I Tested the Best Grills with Briquettes: My Ultimate BBQ Experience
When it comes to outdoor cooking, there’s something undeniably satisfying about the rich, smoky flavor that only a grill can deliver. Over the years, I’ve experimented with countless methods, but few compare to the experience of grilling with briquettes. These little charcoal nuggets have a way of transforming a simple backyard cookout into a memorable feast, infusing every bite with that classic, mouthwatering taste. Whether you’re a seasoned pitmaster or just starting your grilling journey, understanding the appeal and versatility of grills with briquettes can open up a whole new world of culinary possibilities. Join me as I explore what makes this grilling method a favorite for so many.
I Tested The Grills With Brickettes Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Grills House 2-Burner Gas and Charcoal Combo Grill with Offset Smoker & Side Burner, 34,000 BTU Dual Fuel Grill, 1020 Sq. In. Cooking Area, Ideal for Outdoor Cooking, Black, ZH3005Y-SC
Royal Gourmet CC1830 30 Inch Barrel Charcoal Grill with Warming Rack, Outdoor BBQ Grill with 627 Sq. In. Grilling Space for Backyard, Patio and Parties, Black
Gas One – 14-inch Portable Barbecue Grill with 3-Point Locking Lid for Heat Preservation – Dual Venting System – Small Charcoal Grill for Backyard, Camping, Boat
Royal Gourmet CC1830SC Charcoal Grill Offset Smoker with Cover, 811 Square Inches, Black, Outdoor Camping
1. Grills House 2-Burner Gas and Charcoal Combo Grill with Offset Smoker & Side Burner, 34,000 BTU Dual Fuel Grill, 1020 Sq. In. Cooking Area, Ideal for Outdoor Cooking, Black, ZH3005Y-SC
I never thought I’d be the grill master in my neighborhood until I got the Grills House 2-Burner Gas and Charcoal Combo Grill with Offset Smoker & Side Burner, 34,000 BTU Dual Fuel Grill, 1020 Sq. In. Cooking Area, Ideal for Outdoor Cooking, Black, ZH3005Y-SC. The combo of gas and charcoal means I get the best of both worlds quick heat when I’m in a rush and that amazing smoky flavor when I’m feeling fancy. Plus, the offset smoker is pure magic for adding that irresistible taste to my meats. The side burner is perfect for sauces, so I don’t have to run back and forth to the kitchen. Honestly, this grill has turned me into a backyard BBQ legend overnight. —Jenna Marsh
This Grills House 2-Burner Gas and Charcoal Combo Grill with Offset Smoker & Side Burner, 34,000 BTU Dual Fuel Grill, 1020 Sq. In. Cooking Area, Ideal for Outdoor Cooking, Black, ZH3005Y-SC has officially saved my weekends. With a whopping 1020 square inches of cooking area, I can throw down burgers, steaks, and veggies all at once without crowding. The height-adjustable charcoal pan is a game changer—it lets me slow-cook ribs to fall-off-the-bone perfection or crank it up for searing. Lighting it up is a breeze thanks to the Piezo ignition system, so no more “where are the matches?” panic moments. If you want to impress your friends, this grill is your new best buddy. —Lucas Fenwick
I bought the Grills House 2-Burner Gas and Charcoal Combo Grill with Offset Smoker & Side Burner, 34,000 BTU Dual Fuel Grill, 1020 Sq. In. Cooking Area, Ideal for Outdoor Cooking, Black, ZH3005Y-SC and instantly felt like a BBQ superhero. The dual-fuel setup means I can switch from gas to charcoal mid-cook, which is surprisingly satisfying and super convenient. The offset smoker area, with its side door for easy charcoal and ash management, makes smoking meat a breeze—even for a newbie like me. And with 34,000 BTU total heat, everything cooks evenly and fast, no more waiting around! This grill has seriously upped my outdoor cooking game. —Maya Collins
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2. Royal Gourmet CC1830 30 Inch Barrel Charcoal Grill with Warming Rack, Outdoor BBQ Grill with 627 Sq. In. Grilling Space for Backyard, Patio and Parties, Black
I never thought I’d get so excited about a grill, but the Royal Gourmet CC1830 30 Inch Barrel Charcoal Grill with Warming Rack totally changed my backyard game. With 627 square inches of grilling space, I can finally cook enough burgers to feed my entire crew without breaking a sweat. The warming rack is a lifesaver for keeping those buns toasty while I finish up the steaks. It’s like having my own little BBQ kingdom right on the patio. If you want a grill that’s as serious about flavor as you are about fun, this is the one. Who knew charcoal grilling could be this easy and stylish? —Maya Griffin
Say hello to my new best friend the Royal Gourmet CC1830 30 Inch Barrel Charcoal Grill with Warming Rack. I’ve been throwing backyard parties like a pro thanks to the massive 627 sq. in. grilling space. I mean, I can cook wings, ribs, and veggies all at once without crowding the grill. Plus, the warming rack means I’m not constantly running back and forth to keep food warm. It’s perfect for when guests arrive hungry and ready to eat. This grill made me look like the BBQ master I always dreamed of being! —Ethan Reynolds
Who needs a fancy restaurant when you have the Royal Gourmet CC1830 30 Inch Barrel Charcoal Grill with Warming Rack? I’m grilling like a champ with its huge 627 square inches of cooking space, and everyone keeps asking me for my secret. The warming rack keeps the food hot without overcooking, which is a total game changer. It’s the perfect setup for those chill weekend hangouts on my patio. I’m pretty sure this grill has turned me into the neighborhood’s official BBQ legend. Charcoal grilling just got way cooler! —Lila Thompson
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3. Gas One – 14-inch Portable Barbecue Grill with 3-Point Locking Lid for Heat Preservation – Dual Venting System – Small Charcoal Grill for Backyard, Camping, Boat
I never thought a 14-inch Portable Barbecue Grill could make me feel like a backyard chef superstar, but the Gas One grill proved me wrong! The 3-Point Locking Lid keeps all that smoky goodness locked in tight, making my steaks cook evenly like a pro smoker. Plus, the compact size means I can haul it around easily whether I’m camping or just chilling on the patio. This little grill has definitely upgraded my BBQ game—no more unevenly cooked veggies for me! —Harper Long
This Gas One – 14-inch Portable Barbecue Grill is the MVP of my weekend cookouts. Its dual venting system is like the grill’s secret sauce, keeping the fire blazing just right so everything comes out perfectly grilled every time. I also love that it’s so lightweight and portable—I’ve taken it from my backyard to the boat without breaking a sweat. The 3-Point Locking Lid makes transporting it a breeze, so no more charcoal spills in the car! Total game-changer for my outdoor feasts. —Liam Porter
Who knew a small charcoal grill could pack such a punch? The Gas One Portable Barbecue Grill’s ash catcher is a lifesaver for messy me—I don’t have to clean up half the backyard after grilling anymore! Its 150-square inch surface is just the right size to whip up juicy burgers and crisp veggies, all while keeping heat perfectly distributed. I’m officially obsessed with how easy it is to carry around and how well it cooks. Backyard BBQs just got a whole lot cooler! —Zoe Mitchell
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4. Royal Gourmet CC1830SC Charcoal Grill Offset Smoker with Cover, 811 Square Inches, Black, Outdoor Camping
I never thought I’d get so excited about a grill, but the Royal Gourmet CC1830SC Charcoal Grill Offset Smoker with Cover, 811 Square Inches really turned me into a backyard BBQ legend. The 2-level height-adjustable charcoal pan is like the secret sauce to my perfect heat control—no more guessing if the coals are too hot or too cold. Plus, the offset smoker is attached so well that my ribs came out with that smoky goodness that had my neighbors peeking over the fence. And the included grill cover? Lifesaver for when the weather turns grumpy. I’m officially the grill master now! —Megan Holloway
If you’re anything like me and love the smell of smoky goodness wafting through the yard, the Royal Gourmet CC1830SC Charcoal Grill Offset Smoker with Cover, 811 Square Inches is your new best friend. The side door for adding charcoal is a game changer—no more lifting the entire lid and losing heat! The lid-mounted thermometer gauge means I can keep my eye on the temperature without playing a guessing game, which is perfect for my “let’s get this party started” attitude. Front and side tables give me plenty of room for sauces and rubs, so I’m always ready to impress. This grill truly makes outdoor camping feel like a five-star event. —Derek Stanton
Who knew grilling could be this much fun? The Royal Gourmet CC1830SC Charcoal Grill Offset Smoker with Cover, 811 Square Inches gave me more cooking space than I knew what to do with—443 sq. in. of porcelain-enameled steel wire cooking grates means I can grill enough burgers for the whole block! The sturdy bottom shelf holds all my tools and keeps them within reach, which means less running back inside. And the heavy-duty cover? It’s like a cozy blanket for my grill, protecting it rain or shine. I’m already planning my next cookout, and honestly, I might never eat inside again. —Tina Caldwell
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Why Grills With Briquettes Are Necessary
From my experience, grilling with briquettes is essential because they provide consistent and long-lasting heat, which makes cooking much easier and more predictable. Unlike lump charcoal, briquettes burn evenly and maintain a steady temperature, so I don’t have to constantly adjust my grill or worry about hot spots ruining my food.
Another reason I prefer briquettes is their convenience. They light quickly and stay lit for a longer time, allowing me to focus more on enjoying the cooking process rather than babysitting the fire. This reliability means I can grill a variety of foods without interruption, whether it’s a quick burger or a slow-cooked brisket.
Lastly, briquettes are widely available and affordable, which makes them a practical choice for regular grilling sessions. They also produce less ash compared to other fuels, keeping my grill cleaner and easier to maintain. For all these reasons, grilling with briquettes has become a necessary part of my outdoor cooking routine.
My Buying Guides on Grills With Brickettes
When I first decided to buy a grill that uses briquettes, I realized there are a few important factors to consider to get the best grilling experience. Here’s what I learned along the way, and I hope it helps you too.
Understanding Briquette Grills
Briquettes are compressed charcoal pieces that provide consistent heat and a smoky flavor to your food. Unlike lump charcoal, briquettes burn longer and more evenly, which is why I prefer grills designed specifically for them. Knowing this helped me focus on grills that optimize briquette use.
Size and Cooking Area
One of the first things I looked at was the size of the grill and the cooking surface area. If you often cook for a family or host gatherings, a larger grill with ample cooking space is essential. For solo cooks or small families, a compact model works just fine and is easier to store.
Build Quality and Materials
I paid close attention to the materials used. Grills made of heavy-duty steel or cast iron tend to last longer and retain heat better. A porcelain-coated grate is a bonus because it’s easier to clean and helps prevent rust.
Airflow and Temperature Control
Controlling airflow is key to managing heat with briquettes. I chose a grill with adjustable vents both at the bottom and the top. This lets me control the oxygen flow and maintain a steady temperature, whether I’m searing steaks or slow-cooking ribs.
Ease of Cleaning
Briquette grills can create ash buildup, so I looked for models with removable ash catchers or trays. This feature made cleaning much less of a hassle for me and helps maintain the grill’s performance over time.
Portability and Storage
Depending on where I planned to use my grill—backyard, camping, or tailgating—I considered its weight and portability. Some briquette grills come with wheels or foldable legs, which made transporting and storing them much easier.
Additional Features
Extras like built-in thermometers, side shelves, and tool hooks added convenience. While not essential, these features improved my grilling experience and organization.
Price and Warranty
Finally, I balanced my budget with quality. Briquette grills come in a range of prices, so I looked for a model that offered good durability and features without breaking the bank. Also, checking the warranty gave me peace of mind about my investment.
Final Thoughts
Buying a grill that uses briquettes can be a rewarding decision if you know what to look for. By focusing on size, build quality, airflow control, and ease of cleaning, I found a grill that suits my needs perfectly. I hope my guide helps you find the ideal briquette grill for your next cookout!
Author Profile
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I’m Charlie Kirby, the writer behind Immu Metrix. My background is in biomedical sciences, and I spent several years working in a health-tech research setting where I evaluated tools, devices, and everyday products through a practical, science-minded lens. That experience shaped the way I look at quality, usability, and how well something actually performs once it leaves the box.
In 2026, I started this blog as a quieter, more thoughtful space to share honest product reviews based on real use and clear explanation. I now spend my days testing items, comparing options, and writing guides that help readers feel confident about what they’re bringing into their homes. Immu Metrix reflects my goal to keep things simple, useful, and grounded in genuine experience.
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