Best Charcoal Grills with Smoker Capability

TL;DR: The Kamado Joe Classic Joe Series II 18‑inch delivers premium ceramic heat retention, a 225‑750°F range, and a versatile 2‑Tier Divide & Conquer system, but its 232‑lb weight and $1,299 price place it in the high‑end market.

The grill’s standout feature is its expandable cooking area, growing from a standard 250‑256 sq in to a maximum of 660 sq in when accessories are added. Its 18‑in cooking surface diameter sits inside a thick‑walled ceramic body that measures 18 in deep and 36 in tall, while the cart widens the footprint to 46.5 in.

At 232 lb, the Kamado Joe is substantially heavier than the other six grills in this roundup, which range from 7.9 lb (JY Outdoor) to 90 lb (PK 360). It also carries a premium price tag, making it notably pricier than the PK 360, Royal Gourmet, and Char‑Griller models. In terms of width, its 46.5 in with cart is a bit narrower than the PK 360’s 54 in width, but its depth of 28 in (with cart) creates a larger footprint than the compact Beau Jardin (18 in width) and the ultra‑portable JY Outdoor (11.8 in width).

Reviewers consistently praise the grill’s heat retention, noting that the ceramic body holds steady temperatures from low‑and‑slow 225°F up to high‑heat 750°F. The 2‑Tier Divide & Conquer system lets you sear steaks on one level while smoking ribs on the other, and the Kontrol Tower top vent provides precise airflow control even when the dome is open. Users also appreciate the slide‑out ash drawer and built‑in thermometer for convenient cleanup and monitoring. The most common complaints focus on the grill’s 232‑lb weight, which makes relocation a challenge despite the lockable wheels, and the sizable 46.5 in by 28 in footprint that can dominate a modest patio.

Technical highlights include the AMP six‑piece firebox for even heat distribution, an Air Lift hinge that reduces dome weight for easier opening, and a wire‑mesh fiberglass gasket that seals the ceramic body. The grill’s cast‑iron cart features locking wheels and folding HDPE side shelves, adding stability and storage options.

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

Avoid if: You're shopping on a tight budget — it's priced at $1299.00

TL;DR: At $139.99, the Char‑Griller King‑Griller Gambler offers a 317‑sq‑in cast‑iron cooking surface, 41‑in height, and built‑in wheels, delivering portable charcoal grilling for small patios without sacrificing solid construction.

The standout spec is its 317 square‑inch cooking area backed by cast‑iron grill grates, which promise even heat distribution. At 41.0 inches tall, 24.0 inches long and 35.0 inches wide, the barrel‑style unit fits comfortably on a modest balcony, while the 18.6‑pound weight keeps it light enough to roll around on the included wheels.

Compared with the seven other grills in this roundup, the Gambler sits in a sweet spot for portability. It’s lighter than the PayLessHere 43‑inch model (which weighs 35.0 pounds) but heavier than the ultra‑light JY Outdoor portable grill (7.9 pounds). Its height exceeds the Beau Jardin’s 31.5‑inch profile, yet its width of 35.0 inches is narrower than the PayLessHere’s 43.0‑inch deck. In terms of cooking real‑estate, the 317 sq in area is noticeably smaller than the Royal Gourmet’s 668 sq in surface, so it won’t match the output of the larger barrel‑style options.

User feedback repeatedly praises the compact, wheeled design for easy storage and maneuverability on tight patios. Reviewers also highlight the convenient easy‑dump ash pan and the built‑in warming rack for keeping foods hot while you finish the rest of the meal. The only recurring critique is that the modest cooking area can feel cramped when feeding a larger crowd, a trade‑off that many owners accept for the grill’s portability.

Additional technical notes include a heavy‑duty steel construction that features powder coating for rust resistance, a bottom storage rack for tools, side air vents for airflow control, and a heat gauge built into the lid. The unit pairs with Char‑Griller’s own charcoal chimney starter, streamlining fuel preparation.

Best for: Grill enthusiasts with limited outdoor space such as small patios or balconies who need a lightweight, wheeled charcoal grill.

Avoid if: You plan to cook for large groups, require a massive cooking surface, or need advanced features found on bigger, heavier barrel grills.

TL;DR: The Royal Gourmet CC2036F delivers a massive 668 sq in grill surface, a 272 sq in offset smoker and a 260 sq in warming rack in a solid 87.5‑lb steel barrel, perfect for big‑group cookouts.

This grill’s standout spec is its three‑zone layout: 668 sq in of primary cooking grates, a 272 sq in offset smoker and a 260 sq in warming rack, giving you plenty of room to sear, smoke and keep food warm simultaneously. The charcoal pan holds up to 3.5 kg (7.7 lb) of fuel and can be set at three height levels for fine heat control.

In the context of the seven‑product roundup, the CC2036F is notably larger than the Char‑Griller King‑Griller Gambler and the JY Outdoor Portable grill, and it also outweighs those models at 87.5 lb. It is lighter than the PK Grills PK 360 (90 lb) and far lighter than the Kamado Joe Classic (232 lb), placing it in a middle‑weight tier that favors stability without becoming immobile.

Reviewers consistently praise the grill’s sturdy porcelain‑enameled steel construction and its ability to serve 8‑10 people thanks to the generous cooking surface. The most common drawbacks mentioned are the lack of a digital temperature controller—relying on a manual lid‑mounted thermometer—and the fact that the unit requires assembly after delivery, which some users find it's time‑consuming.

Best for: Large gatherings and barbecue enthusiasts who want simultaneous grilling and smoking with a solid, premium‑feel build.

Avoid if: You have very limited outdoor space, need a lightweight portable grill, or require digital temperature control.

TL;DR: The PayLessHere 43‑inch Charcoal Grill offers a portable barrel‑style design with an offset smoker, 3 grilling modes and a steel frame for groups of 6‑10 at a $69.99 price point.

This grill’s most distinctive spec is its size: a 44.0‑inch height, 24.0‑inch length and 43.0‑inch width give it a large cooking footprint while still weighing only 35.0 pounds, making it easier to move than many bulkier models. The barrel shape houses double grilling nets, a bottom pulley and an included temperature monitor, all of which the steel, freestanding frame incorporates.

Compared with the six other grills in the roundup, the PayLessHere sits in the middle of the size spectrum. It's taller than the Char‑Griller King‑Griller (41.0 in height) but shorter than the PK Grills PK 360 (43 in height). Its width of 43.0 in is narrower than PK’s 54 in width yet wider than the JY Outdoor Portable (11.8 in). At 35.0 lb, it's heavier than the JY Outdoor (7.9 lb) and the Char‑Griller (18.6 lb) but considerably lighter than the Royal Gourmet (87.5 lb) and the Kamado Joe (232.0 lb). This balance gives it a portable feel without the extreme weight of premium ceramic units.

User sentiment highlights the grill’s easy‑carry rail and the integrated offset smoker as real conveniences for backyard or campsite cooking. Reviewers appreciate the three barbecue modes that let you switch between direct grilling, indirect cooking and smoking without extra accessories. Reviewers note the very limited review pool—only 17 ratings on a major retailer—making it harder to gauge long‑term durability. Still, the 4.5‑star average from 107 verified reviews suggests early owners are pleased.

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

Avoid if: You want the best value‑per‑dollar in its price range

TL;DR: The JY Outdoor Portable Charcoal Grill costs $53.99, weighs just 7.9 lb, measures 14.5 × 16.5 × 11.8 in, and includes a built‑in thermometer, making it the most affordable and compact option in the lineup.

This grill’s standout spec is its ultra‑light weight of 7.9 lb combined with a compact footprint of 14.5 in high, 16.5 in long and 11.8 in wide. The chrome wire‑mesh grate and wooden handle keep the design simple, while the included thermometer lets you monitor heat without extra accessories.

Compared with the six other grills in this roundup, the JY model is markedly lighter and smaller. The PayLessHere barrel grill, the Char‑Griller King‑Griller, and the larger Beau Jardin unit all tip the scales well above 18 lb and occupy considerably more floor space. Even the heavy‑duty PK Grills capsule and the premium Kamado Joe are far heavier and bulkier. In short, the JY grill sits at the low‑end of both price and size, while still offering the core charcoal experience.

Customer sentiment for budget grills often highlights portability and ease of setup, and the JY’s lightweight construction directly addresses those desires. Reviewers also note the convenience of the built‑in thermometer, which many larger competitors don’t list. The green finish adds a splash of color for outdoor settings, though the manufacturer doesn’t list a warranty or wheel system, so you’ll need to handle transport manually.

Best for: Shoppers on a tight budget who want the most for their money

Avoid if: You need a large cooking area or heavy‑duty construction for frequent, high‑volume grilling

TL;DR: The Beau Jardin 18‑inch Charcoal Grill costs $76.99, offers a porcelain‑enameled bowl, wheels, and a one‑touch ash catcher, making it a portable, budget‑friendly option for small gatherings.

The grill’s most eye‑catching spec is its 18 in cooking diameter housed in a 31.5 in tall, 18 in wide, 17 in deep enclosure. A porcelain‑enameled bowl and lid keep heat steady, while an adjustable aluminum air‑vent damper lets you fine‑tune temperature. The plated‑steel grate sits above a removable ash catcher that empties with a single press, and durable wheels plus two bowl handles make transport a breeze.

Compared with the six other grills in this roundup, the Beau Jardin is noticeably more compact. It’s far narrower than the PayLessHere 43‑in barrel grill (43 in wide) and the Char‑Griller King‑Griller (35 in wide), yet taller than the JY Outdoor Portable model (14.5 in high). Its footprint also sits between the low‑profile Royal Gourmet (14.17 in high) and the larger PK Grills PK 360 (43 in high). While many competitors list weight, the Beau Jardin’s weight isn’t provided, so you’ll need to judge portability mainly from the wheels and handles.

Reviewers consistently praise the grill’s portability and the convenience of the one‑touch ash leak, calling it ideal for camping, tailgating, or a small patio. However, users note that the porcelain enamel isn’t weather‑resistant, so prolonged exposure to rain can cause damage. The lack of a built‑in thermometer also shows up in complaints from cooks who prefer on‑board temperature monitoring.

Additional technical context includes an inside‑lid hanger hook that lets you store tools while you grill, and the adjustable damper which helps maintain steady heat for smoking. The plated‑steel grate offers a solid cooking surface, and the design targets casual backyard cooks and small families.

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

Avoid if: Reliability and user satisfaction are your top concerns

TL;DR: The PK360 is a 90‑lb cast‑aluminum, 43‑in tall charcoal grill with four‑point vents and a Tel‑Tru thermometer, offering premium build and precise heat control at $780.01.

PK Grills builds the PK360 around a cast‑aluminum capsule that weighs 90.0 pounds and measures 43 in high, 23 in deep, and 54 in wide. The four‑point venting system—two upper radial vents and two lower cylindrical vents—lets you dial in temperature with the Tel‑Tru thermometer, which the manufacturer claims is accurate within ±1 %.

At $780.01, the PK360 sits in a higher price tier than the Char‑Griller King‑Griller Gambler Black, which is considerably lighter at 18.6 pounds. It's also heavier than the Royal Gourmet CC2036F’s 87.5‑pound chassis, but far lighter than the ceramic‑walled Kamado Joe Classic, which tips the scales at 232 pounds. In terms of footprint, the PK360’s 54‑inch width outstretches the compact Beau Jardin’s 18‑inch bowl and the JY Outdoor’s 11.8‑inch width, giving you more cooking real‑estate without needing a cart.

Reviewers consistently praise the grill’s temperature stability, noting that the four‑point vent system and precise thermometer make low‑and‑slow smoking as reliable as high‑heat grilling. Owners also highlight the rust‑proof aluminum body for lasting durability. On the downside, reviewers frequently mention the 90‑pound weight as a hurdle for solo transport, and the 43‑inch cooking height can feel low for users taller than six feet. Assembly's described as tool‑intensive, so plan a little extra time before the first cook‑out.

Beyond the core specs, the PK360 includes two wheels and a detachable capsule for easier moving, and it ships with a 10‑year limited warranty on the capsule, underscoring PK Grills’ confidence in the build quality.

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