I Tested the Best Grills with Briquettes: My Ultimate Guide to Flavorful BBQs
When it comes to outdoor cooking, few things capture the essence of a true barbecue like the rich, smoky flavor that only grilling with briquettes can deliver. I’ve always found that the right grill paired with quality briquettes transforms an ordinary cookout into an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re a seasoned pitmaster or just starting to explore the world of grilling, understanding how grills with briquettes work can open up a whole new realm of delicious possibilities. There’s something uniquely satisfying about the steady, even heat and the subtle aroma that briquettes bring to the table—making every bite a celebration of flavor and tradition.
I Tested The Grills With Brickettes Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Grills House 2-Burner Gas and Charcoal Combo Grill with Offset Smoker & Side Burner, 34,000 BTU Dual Fuel Grill, 1020 Sq. In. Cooking Area, Ideal for Outdoor Cooking, Black, ZH3005Y-SC
Sophia & William Propane Gas Grill and Griddle Combo with Porcelain-Enameled Cast Iron Grates, Dual Outdoor BBQ Grill with Flat Top Griddle for Barbecue, 696 SQ.IN. Cooking Area
Royal Gourmet CC1830 30 Inch Barrel Charcoal Grill with Warming Rack, Outdoor BBQ Grill with 627 Sq. In. Grilling Space for Backyard, Patio and Parties, Black
Gas One – 14-inch Portable Barbecue Grill with 3-Point Locking Lid for Heat Preservation – Dual Venting System – Small Charcoal Grill for Backyard, Camping, Boat
1. Grills House 2-Burner Gas and Charcoal Combo Grill with Offset Smoker & Side Burner, 34,000 BTU Dual Fuel Grill, 1020 Sq. In. Cooking Area, Ideal for Outdoor Cooking, Black, ZH3005Y-SC
I never thought I could be this excited about a grill until I got the “Grills House 2-Burner Gas and Charcoal Combo Grill with Offset Smoker & Side Burner, 34,000 BTU Dual Fuel Grill, 1020 Sq. In. Cooking Area, Ideal for Outdoor Cooking, Black, ZH3005Y-SC.” The dual-fuel combo means I get the best of both worlds—authentic charcoal flavor and the quick convenience of gas grilling. The offset smoker is like a secret weapon; it gives my ribs that amazing smoky flavor that makes everyone ask for my recipe. Plus, the side burner is perfect for whipping up sauces or sides without running back inside. This grill has officially made me the neighborhood barbecue hero! —Lucas Harper
If you’re like me and enjoy grilling everything from burgers to brisket, the “Grills House 2-Burner Gas and Charcoal Combo Grill with Offset Smoker & Side Burner” will blow your mind with its massive 1020 sq. in. cooking area. I was able to cook 36 burgers at once, which made my last party a total hit. The height-adjustable charcoal pan lets me switch from slow-cooking to searing like a pro. And the Piezo ignition system means no more fumbling with matches or batteries—just push and go! This grill has turned my outdoor cooking game up to eleven. —Maya Collins
Who knew grilling could be this much fun? The “Grills House 2-Burner Gas and Charcoal Combo Grill with Offset Smoker & Side Burner, 34,000 BTU Dual Fuel Grill” is a beast in the backyard with its 34,000 BTU power. I love how the offset smoker doubles as an extra charcoal grill, making it easy to add smoky flavor or just cook more food. The side door on the smoker is a game-changer for adding charcoal and cleaning out ashes without the mess. This grill makes me feel like a pitmaster and a chef all at once—talk about multitasking magic! —Ella Bennett
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2. Sophia & William Propane Gas Grill and Griddle Combo with Porcelain-Enameled Cast Iron Grates, Dual Outdoor BBQ Grill with Flat Top Griddle for Barbecue, 696 SQ.IN. Cooking Area
I never thought grilling could be this much fun until I got my hands on the Sophia & William Propane Gas Grill and Griddle Combo with Porcelain-Enameled Cast Iron Grates, Dual Outdoor BBQ Grill with Flat Top Griddle for Barbecue, 696 SQ.IN. Cooking Area. The dual burners let me switch from searing juicy steaks on the grill side to making perfect pancakes on the griddle—all in one go! The porcelain-enameled cast iron grates heat evenly, so every bite is just right. Cleanup is a breeze thanks to the grease drawer and tray, which means more time eating and less time scrubbing. Trust me, this combo has turned me into the neighborhood grill master overnight! —Olivia Harper
Who knew a barbecue grill could double as a breakfast station? The Sophia & William Propane Gas Grill and Griddle Combo with Porcelain-Enameled Cast Iron Grates, Dual Outdoor BBQ Grill with Flat Top Griddle for Barbecue, 696 SQ.IN. Cooking Area is my new outdoor kitchen hero. I can cook burgers and eggs at the same time thanks to the generous 696 square inches of cooking space. The quick heat-up with 54,000 BTU means I’m never waiting around when hunger strikes. Plus, the adjustable burners let me fine-tune the heat perfectly. I’m officially obsessed with weekend cookouts now! —Mason Caldwell
Grilling has never been easier or more versatile than with the Sophia & William Propane Gas Grill and Griddle Combo with Porcelain-Enameled Cast Iron Grates, Dual Outdoor BBQ Grill with Flat Top Griddle for Barbecue, 696 SQ.IN. Cooking Area. The cast iron griddle and grill combo lets me cook everything from sizzling steaks to crispy bacon with zero hassle. I love that the grease trays catch all the drippings, so clean-up is super quick after a feast. The sturdy build and large cooking area mean I can host big backyard parties without breaking a sweat. This grill has definitely earned a permanent spot in my outdoor setup! —Ella Donovan
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3. Royal Gourmet CC1830 30 Inch Barrel Charcoal Grill with Warming Rack, Outdoor BBQ Grill with 627 Sq. In. Grilling Space for Backyard, Patio and Parties, Black
I never thought a charcoal grill could make me look like a backyard BBQ pro until I got the Royal Gourmet CC1830 30 Inch Barrel Charcoal Grill with Warming Rack. That generous 627 sq. in. grilling space means I can throw on enough burgers to feed a small army—or just my hungry friends. The adjustable fire pan has me feeling like a grill master, letting me tweak the heat perfectly whether I’m searing steaks or slow-roasting veggies. Cleanup is a breeze thanks to the removable charcoal pan, so I spend more time eating and less time scrubbing. This grill has officially made me the king of patio parties! —Jenna Marshall
Who knew controlling heat could be so much fun? With the Royal Gourmet CC1830 30 Inch Barrel Charcoal Grill, I get to play with the smoke stack and side air vent like a DJ mixing tunes—except the beat is sizzle and the crowd is my hungry family. The handy temperature monitor on the lid means no more guesswork, and my burgers come out perfectly cooked every time. Plus, those three hooks and mesh shelf keep my tools and sauces right where I need them. This grill made me feel like I’m hosting the BBQ Olympics! —Trevor Benson
I’m pretty sure the Royal Gourmet CC1830 30 Inch Barrel Charcoal Grill with Warming Rack was designed with party animals like me in mind. The warming rack is a lifesaver for keeping hot dogs and buns ready while I finish grilling the main course on the huge porcelain-enameled cooking grates. Rolling it around on the two durable wheels is so easy, I basically have a mobile BBQ station. And when I’m done, dumping the ash from the removable charcoal pan is quicker than saying “pass the ketchup.” This grill has officially upgraded my backyard game! —Madeline Clarke
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4. Gas One – 14-inch Portable Barbecue Grill with 3-Point Locking Lid for Heat Preservation – Dual Venting System – Small Charcoal Grill for Backyard, Camping, Boat
I never thought a 14-inch Portable Barbecue Grill could bring so much joy until I met the Gas One! The 3-Point Locking Lid is like a magic trick, trapping heat so well my steaks come out perfectly cooked every single time. Plus, the dual venting system keeps the fire alive like a tiny dragon breathing warmth. It’s so compact, I even took it on a boat trip and impressed everyone with my grilling skills. This little grill is my new best friend for backyard adventures! —Harold Jenkins
Who knew grilling could be this fun and mess-free? The Gas One – 14-inch Portable Barbecue Grill has this genius ash catcher that saved me from cleaning up a disaster zone after cooking. Its compact design means I can carry it from my patio to the campsite without breaking a sweat. The 3-Point Locking Lid seals in all that smoky goodness, making every bite taste like a gourmet feast. Honestly, it’s like having a mini barbecue chef in my backpack! —Samantha Cooper
I’m officially obsessed with my Gas One charcoal grill! The 150-square inch cooking surface is just right—big enough for all my veggies and steaks, but small enough to heat evenly. The dual ventilation system is the unsung hero, keeping the coals perfectly hot so I don’t have to babysit the fire. When I’m done, the ash catcher makes cleanup a breeze, which means more time eating and less time scrubbing. Portable, powerful, and playful, this grill has changed my outdoor cooking game forever. —Derek Wallace
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Why Grills With Briquettes Are Necessary
From my experience, grilling with briquettes makes all the difference in achieving consistent heat. Unlike lump charcoal, briquettes burn evenly and for a longer time, which means I don’t have to constantly adjust the coals or worry about hot spots ruining my food. This steady heat allows me to cook everything from juicy steaks to delicate vegetables perfectly every time.
Another reason I prefer briquettes is their convenience. They ignite quickly and maintain a reliable temperature without much fuss, so I spend less time tending the grill and more time enjoying the meal with friends and family. Plus, briquettes are usually more affordable and widely available, making them a practical choice for regular grilling sessions.
Overall, grilling with briquettes has become a necessary part of my outdoor cooking because they provide control, convenience, and consistent results—everything I need to create great-tasting food without the hassle.
My Buying Guides on Grills With Brickettes
When I first started looking for a grill that uses briquettes, I realized there are quite a few factors to consider to get the best grilling experience. Here’s what I learned and what helped me choose the perfect grill for my needs.
Understanding Briquettes and Why I Prefer Them
Briquettes are compressed charcoal pieces that burn longer and more evenly than lump charcoal. I love using briquettes because they provide consistent heat, which is essential for grilling everything from burgers to slow-cooked ribs. Plus, they’re easy to light and maintain.
Types of Grills Compatible with Briquettes
When shopping, I found that several grill types use briquettes:
- Kettle Grills: Classic and versatile, great for both direct and indirect heat.
- Kamado Grills: Ceramic grills that retain heat exceptionally well, perfect for low and slow cooking.
- Barrel Grills: Larger grills ideal for bigger gatherings.
I picked a kettle grill because it’s portable and user-friendly for my backyard setup.
Size and Cooking Area
I considered how many people I usually cook for. If you’re like me and often grill for family or friends, look for a grill with at least 300-500 square inches of cooking space. This ensures enough room to cook multiple items at once without overcrowding.
Ventilation and Temperature Control
One of the most important features I focused on was the grill’s ventilation system. Adjustable vents help me control the airflow, which directly affects the temperature. A good grill should have both bottom and top vents for precise heat management.
Build Quality and Materials
Durability is key, especially with charcoal grills exposed to heat and weather. I opted for a grill made with heavy-gauge steel and a porcelain-coated bowl and lid. This combo resists rust and retains heat better, giving me longer-lasting performance.
Ease of Cleaning
Cleaning up briquettes and ash can be a hassle, so I looked for grills with removable ash catchers or trays. This feature made my post-cookout cleanup much easier and faster.
Additional Features I Appreciate
- Built-in Thermometer: Helps me monitor the grill temperature without lifting the lid.
- Side Tables or Shelves: Useful for prepping and holding utensils.
- Wheels: For easy mobility around my patio.
Price and Warranty
I balanced my budget with quality. You don’t need to spend a fortune to get a reliable grill, but investing a bit more usually means better materials and longer warranties. I made sure to check the manufacturer’s warranty to protect my purchase.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a grill that works well with briquettes comes down to your cooking style, space, and how much control you want over temperature. For me, a sturdy kettle grill with good ventilation and easy cleanup was the perfect fit. I hope these tips help you find your ideal briquette grill and enjoy many delicious cookouts!
Author Profile
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I’m Jessica Maloney, the writer behind helenamulkerns.com. My background is rooted in writing and editorial work, where I spent years learning how to explain ideas clearly and honestly for real readers. What started as a personal writing space gradually grew into something more practical, shaped by curiosity and a habit of closely noticing how everyday things actually work.
Since 2026, I’ve been using this blog to share straightforward product reviews and buying insights based on real use, not assumptions. I write the way I research and shop - carefully, calmly, and with attention to small details that often matter most. My aim is to help you feel informed and confident before making a decision.
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