Charcoal Grills

Charcoal Grills

Find the best charcoal grill for your backyard barbecues and cookouts at Sam’s Club®. Whether you need a big, small or portable grill, we have them all. Made from durable heavy-duty materials to last you several years of delicious grilled meats and vegetables, whichever grill you choose, choose wisely. It’s going to serve you, your friends and maybe even your dog for a very long time.

Why Use a Charcoal Grill?

These grills are a classic way to cook food. Each one has a natural element to it that’s missing from an electric or gas grill. It’s almost like cooking over a fire made out of wood in the forest, and that’s what makes it all the more fun. The prepping, open fire, glorious barbecue smell and, of course, the delicious smoky flavors that charcoal imparts on your food makes these grills well worth the investment and experience. No other grill or stove can produce flavors like charcoal grills can, which is why they’re so special. Plus, because charcoal can heat up to super hot temperatures that other grills cannot, it’s perfect for achieving those beautiful, crispy grill-marked sears. Start grilling steakhouse-caliber meats over burning coals for a dinner even you won’t believe could taste so good.

How to Prepare a Charcoal Grill

To get your charcoal grill started, you’ll need two things—charcoal and lighter fluid. Now, start by piling coals onto your grill to form a nice mound. Next, take your lighter fluid and squirt it all on top and on the sides of the mound. Then, quickly use a kitchen lighter or match to light the coals. Lastly, wait around 15 minutes or until your coals are mostly covered in gray ash. Once done, arrange the briquets evenly throughout the grill. Or pile the coals onto one half of the grill to create a two-zone fire of direct heat and indirect heat.

Cooking on a Charcoal Grill

There are several ways to cook your food to perfection on a charcoal grill. With the coals spread out evenly, this is perfect for foods that cook quickly, such as hot dogs, burger patties, thin meats and sliced up vegetables. Create a two-zone fire to cook sizzling seared steaks directly above the charcoals at high heat, or cook thicker meats like chicken breast, ribs, brisket and whole birds on the coal-free side at low to medium heat. Or if you want to get creative, you can turn your grill into a smoker by placing a foil pan filled with water in the center of your grill with the coals on the side. This pan helps stabilize and retain heat. Now, just get it to around 225–250 degrees Fahrenheit, place your meat inside, close the lid and let it do its thing. Whichever way you choose to prepare your food, it'll always have a delectable and irresistible smoky flavor.

Perfect for All Occasions

Throw a traditional family barbecue with good food, good drinks and good company, and let the star of the show—your grill—help serve all your guests. Kick back with a few friends and drinks as you wait until your charcoal-grilled ribs are ready. Or go solo and enjoy the beautiful outdoors with just you and your perfectly seared steak. Charcoal grills are perfect for any occasion, and its distinct smell and flavor will always remind you of the fond memories you had in your yard.