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{"id":317,"date":"2021-07-19T05:00:00","date_gmt":"2021-07-19T05:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bbqdigest.com\/?p=317"},"modified":"2021-08-08T09:02:20","modified_gmt":"2021-08-08T09:02:20","slug":"best-charcoal-grills-under-500","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bbqdigest.com\/best-charcoal-grills-under-500\/","title":{"rendered":"The Best Charcoal Grills Under $500: 6 Top Picks Reviewed"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If you\u2019re an ardent charcoal grill fan looking to get ready for grilling season, you may want to consider investing in one of the best charcoal grills<\/a> under $500. At this price, not only are you getting a fantastic addition to your outdoor cooking arsenal, but you\u2019re definitely getting more bang for your buck than similarly-priced gas grills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While gas grills tend to be more convenient to start up, charcoal grills evoke a much more visceral grilling experience. There\u2019s something beautiful and satisfying about setting up a fire, watching it burn down to its embers, and using that as a source to grill your food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Romanticism aside, charcoal grills also offer the benefit of imbuing your food with a rich, textured and smokey flavor often absent in gas grills. Propane (and natural gas for that matter) also tends to get quite pricey over time. So, if you\u2019re on a budget, burning charcoal or briquettes is going to be much kinder on your wallet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Without more delay, let’s take a look at some of the best charcoal grills under $500 currently on the market.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


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Editor\u2019s Pick for Best Charcoal Grill Under $500: The Weber Performer Deluxe<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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If there can only be one, then let it be the Weber Performer Deluxe Charcoal Grill<\/a>. With a built-in thermometer, mounted timer, tons of work space and an electronic gas ignition, the Performer Deluxe takes charcoal grilling to the next level. With the flavor of charcoal and the convenience of gas, all it takes is the push of a button and you\u2019re ready to start grilling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Check Latest Price<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Ranking Table: Our 6 Best Charcoal Grills Under $500<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Best Charcoal Grills Under $500<\/strong><\/th>Pros, Cons & BBQ Digest Award<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
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Weber Performer Deluxe Charcoal Grill<\/strong>

Check current price<\/span><\/a><\/td>
Editor\u2019s Pick
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+<\/span> <\/strong>Touch-N-Go propane-powered ignition system
+<\/span><\/strong> 363 square inches of primary cooking area
+<\/span><\/strong> Huge work space for food prep

\u2013<\/span><\/strong> Requires propane in order to make use of the igniter    <\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
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Original PK Grill & Smoker<\/strong>

Check current price<\/span><\/a><\/td>
Best Minimalist Grill
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+<\/span><\/strong> Cast aluminium construction for rust prevention and heat retention
+<\/span><\/strong> Can be used in the backyard but also taken on outings and trips
+<\/span><\/strong> 4-Point Venting System allows for direct and indirect cooking

\u2013<\/span><\/strong> Minimalist design means ashes have to be disposed of manually<\/td><\/tr>
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Akorn Kamado Charcoal Grill by Char-Griller<\/strong>

Check current price<\/span><\/a><\/td>
Most Unique Design
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+<\/span><\/strong> Attractive and unique design that provides excellent heat retention
+<\/span><\/strong> Ash collector makes cleaning up effortless
+<\/span><\/strong> Equipped with dual adjustable dampers for maintaining specific temperatures

\u2013<\/span><\/strong> Requires a separate cover, without which it may be prone to rust<\/td><\/tr>
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Dyna-Glo Dual Zone Premium Charcoal Grill<\/strong>

Check current price<\/span><\/a><\/td>
Most Versatile Grill
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+<\/span><\/strong> <\/strong>Flexible, versatile and customizable grilling experience thanks to dual cooking zones and firebox divider
+<\/span><\/strong> Adjustable coal trays, chimney and dampers, for easy temperature control
+<\/span><\/strong> Side shelves, bottom storage, built-in lid thermometer

\u2013<\/span><\/strong> Might be too big and cumbersome for smaller households<\/td><\/tr>
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Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill<\/strong>

Check current price<\/span><\/a><\/td>
The Classic
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+<\/span><\/strong> Classic kettle grill design
+<\/span><\/strong> Improved ash disposal with One-Touch cleaning system
+<\/span><\/strong> Stainless steel, porcelain-enameled construction for heat retention and rust prevention

\u2013<\/span><\/strong> Legs are not the sturdiest<\/td><\/tr>
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Royal Gourmet BBQ Charcoal Grill with Offset Smoker<\/strong>

Check current price<\/span><\/a><\/td>
Best Charcoal Grill Smoker Combo
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+<\/span><\/strong> Integrated smoker for low and slow barbeque
+<\/span><\/strong> Front and side tables for easy food preparation
+<\/span><\/strong> Large primary cooking area and adjustable dampers

\u2013<\/span><\/strong> Can\u2019t handle temperatures higher than 400\u00b0<\/strong>F<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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A More Detailed Look At Best Charcoal Grills Under $500<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Weber Performer Deluxe Charcoal Grill – Editior’s Pick<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Check Latest Price<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

If there\u2019s one company that knows a thing or two about grilling, it\u2019s Weber, and with the Performer Deluxe Charcoal Grill, they demonstrate just how refined their products have become. The Performer Deluxe is a natural successor to the classic Weber grill that has become synonymous with an outdoor gathering. It\u2019s basic function – being able to contain a fire and concentrate heat – still remains, but with a few choice upgrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To start with, the Performer Deluxe features the electronic Touch-N-Go propane-powered ignition system. This means that, after stacking your coals or firewood, instead of having to reach down into the coals and risk being burned, you can light the stack with a single push of a button.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This grill also removes all of the guesswork from grilling. An LCD cooking timer and built-in lid thermometer offers precision control over the cooking process and ensures that you\u2019ll never burn a steak. On top of that, the One-Touch cleaning system with removable aluminium ash catcher makes cleaning the grill an absolute dream.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The entire grill has 363 square inches of primary cooking area, and the domed lid means you can comfortably grill steaks, burners, ribs and even whole birds. The massive work area means you can prepare all of your food directly at the grill without having to make multiple trips back to the kitchen. And once you\u2019re done grilling, simply shut the integrated lid damper to kill the oxygen supply and let the fire die safely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Weber really made something special with the Performer Deluxe and it really can\u2019t be recommended enough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Features at a glance:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n