Starting your journey into charcoal grilling is an exciting step towards achieving that classic, smoky flavor you love from backyard barbecues. The right grill can make all the difference, turning a novice into a confident grill master with ease. A 24-inch grill, or similar size, offers the perfect balance of cooking space and manageable size for those just getting started.
This roundup is designed to help you find the ideal beginner-friendly charcoal grill. We’ve compiled a list of reliable and highly-rated options, from iconic kettles to versatile portable models, to help you make an informed choice for your first grill. Each model offers unique features that simplify the learning process and deliver fantastic results.
Our Top Picks for Beginner Charcoal Grills
- Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill
- Weber Original Kettle Charcoal Grill 18-Inch
- Weber Master-Touch Charcoal Grill 22-Inch
- Cuisinart 14″ Portable Charcoal Grill
- Royal Gourmet 30-Inch Charcoal Grill with Offset Smoker
- Weber Jumbo Joe Charcoal Grill 18 Inch
- LS’BABQ Grill Replacement Parts for Char-Broil
- Pit Barrel Cooker Junior Package
- Megamaster Premium 18″ Heavy Duty Charcoal Grill
- Char-Griller E1224 Smokin Pro 24-Inch Grill
Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill
The Weber Original Kettle Premium is a quintessential choice for beginners, renowned for its simplicity and reliable performance. Its generous 22-inch cooking surface provides ample space for a family meal, capable of holding up to 13 burgers. The porcelain-enameled lid and bowl are built to last, effectively retaining heat while resisting rust and peeling.
Cleanup is remarkably straightforward with the integrated One-Touch system. This feature allows you to easily sweep ashes into a high-capacity, removable catcher, making post-grilling maintenance a quick task. This combination of durable construction and user-friendly design makes it a grill you can use for years to come.
Weber Original Kettle Charcoal Grill 18-Inch
For those with limited space or who typically cook for smaller groups, the 18-inch Weber Original Kettle is an excellent compact option. It shares the same robust build quality as its larger sibling, featuring a durable-plated steel cooking grate that stands up to frequent use. The porcelain-enameled construction ensures excellent heat retention and long-term durability.
This model also includes the convenient One-Touch cleaning system with an aluminized steel ash catcher. This system simplifies ash cleanup, helping to maintain your grill and protect it from corrosion. It’s a fantastic, no-fuss entry point into the world of Weber grilling.
Weber Master-Touch Charcoal Grill 22-Inch
The Weber Master-Touch elevates the classic kettle experience with thoughtful upgrades designed for a smoother grilling session. A standout feature is the Tuck-Away lid holder, which securely holds the lid on the side of the grill, preventing you from having to place it on the ground. The hinged cooking grate makes adding more charcoal mid-cook a simple task.
This grill is also compatible with the Gourmet BBQ System inserts, allowing you to expand your cooking techniques with accessories like a griddle or wok. Combined with the efficient One-Touch cleaning system, the Master-Touch offers enhanced convenience for beginners looking to grow their skills.
Cuisinart 14″ Portable Charcoal Grill
If your grilling adventures take you beyond the backyard, the Cuisinart 14-inch Portable Grill is an ideal companion. Weighing only 4 pounds, it’s incredibly easy to transport for camping, tailgating, or picnics. Despite its compact size, it offers a respectable 196 square inches of cooking space on a rust-resistant chrome-plated grate.
You still have precise control over your cooking temperature thanks to the adjustable dual vents. These vents allow you to manage the airflow for everything from high-heat searing to slower cooking. Its locking lid makes it safe and simple to carry to your next outdoor event.
Royal Gourmet 30-Inch Charcoal Grill with Offset Smoker
For the beginner who wants to jump into smoking as well as grilling, the Royal Gourmet offers tremendous versatility. It provides an expansive 811 square inches of total cooking area, split between the main grill and a separate offset smoker box. This allows you to grill burgers in the main chamber while smoking ribs in the side fire box.
The grill includes a handy side table and features a 2-level height-adjustable charcoal pan. This adjustability gives you better command over your heat intensity, a useful feature for mastering different cooking styles. It’s a great all-in-one outdoor cooking station for a budding barbecue enthusiast.
Weber Jumbo Joe Charcoal Grill 18 Inch
The Weber Jumbo Joe is a portable version of the classic kettle, offering the trusted performance of a Weber in a mobile package. It features a 240-square-inch porcelain-enameled cooking area, providing a good balance of portability and cooking capacity. The plated steel cooking grate is built for durability and consistent results.
Like its larger counterparts, it is designed for easy maintenance with rust-resistant aluminum dampers and an ash catcher. Its compact yet efficient design makes it perfect for small patios, balconies, or taking along to a friend’s house for a cookout.
LS’BABQ Grill Replacement Parts for Char-Broil
This is not a grill, but a crucial set of replacement parts for specific Char-Broil models. For beginners who have purchased a Char-Broil grill and need to maintain it, this kit is incredibly valuable. It includes essential components like a cooking grate, heat tents, burners, and an adjustable carryover tube.
The parts are constructed from high-quality materials, with the cooking grate made from durable stainless steel that is dishwasher safe for easy cleaning. Keeping your grill in top working condition is key to getting the best results, and this kit helps ensure longevity and consistent performance.
Pit Barrel Cooker Junior Package
The Pit Barrel Cooker Junior offers a unique and simple approach to charcoal cooking, utilizing a vertical drum design. Its 360-degree heat dynamics promote even cooking and are known for producing consistently excellent results with minimal effort. This makes it a very beginner-friendly system for both grilling and smoking.
It is highly versatile; you can use the included steel grill grate or hang meat from hooks for a true pit-style barbecue. The durable porcelain enamel finish is built to withstand high internal temperatures and various weather conditions, ensuring it remains a backyard staple for a long time.
Megamaster Premium 18″ Heavy Duty Charcoal Grill
The Megamaster Premium Grill delivers classic charcoal flavor in a sturdy and affordable package. With 245 square inches of cooking space, it provides ample room for a family meal without taking up too much patio space. Its construction is focused on delivering reliable performance for backyard cooks and campers alike.
Precision temperature control is achieved through built-in air dampers, allowing you to adjust the heat for various cooking techniques. This feature is key for a beginner learning the nuances of charcoal fire management, helping you achieve perfectly cooked meals every time.
Char-Griller E1224 Smokin Pro 24-Inch Grill
The Char-Griller Smokin Pro is a classic barrel-style grill that combines a large 24-inch main cooking chamber with a separate side firebox. This design is perfect for beginners interested in traditional offset smoking, as the side box allows you to add wood chips for authentic smoke flavor to food in the main grill.
It offers substantial grilling area and the robust feel of a classic barbecue pit. The addition of the side firebox opens up a world of low-and-slow smoking possibilities, making it a great foundational grill for someone serious about learning American barbecue styles.
Buying Guide: What to Look For in a 24-Inch Charcoal Grill for Beginners
So, you’re ready to get your first charcoal grill. A 24-inch model is a perfect starting point—it’s big enough to cook for a family but not so massive that it’s intimidating or takes up your entire patio. I remember standing in the store, completely overwhelmed by the options. To save you that headache, here’s a straightforward guide on what really matters when you’re picking out one of the best 24-inch charcoal grills for beginners.
First up, let’s talk about the material. The grill’s body is usually made from either porcelain-enameled steel or plain old steel. Porcelain-enameled is your friend. It’s coated to resist rust and is generally easier to clean. Thicker steel is also a huge plus because it holds heat better, which means more consistent temperatures and less charcoal burned through. Thin metal grills heat up fast but can also have wild temperature swings and might not last as long.
Next, consider the lid and dampers. A tight-fitting lid is non-negotiable for proper heat control. You want to be able to trap that smoke and heat inside to cook your food evenly. Look for dampers on both the top and the bottom of the grill. The bottom damper controls how much air gets to the charcoal, and the top damper (or vent) lets smoke and heat escape. Together, these are your temperature dials. Mastering them is the key to moving beyond burnt hot dogs.
The grates are where your food actually sits. Cast iron grates are fantastic because they get super hot and leave those classic grill marks, but they require a bit more maintenance to keep them from rusting. Porcelain-enameled steel grates are much easier to care for and still do a great job. For a beginner, the low-maintenance option is often the better choice so you can focus on learning to grill, not on scrubbing and seasoning.
Don’t forget about practical features. A built-in thermometer in the lid is a lifesaver. It might not be 100% perfectly accurate, but it gives you a crucial baseline reading so you’re not just guessing what’s happening inside. Also, check out the ash collection system. Some grills have a handy catch pan that makes cleanup a breeze, while others require you to shovel out ashes from the bottom bowl. An easy clean-out system will make you much more likely to fire up the grill on a weeknight.
Finally, think about stability and mobility. Make sure the grill stands firmly on its legs without wobbling. If you plan on moving it around, look for models with sturdy wheels. Starting with charcoal is a learning process, and having the right equipment that’s easy to use and manage makes all the difference. Focus on these key areas, and you’ll find a grill that will help you build confidence and make some seriously good food.
FAQ
How much cooking space does a 24-inch grill actually have?
The “24-inch” typically refers to the diameter of the cooking grate. This usually gives you around 360 to 480 square inches of space. To put that in perspective, you can comfortably fit about 20 to 24 burgers at once. It’s a great size for a family of four to six, or for having a few friends over without needing a second grill.
Is a charcoal grill harder to use than a gas grill?
It has a steeper learning curve, but it’s not necessarily “harder.” With a gas grill, you turn a knob for heat. With charcoal, you’re managing the fire itself using the dampers and the amount of charcoal. It requires more attention and a bit of practice to learn how to control the temperature. Many of us think the flavor and the hands-on experience are totally worth that extra bit of effort.
What’s the best way to control the temperature on a charcoal grill?
Temperature control is all about airflow. More air means a hotter fire. To raise the temperature, open the top and bottom dampers wider. To lower it, close them down. If you need to cool things down fast, closing the dampers almost completely will suffocate the fire. Also, remember that spreading the coals out creates a lower, more even heat, while piling them up creates a hotter, more intense fire for searing.
How long does it take for a 24-inch charcoal grill to heat up?
From lighting the charcoal to being ready to cook, you should budget about 15 to 25 minutes. Using a chimney starter is the fastest and most reliable method. The coals are ready when they are covered in a layer of gray ash. This waiting period is part of the process, so I usually get my food prepped while the coals are heating.
What type of charcoal should a beginner use?
I recommend starting with all-natural lump charcoal. It lights easily and burns hotter and cleaner than many briquettes, which can contain binders and other additives. It gives you a pure, smoky flavor. However, high-quality briquettes are also a fine choice as they burn more consistently and for a longer time, which can be helpful when you’re still getting the hang of things.
Are there any specific safety tips for a beginner using a charcoal grill?
Absolutely. First, always place your grill on a stable, non-flammable surface well away from your house, deck railings, or overhanging branches. Never use lighter fluid on hot coals—it’s extremely dangerous. Use long-handled tools to keep your hands safe from the heat. And most importantly, never leave a lit grill unattended, especially if you have kids or pets around. Following these basic rules will ensure your grilling sessions are safe and fun as you learn to use your new 24-inch charcoal grill.