Best Budget Charcoal Grills Under $100

TL;DR: The Weber Jumbo Joe 18‑inch grill packs a 240 sq in cooking area, durable porcelain‑enameled bowl and lid, and a handy Tuck‑N‑Carry lock into a 17.46‑lb, sub‑$100 package.

The standout spec is the 240 sq in cooking area, which sits comfortably between the Cuisinart’s 196 sq in surface and the Dyna‑Glo’s 287 sq in surface. A porcelain‑enameled bowl and lid keep heat steady and resist rust, while the 18.5‑in grill diameter lets you fit up to eight burgers using the optional Weber burger press. At 19.75 in tall, 19.75 in long and 20.5 in wide, the grill’s footprint is compact enough for a car trunk yet broad enough to handle a modest spread.

Compared with the six other grills in this roundup, the Jumbo Joe is noticeably lighter than the Dyna‑Glo (40.7 lb) and PayLessHere (35 lb) models, yet heavier than the ultra‑light JY Outdoor (7.9 lb) and Cuisinart (2 lb). Its width of 20.5 in outpaces the Dyna‑Glo’s 18.35 in and the JY Outdoor’s 11.8 in, though it’s narrower than the PayLessHere’s 43 in. Cooking‑area wise, it offers more room than the Cuisinart (196 sq in) and Supernal (unspecified) but less than the Beau Jardin’s 255 sq in, giving a balanced middle ground for small‑to‑medium gatherings.

Reviewers repeatedly praise the grill’s “perfect size” for tailgating, camping, and beach picnics, noting that the heat‑retaining porcelain‑enameled construction delivers consistent results. The Tuck‑N‑Carry lid lock is highlighted as a clever convenience, securing the lid during transport and doubling as a handy lid holder. Users also appreciate the rust‑resistant aluminum ash catcher and the one‑touch cleaning system, which together make post‑cook cleanup quick and mess‑free.

Technical details round out the package: an ash catcher made from rust‑resistant aluminum, a one‑touch cleaning system of aluminized steel, and a glass‑reinforced nylon handle that stays cool. The grill’s limited warranty covers the bowl and lid for ten years, plastic components for five, and all other parts for two, underscoring Weber’s confidence in durability.

Best for: Buyers willing to invest in a proven, high-quality option

Avoid if: You're on a tight budget or only need basic functionality

TL;DR: At $33.28, the Cuisinart 14‑inch Charcoal Grill packs a 196 sq in cooking surface and dual vents into a 2‑lb lightweight frame, delivering solid value for campers and small‑space grillers.

The grill’s most eye‑catching spec is its 196 sq in cooking area, which is generous for a unit that measures just 15 in tall, 14.6 in long and 14 in wide. Weighing only 2 lb, the whole package is easy to lift into a car trunk or carry on a backpacking trip.

Compared with the other six grills in this roundup, the Cuisinart is the most affordable option and far lighter than the JY Outdoor Portable Charcoal Grill, which tips the scales at 7.9 lb. It’s also far more compact than the PayLessHere 43‑inch model, whose 44‑in height and 43‑in width make it a backyard‑only piece. While the Dyna‑Glo Portable Charcoal Grill offers a larger 287 sq in cooking area, it weighs over 40 lb, so the Cuisinart wins on portability. Its star rating matches that of the Supernal Portable Charcoal Grill, indicating comparable satisfaction.

User feedback repeatedly praises the grill’s lightweight build and the “mess‑free” enamel‑coated ash base, which makes cleanup simple after a tailgate. Reviewers also highlight the dual adjustable vents for fine‑tuning temperature, though a few note the 4.3‑star rating suggests occasional issues with lid sealing. The chrome‑plated grate and three secure lid locks add durability for frequent travel.

Best for: Budget‑conscious buyers seeking a reliable entry‑level option

Avoid if: You need a large cooking surface for big gatherings or a grill with an integrated thermometer

TL;DR: The PayLessHere 43‑inch Charcoal Grill offers a roomy 43 in × 44 in barrel, built‑in offset smoker and three cooking modes for $69.99, making it a solid budget choice for small groups.

This grill’s standout dimension is its 43.0‑inch width and 44.0‑inch height, giving you a large cooking envelope while still weighing only 35.0 pounds. The steel‑body barrel houses an integrated offset smoker and three selectable barbecue modes, plus a built‑in temperature monitor, so you can switch between direct grilling, indirect heat and smoking without extra accessories.

Compared with the other six grills in the roundup, the PayLessHere model is taller than the JY Outdoor Portable (14.5 in height) and wider than the Beau Jardin Premium (15.9 in width). It’s lighter than the Dyna‑Glo Portable (40.7 lb) yet considerably larger than the compact Cuisinart 14‑inch (14.6 in length) and Supernal Portable (11 in length). In short, it sits in a sweet spot of size and weight for a freestanding backyard unit while staying under the $100 price ceiling.

Buyers appreciate the portable barrel‑style design with an easy‑carry rail, noting that it slides easily from a patio to a campsite. Reviewers repeatedly call the offset smoker feature a “nice bonus” for beginners who want to experiment with low‑and‑slow cooking. On the flip side, reviewers point out that the review pool is modest, making it harder to gauge long‑term durability, and the spec sheet omits details such as grate material or cooking area.

Best for: Beginner to intermediate grillers who need an affordable, portable charcoal grill that can feed 6‑10 people.

Avoid if: You require detailed technical specs, premium construction materials, or a grill for large gatherings and high‑volume cooking.

TL;DR: The Dyna‑Glo DGSS287CB-D offers a 287 sq in cooking area and heavy‑gauge steel durability for $98.52, but its 40.7 lb weight makes it a heftier portable option.

This tabletop grill’s standout spec is its 287 sq in cooking surface, which tops the 196 sq in area of the Cuisinart and exceeds the 255 sq in of the Beau Jardin. The heavy‑gauge steel body, finished in a black powder coat, pairs with a porcelain‑enameled steel charcoal tray, which gives the unit solid rust resistance and good heat transfer.

Compared with the six other grills in the roundup, the Dyna‑Glo is noticeably heavier. At 40.7 lb it outweighs the JY Outdoor (7.9 lb) and the Weber Jumbo Joe (17.46 lb), and it even tops the PayLessHere’s 35 lb. Its dimensions—21 in tall, 24.17 in long and 18.35 in wide—are larger than the compact Supernal (12.8 in tall, 11 in long) and the Cuisinart (15 in tall, 14.6 in long), yet it fits on a tabletop similarly to the Weber’s 19.75 in square footprint.

Reviewers consistently praise the grill’s sturdy construction and the ease of ash cleanup thanks to the removable charcoal tray. Users also like the cool‑touch spring lid handles for safe transport. The most common complaints focus on the weight, which can be a hassle for backpacking, and the limited cooking surface when trying to grill several large items at once. Professional reviewers note the optional offset smoker box expands cooking capacity, but you must buy it separately.

Best for: Portable entertainers who value sturdy construction and a larger cooking surface, and can manage a heavier unit.

Avoid if: You need the lightest possible grill or have a very tight budget.

TL;DR: The Beau Jardin Premium 18‑inch Charcoal Grill offers an 18‑inch cooking surface, sturdy porcelain‑enameled construction and easy‑roll wheels for under‑$100 portability, though it lacks side shelves and weather‑proofing.

This grill’s standout spec is its 18‑inch diameter cooking grate, delivering roughly 255 sq in of grilling area in a compact footprint. Both the bowl and lid feature porcelain‑enameled finishes, and the adjustable aluminum damper lets you fine‑tune airflow for temperature control. A one‑touch ash‑leak catcher simplifies cleanup after each session.

At $72.99, it sits just above the PayLessHere 43‑inch model’s $69.99 price point but under the Dyna‑Glo Portable’s $98.52 tag. Its 34‑in height makes it taller than the Weber Jumbo Joe’s 19.75 in height and considerably taller than the JY Outdoor’s 14.5 in profile. With a width of 15.9 in, it’s wider than the JY’s 11.8 in width yet narrower than the PayLessHere’s 43‑in span, giving it a balanced size for small‑to‑medium gatherings.

User feedback highlights the grill’s lightweight feel and the convenience of its thickened wheels and dual bowl handles, which make moving the unit between patios or campsites a breeze. Reviewers also praise the adjustable damper for reliable heat control. The main criticisms focus on the absence of side shelves or built‑in storage, which can make organizing tools and food tricky, and the lack of a weather‑resistant coating that some users wish for in rainy conditions.

Additional technical notes note an alloy‑steel frame with a porcelain‑enameled finish, a plated‑steel grate, and a one‑touch ash‑catcher that channels ash into a removable catcher for quick disposal. These features combine durability with low‑maintenance use, aligning with the grill’s “premium contender” label.

Best for: Those prioritizing quality and willing to pay for premium performance

Avoid if: You're on a tight budget or only need basic functionality

TL;DR: The Supernal Portable Charcoal Grill Black costs $40.34, packs a 16.34‑inch width and 2307.52 cu in volume into a 12.8‑inch‑high, 11‑inch‑long frame, making it a solid budget choice for tight spaces.

What really stands out is the grill’s footprint: a width of 16.34 in and a compact height of 12.8 in give it a surprisingly roomy cooking cavity of 2307.52 cu in while staying small enough to slip into a balcony or camping bag. The steel body features a rust‑resistant coating, and the grilling net uses stainless steel, so you get durability without added weight.

Compared with the six other grills in this roundup, the Supernal is among the smallest. The Cuisinart’s 14‑in width and 15‑in height make it slightly taller but narrower, while the JY Outdoor model is taller (14.5 in) and longer (16.5 in) yet narrower at 11.8 in. The Beau Jardin and Weber models both exceed 15 in in height and width, and the PayLessHere and Dyna‑Glo units are dramatically larger, with heights over 20 in and widths beyond 18 in. In short, Supernal offers the most portable dimensions while still providing 2307.52 cu in of cooking volume.

Customer feedback averages 4.3 stars from 45 reviews, indicating generally positive impressions. Reviewers frequently mention the grill’s compact size and the rust‑resistant coating as big wins for outdoor use. A recurring comment points to the limited cooking surface for the price, suggesting that value‑for‑money could be better than some competing models.

Online information on the RC290‑1 model remains sparse; the manufacturer does not list weight, warranty length, or cooking‑area dimensions. This lack of detail means you’ll need to rely on the listed dimensions and user reviews to gauge suitability.

Best for: Entry‑level buyers or those on a tight budget

Avoid if: Reliability and user satisfaction are your top concerns

TL;DR: The JY Outdoor Portable Charcoal Grill costs $53.99, weighs 7.9 lb, and folds down to a 14.5 in × 16.5 in × 11.8 in footprint, making it a cheap, lightweight option for occasional backyard grilling.

This grill’s most tangible spec is its compact size: at 14.5 in high, 16.5 in long and 11.8 in wide it fits easily on a small balcony or in a car trunk. The wood‑handle and chrome wire‑mesh grate give it a simple, functional look, while the built‑in thermometer helps you keep an eye on temperature without extra gadgets.

Compared with the seven‑product lineup, the JY sits in the middle of the size range – it’s longer than the Cuisinart 14‑inch model but shorter than the beefier PayLessHere 43‑inch barrel grill. It’s heavier than the ultra‑light Cuisinart (which tips the scales at about 2 lb) yet far lighter than the 35‑lb PayLessHere and the 40.7‑lb Dyna‑Glo portable grill. Price‑wise it lands under $100, making it pricier than the $40‑ish Supernal grill but cheaper than the $70‑plus Beau Jardin and Weber options.

Customer feedback points to a few consistent themes. Reviewers appreciate the low entry price and the convenience of a built‑in thermometer, noting that it simplifies charcoal grilling for beginners. However, the 4.2‑star average indicates some buyers wish the grill performed more reliably or offered a larger cooking surface – a spec that the manufacturer hasn't listed.

Technical notes: the manufacturer doesn’t list a cooking area, so you’ll need to estimate space based on the overall dimensions. The grill’s weight of 7.9 lb makes it easy to transport, and the green finish adds a splash of color to any outdoor setting.

Best for: Entry‑level buyers or those on a tight budget

Avoid if: Reliability and user satisfaction are your top concerns