Charcoal grills win when it comes to flavor, and these are the best

If you want to upgrade from the normal Weber Kettle grill to better accommodate your larger outdoor space, the Performer Deluxe(opens in a new tab) takes that winning design and adds some useful features for those who have more than one or two mouths to feed. 

You'll recognize the Kettle design within the Performer Deluxe — it's basically the same thing. Some distinguishing upgrades include an external thermometer, a touch-and-go lighter to set those coals ablaze, an extended workspace with a built-in digital timer, and a bin to store your to-be-used charcoal. You'll get that nifty airflow vent and ash collector from the Kettle, too. 

It's going to cost you more than the regular Kettle model, but if you're feeding a family or have some square footage to fill in your backyard, the Weber Performer Deluxe is well worth the extra cost. 

This probably doesn't come as a surprise, but Weber is taking our top spot. They took the crown in our gas grills roundup, too — they just make really good grills. 

Weber's Original Kettle Premium charcoal grill(opens in a new tab) has stood the test of time and is the number one choice for grillers everywhere due to its ideal mixture of performance and price. This grill in particular is also a model of simplicity, not bogging you down with difficult usage or an overly complicated setup (assembly is a breeze).

The Kettle is known mostly for its adjustable lid vent that helps control airflow, allowing the coals inside to heat up further or cool down when closed. The Premium model also has a better ash collector, making cleanup much easier. Other features include a hinged grate that allows you to add coals as you grill, heat shields on the lid's handle, and a hook for your grilling tools. 

When you take that killer price, ease of use, stellar performance, and put them all together, it's easy to see why the Weber Original Kettle grill is the best of the best. 

New to grilling? Outdoor space limited? Enjoy portability? All those questions are addressed by the Lodge Sportsman's charcoal grill(opens in a new tab) due to its small size and low skill floor. 

If you know anything about Lodge's popular cast iron skillets, you'll be happy to know that this hibachi style grill is also built to last and seasonable from the jump for better flavor retention. The adjustable grates hold heat better than that of non-cast-iron grills, so it naturally requires less charcoal get hot enough for use. 

The pint-sized grill also has a sliding hatch to control airflow (not as simple to use as the Weber Kettle, but still useful), and a door for coals to be added whenever you need. Plus, that cast iron construction gets you a better sear on your food. 

Whether you have little to no space outdoors or you just like taking your grill along with you wherever you go (who knows when you're going to need it?), the Lodge Sportsman's charcoal grill won't disappoint. 

Did somebody say rotisserie?

We think the Everdure Fusion grill(opens in a new tab) is an ideal choice for anyone who regularly engages in the art of rotisserie or anyone who wants to make an investment in a device that will up their cooking game.

The Fusion's built-in rotisserie has three adjustable heights for you to play around with to get your food cooked to perfection, and has jaw-like clamps to keep everything in place. With the grill's fast ignition system, you can light up your coals electronically and have the surface ready to cook in as little as 10 minutes. The grill is also removable from the free-standing pedestal for cooking on different surfaces, giving you some more freedom when it comes to portability. It's still pretty big, though, so we wouldn't recommend it as your go-to on-the-go grill.  

If you have the patience and passion for rotisserie cooking, as well as $1,000 to burn, the Everdure Fusion charcoal grill is a high-tech (and high-end) machine that will deliver.

If you expect to be hosting many barbecues this summer or are just committed to having the best grill in the market, the Everdure 4K Smoker and Charcoal Grill will live up to any standards — if you can afford it, that is.

The grill boasts enough features though that an argument can be made for its price. It has a sophisticated airflow control system that ensures temperature adjustments are even and quick-to-execute, with bottom and top vents that provide a balanced flow of air. Its cooking temperature ranges from 230 to 725 degrees Fahrenheit, so there's a heat setting suitable for any cut of meat.

The temperature is displayed on the LED touch glass display and on Bluetooth-connected iOS/Android app, so you don't have to linger around the grill constantly checking the temp — step away and socialize as you like, as long as you have your smartphone.

The Everdure 4K is pet- and child-friendly, since it's got an auto-locking lid and a double-walled, insulated design that's cool on the outside even when it's at maximum heat inside.

Have we mentioned it's energy-efficient? One kilogram of charcoal will get you up to nine hours of cooking, and the grill is 429.5 square inches — big enough for 25 small burgers, apparently.

Sometimes, all you need is a no-frills grill that applies fire to meat. The Expert Grill 24-Inch Charcoal Grill does that, and then some. It has all the staples of a solid grill, with adjustable cooking temperature, built-in thermometer, and side and bottom shelves for storage and food prep space.

It also has a built-in bottle opener for the grillmaster to have their drinks without leaving the food to burn, which is a thoughtful part of the design but sadly a necessary one, since this grill doesn't come with remote settings like some fancier models, and the way that cooking temp is adjusted is via the hand-cranked height of the charcoal pan. That might make the position of grillmaster a little more tedious, but the pride of serving up plate after plate of tasty food doesn't change.

Plus, there's always the option of taking turns at the grill for maximum socialization. After all, good company is what makes the barbecue, and money saved on the grill is more money available for drinks and food!

Barbecues don't just start and end with your typical chicken wings, hot dogs, and burgers. The possibilities are endless, especially with the Pit Boss Memphis 2 Ultimate 4-in-1 and its smoking abilities. Brisket, turkey, even cheese — assemble your own charcuterie board and have yourself a proper summer evening.

If you know what you're doing, the options this 4-in-1 gives you are endless. Each component works well for its function — the charcoal grill has a 6-position grate adjustment and air dampers for the more particular chef, the smoker has a cold smoke option if you prefer a distinctively smokey taste, and the three-burner gas grill will serve up perfect sausages on demand.

True, the whole setup is a bit clunky and definitely not the most portable out there, but if you're only planning on hosting barbecues in your backyard, it'll do the trick. Plus, it's got four wheels to help you haul it around, and removable ash and grease pans for easier cleanup.