TheStreet aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.
Few things signal the beginning of summer like the scent of barbecue ribs or steaks wafting through the air. That said, how can you be expected to feed the family during those long summer days if you don’t have the right equipment? A proper charcoal grill is essential to summer fun, and if you don’t yet know where to start shopping for one, we have some ideas.
Amazon, Walmart, and Target are some of the best retailers for summertime grilling gear. These retailers have a wide selection of charcoal grills, and the prices are reasonable. You’ll find grills at every price point, and they often deliver free of charge, especially if you’re a member of their respective shopping programs. If you’re trying to get a new charcoal grill while managing the minefield of rising costs, then these three outlets are a great place to start.
Benefits of a charcoal grill
One of the most obvious benefits of a charcoal grill is the price stability of the fuel source. Propane grills require regular refills. As of the writing of this article, propane prices are up roughly 10% over the same time last year. International conflicts and supply chain disruptions make propane a challenging fuel source at the moment, especially for those who just want to grill a few burgers and dogs in the backyard without spending a small fortune. While it’s true that charcoal and propane grilling are relatively similar in price, propane has a far more volatile price curve than charcoal as of late. Charcoal prices are far steadier and more dependable than propane.
In addition to the price stability of charcoal, there’s also the matter of convenience. It’s perfectly safe and legal to store multiple bags of charcoal in your garage or home, so long as it’s cool, dry, and not near an ignition source. Storing propane, on the other hand, is not so straightforward. For starters, propane tanks are generally recommended to be stored at least 10 feet from your home, so there’s no storing them inside. Furthermore, it’s illegal in many places to store more than two extra propane tanks on your property at any given time due to safety concerns. That means you can essentially keep a stockpile of charcoal on hand so you almost never run out, while you’re at the mercy of your propane tanks to run out at any time.
While these benefits may speak to some, most grillmasters will cite the cooking and flavor experience of charcoal as superior to propane grilling. Cooking over charcoal offers a smokier and richer flavor profile than cooking with propane. Charcoal also delivers a better searing experience. This allows you to lock the flavors into your meat better than propane can. Long story short, if you want the best-tasting barbecue for you and your guests, then charcoal is definitely the way to go.
Standalone charcoal grills
Standalone charcoal grills are the standard for most people. They typically have a grill space large enough for cooking large amounts of food at once, and they’re tall enough to easily cook on while standing next to them. However, there are plenty of trim levels and design options from which to choose within the category. Some have wheels, making them more portable, while others are meant to be pseudo-permanent fixtures of your backyard. Your own personal grilling style is the best determining factor in which you should choose. As mentioned above, Amazon, Walmart, and Target are some of the best places to buy these grills.
Captiva Designs Extra-Large Charcoal Grill
Courtesy of Walmart
Char-Griller Barrel Pro Charcoal Grill
Courtesy of Walmart
Costway Charcoal Grill and Smoker
Courtesy of Target
Tabletop charcoal grills
If you have limited space in your backyard, or if you want something that’s extremely easy to grab and go, then a tabletop charcoal grill might be the best option. Tabletop grills also tend to be more cost-effective for those keeping an eye on their budget. Just as it is with standalone models, tabletop charcoal grills are available with all sorts of options and at every price point. Portability is one of their biggest selling points, and they’re far easier to store than larger models as well. If you want a cooking option that’s extremely versatile and affordable, then you can’t do much better than a tabletop charcoal grill.
Royal Gourmet Portable Charcoal Grill
Courtesy of Amazon
Expert Grill Portable Charcoal Grill
Courtesy of Walmart
Costway Cast Iron Heavy Duty Portable Grill
Courtesy of Target
Above all else, grilling should be fun, easy, and delicious. Perhaps the best way to achieve all three of these at the same time is with a good charcoal grill. Since we’re speaking in threes, Amazon, Walmart, and Target are the best places to look for such a grill. This is even more true if you’re an Amazon Prime, Walmart+, or Target Circle 360 member.
TheStreet Shopping is your guide for shopping insights and advice. We look beyond the price tag to find the best value in home, tech, and wellness gear based on product features and real-world use.