Are you getting yourself ready for the grilling season but having a limited budget? Are you looking for options to buy the best charcoal grill under 500?
Does investing in the best charcoal grill under $500 worth your money? Absolutely yes!
You will get a fabulous addition to your outdoor grilling with a durable unit that will last for years.
There are gas and electric grills available in the market but charcoal grills have their own prons. It looks great to watch the burning fire, cooking food over charcoal, and cooked food over smoke taste amazing.
2. Overall Best: Char-Griller 2137 Outlaw 1063 Sq. Inch Charcoal Grill
3. Unique & Best: Char-Griller E6520 Akorn Kamado Cart, Charcoal Grill
4. Best Portable: Char-Griller E16620 Akorn Kamado Charcoal Grill
5. Best Budget: Weber 15301001 Performer Charcoal Grill Under $500
6. Best Features: Dyna-Glo DGN576SNC-D Dual Premium Charcoal Grill
7. Simple & Best: Royal Gourmet CC1830F Charcoal Grill, Offset Smoker
I spent hours finding the best-quality charcoal grills for $500. These units offer exceptional quality and a greater lifespan. So, buy with confidence.
For a better experience, make sure you clean the unit properly after each usage.
Best Charcoal Grill Under 500 Dollars In 2023 –Reviews
After spending hours researching and reviewing, our research/review team comes with 7 top-rated & the best charcoal grills under $500 in 2023. Pick up one to make your outdoor cooking tasks better.
Here are the in-depth reviews of the top-rated & best charcoal grills under 500 dollars available in 2023.
1. Weber 15501001 Performer Deluxe Charcoal Grill
- Brand: Weber
- Cooking Space: 363 square inch
- Item Weight: 91 Pounds
- Item Dimensions: 30 x 48 x 43.5 inches
- Mounted Timer
- Easy Charcoal Ignition
- Easy To Clean
- Displays Grill Temperature
- Extra Work Space
- Convenient Charcoal Storage
- Withstands High temperatures
The most traditional and demanding Charcoal grill under $500 is Weber Performer Delux, made with modern techniques and designed by the trustable brand “Weber.” weber designed it with modern techniques to cook up your favorite water-mouthing meals. There are numerous charcoal grills, but the traditional Weber Performer Delux Charcoal Grill remains the most iconic.
It’s Electronic Touch-N-Go system helps to burn charcoal with ease by just pushing a button. Unluckily, Many other expensive charcoal grills unable to provide this helpful feature.
It’s 363 sq. inches of cooking space enough to serve 13 burgers; you can enjoy the smokey and juicy flavor of the meat with family and friends in the patio, backyard, and parks. This grill is highly recommended and the best charcoal grill that you desire under $500.
Product features:
- The Electronic Touch-N-Go system helps to burn charcoal with ease with a single push of a button.
- A detachable back-lit LCD timer offers you set timers for preheating; Now, you can protect food from burning.
- Removable ash catcher offer you on one-touch cleaning
- It finishes with a built in lid thermometer and adjustable dampers, making it easier to control the inside heat and airflow.
- Porcelain-enameled bowl and lid extend its durability and shield it from rusting, peeling, cracking.
- Side shelf and tool hooks provide you extra working space/storage for many accessory tools to keep them in arm’s touch while preparing food.
- Wheels, Heatshield handles, one-side slideable lid are other notable features.
2. Char-Griller 2137 Outlaw 1063 Square Inch Charcoal Grill
- Brand: Char-Griller
- Cooking Space: 1063 sq In
- Item Weight: 88 pounds
- Item Dimensions: 49 x 29 x 50 inches
- Sturdy Construction
- Easy Clean-Up
- Convenient Storage
- Total Control
Char-Griller 2137 outlaw 1063 sq. inches charcoal grill is best for large families and large gatherings for grilling or smoking in backyards and picnic parties. It has adjustable fire iron grates which cause it effortless to clean and control heat.
This large-size charcoal grill is constructed with heavy-duty steel plus particles coated that extend its durability. It is very durable because of heavy gauge steel construction.
Honestly, it is the best large charcoal grill at an affordable price. As usual! Its price is increasing day by day in markets because of its popularity & demand.
Product features:
- Heavy-duty steel and powder coat polishes made its sturdy construction and long-lasting durability.
- Huge charcoal grill area 1063 sq. inches in total; 725 sq. inches of primary cooking area and 338 sq. inches of secondary.
- Adjustable fire grate allows you to move it up and down for high/low-temperature maintenance.
- Three available shelves on (front/side/bottom.) It is pretty helpful to keep essential items within touch.
- A removable ash pan allows you to clean ash disposal with ease instead of tilting the whole grill over.
- The large and rounded four legs out of two finishes with quality wheels offer you sturdy support and effortless move.
- Smokestack, dampers, and thermometer display for convenient temperature maintenance.
3. Char-Griller E6520 Akorn Kamado Charcoal Grill
- Brand: Char-Griller
- Cooking Space: 314 square inches
- Item Weight: 106 pounds
- Item Dimension: 45.2 x 47.4 x 31.3 inches
- Solid Steel Construction
- Easy Heat Control
- Large Rubber Wheels
- Adjustable Top Damper
- Bottom Damper and Ash Pan
- Convenient Cart Design
- Lower Storage Rack
- Large Grill Space
Char-Griller E6520 Akorn highly insulated Kamado-style charcoal grill. It accesses you to cook juicy meat by using less charcoal. You can enjoy quick sear meat with high temperature or slow roast with low cooking temperature.
This Kamado-style grill and smoker built with triple-walled 22 gauge solid steel and will efficiently control the inside temperature between 200-700 degrees Fahrenheit. Its kamado-style makes it more fuel-efficient which means you can use less charcoal while cooking.
Overall, Kamado style charcoal grill built to last, fuel-efficient, and best for both grilling and smoking under $500. Its convenient features convince you to buy this grill let’s have a short glance at them.
Product features:
- Built-in Triple wall 22 gauge solid steel that retain heat and make it versatile to maintain an inside temperature between 200-700 degree Fahrenheit.
- It finishes with powdered coated steel on the exterior side and porcelain-coated steel from the interior side. This feature increases its durability to the next level.
- Extensive primary 314 square inches of cooking surface of cast iron grill that enhances the flavor of juicy meat.
- Large side shelf constructed with tubular steel to prepare food or to serve food and bottom storage shelf for tools or anything else you need to grill.
- Adjustable top and bottom dampers with temperature gauge help you control precise temperature and airflow, which make it perfect for both grilling and smoking.
- Dump ash pan, for hassle-free and quick cleaning process.
- Two large 8-inch rubber quality wheels for effortless mobility.
Check Also The: Best Charcoal Grill Under $300
4. Char-Griller E16620 Akorn Kamado Charcoal Grill
- Brand: Char-Griller
- Cooking Space: 314 square inches
- Item Weight: 90 pounds
- Item Dimensions: 26.6 x 24.8 x 21.65 inches
- Adjustable Top Damper
- Bottom Damper and Ash Pan
- Folding Side Shelf
- Removable warming rack
- Solid Steel Construction
- Easy Heat Control
- Large Locking Wheels
- Grill Space
Enjoy cooking with the most versatile and Kamado style Charcoal grill/smoker under $500. This versatile grill/smoker built-in tripled-walled 22 gauge solid steel will efficiently maintain cooking temperatures (varying from 200-700 degrees Fahrenheit).
You can enjoy quick sear meat at high temperatures; instead, you can also enjoy low and slow roast for a smokey flavor.
Char-Griller is built-in in Kamado design that makes it fuel-efficient and uses less charcoal while cooking. Overall, It’s trustable and highly demanded small-size Charcoal grill for under $500.
Product features:
- Built-in sturdy steel triple-walled insulation with 22 gauge solid steel that retain heat and maintain temperature varying from(200-700 degree Fahrenheit)
- Cast iron grill of 314 sq. inches with 133 sq. inches removable warming rack.
- Two Folding side shelves with 6 tool hooks that can be folded when not in use.
- Ashpan for easy and quick cleaning procedure.
- Adjustable top damper, bottom damper, and thermometer to control airflow and high heat or slow smoke system.
- 8-inch large two lockable wheels for stability & effortless move
You Might Want To Check: Best Charcoal Grill Under $150
5. Weber 15301001 Performer Charcoal Grill, 22-Inch
- Brand: Weber
- Cooking Region: 363 sq. inch
- Item Weight: 66.2 Pounds
- Item Dimensions: 43.5 x 29 x 42 inches
- Easy To Clean
- Convenient Lid Placement
- Precision Heat Control
- Extra Work Space
- Superior Heat Retention
- Displays Grill Temperature
- Durable Wheels
- Shields Handle From Heat
Weber Original Performer charcoal grill is traditional and the best choice for grills lovers. The strongest point about this product is the most convenient features that make it more comfortable and unique than other grills. Its luxurious size helps you to carry it anywhere you want.
It will give you powerful performance for everyday use along with convenient features. It has a decent size which is easy to store and maintain. Its built-in 3D thermometer makes it easy to check the internal temperature.
Its porcelain-enameled container plus cover maintain heat inside; this finish protects it from rusting, peeling, and cracking even in high grill temperatures—the Performer charcoal grill, invented by Weber’s founder. It is the best grill for under 500 dollars to use every day.
Product features:
- Massive 363 sq. inches of total cooking spacethat server up to 13 burgers.
- A removable ash catcher offers us one-touch cleaning. We can slide it to clean the remaining debris and charcoal ash easily.
- Bowl and lid enameled with porcelain that for steady temperature retains. This finish also protects it from rusting, peeling & cracking.
- We can accurately control the temperature of the grill with attached dampers & lid thermometer display.
- The attached side shelf & tool hooks provide you with extra working space and storage for tools within arm’s range.
- Heatshield handle that remains cool even in high cooking temperatures.
- Finish with a convenient tuck-away lid holder; you can comfortably slide the lid on one side of the grill. With this feature, we can avoid placing a lid on the ground during grilling.
- 8-inch rubber molded wheels are ultra-durable that offer you an effortless moving capacity of grill around the yards and parks.
We also reviewed this product under the best charcoal grill for under $300.
Check Our Top Picks: Top-Rated & Best Charcoal Grills Under $1000
6. Dyna-Glo DGN576SNC-D Dual Zone Premium Charcoal Grill
- Brand: GHP Group
- Cooking Field: 816 square inches
- Item Weight: 112 pounds
- Item Dimensions: 60.22 x 50.51 x 28.16 inches
- Removable firebox
- Large cooking region
- Slideable ashtray
- Moveable charcoal pan
- Two Separate front doors
If you need a large-size charcoal grill under $500 for a large gathering, then Dyna-Glo DGN576SNC-D Dual Zone Premium Charcoal Grill is made especially for your choice. It provides you 816 sq. inches of total cooking zone, which further divides into two separate cooking zone. Dyna-Glo manufactured it with sturdy stainless steel, which makes it entirely durable.
They adjust it with two separate charcoal trays with separate heat control; the most notable and convenient feature differs from other grills. This finish is quite helpful when various foods need particular heats at the same time.
Overall, Dyna-Glo dual zone premium charcoal grill comprises sturdy steel and covered a massive area to serve large gatherings while at picnic/backyard parties.
Product Features:
- The removable firebox divider offers you a dual cooking zone. It helps you to cook two different foods with different temps at the same time.
- Massive cooking area 816 sq. inches in total to serve large gatherings: 576 sq. inches for the primary cooking grill and 240 sq. inches for the secondary cooking grill.
- Slideable charcoal ashtray for easy cleaning system
- Moveable charcoal pan, which we can raise and lower down for high and low temperature/heat.
- Side dampers and smokestack on the upper side of the grill to control airflow, which helps to precise temperature control.
- Two separate front doors for both cooking regions enable you to add coals with ease.
- Two side shelves, thermometer, bottle opener, and wheels are some notable standard features.
Check Also: Best Extra Large Charcoal Grills
7. Royal Gourmet CC1830F Charcoal Grill with Offset Smoker
- Brand: Royal Gourmet
- Cooking Region: 800 Square Inches
- Item Weight: 57 Pounds
- Item Dimension: 45.3 x 26.8 x 48 Inches
- Spacious Cooking Space
- Adjustable Charcoal Pan
- Easy-to-Read Temperature
- Perforated Charcoal Pan
- Cool-touch Spring Handles
- Complete Smoke Control
- Two Racks & Wagon-style Wheels
Royal CC1830F Charcoal Grill is on last but not least. This low price, but the popular charcoal grill is best for both beginners/pros. It provides you 800 sq. in of entire cooking space with a combined offset smoker. It is easy to set up, easy to clean, and easy to use.
Overall, this grill among an attached offset smoker offers excellent performance.
This grill is the most suitable choice to enjoy the smokey and juicy taste of meat with family and with a group of friends. It covers almost all convenient and useful features. Let’s view these!
Product Features!
- A two-level adjustable charcoal pan with large capacity; capable of adding 5 lbs charcoal at once. You can adjust it with lifting handles that offer you to control the temperature precisely.
- Spacious 800 sq. inches cooking space in total. That further divides into 438 sq. inches porcelain grill grates and 183 sq. inches from combined offset smoker.
- Swing-Away warming rack offers you secondary cooking space of 179 sq. inches.
- Side door to add charcoal with ease.
- Dampers, thermometer, and large smoke stack available for maintaining both airflow and temperature while grilling.
- The front shelf and the bottom shelf provide you extra working space and storage for accessories tools.
- Two durable wheels for effortless mobility around the yard and patio.
Interesting:
FAQs Regarding $500 Charcoal Grill
People mostly ask us these questions while buying a $500 charcoal grill.
Which are the best charcoal grills under $500?
When looking for one of the best charcoal grills from the models available in markets for less than $500, you must consider which features are a must and not that important for you.
Some features like height-adjustable grates, ashtray, vents and side tables are worth mentioning under this price tag. Also, you need to look for grill durability, performance, size, and many other factors despite the features.
If you don’t know what to look for, let me suggest. After extensive research to analyze which features are not that important and worth considering, I recommend Weber 15501001.
Is it worth buying a charcoal grill for under $500?
Sure, many charcoal grills are available at meager prices, but investing in a charcoal grill under $500 gives you plenty of extras. Indeed, spending some extra on the charcoal grill means you can expect something sustainable that will serve you for years to come.
It is worth buying than a gas grill because charcoal burns hotter than a traditional gas grill. You will also get the opportunity to experience grilling and smoking simultaneously.
How much coal do you need for a charcoal grill?
The amount of coal required for grilling in a charcoal grill entirely depends on what type of food you want to grill and how? While cooking white fish and tender meats at low heat, a quarter of a chimney with coals is enough.
Fill around three-quarters of the charcoal chimney for cooking burgers and sausages at medium heat. Load a chimney full of charcoal if you want to cook meals fast and hot or sear meat.
Buying Guide: What should I look for when buying the best charcoal grill under 500 dollars?
Here is everything you need to look for while making a final decision.
Size:
To get the most relevant charcoal grill according to your requirement, first, you need to consider the space available to place the unit and the number of people you usually feed at a time.
If you love to go camping with family or friends, portable charcoal might be perfect for you. Instead, you can also find a large-sized unit if you want it for your backyard or patio.
Ease Of Use:
Always prefer a charcoal grill with some functional features to improve the overall grilling process, such as an easy-to-clean ashtray, a proper venting system, temperature gauge, and timer.
Since different models offer various cooking grates, we recommend buying a charcoal grill with high-adjustable cooking grates for better heat control.
Ease Of Cleaning:
No matter which charcoal grill you buy, you’ll have to deal with ash after each use. So any grill that has some convenient features to make the cleaning process a little easier will be welcome.
Adjustable-Height Cooking Grates:
Having the capability to modify the size of cooking grates in a charcoal grill has many benefits. It let you lower or raise the food when needed. It also helps prevent overcooking. You can move these grates up and down for low/high temperatures.
Durability:
Durability is another prime factor you must consider. When looking for a grill under $500, make sure the model is manufactured with long-lasting, durable material. Also, check whether it has a protective finish against rust, dirt, or harsh weather.
Conclusion
Charcoal grill fans always start preparing themselves for the grilling season. I understand how many attachments people have with outdoor grilling activities. Therefore, you need a durable grill that lasts longer and offers many features.
Whether you are upgrading your grill or buying the first time, the best charcoal grill under 500 is the perfect investment to consider this season. It will last for years and will not become old-fashioned for the years.
In this article, we reviewed 07 of the best charcoal grills under $500 which are currently available in the market and you can order online too. Order any and enjoy the grilling season with ease.
I hope you found the right one for you, if so, sharing it with others will be great.
