The Only Grill You’ll Ever Need Is Less Than $100

Warm weather has finally arrived, which means it’s time to uncover the grill, dust off the tongs, and ignite the fire that will kick off barbecue season. Most at-home grill masters have fiery feelings about all things barbecue. Perhaps the most hotly debated topic is whether a charcoal or gas grill is the superior choice. 

Of course, there are pros and cons to each. Gas offers better temperature control, quicker cooking, ease of use, and more precision. Charcoal, to put it simply, just tastes better. That’s why, for grilling just about anything, I turn to this no-frills jumbo charcoal grill from Weber. 

Weber Jumbo Joe Charcoal Grill

Don’t get me wrong: Both my chef husband and I have created many delicious meals on a gas grill. For our wedding 12 years ago, we were gifted a beautiful gas model, complete with every bell and whistle you can think of. It was a thoughtful and expensive gift, so we cooked on it for a while before admitting to ourselves (and each other) that we preferred the old, trusty Weber charcoal grill we’d had for years. 

In a society so entrenched in instant gratification, a charcoal grill may seem ancient, and it is. After all, cooking over nothing but coals and an open flame is as archaic as it gets.

But there’s a reason that, after all this time, charcoal grills haven’t completely fallen out of fashion. No gas grill I’ve ever tested provides the same magically smoky flavor as my Weber grill. It’s large enough for plenty of charcoal and wood chips, infusing food with a rich, smoky flavor that tastes like summertime. Sure, gas grills are more convenient, but that flavor can’t be achieved without the delicious smoke of coals. 

This Weber grill is a favorite in my family for its large grilling surface, making it perfect for our small dinners for four, summertime entertaining, and backyard parties. It can cook up to 13 burgers at a time, so no one is ever left waiting. At 24 x 9.8 x 38.2 inches, this grill is great for far more than cooking for a crowd. Its large basin is excellent at retaining heat, making it a breeze to keep the fire going once it starts — a frustrating issue I’ve encountered with other grills. 

The grill’s stainless steel grates and porcelain-enameled lid are rust-resistant, so it’ll last for many barbecue seasons to come. It has a convenient hook for hanging the lid (meaning I don’t have to place it on the ground when grilling) and two wheels for portability. 

While there’s certainly an appeal to the convenience of a gas model, this Weber charcoal grill is the best way to make flavorful food at an unparalleled price — the powerhouse grill is now on sale for less than $100.

More Charcoal Grills to Shop at Amazon

Royal Gourmet Charcoal Grill and Smoker

Char-Griller Charcoal Grill and Smoker

Gas One Portable Charcoal Grill

Napoleon Charcoal Kettle Grill

At the time of publishing, the price was $99.