Best Charcoal Barbecues of 2025

Toby Butcher Avatar
Toby Butcher
Last Updated: 2 Feb 2025

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For those who enjoy cooking outdoors, charcoal barbecues are a popular choice. These barbecues come in various sizes and styles, ranging from portable options to large, stationary models. They use charcoal as their fuel source, which can give food a distinct flavour and aroma. Charcoal barbecues can be used to cook a variety of foods, including meats, vegetables, and even pizza. While they require a bit more effort to set up and maintain than gas barbecues, many people find the resulting flavour and experience worth it.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

CosmoGrill Outdoor XL Portable BBQ Grill Cover #TOP 1
CosmoGrill Outdoor XL Portable BBQ Grill
ftb score rating icon 9.8
CosmoGrill XXL Portable Charcoal Smoker BBQ Cover #TOP 2
CosmoGrill XXL Portable Charcoal Smoker BBQ
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Weber Compact 47cm Charcoal Grill with Lid Cover #TOP 3
Weber Compact 47cm Charcoal Grill with Lid
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Charcoal Barbecues

CosmoGrill Outdoor XL Portable BBQ Grill

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Black
CosmoGrill Outdoor XL Portable BBQ Grill Cover
CosmoGrill Outdoor XL Smoker Barbecue Charcoal Portable BBQ Grill Garden

The CosmoGrill XL BBQ offers a generous cooking area, perfect for grilling over 10 burger patties or sausages at once, making it ideal for large gatherings or family meals. With a built-in thermometer and adjustable chimney, you can achieve precise temperature control, ensuring your meats are cooked to perfection. The variable heat zones allow you to cook different meats simultaneously at their optimal temperatures. Additionally, the thoughtful design includes easy-to-clean grill grates, simplifying the post-cooking cleanup for a hassle-free barbecue experience.

What We Like
Generous cooking area
Accurate temperature control
Variable heat zones
Easy to clean
#TOP 2

CosmoGrill XXL Portable Charcoal Smoker BBQ

93447
Black
XX-Large
CosmoGrill XXL Portable Charcoal Smoker BBQ Cover
CosmoGrill Outdoor XXL Smoker Barbecue Charcoal Portable BBQ with Lid Cover, Adjustable Grill and Built-in Temperature Gauge, for Home Garden Party Cooking

The CosmoGrill Charcoal BBQ is designed for those who love to entertain. With a generous grilling area, you can cook over 15 burger patties and sausages at once, ideal for large gatherings. Its two cast iron grills ensure even heat retention, allowing you to achieve consistent cooking results. You will appreciate the integrated temperature gauge and adjustable air vents for precise heat management, giving you control over your cooking environment. Additionally, the multi-zone cooking feature lets you prepare different meats and vegetables simultaneously, enhancing your outdoor cooking experience.

What We Like
Spacious grilling area
Even heat distribution
Precise temperature control
Multi-zone cooking capability
Portable and easy to store

Weber Compact 47cm Charcoal Grill with Lid

1221004
Black
47cm
Weber Compact 47cm Charcoal Grill with Lid Cover
Weber Compact Kettle Charcoal Grill Barbecue, 47cm | BBQ Grill with Lid Cover, Stand & Wheels | Freestanding Outdoor Oven, Smoker & Outdoor Cooker with Porcelain-Enamelled Bowl - Black (1221004)

The Weber 47cm Kettle BBQ is a stylish and practical charcoal grill, perfect for cooking outdoor meals. Its heat-resistant bowl and lid ensure durability while providing excellent heat retention for even cooking. With a triple plated cooking grate, you can easily grill a variety of foods, from burgers to pizzas, making it ideal for gatherings with friends and family. The included wheels allow for effortless mobility, so you can position it wherever you need in your garden or patio.

What We Like
Durable heat-resistant materials
Easy to clean and maintain
Ideal for outdoor gatherings
Consistent temperature for cooking
#TOP 4

CosmoGrill XXL Portable Smoker Barbecue

93447
Black
XX-Large
CosmoGrill XXL Portable Smoker Barbecue Cover
CosmoGrill Outdoor XXL Smoker Barbecue Charcoal Portable BBQ with Waterproof Cover, Adjustable Grill and Built-in Temperature Gauge, for Home Garden Party Cooking

The CosmoGrill Smoker BBQ is designed for year-round outdoor cooking. Its durable cover protects against weather elements, ensuring your barbecue remains in top condition. With a spacious grilling area, you can cook over 15 burger patties and sausages at once, making it ideal for gatherings. The built-in temperature gauge and adjustable air vents allow you to manage heat precisely, ensuring your food is cooked to perfection. Plus, the cast iron grills provide excellent heat retention, delivering consistent results every time you grill.

What We Like
Durable weather protection
Large cooking capacity
Precise temperature control
Excellent heat retention

VonHaus Charcoal BBQ with Warming Rack

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Black
VonHaus Charcoal BBQ with Warming Rack Cover
VonHaus Charcoal BBQ – Portable Barrel Barbecue with Warming Rack, Temperature Gauge, Wheels, Large Cooking Grill, Air Vents – 2 in 1 Barbeque and Smoker – Grill Meat, Fish & Vegetables

The VonHaus Charcoal BBQ is a versatile 2-in-1 grill and smoker, perfect for cooking meat, fish, and vegetables with a delicious smoked flavour. You can easily monitor the cooking temperature with the external gauge, allowing you to achieve the ideal heat without lifting the lid. The large chrome-plated grill offers ample space for family-sized meals, while the warming rack ensures that your grilled food stays hot for serving. With wheels and handles, moving the BBQ around your garden is a breeze, making it suitable for any British weather.

What We Like
Versatile grill and smoker
Large cooking space
Easy temperature monitoring
Portable with wheels
Durable construction
#TOP 6

SUNLIFER Charcoal BBQ Grill with Smoker

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Black
SUNLIFER Charcoal BBQ Grill with Smoker Cover
Charcoal BBQ Grill With Offset Smoker: Large Oil Drum Barbecue Barrel Grill For Outdoor Garden

The SUNLIFER BBQ Grill offers accurate temperature management with its built-in thermometer, allowing you to monitor the heat without lifting the lid. You can enjoy a spacious cooking area, featuring a large main grill and a side grate, perfect for a variety of meats and vegetables. Its easy mobility and storage solutions make it convenient to move around the garden, while the durable construction ensures efficient heat and smoke flow for delicious results. This grill is designed for both backyard gatherings and camping trips, promising a fantastic outdoor cooking experience.

What We Like
Accurate temperature monitoring
Spacious dual cooking area
Easy to move and store
Durable and safe design
Versatile for various occasions
#TOP 7

VonHaus Portable Charcoal BBQ with Side Tables

2500250
Black
Large
VonHaus Portable Charcoal BBQ with Side Tables Cover
VonHaus BBQ, Charcoal Barbecue, Portable BBQ Use Anywhere In Your Garden, For Grilling Meat, Fish & Vegetables, With Side Tables & Temperature Gauge For The Perfect Barbecue Every Time

The VonHaus Charcoal BBQ is a versatile grilling solution for your garden. You can use it as a traditional charcoal barbecue or a wood smoker, allowing you to infuse your meats and vegetables with rich, smoky flavours. The high-quality cast iron cooking surface is not only durable but also easy to clean, ensuring a hassle-free cooking experience. With the convenient front loading access, adding charcoal or wood is simple, even in low light. This BBQ also features two side tables, providing ample space for your grilling essentials.

What We Like
Versatile grilling options
Durable and easy to clean
Convenient front loading access
Ample preparation space

VonHaus Charcoal BBQ with Warming Rack

Grey
VonHaus Charcoal BBQ with Warming Rack Cover
VonHaus Charcoal BBQ – Barbecue with Warming Rack, Adjustable Height, Temperature Gauge – Portable, Ash Catcher, Additional Storage Shelf, 2 Foldable Side Tables, Wheels – Grill Meat, Fish & Veg

The VonHaus Charcoal BBQ is an impressive 2-in-1 barbecue and smoker, allowing you to cook quickly with charcoal or slowly with wood for that authentic smoky flavour. The large cooking grill and warming rack provide ample space to prepare meals for family and friends while keeping your food warm. With its portable design, including wheels and foldable side tables, you can easily move it to your desired spot. Plus, the temperature control features let you adjust air vents and the charcoal tray height, ensuring perfect cooking every time.

What We Like
Versatile cooking options
Large cooking area
Easy to move
Temperature control
Handy storage solutions
#TOP 9

Large Charcoal BBQ Grill with Adjustable Features

073B-0721
Black
Large
Large Charcoal BBQ Grill with Adjustable Features Cover
Large Charcoal BBQ Grill - Smoker BBQ Trolley - XL Coal Barbecue Grill - with Adjustable Grill, Built-in Temperature Gauge, Bottle opener, Pull-out ash tray & more (Large)

The GOODS EMPORIUM BBQ Grill offers excellent control over your grilling experience with its adjustable charcoal tray and built-in thermometer, allowing you to maintain the perfect temperature. The convenient charcoal access door lets you add or adjust charcoal without disrupting your cooking, making the process hassle-free. Additionally, the pull-out ash tray simplifies clean-up, ensuring you can enjoy your BBQ without the mess. With a warming rack and a foldable side shelf, you can keep food warm and have your tools within reach, enhancing your outdoor cooking experience.

What We Like
Easy temperature control
Convenient charcoal access
Simple ash removal
Warming rack included
Foldable side shelf
#TOP 10

SUNLIFER Heavy Duty Charcoal BBQ Grill

Black
Basic-17
SUNLIFER Heavy Duty Charcoal BBQ Grill Cover
SUNLIFER Charcoal BBQ Grill, Heavy Duty 3-in-1 Barbecue Smoker Grill for Garden Camping Outdoor Cooking and Grilling 89x56x43CM

The SUNLIFER Charcoal Grill offers excellent temperature control with its built-in thermometer and adjustable airflow, ensuring your food is perfectly cooked. Its multifunctional design allows you to smoke, barbecue, steam, bake, stew, and roast, providing great versatility for your outdoor cooking. The grill features two access doors, enabling you to check on your food and add charcoal without losing heat. Additionally, with a large cooking space that includes two cooking grates, you can easily prepare multiple dishes simultaneously, making it ideal for gatherings.

What We Like
Quality temperature control
Versatile cooking options
Convenient access doors
Large cooking space
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Which BBQ charcoal is best?

Good quality lumpwood charcoal is the favoured fuel of experts because it isn't coated in any ignition chemicals and it produces a perfect cooking temperature. However, it does burn down quite quickly and the heat it emits isn't very consistent.

2. Are charcoal BBQS worth it?

As explained above, charcoal barbecues allow you to cook with more versatility, allowing you to build up great flavourful crusts, as well as cooking low-and-slow for hours (or even days).

3. What is best for BBQ wood or charcoal?

Charcoal cooks hotter than wood and is more consistent in its heat output. Wood chips are great for adding extra flavour to your barbecue or smoker. Charcoals unique flavour is a result of the released drippings evaporating and going back into the food.

4. Should you cover a charcoal BBQ when cooking?

Remember this basic rule of thumb: If you're cooking on a gas grill, opening the lid will make it cooler. If you're cooking on a charcoal grill, opening the lid will make it hotter.

Editor's Notes

During our charcoal barbecue research, we found 144 charcoal barbecue products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 59,809 customer reviews through our big data system to write the charcoal barbecues list. We found that most customers choose charcoal barbecues with an average price of £124.24.

The charcoal barbecues are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of charcoal barbecues, including CosmoGrill, Weber, VonHaus, SUNLIFER, GOODS EMPORIUM. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 540 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Toby Butcher Avatar

Toby Butcher is a Horticulturist, and he earned his title as a Master Gardener in 2016. Toby has acquired a 25-year experience as a home gardener planting, designing, grooming vegetables and flowers. He is the leader of a plant group in Durham. Toby owns a blog where he publishes articles on growing and growing your flowers at home, in a vase, or in a garden.