Selecting the right 22-inch charcoal grill can define your outdoor cooking experience. This classic size offers the perfect balance between ample cooking space and manageable footprint, making it ideal for everything from weeknight family dinners to weekend gatherings with friends. The distinct, smoky flavor that only charcoal can provide turns a simple meal into a memorable event.
With numerous models on the market, each boasting different features, finding the best one for your needs requires careful consideration. Our roundup for 2025 highlights ten of the top-performing 22-inch charcoal grills, evaluating them on durability, heat control, convenience features, and overall value. Whether you are a seasoned pitmaster or a grilling novice, this guide will help you find the perfect grill for your backyard, patio, or tailgate.
The Best 22-Inch Charcoal Grills for 2025
- Grill Boss Charcoal Kettle Grill with Large 22-Inch Cooking Area
- 22 Inch Portable Charcoal Grill with Wheels for Outdoor Cooking
- Megamaster 22″ Heavy Duty Charcoal Barbecue Grill
- Char-Griller 22-inch Kettle Charcoal Grill and Smoker
- Premium 22 Inch Charcoal Grills with 2 Foldable Tables
- Weber Master-Touch Charcoal Grill for Outdoor Cooking
- 22 inch Charcoal Grills with Table, Portable BBQ Grill
- Dyna-Glo Heavy Duty Stainless Charcoal Grill, Large
- Weber 22 Inch Charcoal Kettle Grill Cover
- Char-Griller Smokin Pro 22-Inch Charcoal Grill
Grill Boss Charcoal Kettle Grill with Large 22-Inch Cooking Area
The Grill Boss Kettle Grill is designed for versatility and control. Its spacious cooking surface and elevated warming rack allow you to prepare multiple items at once, making it efficient for feeding a group. The porcelain-coated steel construction is built to retain heat effectively, ensuring consistent cooking temperatures and locking in that classic smoky flavor.
Precision is key with this model, thanks to its built-in thermometer and adjustable vents. These features give you direct control over the airflow and heat distribution, allowing for fine-tuning from high-heat searing to low-and-slow smoking. Added conveniences like a bottom storage shelf, integrated ash catcher, and wheels make it a practical choice for any backyard or outdoor event.
22 Inch Portable Charcoal Grill with Wheels
This portable charcoal grill combines ample grilling space with a design focused on mobility. The thickened grilling bowl is built for durability, standing up to repeated use while providing an authentic charcoal flavor that enhances any meal. Its straightforward assembly means you can spend less time setting up and more time cooking.
Crafted from premium materials, this grill is made to be a reliable partner for countless outdoor sessions. The inclusion of wheels adds to its portability, making it simple to move around your patio or take along on a camping trip. It’s a solid option for those who need a robust grill that can go where the action is.
Megamaster 22″ Heavy Duty Charcoal Barbecue Grill
The Megamaster grill delivers a genuine charcoal cooking experience with 354 square inches of cooking space. This is ample room to handle burgers, skewers, and vegetables for a small household or a picnic. The result is food infused with the rich, bold flavors that charcoal grilling is known for.
Customizable airflow is a standout feature, with adjustable air dampers that allow for precise heat control. This ensures even cooking and gives you the flexibility to grill or smoke with confidence. A storage rack and two wheels round out the package, offering both convenience and stability for your outdoor cooking needs.
Char-Griller 22-inch Kettle Charcoal Grill and Smoker
Constructed from high-quality steel, this Char-Griller model is built for durability and long-term performance. The kettle-style design, with its porcelain-coated lid and body, is excellent at retaining heat, which is essential for consistent cooking and effective smoking. It provides a generous 363 square inches of primary cooking area.
This grill serves a dual purpose, functioning seamlessly as both a standard charcoal grill and a smoker. This versatility makes it a great choice for those looking to expand their outdoor cooking techniques beyond basic grilling to include slow-smoked meats and other specialties.
Premium 22 Inch Charcoal Grills with 2 Foldable Tables
This grill stands out with its integrated foldable side tables, providing valuable space for utensils, plates, and ingredients right at your fingertips. The inclusion of two separate charcoal boxes offers significant control, allowing you to create distinct heat zones for searing and smoking within the 354 square inch cooking area.
User-friendly design is a priority here. The manufacturer has improved the assembly guide to make setup faster and more straightforward. Combined with features like an ash catcher and wheels, this grill is built for convenience from unboxing to cleanup.
Weber Master-Touch Charcoal Grill for Outdoor Cooking
The Weber Master-Touch is a benchmark in the world of charcoal grilling, known for its thoughtful design and reliable performance. Its Tuck-Away lid holder is a simple but brilliant feature, keeping the lid secure and off the ground. The hinged cooking grate makes adding more charcoal during long cooks a simple task.
Cleanup is remarkably easy with the One-Touch cleaning system, which efficiently sweeps ash into a removable, high-capacity catcher. The grill is also compatible with the Gourmet BBQ System inserts, offering the flexibility to add a griddle, wok, or other specialized cooking surfaces to expand your culinary possibilities.
22 inch Charcoal Grills with Table, Portable BBQ Grill
This model emphasizes convenience with its permanently attached lid, which stays firmly in place when opened for safe, hands-free operation. Like other top models, it includes two charcoal boxes for precise temperature management, enabling both direct and indirect heat cooking methods on its 354 square inch grate.
Maintenance is simplified with a touchless ash removal system and a bottom ash catcher designed for straightforward cleanup. The integrated table provides a handy workspace, and the two wheels ensure the unit remains portable for use in the backyard or at a campsite.
Dyna-Glo Heavy Duty Stainless Charcoal Grill
The Dyna-Glo stands out with its robust cart design, which includes side shelves and a storage basket for keeping your grilling tools and supplies organized. The charcoal tray adjustment system provides excellent heat control, giving you the flexibility to manage cooking temperatures with precision.
It features three heavy-duty, porcelain-enameled cast-iron cooking grates that are exceptional at retaining heat. This ensures a superior sear on meats, helping to lock in natural juices for flavorful results. With eight-inch resin wheels, this heavy-duty grill is still easy to move around your outdoor space.
Weber 22 Inch Charcoal Kettle Grill Cover
Protecting your investment is crucial for longevity, and this Weber cover is specifically designed to fit 22-inch kettle grills. Constructed from premium heavy-duty polyester, it is built to withstand the elements and protect your grill from rain, sun, and dust.
The cover is both UV and water-resistant, helping to prevent fading and weather damage that can shorten your grill’s life. It’s an essential accessory for any grill owner who wants to keep their equipment in top condition season after season.
Char-Griller Smokin Pro 22-Inch Charcoal Grill
The Char-Griller Smokin Pro is a well-regarded model that combines a classic kettle grill with a side firebox, effectively turning it into a versatile smoker. This design allows for true offset smoking, giving you the ability to cook large cuts of meat like brisket or pork shoulder with authentic, smoky flavor.
Its sturdy construction and sizable main cooking chamber make it a favorite among enthusiasts who want to practice both grilling and smoking without needing two separate units. It represents a solid step up for those serious about expanding their outdoor cooking repertoire.
What to Look For in a 22-Inch Charcoal Grill
When I’m looking for a new 22-inch charcoal grill, I focus on a few key things that make a real difference between a good cookout and a great one. The first thing I check is the material and construction. Grills with thicker steel walls and a high-quality porcelain-enamel coating tend to hold heat much better and last longer. A thin, flimsy bowl will lose temperature quickly when the wind picks up, making it hard to maintain a consistent cooking temperature. I also look for sturdy legs and stable wheel assemblies. There’s nothing worse than a wobbly grill when you’re trying to flip a full load of burgers.
Next up is the lid and vent system. A tight-fitting lid is non-negotiable for me. It’s the secret to proper heat control and getting that smoky flavor we all want. I always test how well the lid seals. The vents are just as important; I prefer grills with both top and bottom dampers. This gives me maximum control over the airflow, which is the real key to managing your fire. More airflow means a hotter fire, less means a cooler, slower burn. This is how you master both direct searing and low-and-slow cooking on the same grill.
I also pay close attention to the cooking grates. Porcelain-enameled cast iron is my top choice because it holds heat exceptionally well for perfect sear marks, but it does require a bit of care to prevent rust. Stainless steel grates are more durable and low-maintenance, which is a huge plus. The number and design of vents are another big factor for me. More vents, especially at the bottom, help with lighting the charcoal and ash cleanup. A one-touch cleaning system is a feature I now consider essential—it saves so much time and mess after the meal is over.
Finally, I think about the extras. Side tables are incredibly useful for keeping my tools and plates within reach. I look for ones that are sturdy and maybe even fold down if I’m short on storage space. A built-in thermometer is a must-have for me; while it might not be pinpoint accurate, it gives me a reliable baseline for what’s happening inside the grill. When I’m picking from the list of the 10 best 22-inch charcoal grills for 2025, I weigh all these factors against my budget to find the perfect balance of durability, performance, and convenience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the advantage of a 22-inch grill over a smaller one?
The main advantage is cooking space. A 22-inch diameter gives you enough room to cook for a family or a small group of friends without the massive footprint of a larger, more expensive model. I find it’s the perfect sweet spot. I can easily fit two dozen burgers or a couple of whole chickens with room for vegetables on the side. It’s versatile enough for a weeknight dinner but won’t feel like overkill.
How long does it take for a 22-inch charcoal grill to heat up?
This depends on how much charcoal you use and your lighting method. If I’m using a chimney starter, which I highly recommend, I can have a full load of coals ready in about 15-20 minutes. From there, it takes another 5-10 minutes for the grill grates to get properly hot. So, in total, I usually plan for about 25-30 minutes from lighting to being ready to cook. It’s faster than you might think!
Are there any specific safety tips for using a charcoal grill?
Absolutely. My number one rule is to always set up the grill on a stable, non-flammable surface, well away from your house, deck railings, or overhanging branches. I never use lighter fluid after the initial lighting—it’s a major cause of flare-ups and can give your food a chemical taste. I also keep a spray bottle of water handy to tame any small flare-ups and always have a fire extinguisher within reach, just in case. Let the coals cool completely for at least 24 hours before disposing of the ashes in a metal container.
Can I do low and slow smoking on a standard 22-inch kettle grill?
You definitely can! It’s one of my favorite things to do. The key is setting up a two-zone fire. I pile all the lit charcoal on one side of the grill and place the food on the opposite side, over the area with no coals. I then use the top and bottom vents to carefully bring the temperature down to around 225-250°F. By adding a few fresh, unlit coals and a couple of wood chunks to the lit pile every hour or so, I can maintain that temperature for hours and smoke a fantastic rack of ribs or a pork shoulder.
What is the best way to clean and maintain my grill?
I make cleanup part of my cooking process. After I’m done grilling, while the grates are still warm, I give them a good scrub with a brass-bristle brush. Then, once the grill has completely cooled, I empty the ash catcher. For a deeper clean a few times a season, I wash the grates with warm, soapy water and wipe down the inside of the lid and bowl to remove grease and carbon buildup. The most important maintenance tip is to keep your grill covered when not in use. This protects it from the elements and drastically extends its life, keeping it in the running as one of the best 22-inch charcoal grills for years to come.