Charcoal barbecues: compare prices

A charcoal barbecue gives the flavour and atmosphere of real fire. Lighting it and waiting for the coals to glow is part of the experience, and for many enthusiasts that is exactly the charm. On this page you can compare charcoal barbecues from Weber, Napoleon, Barbecook, Boretti, Everdure and Masterbuilt. From the classic round kettle barbecue to tabletop models, portable barbecues and charcoal smokers, with the current price at the retailer. The ceramic Boretti Ceramica is among the kamados. You can also look at the kamados, pellet barbecues, gas barbecues and the full barbecue overview.

Why choose charcoal?

• Flavour: fat and juices dripping onto the coals create smoke and the typical barbecue aroma
• High heat: with a full layer of glowing coals you can sear meat properly
• Direct and indirect: coals on one side for grilling, the other side free for slow cooking with the lid closed
• Simple and robust: no gas connection or electronics needed

Weber kettles: which one suits you?

The Smokey Joe (Ø 37 cm) is the smallest kettle, for camping or a small terrace. The Bar-B-Kettle and Compact Kettle are the simple models in 47 and 57 cm. The Original Kettle Premium is the well-known 57 cm kettle, with features such as a removable ash catcher. The Master-Touch is better equipped; the GBS versions have a Gourmet BBQ System grate with a removable centre, and besides 57 cm a 67 cm Master-Touch is also in the comparison, plus colours such as Slate Blue, Burnt Orange and Smoke. The Performer combines a 57 cm kettle with a cart and worktop, also as a Smart version.

Other brands: Napoleon, Barbecook, Boretti and more

Napoleon

Napoleon also makes kettles: the Premium NK14 (Ø 37 cm), NK18 (Ø 47 cm) and NK22 (Ø 57 cm), the PRO18 and PRO22 Kettle and the PRO-CART22 Kettle (Ø 57 cm).

Barbecook

From Barbecook you can compare the Loewy in four sizes (Loewy 40, 45, 50 and 55), the Magnus Original and Magnus Comfort, the Edson in colours such as Army Green, the Joya charcoal tabletop barbecue and the Nestor Original, a wood-fired barbecue in corten steel or galvanised steel.

Boretti, Everdure and Masterbuilt

From Boretti, the Carbone 2.0 (57 x 42 cm) and the Focolare are in the comparison. Everdure is included with the 4K and the portable Cube. Masterbuilt has the Gravity Series 600 and 800, a charcoal barbecue and smoker in one, the Dual Fuel smoker for gas and charcoal and a portable charcoal barbecue with a stand.

What size do you need?

A 37 cm grate is enough for a few people or as a portable barbecue. 47 cm is a compact choice for a small family. 57 cm is the classic size, with enough room to cook directly and indirectly for a family or small group. If you often cook for large gatherings, look at 67 cm or a larger barbecue on a cart.

Lighting and temperature control

With a chimney starter and firelighters you can light the coals without lighter fluid. Once the coals are covered in grey ash, spread them in the bowl. You control the temperature with the air vents: more air makes the fire hotter, less air lets it burn more gently. Take a look at charcoal and fire starters and the charcoal baskets for dividing the coals into zones.

Charcoal, kamado or pellet?

A kettle is the classic way to grill over charcoal. A kamado, such as the Big Green Egg or Keij Kamado, is usually made of ceramic, holds heat for longer and excels at slow cooking and smoking. A pellet barbecue burns wood but controls the temperature itself. If you mainly want to be ready quickly, a gas barbecue is more practical. Torn between a kettle and a kamado? Read Weber kettle vs ceramic kamado: an honest comparison.

Maintenance

Let the ash cool completely before throwing it away and empty the ash catcher regularly, as ash attracts moisture. Brush the grate clean while it is still warm and cover the barbecue if it stays outside. Take a look at barbecue covers, barbecue tools, thermometers, grill grates and griddle plates and all accessories, including the Gourmet BBQ System for Weber kettles.