Joe ElsonIs it a dream of you to have a sizable, multipurpose barbecue grill that will be affordable as well and will last for years? Does it seem impossible to you? Here I am going to fulfill your dream by providing the list of the best charcoal grills under 500.
The best charcoal grills are among the most affordable grills available that are simple to use. These grills are perfect for having a wonderful smoky flavor because of their multiple cooking capabilities.
Along with the best charcoal grill, you can get delectable grilled or smoked food within the comfort of your home. Moreover, a good-quality charcoal grill is not that expensive to purchase.
So, let’s start finding the best one of all!
Char-Griller E16620 Charcoal Grill
The first economical item on my list of the best charcoal grills is Char-Griller E16620 Charcoal Grill. The structure of this grill is very stylish and appealing. Additionally, the shielding of the grill assures that fluctuations in the climate won’t alter the heat within the grill.
The interior of this wonderful grill is built with a ceramic coating. And the outside surface is covered in three layers of steel material. The grill’s triple-layered structure delivers accurate and even heating overall.
The cooking area of this grill consists of cast iron and is supported by a thin piece of 22-gauge steel. The external part has a powder-coated aluminum finishing. Also, the cart is built of aluminum tubing and has rims on two of its sides which is amazing.
The grill has a 314 square inch grilling area and a 133 square inch heating tray. You will find a complete of 447 square inches for grilling. Pizza, burgers, thick steaks, hot dogs, and other meats can all be prepared on this grill. Also, it is the best indoor grill for chicken breast!
Additionally, it resembles a conventional oven, so you can use it to make toast. You can transfer this grill anywhere with ease due to the set of tires under its legs.
When you’re finished with your barbeque, you must push it into the garage or yard. For domestic use, such as small families or individuals, this barbecue is ideal. For large groups, it is less preferable.
You will have complete control over the heat circulation of this grill. And it is among the best aspects of this Kamado grill. This implies that you can change the internal temperature to evenly cook your complete meal.
Originally, Kamado grills were designed to be self-cleaning. But the most recent versions require some manual tasks for cleaning.
All you have to do to cleanse the grill is preheat it to 700°F and let it cook for thirty minutes. You will have to discard the grates, firebox, and ash after letting the grill cool fully. Following this method, cleanup will become incredibly simple. It is because the heat decomposes residual food, filth, and oil.
PK Grills PKO-SCAX-X Charcoal BBQ Grill and Smoker
The upcoming item on my list is PK Grills PKO-SCAX-X Charcoal Grill and Smoker. This is the best combination of grill and smoker to provide you with multiple features at the same place. The PKO-SCAX-X features a classic and trendy appearance with a capsule shape.
It is made of 0.25-inch thick but lightweight cast aluminum. This metal can transmit heat more effectively than steel-cast grills. Not only that but also it is rust-resistant and robust.
The amazing grill has a spacious 300-square-inch grilling surface. It is more than adequate for both small and large groups. You can grill several different kinds of meat and vegetables at once due to the ample cooking surface.
The structure of this charcoal barbecue allows it to cook any type of meat. Burgers, ribs, and even Turkish dishes can all be grilled with this machine!
After grilling, wiping the PK grill is very easy and simple. The grill and fire plates can be quickly wiped by simply removing them from the grill capsule. Even you can clean it in your kitchen sink along with dishwashing soap and a dry towel.
The mobility of the PKO is its best quality which makes it more significant than others. The cart has two wheels on one edge, which makes it easy to move anywhere. The grill is easily wheeled into and out of its storage capacity.
Furthermore, the charcoal grill is ideal for picnics or campground trips because it can be quickly and easily taken out from the trolley. Also, the structure is strong yet flexible for simple transportation and handling.
The broad range of grilling temperatures and innovative vents enable consistent heating. The affordable range and lengthy guarantee with this grill are also appealing.
Two built-in store systems are available with the PK Grills. The first is a huge aluminum platform that rests beneath the container. And the second is a little aluminum side table. It can accommodate a bowl or plate of food for the grill. If there is more cooking gear, it can also accommodate it.
Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill
Here is a very classical and low-cost item on the queue, Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill. There is a reason why the Weber Original is a masterpiece. From the start, they have maintained a lot of their original design. But now they have acquired attachments to improve your cooking experience.
It has used heavy-duty and porcelain-enameled metal for manufacturing. Steel material has been enameled with porcelain and also serves as the dish and cover. You can grill multiple cuts of meat at once on this 22-inch grill.
The grilling surface in the Weber is ideal for smaller events and not sufficient for larger crowds. If you have guests, you can grill nearly 13 burgers at once. It makes the grill very effective and time-saving. Additionally, the Weber Original Kettle can be used to barbecue a whole chicken or a turkey. You will like the fact that the Weber is compact.
It has tires on two of its legs as it makes moving and relocating the grill very simple. Due to the ash collector, maintaining the Weber grill is simple.
Its wide bowl-like design makes it easy to empty the dust into the garbage. It will not require spilling any additional liquid. To cleanse the plates, you will have to light a fire, preheat the grill, then scrape the vents with a bristle-free brush.
For a couple or a small family, this charcoal grill under 500 is ideal. It can be used as a secondary grill as it isn’t the best option for big events.
The exterior of this luxury version has some essential improvements after 70 years. It now has a built-in thermostat on the top that allows you to regulate the grill’s temperatures.
Your hand is protected from the heat generated on the top by the insulated grip. In this way, you can easily cook your meal without any safety risk along with this amazing grill.
It is very simple to arrange utensils and other grilling supplies due to its handled mounting holes. Also, there are 2 sturdy roller wheels and 1 firm foot attached to this machine. It is designed to get maximum stability while preparing food.
Weber Performer Deluxe Charcoal Grill
Now I am going to discuss another brand of Weber that is Weber Performer Deluxe Charcoal Grill under 500. Weber Performer Deluxe charcoal grill is at the top of its range. It is one of the budget-friendly charcoal grills on the marketplace today.
This tabletop model is practical and simple to operate. It offers you a 22-inch porcelain cover and a 363-inch grilling surface. This grill has designed with robust material due to the porcelain-coated metal.
Additionally, this best grill has a stylish LCD screen that shows information about the food you’re grilling. This is the latest feature of the grill to make the grilling smart and quick.
You can prepare a wide variety of meals, including briskets, ribs, and pork butts, in the spacious space. The grill is effective for cookouts and family lunches because it can handle roughly 13 hamburgers at once.
It is made with revolutionary Touch-N-Go gas-powered charcoal igniting technology. This feature of a premium grill works the same as a gas grill for your ease.
You don’t need to have unclean hands as there is an aluminum steel One-Touch cleanup system. It has designed with a detachable aluminum ash collector that is featured on the Weber Grill.
This technique makes it simple for you to wipe up because it sweeps ash and particles into the collector for you. The grill is compact and can easily move anywhere due to the wheels connected to its legs.
Moreover, this grill is the ideal choice for both small families as well as huge gatherings. You can cook ample food at the same time without having to wait. The Weber’s waterproof Char-Bin box is among the many excellent features. You can keep charcoal chunks in this container and consume them as needed. That’s cool!
It is among the most lightweight items under 500. Within this budget range, you can get high-quality performance and features. From cooking to cleaning, the grill is the best buddy for all grill lovers.
Additionally, you will love to have the large side table and the casters for better movement with this grill. Also, there is the feature of igniting that deals with dirty flammable liquid.
Master-built Gravity Series Charcoal Grill
Now come to the last item on my list which is the Master-Built Gravity Series, Charcoal Grill. It is an electronic best charcoal grill for $500 that makes use of the pan mechanism easy and simple. It has designed with all the latest features in mind.
It has a gravity-fed hopper’s capability that is 16 pounds for coals or 10 pounds for chunk charcoal. It is best for consistent fuel for 12 to 15 hours. To remove the trash pan, you can use the hopper’s bottom gate.
One meat probing thermostat is included with the Master-built MB20040220 grill. Along with a digitally controlled display and a Digital-Fan, it provides consistent and even heat. This will allow your meal to cook properly.
Not only that but also this grill has a customizable timer and an automatic temperature indicator. This feature is helpful to check and monitor the cooking process while waiting to cook your meal. Also, there are three additional collected sensors with this grill.
Additionally, this version can connect with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and the Master-built app. The app can be downloaded on cellphones and you can adjust the settings on the settings menu. In this manner, you can manage the grill virtually. The application is helpful and includes several grilling ideas.
Do you want to cook a lot of meals at the same time without the extra cost of another grill? It has a total of 560 square inches of grilling space provided by the grill. It has two heating trays covered in ceramics that are easy to clean.
Also, the grill has two foldable cast iron grills that are great for grilling and smoking. When cooking a variety of foods, you can set or change the temperature to 150 to 700 degrees Fahrenheit. It provides you with quick heating in less time which is useful as well.
You can set the temperature for smoking, baking, roasting, grilling, and even searing. There includes a container to catch oil, and it is simple to use and maintain.
It is a smoker grill set that combines the ease of pellet grills with the flavor of charcoal grills for grilling. It enables remote control functionality and several temperature-regulating options.
Buying Guide
Before you go to the market to purchase any item, or need to purchase online, you must have ample knowledge about the item. It will help you get the right item according to your requirements.
Cooking Area
Inches are used to determine the grilling space of a grill. It describes the area of the grill where the food is placed during grilling. This can be the main cooking area as well as any additional sections and heating trays.
E.g., the primary grilling space of Oklahoma Joe’s Charcoal/LP Gas/Smoker Combo is 750 square inches.
Thus, you must choose the right size according to the quantity of food and usage. Some large grills include a lot of stoves so you can cook numerous things at once using different techniques. Some grills have side stoves for main dishes and sauces.
If you want to cook a lot of dishes at the same time, you must look for a bigger grill with 3 burners or more.
Warming Rack
There are warming racks along with the grills that help to preserve the hot food. They are also helpful to prepare tender items like vegetables with indirect heat. For this, you just have to find the grill with this feature as it will provide you with more space as well.
Firebox
A firebox is an offsetting smoker for indirect cooking. A heat-resistant substance that can survive the maximum temp has been used in its construction. E.g., the Royal Gourmet ZH3002-S’s silicone fireplace is fine for the heat of 600°F.
Grates
There are a lot of grills that only have one or two grates. But some grills have six grates like Oklahoma Joe’s Charcoal/LP Gas/Smoker. You would get more grilling space if there will be more grates.
Some grills have two heating trays and convertible cast iron plates. Some models have vents that can be lifted or modified to handle additional food.
Side Table
Some grills come with side tables, which give you more space to prepare food, deliver it, or put equipment. To reduce storage capacity, you must go for the grill with folding side tables or racks.
You can also get extra space by detachable shelves, utensil-hanging loops, and cupboards with shutters where you can store a fuel tank.
Wheels
The finest charcoal grill and smoker combinations can be found for less than $500. They come with tires and rollers for easy transport. This is a significant feature to consider first, especially if you plan to use the grill while traveling. You need to store the machine, the tires shut into place to keep it safe.
Dimensions
The grill’s overall grilling area represents the dimension of the grill. Modern charcoal BBQ grills under $500 have several stoves, sizable coal tanks, and wide cooking areas. All these features increase their height and weight.
The sizes can also be increased by stands, racks, foam inserts, and wheels. Some models of the grill do not have this ease of folding size which decreases their overall storage capacity.
Weight
Some grills come in a lightweight body and some have heavy weight. The Weber Performer Deluxe grill weighs 91 pounds. It is the smallest of the grills among many.
If you want a heavy grill, you must look for a grill with tires that enable them simple to transfer from one spot to another.
Warranty
Some grills come with one-year warranty coverage and some grills come with more. But PK Grills come with a 20-year warranty with many other features. It has a flexible, portable construction, dependable vents, and components that are durable and weatherproof.
Conclusion
If you know all about the features and specs of the grill, you can purchase the right item for you. So, I have enlisted the best charcoal grills under 500 in this blog post. Also, the buying guide will help out you to consider all the best features and aspects of the finest grill.
The Weber Performer Grill is among the best ones with multiple storage choices, a one-touch ash cleaning mechanism, a clock with display, and twin fuel canisters. This best grill under 500 has a 3D interactive app for added ease.
If you like this post then share it with others!
FAQ’s
How big of a charcoal grill do I need?
If you are going to start your grilling adventure then you must search for a good quality charcoal grill. These grills are small having a length of 22 inches. Also, they are simple to cleanse and maintain.
Is propane cheaper than charcoal?
If you use the propane gas grills, they will require some additional money but last for longer. On the other hand, charcoal grills are less expensive and allow to cook more. If you have to use your grill regularly, a propane gas grill will be a cost-effective option.
How to control the temperature in a charcoal grill?
By enabling oxygen to start burning, the airflow regulates temperature. When it closes, it reduces oxygen flow and lowers the temperature. Additionally, lid absorbers perform in the same way. The distance required for external grilling can be maintained with movable grills.
How do I clean the ashtray of my grill?
If you want to maintain your grill clear and avoid corrosion from the ash, it should be cleaned after every usage. Before cleaning the ash, you should wait for 48 hours to set it down. To discard the ash in a non-combustible box, the pans can slide out.
