. Before buying, ensure all the important areas like the grates are porcelain-enameled. This makes it easy to clean and maintain.

Conclusion

So, there you have it; our review of the best charcoal grill under 200. If you can appreciate a good barbecue, then you can understand the right grill. Grilling on the cheap doesn’t have to taste like it. With these excellent choices, you can grab a kickass charcoal grill under 200 today.

Which is your best charcoal grill in 2022? Let us know about your experiences and opinions. As always, we love to hear from you.