From sizzling breakfasts to smash burgers and teppanyaki-style dinners, the Daytona Pro 5 Burner NitroGuard™ Griddle delivers powerful heat, fast cooking, and a durable cooking surface built for every backyard cookout. Watch how easy outdoor cooking can be.
We position ourselves as delivering high-end outdoor cooking features and performance without premium-brand pricing, emphasizing “Quality Grills. Unbelievable Value.”
Wide range of outdoor cooking products for every use case
We offer gas grills, pellet grills, griddles, smokers, pizza ovens, portable/tabletop grills, electric grills, accessories, and replacement parts — allowing customers to stay within one ecosystem for all outdoor cooking needs.
Innovation-focused outdoor cooking with smart technology
We differentiate ourselves through smart grilling products like the Oakford smart pellet grill, including app-connected cooking controls and modern outdoor cooking technology.
Find griddle recipes, cooking techniques, cleaning tips, and outdoor meal ideas designed for Nexgrill griddles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions
Gas grills provide instant heat and precise temperature control, making them easier to use. Charcoal grills offer a smoky flavor and high heat for searing but require more time to heat up and manage.
Pellet grills combine the convenience of gas with the flavor of wood, allowing for smoking, baking, and grilling. Traditional gas grills, however, are quicker to start and often easier to clean.
Charcoal grills typically reach higher temperatures quicker than gas grills, making them better for searing meat. However, high-quality gas grills can also provide adequate heat for effective searing.
Nexgrill offers models designed specifically for gas, charcoal, and pellets, allowing users to choose based on their cooking style and flavor preferences. Each type is built to optimize the characteristics of its respective fuel.
Choosing between gas and charcoal grills depends on your cooking preferences and lifestyle. If you value convenience and quick cooking, a gas grill may suit you better; if you prefer the taste and experience of traditional grilling, a charcoal grill would be ideal.
In This Article
Top Brands Reviewed
Explore leading brands like Weber and Cuisinart.
Feature Comparisons
Detailed comparisons of key features and prices.
User Testimonials
Real user experiences to guide your choice.
Introduction to Charcoal Grilling in 2026
Charcoal grilling has long been cherished for its authentic smoky flavors and the unique experience it offers outdoor cooking enthusiasts. As we look towards 2026, the demand for high-quality charcoal grills continues to rise, driven by both traditional grill masters and newcomers drawn to the allure of cooking over an open flame. This guide delves into the top charcoal grills of 2026, exploring the features and innovations that set them apart.
The evolution of grilling technology has brought about a plethora of improvements in design, efficiency, and functionality. Brands like Weber, Napoleon, and Cuisinart are leading the charge, each offering a range of models that cater to various grilling preferences and budgets. Whether you're looking for a compact kettle grill for small gatherings or an offset smoker for slow-cooked perfection, the options are vast and varied. Selecting the right charcoal grill involves considering several factors, including size, material, and ease of use.
Top Picks for Charcoal Grills
Here are our top picks for 2026:
Weber Master-Touch: Known for its durability and versatile cooking capabilities, the Weber Master-Touch remains a favorite. Its robust construction and heat retention make it ideal for both searing and slow cooking.
Napoleon PRO Charcoal Kettle Grill: This grill offers superior heat control and ample cooking space. Its modern design and ease of assembly make it a top choice for both beginners and seasoned grillers.
Cuisinart COS-118 Vertical Charcoal Smoker: Perfect for those who love smoking meats, this model provides excellent airflow control and a generous cooking area.
Comparison Table of Key Features
Brand
Model
Cooking Area (sq in)
Price (USD)
Special Features
Weber
Master-Touch
363
$219
Tuck-Away lid holder, Gourmet BBQ System
Napoleon
PRO Kettle
365
$299
Stainless steel heat diffuser, Adjustable air vents
Cuisinart
COS-118
510
$179
Two-tiered cooking grates, Built-in thermometer
Expert Insights on Charcoal Grilling
Experts in the field of grilling emphasize the importance of understanding your grill's capabilities and limitations. According to renowned chef and grilling author Steven Raichlen, "A good charcoal grill should provide consistent heat and allow for both direct and indirect cooking." This versatility is crucial for achieving different cooking results, from searing steaks to slow-roasting ribs.
Moreover, maintenance and proper care are vital for longevity. Regular cleaning of grates and ensuring proper ash disposal will keep the grill in top condition, ready to deliver delicious meals year after year.
Tip: Experiment with different types of charcoal and wood chips to enhance flavor profiles and add unique twists to your grilling.
User Reviews and Experiences
Real user experiences offer invaluable insights into how different grills perform in everyday scenarios. Many users appreciate the Weber Master-Touch for its ease of use and the quality of the cooking surface. Anna L., a backyard grilling enthusiast, shares, "The Weber Master-Touch has been a game changer for my weekend BBQs. It's easy to clean and the cooking results are consistently excellent."
In contrast, some users prefer the Cuisinart COS-118 for its smoking capabilities. "As someone who loves smoked meats, the Cuisinart has exceeded my expectations. The airflow control is fantastic," says Phil T., a seasoned smoker.
Buying Guide: What to Consider
When choosing a charcoal grill, there are several critical factors to consider:
Cooking Space: Determine the size based on how many people you typically cook for. Larger grills offer more versatility but may require more charcoal.
Material Quality: Look for grills made from durable materials like stainless steel or cast iron to ensure longevity.
Ease of Cleaning: Grills with removable ash catchers and accessible grates simplify maintenance.
Heat Control: Adjustable vents and dampers are crucial for controlling cooking temperatures.
Considering these factors will help you select a grill that fits your lifestyle and cooking preferences. For example, removable ash catchers can be a significant feature.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Charcoal Grill
Selecting the right charcoal grill is a personal choice that depends on your cooking style, budget, and space requirements. Whether you're a fan of classic backyard barbecues or intricate smoked dishes, there's a charcoal grill out there to meet your needs. By evaluating features, user experiences, and expert recommendations, you can make an informed decision that enhances your grilling adventures.
Tip: Consider purchasing accessories like grill covers and tool sets to protect and enhance your grilling setup.
FAQs about Charcoal Grills
Choosing the right charcoal grill often raises several questions. Here are some common queries:
How long does it take to set up a charcoal grill? Setup time can vary, but most charcoal grills take about 30 minutes to assemble.
What type of charcoal is best? Lump charcoal burns hotter and cleaner, while briquettes offer a consistent burn time.
How do I maintain my grill? Regular cleaning and covering the grill when not in use are essential for longevity.
Why Choose Us
Here's what sets us apart
Premium grilling experience at accessible pricing
We position ourselves as delivering high-end outdoor cooking features and performance without premium-brand pricing, emphasizing “Quality Grills. Unbelievable Value.”
Wide range of outdoor cooking products for every use case
We offer gas grills, pellet grills, griddles, smokers, pizza ovens, portable/tabletop grills, electric grills, accessories, and replacement parts — allowing customers to stay within one ecosystem for all outdoor cooking needs.
Innovation-focused outdoor cooking with smart technology
We differentiate ourselves through smart grilling products like the Oakford smart pellet grill, including app-connected cooking controls and modern outdoor cooking technology.
What Our Clients Say
Don't just take our word for it
“I’ve been using the Nexgrill Daytona 4-Burner Gas Griddle for a while now, and I’ve been really happy with it. First off, it’s super sturdy and feels really well-made, like it’s going to last me a long time. The cooking space is awesome—plenty of room for making big meals. So far I’ve cooked pancakes, burgers, bacon and some veggies. The 4 burners make it easy to control the heat in different areas. I love that I can keep one side hotter for searing and leave the other side cooler for things that don’t need as much heat. Plus, it heats evenly, which I was really glad to see. The shelves underneath and on its sides are a nice bonus. I’ve used them to keep things like plates, tools, and ingredients handy while I’m cooking, it’s very convenient. Cleaning it is super simple too. Once it cools down, I just wipe off the cooking surface and let the grease funnel into the trap. It’s quick and easy, and honestly, it barely looks like I even used it. If I had to nitpick, the grease trap can fill up kind of quickly during bigger cooking sessions, but as long as you keep an eye on it, it’s not a big deal. Overall, this griddle has been great. It’s sturdy, easy to use, and makes cooking outside a lot of fun. If you’re into grilling or want something versatile, I think this is a solid choice. Originally posted on influenster.com”
M
martind23_2941
Sturdy, easy to use, and perfect for cooking big m
“took about 2-3 hrs for complete assembly. took about 15-20 minutes to fully heat to 700. used a pan liner and a drip cup liner due to previous issues with those rusting away. this is about the 3-4 grill i have assembled. dont try to do it alone or ask the wife for help with the firebox its awkward. always check the directions 2-3 times before tightening down and dont over tighten the screws. hopeing for 5 years of grilling on this but i havent checked the warrenty yet.”
DT
Dave the Griller
finally got around to building this.bought in 2025
“We just bought this guy and I recommend always buy it assembled, we just use the grill 2 times and really works good; is perfect size and the side burn is very useful plus the caddy attach for spices; the material quality is in medium rate; no too cheap no too expensive I'll be glad if it works for minimum 5 years. Nexgrill could improve with the way, and cleaners to not damage the grates and the burners. I protect the removable pan with heavy duty aluminum foil, when the grease drop I only change the foil. Well I am enjoying my new Nexgrill !!! P.s. always clean the grill after use it....ALWAYS :-)”
KA
Karl A
Nice Grill
“Thank you to Influencer and Nexgrill for sending this to me for free, in exchange for my honest opinion. My 17 year old son put this together for me. It was easy but time consuming, it took about 2 hours. This is great for families, because you can cook a good amount of food in a short time. We did tacos, but it’s also great for breakfast, pancakes, eggs, breakfast burritos. It’s easy to clean if you have the right tools, you’ll need a scraper and metal spatula. Overall I would recommend this flat grill, it’s a great addition to our household. Originally posted on influenster.com”
K
KellyL
Quick and easy cooking
“My old Nexgrill is 25 years old and still looking and performing well! This new one is going on our back patio to partner with the old one in our courtyard. Obviously quality products to last that long. I hope the new one does as well. The only concern I have is that the sides are painted metal rather than stainless like the old one. I hope it doesn’t rust over time. But, We are very happy grillers!”
JS
Judy S
New grill to partner with my old one
“Bought grill 3 years ago stainless grates rusted out had to order new ones to replace Yes, I recommend this product.”
G
GaryS329
Stainless
“I’ve always been a smoker, fryer kind of guy. But recently with my new job keeping me super busy I’ve been cooking on my father in-laws 2 burner grill and it takes so long to cook ribs and chicken. I love just lighting the burners and cooking so I decided to upgrade by buying my own and I got this 5 burner with side burner for veggies , took me maybe 20 minutes to get all the dinner done tonight after I seasoned the grill with an onion. Love it so far, I hope it lasts a long time! It’s beautiful!”
JB
Jason B
Love it so far! My first propane grill I’ve ever bought myself!
“I love your grills. This is a replacement grill for a fully stainless steel one (was suppose to be). We originally bought it for our daughter's new townhouse, but her patio was not "ready" for it. We have kept it for 5 years now. My husband passed, I sold the house and move it, in the original box, with me and just put it together. The”
LG
Lisa G
Replacement
“Purchased a 5 burner with side burner grill probably 7-8 years ago. You can only replace things for so long. Opted on a smaller 4 burner grill this time. Hoping to get lots of use for many years to come.”
BS
Brian S
2nd grill with out
“Easy grill to use & grills well. Last grill lasted a little over 6 years. Had to replace burners twice (just worn out - lots of use). Here is old grill & new grill.”
RE
Russell E
2nd Nexgrill
“I had either recieved or bought a grill from either webber or Charbroil. Both had lasted roughly 5 years each before rusting out. For the price point and the way this grill feels I think this one should last longer. Looks awsome new so hopes are high.”
VA
Victor A
3rd grill so far...
“I’m just setting up my second 5 burner nexgrill!!! My first one was purchased in 2015!! I live in New England and the grill lived outside for 7 1/2 years!! That is an impressive lifespan for a grill in my area! I’ll be a loyal Nexgrill customer for life. Thanks very much. Yes, I recommend this product.”
L
Litch
Robust grill with Longevity to boot
“This grill is good for an economy grill. My 10 year old assembled most of it. I knew that I was getting a budget grill and didn't expect a Cadillac. I bought it mainly because the burners have flame on the left and right, instead of one row on the top. I checked the temperature gauge vs my digital and it runs 50° high, didn't expect it to be right on. The burner tents are higher in the front, making it hotter in the front. I have snips so I'll cut the front to set level. I seasoned the grill with bacon, it leaked from the screw to the drip pan, which was tight. The corners are sharp. I had corner protectors for my smoker and put some on the Nexgrill, hoping to get more life from the cover. Overall it's pretty good for the price.”
