When it comes to outdoor cooking, it’s hard to beat charcoal grills. They can do everything from low and slow BBQ to putting a great sear on a delicious steak. There’s also something romantic and also primitive about cooking with a live fire. The sounds, smells and tastes cannot be replicated on another cooking apparatus.
Below are the best charcoal grills available in 2022 for under $500. These will get you outside and cooking in no time. Even better, then won’t break the bank either.
Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill 22″
It’s hard to beat a classic and Weber has been doing it for a long time. Actually, they have been making grills for 70 years. Their original premium kettle is built to be used everyday and comes in a few colors as well!
Highlights
- 363 square inches of cooking space
- Built in lid thermometer
- Easy to use one-touch cleaning system
- Porcelain-enameled lid and bowl for superior heat retention
- Up to 10 years of warranty
Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill 26″
The 22 inch kettle is plenty big enough for most folks but not everyone. I am one those that require more cooking space. The 26 inch kettle has plenty of room for activities including a whole packer brisket!
Highlights
- 508 square inches of cooking space
- Built in lid thermometer
- Charcoal baskets included
- Easy to use one-touch cleaning system
- Porcelain-enameled lid and bowl for superior heat retention
- Up to 10 years of warranty
Weber Performer Premium Charcoal Grill 22″
The original 22 inch kettle is great but it is a bit basic. Unless you have 4 arms you will need a place to set down your trays of food and drink. Because a good beer while grilling is pretty much mandatory. The Performer is the all-in-one grilling station to make you a backyard hero!
Highlights
- 363 square inches of cooking space
- Built-in charcoal storage
- Side work table
- Timer/Alarm
- Gourmet BBQ system cooking grate
- Built in lid thermometer
- Charcoal baskets included
- Easy to use one-touch cleaning system
- Porcelain-enameled lid and bowl for superior heat retention
- Up to 10 years of warranty
Kamado Joe Kettle Joe 22″
Kamado Joe is the relative new kid on the block but they have already made quite the name for themselves. They were founded in 2009 and have been popping up in many backyards since. This 22 inch kettle comes with many features not included on charcoal grills twice its price.
Highlights
- 350 square inches of cooking space
- Ceramic lined firebox
- 2 tier cooking grate system
- Patented smoke chamber design
- Folding side tables
- Adjustable hinged lid
- Convenient ash cleanup system
- Cart and locking castors included
PK Grills Original
PK, short for portable kitchen, started in the 1950’s but then stopped production in the 70’s. It wasn’t until a grilling enthusiast came across one in the late 90’s that the company starting producing grill again. And if that doesn’t tell you something about their 70 year old design I don’t know what does.
Highlights
- 310 inches of cooking space
- Rust proof cast aluminum construction
- Sliding bottom charcoal vents
- Classic looks
- Up to 20 years of warranty
