Best Cast Iron Charcoal Grill: Our 7 Top Picks For 2024
When you’re looking for the best cast iron charcoal grill, think about what matters to you. Are you all about that perfect sear? Do you love a grill that tells a story over time? Or is the weight and maintenance a deal-breaker for you?
Your choice should fit your grilling style and commitment. Whether it’s a small, backyard family meal or a big social gathering, the right cast iron grill can make all the difference. Our reviews will give you information for your own decision to buy a cast iron charcoal grill.
Table of Contents
show
WHAT ARE CONSIDERATIONS WHEN BUYING CAST IRON CHARCOAL GRILL ?
Selecting a cast iron charcoal grill enhances your grilling with its durability and heat retention. It’s a huge investment, so I suggest you should consider these key factors carefully to make a wise choice:
Heat Retention and Distribution
One of the main reasons to choose a cast iron grill is its exceptional heat retention and distribution capabilities. Cast iron grills can hold heat for extended periods, ensuring that your food cooks evenly. Confirm that the grill you’re considering is designed to distribute heat well across the entire cooking surface.
Durability and Longevity
Cast iron is known for its robustness, but not all cast iron grills are created equal. Look for a grill that is built to last, preferably with high-quality cast iron that is rust-resistant or enameled to extend its lifespan.
Size and Cooking Area
The size of your grill should be proportionate to your cooking needs and available outdoor space. From small portable models to large built-ins, the market offers various sizes. Be sure to measure your available space and think about the number of people you’ll typically be cooking for.
Temperature Control
Even though cast iron retains heat well, temperature control is vital for successful grilling. Look for features like adjustable charcoal beds, air vents, and a built-in thermometer to help you manage the cooking heat more efficiently.
Maintenance Requirements
Cast iron grills require a bit more care compared to other materials. They need to be seasoned regularly to maintain their non-stick properties and prevent rust. Make sure you’re comfortable with the upkeep requirements before making a purchase.
Portability vs. Built-in Options
Cast iron grills can be quite heavy due to the material used. Decide whether you want a more portable option or a built-in model. Both come with their own sets of pros and cons—portability offers flexibility, while built-in models often come with additional features and a more aesthetic appeal.
Budget and Overall Costs
High-quality cast iron grills can be expensive, but they are generally long-lasting. Set a budget that considers not just the initial cost but also ongoing maintenance and potential accessories you might want to purchase.
Safety Features
Ensure that the cast iron charcoal grill you choose has necessary safety features like secure lids and sturdy construction. Make sure it also meets any local or national safety standards or regulations.
Brand Reputation and Warranty
Always opt for reputable brands known for quality and durability. Check if the grill comes with a warranty or a satisfaction guarantee, and make sure to read customer reviews for real-world insights into its performance and longevity.
Accessories and Extra Features
Additional features like grilling baskets, smoker boxes, or rotisserie attachments can enhance your grilling experience. However, they can also add to the cost, so determine which features are most important for your cooking style.
By taking these factors into account, you can find a cast iron charcoal grill that not only meets your culinary needs but also provides durability and excellent value for your investment.
OKLAHOMA JOE’S® RAMBLER TABLETOP CHARCOAL GRILL
Special Feature and Benefits
No matter your fuel preference – whether that be lump charcoal or briquettes – this grill has you covered! Both options can work perfectly together, giving your smoked flavor just how it should be.
With flexible heat source placement options provided by hot coals, you can achieve both direct and indirect heating for varied cooking options.
With 218 square inches of grill space available to them, there’s plenty of room to cook up six tasty burgers, four succulent steaks or up to twelve tasty brats all at the same time!
Efficient Cast-Iron Grates not only evenly disperse heat for consistent cooking but also add those desirable grill marks that help enhance the presentation of your dishes.
Adjustable Charcoal Tray can customize your grilling experience! The height-adjustable charcoal tray lets you easily manage cooking temperatures for consistent results every time.
Thanks to its removable ash pan, clean-up after a BBQ session is made simple and hassle free – so long are the days of messy ash disposals!
With the professional lid-mounted temperature gauge featuring glow-in-the-dark accents, you are always aware of your grill’s internal temperature for optimal cooking conditions.
To easily manage your grill’s temperature, dampers offer precise oxygen flow regulation to offer temperature management solutions. From increasing flame intensity or decreasing it altogether, dampers allow precise control for precise temperature management.
View On Amazon
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Great temperature control | Leaks around the lid in wet weather |
| Portable and can be used on a patio, balcony, or as a table-top or tailgate grill | Not safe for use on plastic surfaces |
| Easy to assemble, use, and clean | Interior paint job could be better |
| Can smoke full briskets and can be used with wood instead of charcoal |
EVERDURE CAST IRON GRILL & COVER
Special Featured and Benefits
Conceived to offer maximum portability, this tabletop cast iron griddle features integrated carrying handles for hassle-free transport anywhere – perfect for barbecues, picnics, camping trips and tailgating events alike! It will come in handy during BBQs, picnics, camping excursions and tailgate parties alike – anytime, anyplace!
Perfect for intimate dinners for two, backyard barbecues or anything in between, this grill’s versatile cooking capabilities make it the ideal size. Achieve expert searing on meats, veggies, seafood and potatoes all with an inviting open flame!
Constructed entirely of sturdy cast iron and equipped with scratch-resistant enamel coating, this grill promises longevity and is guaranteed to hold up under repeated use. A truly high-quality cooking platform designed to withstand time.
Fuelled by charcoal and outfitted with an intelligent venting system, this grill offers precise temperature regulation. Made of cast iron for consistent heat retention and prolonged grilling sessions. Compatible with any heat-resistant surface.
After grill cleaning is easy. After cooling off, disassemble and clean detachable grates before giving the enamel coating a quick wipe with your cloth rag. Store using our weatherproof nylon grill cover, guaranteeing it stays looking its best indoors or out!
View On Amazon
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| portable, can be taken anywhere | bolts/wing nuts that secure the base may need to be replaced every couple of seasons |
| made up of 100% cast iron and coated with enamel | sliding vent door can slide all the way out, requiring extra caution, especially when the grill is hot |
| durable and will maintain its quality after multiple uses | handles are probably too close to the heat, requiring gloves for adjustment |
| the grill comes with a grate lifting handle, making it convenient to clean |
IRONMASTER HIBACHI GRILL OUTDOOR – SMALL PORTABLE CHARCOAL GRILL, 100% CAST IRON
Special Featured and Benefits
Hibachi grills provide the ideal way to experience authentic Japanese cuisine. Made of durable cast-iron for superior heat retention and stability, these hibachi grills provide authentic dining experiences with every turn.
Due to its finer finish, cast iron is easy to keep clean. For optimal protection of both environment and health, this grill features 100% natural vegetable oils in its seasoning process and boasts of its non-coating procedure throughout.
This grill is constructed of cast iron of the highest quality, free from harmful substances such as lead and cadmium – guaranteeing your safety.
Your grill offers the freedom of using different fuel sources: Its large fire bowl allows for the use of both charcoal and wood fuels for an array of flavor profiles when grilling experiences.
With rectangular cooking grates measure 16.5″ by 10″, providing plenty of room for cooking for six or more people at one time.
With our carefully designed door, adding coals for grilling sessions will be effortless.
View On Amazon
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| well-built and made of thick cast iron, indicating durability | heavy, which may make it inconvenient to carry over long distances |
| doesn’t tilt, providing a stable cooking surface | higher price |
| best for cooking meats | |
| initial seasoning with corn oil led to no sticking issues, indicating good surface quality | |
| easy to put together with just two screws and a tool included |
UNO CASA HIBACHI GRILL – PRE-SEASONED SMALL CHARCOAL GRILL, HIBACHI GRILL OUTDOOR, PORTABLE CHARCOAL GRILL
Special Feature and Benefits
Inspired by vintage designs with upgrades you’ll love, the Uno Casa cast iron charcoal grill provides more comfort, stability, and better heat control. A new take on cast iron hibachi grills.
Forget about rust caused by rain! With the included water-resistant nylon cover, your hibachi grill outdoor will stay safe and dry.
Whether you need more space to grill for the whole family or just want a small grill for yourself, this small charcoal grill is ideal for everything from burgers and steaks to fish or veggies.
Uno Casa’s portable charcoal grill for camping is durable and compact. If you want to spend weekend at the lake or cook out at a friend’s garden, you can tote this grill anywhere!
This sturdy cast iron hibachi grill will handle the hard work and leave you with a family heirloom everyone will treasure.
View On Amazon
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| sturdy cast iron, durable build | heavy |
| most part assembled | less portable |
| easy to set up | |
| heats evenly | |
| perfect for 2 people | |
| cleaning the grill is straightforward | |
| quality justifies the higher price point |
IRONMASTER MINI CAST IRON HIBACHI GRILL, TABLETOP SMALL PORTABLE CHARCOAL GRILL
Special Featured and Benefits
Conceived to offer maximum portability, this tabletop cast iron griddle features integrated carrying handles for hassle-free transport anywhere – perfect for barbecues, picnics, camping trips and tailgating events alike! It will come in handy during BBQs, picnics, camping excursions and tailgate parties alike – anytime, anyplace!
Perfect for intimate dinners for two, backyard barbecues or anything in between, this grill’s versatile cooking capabilities make it the ideal size. Achieve expert searing on meats, veggies, seafood and potatoes all with an inviting open flame!
Constructed entirely of sturdy cast iron and equipped with scratch-resistant enamel coating, this grill promises longevity and is guaranteed to hold up under repeated use. A truly high-quality cooking platform designed to withstand time.
Fuelled by charcoal and outfitted with an intelligent venting system, this grill offers precise temperature regulation. Made of cast iron for consistent heat retention and prolonged grilling sessions. Compatible with any heat-resistant surface.
After grill cleaning is easy. After cooling off, disassemble and clean detachable grates before giving the enamel coating a quick wipe with your cloth rag. Store using our weatherproof nylon grill cover, guaranteeing it stays looking its best indoors or out!
View On Amazon
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| portable, can be taken anywhere | bolts/wing nuts that secure the base may need to be replaced every couple of seasons |
| made up of 100% cast iron and coated with enamel | sliding vent door can slide all the way out, requiring extra caution, especially when the grill is hot |
| durable and will maintain its quality after multiple uses | handles are probably too close to the heat, requiring gloves for adjustment |
| the grill comes with a grate lifting handle, making it convenient to clean |
IRONMASTER PRE-SEASONED CAST IRON HIBACHI GRILL
The IronMaster Mini isn’t just any grill. It’s made from high-quality, lead-free cast iron. This means it’s not only safe but also built to last. The best part is that it’s already pre-seasoned with vegetable oil. That’s less work for you before your first grilling session, making it ready to fire up right out of the box.
Whether you’re grilling on a tiny backyard table or taking it camping, this grill fits right in. It’s made for those intimate grilling sessions – just you, a couple of steaks, and the open flames. It’s a perfect fit for small gatherings or a quiet night under the stars.
The IronMaster Mini comes with two adjustable heights and a detachable cooking grate. This means you can grill your food just the way you like it. More control over the heat gives you more control over the flavor.
Adding coals can be a trouble with some grills, but not with this one. The handy door makes adding coals super easy. Plus, with the adjustable draft door, you’re in full control of the temperature, ensuring your food is grilled to perfection.
With a 13.2-inch cooking surface and a manageable overall size, it’s ideal for those who don’t have a lot of space but still want the full grilling experience. Weighing 28 pounds, it’s sturdy yet not too heavy to handle.
View On Amazon
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| fuel-efficient | not for indoor use |
| good for use in smaller spaces | |
| easy to clean up | |
| used for a quick 20-minute session but can also last for hours if needed | |
| the grill is ideal for 3-4 people |
SUNGMOR SMALL CAST IRON CHARCOAL GRILL
Special Featured and Benefits
The Sungmor grill is crafted from premium heavy-duty cast iron, and it’s got this cool anti-rust paint treatment. Not only does this make the grill tough and ready for any grilling challenge, but it’s also safe and harmless. This means you can focus on your grilling without worrying about wear and tear.
Size-wise, it’s perfect for 2-3 people, a family camping trip or a small backyard party – the Sungmor grill is your best buddy for these occasions. It’s great for whipping up steaks, burgers, hot dogs – you name it. Its compact size makes it super versatile for different settings.
This grill is all about giving you control over your cooking. Thanks to its awesome thermal conductivity, you get even heating, which is key for perfect grilling. Plus, with the adjustable gridiron height, you can easily manage the temperature to get your food just right.
This grill is a breeze to set up and clean, so you can spend more time grilling and less time fussing. The instructions are straightforward, so you’ll have it ready to go in no time.
The Sungmor grill is nicely sized (40.5L x 34W x 26H cm) for smaller spaces, but still gives you enough room to grill a variety of foods. It’s the perfect middle ground – not too big, not too small, just right for your grilling needs.
View On Amazon
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| sturdy and well-constructed | too small for hosting larger gatherings or parties |
| mostly pre-assembled | |
| ideal for small spaces | |
| makes it easy to store away |