Grilled food enthusiasts know that nothing beats the smoky and authentic flavour of charcoal-grilled meats and veggies.
Not only does it elevate the taste, but grilling also promotes healthier eating habits. If you are looking to invest in a charcoal grill, it’s important to find the right one to perfect your grilling art.
To help you with your decision, we have created a comprehensive buying guide that covers all the essential factors you should consider when purchasing a charcoal grill.
Additionally, we have tested and reviewed different types of charcoal grills and have curated a list of the best options available in India. Look at our recommendations and find the Best Charcoal Grill in India that fits all your needs.
5 Best Charcoal Grills in India
Best Charcoal Grill | Material | Weight | Warranty | BUY NOW |
H Hy-tec Barbeque Grill | Iron | 4.5 kg | NA | CHECK HERE |
Prestige PPBW 04 Barbecue Coal Barbeque Grill | Steel | 2.7 Kg | 1 year | CHECK HERE |
Fabrilla Round Barbeque | Cast Iron | 2.5 Kg | NA | CHECK HERE |
Amazon Brand – Solimo Charcoal Barbeque Grill | Steel | 3.7 Kg | NA | CHECK HERE |
Chefman Charcoal Barbeque Grill | Iron | 3.2 Kg | NA | CHECK HERE |
6 Best Charcoal Grills in India – Detail Product Reviews
H Hy-tec (Device) HYBB – Traveler Foldable Charcoal Barbeque Grill
In our testing and analysis, H Hy-tec HYBB charcoal barbeque grill has provided a phenomenal performance which is the reason this barbeque grill has taken the first place in our list of the best charcoal grills.
We recommend this product for anyone who loves to travel a lot for vacations or camps – as this product has foldable design. It doesn’t take much truck space and looks similar to a suitcase while closed. From pizzas to roasts, you can use this barbeque grill for making a wide range of dishes.
It comes with a unique handle that provides firm grip to easily carry it around. This barbeque comes with heavy and durable grills made from metal. Since the skewer rods are square, it can hold both veggies and meat as well. The handle of these skewers lets you rotate them easily while grilling or roasting.
Since this charcoal grill is available in three different colour options that include phantom green, stellar black, and royal gold, you can choose anyone as per your preference. The maintenance of this charcoal grill is quite easy as well.
Positives
- Offset smoker
- Easy to assemble
- Portable
- Easy to use
- Available in different colors
- Durable quality
- Travel-friendly
Cons
- Color changes or fades after repeated use
2. Prestige PPBW 04 Portable Barbeque Charcoal Grill
The new Prestige barbeque grill offers a range of features to help you be the perfect host and cook delicious grilled meals.
With detachable legs, this grill can be easily assembled at any location for your convenience. The coal-based cooking system utilizes the heat from burning coal at the base of the grill, allowing for efficient cooking, and grilling of food on the mesh grill.
Additionally, this grill comes equipped with wooden grab handles to ensure safe transportation of the hot grill. Finally, a utilitarian warming rack with metal grills is included to keep your food close to the heat source for even cooking.
Since it weighs just 2.7 kg, you can carry it anywhere you want without any hassle. The detachable legs and components make it easy to clean and store.
Positives
- Portable
- Detachable legs
- Cost-effective
- Easy to assemble
- Grab handles
- Durable quality
Negatives
- The grill rods don’t have wooden handles
3. Fabrilla Round Barbeque Grill
Fabrilla is a lesser-known brand that offers a diverse range of charcoal grills, with at least one option that will meet your specific needs.
Among their collection is a classic round barbeque grill that features a convenient handle for easy portability. This grill is made of iron and weighs only 2.5kg, making it the lightest option on our list, weighing in at only 2.5 kg. It is also one of the few grills that come with a separate lid, enabling you to cook covered, which is essential for certain grilled dishes.
Additionally, the lid includes a smoke escape gap at the top, preventing the smoke from ruining the flavor of your food.
The grill’s cooking diameter measures approximately 34 cm, making it perfect for cooking larger items with ease. To make cooking even more accessible, Fabrilla includes five skewers and a cooking grill, so you do not need to purchase anything else besides the grill to get started.
Assembly is required, as the grill comes in parts, but the included manual provides step-by-step instructions to guide you through the process.
Positives
- Heavy-duty body
- Folding legs
- Easy assembling
- Three sturdy legs
- Stylish design
- Best balcony, patio barbeques
- Can be cooked with lid closed
Negatives
- The lid can get dents easily
- Cannot be stored or recommended for small spaces
4. Amazon Brand – Solimo Charcoal Barbeque Grill
The Amazon Brand Solimo charcoal grill offers a top-notch option for those seeking a budget-friendly choice.
Its inventive design ensures optimal grilling and preservation of food freshness. The lid is specifically crafted to regulate temperature, and adjustable air vents and chimney vents guarantee perfectly cooked dishes.
Constructed with food-grade steel, this grill guarantees durability and longevity. The stainless-steel grilling net is non-stick and can withstand high temperatures. Additionally, the grill is split into a high-temperature zone and a low-temperature zone.
The grill features wooden handles on both sides for easy transport, as well as easy assembly and a long lifespan of withstanding high temperatures.
This barbeque grill comes with an oven mitt, 8 grill skewers, and a tong. The dimensions of this product are 44 cm x 25 cm x 49 cm, so you can store it anywhere you want without any hassle.
Positives
- Matt black finish
- Easy assembling
- Easy to carry and store
- Durable quality
- Air vents for proper circulation
- Sturdy structure
- Versatile option
- Non-sticky surface
- Portable design
Negatives
- The edges of the grill are a bit sharp
5. Chefman Charcoal Barbeque Grill
Chefman Charcoal Barbeque Grill is a high-quality and durable grill that is perfect for outdoor cooking. This grill has heavy-duty steel construction with a black powder-coated finish, making it resistant to rust and weather damage.
The grill features a large cooking surface of 338 square inches, which provides ample space to cook for family and friends. The cooking grates are from high-quality, porcelain-coated cast iron, which helps to distribute heat evenly and prevents food from sticking.
It features an adjustable charcoal tray that allows you to control the heat of the grill. You can raise or lower the grill to adjust the distance between the charcoal and the cooking grates, allowing you to cook your food to perfection.
This grill also features a built-in temperature gauge, which allows you to monitor the temperature inside the grill without having to lift the lid. The lid has a hinge and cool-touch handle, making it easy to open and close.
This charcoal grill also has a convenient side shelf, which provides additional space for food preparation and cooking tools. You can easily remove it from shelf for cleaning or usage purposes.
Overall, the Chefman Charcoal Barbeque Grill is a great option for anyone who enjoys outdoor cooking. Its durable construction, ample cooking space, and adjustable features make it a versatile and reliable choice for grilling.
Positives
- Easy to clean
- Value for money
- Robust construction
- Wooden handles
- Sharp skewers
- Elegant design
Negatives
- Paint quality is not up to the mark.
How to Choose the Best Charcoal Grill For Your Parties and Getogethers
Below, we have crafted detail information on how to choose the best charcoal grill in India. It includes all the factors with in-depth explanation that you must consider while analysing the models. Make sure to take time to read this guide for making an informed decision.
1. Types of Grills
There are mainly three types of grills available in the Indian market – ceramic grills, kettle grills, and barrel grills. Each of them has their own strengths and weaknesses. We have mentioned them clearly below for your reference.
- Kettle Grill
A kettle grill is a small, circular charcoal grill designed for heat retention and portability, making it an affordable option for beginners. With a diameter of 22 inches or 363 square inches, it can cook up to 12-15 burgers without overcrowding. Larger models are also available, ranging from 26 to 36 inches in diameter.
The spherical shape of the kettle grill facilitates even heat distribution by reflecting and retaining heat within the bowl, resulting in evenly cooked food. Maintaining the grill is easy, particularly with models featuring removable ash receptacles.
Kettle grills are versatile, allowing for various cooking styles such as high-temperature grilling, low-temperature barbecuing, and smoking. However, if grilling is your sole intention, a kettle grill is a great option.
- Barrel Grills
Barrel grills are generally larger, measuring around 36 inches in length and offering a cooking surface of approximately 435 square inches. They are ideal for slow-cooking and smoking meats, making them a versatile choice for hosting large gatherings.
Unlike kettle grills, barrel grills come in various shapes and sizes, and may not necessarily feature a rounded top and bottom. Due to their size and weight, they often come equipped with wheeled stands for easy manoeuvrability.
While barrel grills are pricier than kettle grills, they offer greater versatility and cooking space, making them a worthwhile investment for serious grill enthusiasts.
- Ceramic or Komado Grills
Kamado or ceramic grills are designed with a Japanese influence and are renowned for their exceptional heat control and heat flow regulation, making them the top choice among charcoal grills. Their solid ceramic construction provides superior heat control, making them ideal for grilling in extreme winter weather conditions.
Ceramic grills can maintain varying temperatures, ranging from as low as 200 F for smoking and barbecuing, to 500 F or even higher for cooking purposes such as grilling pizza. This range of temperature control is unmatched by other grill types and is made possible by the superior insulation and heat retention properties of the ceramic construction.
2. Cooking Area
Before choosing a charcoal grill, consider how much cooking space you need and the amount of storage and cooking space you have available. Portable and tabletop models are available that are compact in size and suitable for cooking for six people or less. Large barrel-shaped grills can accommodate larger groups of people.
Keep in mind that barrel grills are typically large and heavy, while ceramic grills can also be cumbersome to move around. If portability is a priority, a kettle grill may be the best option, as it is lightweight and easy to transport for outdoor cooking.
3. Temperature Control
One of the most important factors to consider is the number of dampers, with at least two required to regulate oxygen flow and exhaust.
The distance between the food and the coal is another important factor to control heat flow. Some grills even feature a charcoal net which helps to adjust it to different heights for optimal temperature control. Kamado grills are particularly effective in this regard, thanks to their egg-shaped design.
Other helpful temperature control features include an integrated thermometer, which allows for easy monitoring of the overall temperature of the fire. In the absence of an integrated thermometer, you can use a temperature probe hole to achieve the same effect.
4. Build Quality
When evaluating the quality of a charcoal grill, the material used in its construction and how it responds to intense heat and heavy use are crucial factors to consider. Top-quality grills usually use thick cast iron, cast aluminum, or heavy ceramic materials.
While more affordable options are available, such as chrome-plated and porcelain-coated grills, their thinner construction may not be able to withstand frequent and intense use over an extended period. Therefore, it is important to consider the durability of the materials used in the grill’s construction to ensure a long-lasting and high-performing product.
5. Ease of Use
It is important to pay attention to small details that can greatly enhance the grilling experience. For example, check if the grill racks sit firmly in place. And also whether the vents can be easily opened and closed.
Other convenient features to look for include hoods that can be hung conveniently and a design that minimizes the risk of burns to your fingers or hands.
By choosing a grill with a thoughtful design and user-friendly features, you can make the grilling process more enjoyable and hassle-free.
6. Maintenance
Regardless of the grill type or model, cleaning the grills can be a tiresome chore. Therefore, it is advisable to choose a model that is not only easy to clean but also maintain. It is essential to pay attention to the grill’s design as you might need to flip it over while unloading the food. Hence, it is crucial to select a user-friendly model that is easy to clean.
You can even consider grills that come with an easy-clean mechanism like an ash basket or a drawer that can be easily removed or pulled out from the grill. Many charcoal pit manufacturers provide ash tool accessories or slide-out ash pans that make cleaning up after cooking more convenient.
7. Charcoal Grill Fuel
There are two types of fuel commonly used in charcoal grills: lump charcoal and charcoal briquettes.
- Charcoal briquettes have a uniform size and shape, making them easy to stack and arrange in a smooth bed of hot coals. They also make cooking easier, as many recipes specify the exact number of briquettes to use.
- Lump charcoal heats up quickly and is ideal for searing. However, it burns out faster, requiring more fuel for longer grilling sessions. Lump charcoal comes in irregular shapes and sizes, with some made from a single type of wood, such as oak or mesquite, which makes them ideal for smoking.
8. Charcoal Grill Gates
The cooking surface of all charcoal grills is the grates, which can be made from a variety of materials, including steel, porcelain, and cast iron.
- Steel and stainless-steel grates are the most affordable option, but they are also less durable and tend to chip easily. However, stainless steel is more long-lasting and has better non-stick properties than plain steel.
- Porcelain-coated grates are mid-priced grates that tend to chip easily. So, avoid using metal scrapers to prevent chipping.
- Cast iron grates are the heaviest and most durable of all. They provide excellent heat retention and distribution properties, allowing food to cook quickly. However, they are more expensive than other types of grates and require more maintenance.
9. Other Features
There are several additional features to consider that can meet your specific needs, including:
- A tight-fitting lid to prevent heat from escaping.
- Built-in thermometers, especially digital ones, to help gauge cooking time.
- Air vents or dampers to regulate temperature by allowing oxygen in and exhaust out.
- Side charcoal grills or hinged grates to easily add extra fuel.
- Removable ash catchers to make cleaning the grill easier.
- A hanging rack for cooking utensils.
- Folding shelf charcoal grills are for easy storage or transport. Fixed shelf charcoal grills have front or side shelves that stay in place.
10. Cost and Warranty
Before purchasing a charcoal grill, it is essential to determine your budget. Many consumers prefer not to spend excessively on grills, and models are available in a price range of Rs. 1,000 to Rs. 15,000.
If you have a lower budget, smaller models such as kettle grills are suitable for smaller gatherings. For larger events, barrel grills are more appropriate, although they can be more expensive.
When selecting a charcoal grill, it is crucial to consider the warranty offered by the manufacturer. It is recommended to have minimum warranty of 1 to 2 years to ensure long-term protection and peace of mind.
Some Charcoal Grill Accessories You May Need
To make the most out of your charcoal grill, it is essential to have the right accessories to make the cooking process easy and enjoyable. Here are some recommended accessories:
- Charcoal Chimney Starter: Unlike gas grills that come with a push-button starter, lighting the coals on a charcoal grill requires some effort. A charcoal chimney starter can help light the briquettes or lump charcoal quickly and easily. Simply make a few balls of newspaper or a firelighter under the coals and light them up. Within 15 minutes, you will have hot and red coals ready to cook with.
- Heat Resistant Gloves: The surface of the grill gets very hot, so it is important to be cautious when handling it. You might need to move the grates around or turn the lid, and your hands will be very close to the flame, making it easy to burn yourself. A pair of heat-resistant grilling gloves can help keep your hands safe.
- Grilling Tools: To add, turn, or remove food items from the grill, you will need a good spatula and a few BBQ tongs.
- Thermometers: Maintaining the right temperature while cooking is crucial, and a reliable thermometer can help you achieve this. Built-in thermometers do not always provide accurate readings, so it’s recommended to buy a good dual probe smoker and grill thermometer. This will allow you to monitor both the grill temperature and the internal temperature of the food.
- Grill Brush: Cleaning the grates is an important part of maintaining your grill, and a good grill brush can help make this task easier. Look for a bristle-free brush to avoid any risk of stray bristles getting stuck in your food.
Conclusion
Charcoal grilling is one of the favourites for any barbeque lover. If you are looking to have it at your home, then investing in one is the right choice. We have compiled a list of the top charcoal grills available in the market, complete with their specifications and details, to aid you in making the perfect selection. Additionally, we have included a useful buying guide to address any queries you may have regarding your decision.