10 Best Charcoal Grills in the Philippines 2024 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Chef
Need a grill that can handle the heat? Look no further than charcoal grills! Compared to your standard gas and electric grills, charcoal grills are easy to set up and can reach higher cooking temperatures. With these, you get enough heat to cook your food without spending money on gas and electricity.
You don't even need to be a master griller to understand how they work! But choosing the right one can be a little bit tricky—but we want to make things simpler. In this article, you'll find a buying guide, fact-checked by professional chef Philjim Gerald Sebastian, along with our top recommendations for the best charcoal grills to buy in the Philippines.
Quick List - Top Charcoal Grills
Weber
The Most Raved-About Kettle Charcoal Grill on the Market
BarrelPro
Has a Separate Smoker for Better Heat Dissipation
Chef Philjim Gerald Sebastian is a professional chef with almost 11 years of experience in South East Asian, Western, Mexican, French, and Mediterranean Cuisines. His journey to becoming a chef started in the Philippines, and through his years of experience in different countries like the UAE, Seychelles Island, and parts of Asia like Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia, Myanmar, and Thailand, he honed his craft and gained different ranks in the kitchen. Chef Philjim is a graduate of De la Salle College of Saint Benilde (BS-HRIM). To add to all of his experiences, he is also a sole chef in a private sailing yacht traveling from the USA to the Caribbean islands where he is in charge of provisioning, stocking, budgeting, and cooking international cuisine for high-rank and well-known guests.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Table of Contents
- Why Should You Get a Charcoal Grill?
- How to Choose a Charcoal Grill - Buying Guide
- Pick the Type of Charcoal Grill That Best Suits Your Needs1
- Choose the Size According to the Available Space2
- Select Your Preferred Grill Grate Material3
- Go for a Grill That Has a Steel, Aluminum, or Cast Iron Body for Durability4
- For Better Temperature Control, Get a Grill With a Lid5
- Take Note of Its Additional Features6
- Expert's Comment About the Top 10 Products
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Smoking With a Charcoal Grill Possible?
- Is Charcoal Grilling Healthy?
- When to Add Charcoal to Grill?
- Grilling Essentials for Your Next Cookout
- How We Chose and Ranked Our Product Recommendations
Why Should You Get a Charcoal Grill?
Most Filipinos are familiar with the classic ihawan, also known as charcoal grills. A charcoal grill is versatile, and you can use it to cook anything, from barbecue and steak to veggies and fruits. It also comes in many shapes and sizes and is more affordable than other types of grills on the market.
To use this kind of grill, you'll have to burn either lumps or briquettes of charcoal. As more oils and flavors drip from the meat to the charcoal, it makes that sizzling sound, a sign that it's begun vaporizing all of that essence back into the food. So when people say that cooking with a charcoal grill makes food taste better, they aren't lying!
It also adds texture to the food and gives it a slightly smoky flavor that most people love. At first, it may seem daunting since you won't have complete control over its temperature. But it brings a lot to the table with its usability and affordability. Indeed, buying a charcoal grill is an excellent investment that can last for a long time!
How to Choose a Charcoal Grill - Buying Guide
Here are some key points to consider:
- Pick the type of charcoal grill that best suits your needs.
- Choose the size according to the available space.
- Select your preferred grill grate material.
- Go for a grill that has a steel, aluminum, or cast iron body for durability.
- For better temperature control, get a grill with a lid.
- Take note of its additional features.
For more detailed information, read through our buying guide below.
Pick the Type of Charcoal Grill That Best Suits Your Needs
Of all the charcoal grills available on the market, there are three main types—portable, kettle, and barrel. Each kind has its own advantages and disadvantages, so choose one that matches your needs the best.
Portable Charcoal Grills Are Perfect for Outdoor Trips
Portable charcoal grills are the best choice for those who have limited outdoor space. They're typically round or rectangular—and they're compact enough to be placed on top of any surface, with most having collapsible legs to keep them in place. Since they aren't too heavy, they're the perfect companion to bring on camping and beach trips as well as picnics.
Kettle Charcoal Grills Are Great for Everyday Use
Kettle charcoal grills are ideal for everyday use and for those who enjoy grilling for themselves or small groups of people. Compared to barrel grills, kettle grills have a smaller cooking surface, are square or spherical, and often come with a lid.
The lids in kettle grills are often removable, which gives people the option for covered and uncovered cooking. Though they aren't as mobile as portable charcoal grills, they usually have wheeled legs, making them easy to move around.
Barrel Charcoal Grills Let You Cook Multiple Food at Once
Barrel charcoal grills are perfect for master grillers and individuals who always host backyard BBQ parties. This type of grill typically has a barrel-shaped design cut lengthwise, with the bottom half serving as a cooking area and the top half serving as a lid.
Barrel grills have a much larger cooking area, so you can grill many portions of meat at a time. They are also great for smoking and slow cooking. Like kettle grills, they have wheeled legs that lock into place. However, they tend to be costly and take up more outdoor space.
Choose the Size According to the Available Space
If you already know the type of charcoal grill that you want to get, the next thing to consider is its size. You can start by looking at how much outdoor cooking space you have. Once you've determined that, take into account how often you plan to use the grill.
If you're the type to frequently host barbecue parties or serve large groups of people, we recommend getting the biggest charcoal grill possible. For these situations, you want to make sure that you have enough cooking area, and a larger-sized grill will allow you to prepare multiple things at once.
However, if you prefer cooking for yourself or your family or friends, a small, portable charcoal grill would suffice. Getting a more compact grill makes it easier to store and helps you save on space.
Select Your Preferred Grill Grate Material
When choosing a charcoal grill, the grill grates are also an important factor to consider. These grates will be in direct contact with your food and may affect the quality of your meat, fruit, or vegetable. The most common materials used for grill grates are stainless steel and cast iron.
Among the two types, stainless steel heats up fast and is more common due to its affordability. And it is more lightweight, which means that it is easy to lift and move when you want to add more coals. Also, some steel grill grates are chrome-plated to increase their heat retention properties and durability.
On the other hand, cast-iron grates retain heat better and produce a more even cooking temperature. They are very durable when properly maintained and can make excellent sear marks. But they cost more, are heavier than stainless steel, and require seasoning to be non-stick.
Go for a Grill That Has a Steel, Aluminum, or Cast Iron Body for Durability
Aside from checking the grill grates, another important aspect to consider is the body. It must be durable enough to withstand constant heat and exposure to the elements. That is why most charcoal grills have bodies made of heavy-duty steel, aluminum, or cast iron. Some are even coated with porcelain, enamel, or ceramic for added durability.
All these materials are highly resistant to rust and corrosion. However, when it comes to heat resistance and strength, steel and cast iron take the upper hand. But in terms of overall weight and heating and cooling capabilities, aluminum is lighter and regulates the temperature quickly and evenly.
For Better Temperature Control, Get a Grill With a Lid
Controlling the temperature of a charcoal grill can be tricky, so we recommend buying one with a lid that has vents and dampers for better temperature regulation. A lid will especially come in handy if you're still new to grilling.
For instance, it's important to cover the grill when roasting meat to achieve an even cook on all sides. And without a cover, the coals can get extremely hot, which is similar to cooking over a fire pit.
Take Note of Its Additional Features
Before purchasing a charcoal grill, we recommend taking note of any additional features such as built-in thermometers, side doors, folding shelves, and cleaning systems. These features may not seem like much, but they add value to the grill and make cooking time more efficient.
Folding shelves offer more storage space, while built-in thermometers help you regulate the temperature of the grill. Meanwhile, side doors provide easier access to the coals in case you want to add more charcoal briquettes. Another great feature to look for is an ash catcher, which can cut down on cleaning time.
10 Best Charcoal Grills to Buy Online
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Weber Charcoal Grill Orig Prem 22"｜14401508 | | The Most Raved-About Kettle Charcoal Grill on the Market | |
2 | Kamado Joe Classic Joe I Red | | Comes With Two Wheels for Extra Mobility | |
3 | BarrelPro B-Size Smoker Grill ｜Rolled Steel Version | | Has a Separate Smoker for Better Heat Dissipation | |
4 | Homer Charcoal Grill｜HOMKY1813D | | Best for Preparing Party-Sized Meals | |
5 | HOME FIX Rectangular Table Top Charcoal Portable BBQ Grill | | A Portable Grill With a Large Grilling Area | |
6 | Everdure CUBE Portable Charcoal Grill | | Easy to Pack and Carry | |
7 | Outdoor BBQ Smoker Grill | | Doubles as a Smoker for Meat and Seafood | |
8 | All Home Outdoor Charcoal Grill With Side Table | | A Small Barrel Grill for Parties and Gatherings | |
9 | Portable Folding BBQ Grill | | Lightweight and Great for Small Batches of Food | |
10 | Masflex Mastro Barbecue Grill｜32 cm | | A Light and Compact Grill for Outdoor Trips |
WeberCharcoal Grill Orig Prem 22" ｜ 14401508
The Most Raved-About Kettle Charcoal Grill on the Market
Weber's most popular product has to be their Original Kettle Premium charcoal grill. With a triangular base for extra stability, an aluminum body coated with porcelain-enamel material, and heavy-duty steel grill grates, the original kettle, though pricey, is highly durable. This innovative charcoal grill is a blueprint for many in the market.
One notable feature is its removable aluminum ash catcher with a one-touch cleaning system. All you have to do is move the vent back and forth, and it scrapes the ash that falls to the catcher. It also comes with a heat-resistant lid handle, lid thermometer, air vents, and dampers that let you have better control over the temperature inside your grill.
Comes With Two Wheels for Extra Mobility
Kamado Joe's Classic Joe I Red is an excellent option for people who need a griller with a large cooking area but don't necessarily have space for a barrel grill. Particularly, it has two-tier grills for cooking different types of food and foldable shelves for additional storage. And did you know that it comes with a slide-out ash catcher for easier cleanups?
The ceramic-coated fire bowl and lid, combined with the felt gasket, keeps the heat inside—this ensures a more even cook. Moreover, it has a hinged lid with a thermometer, damper, and cast-iron air vent for better temperature regulation. Most importantly, it has a pair of wheels that make moving it around efficient and convenient—but they can also lock in place.
BarrelProB-Size Smoker Grill ｜ Rolled Steel Version
Has a Separate Smoker for Better Heat Dissipation
BarrelPro's B-Size Smoker Grill doesn't look like your regular barrel charcoal grill, which is its main advantage. Proudly made in the Philippines, this product is a heavy-duty grill made from rolled steel. Its design focuses on even heat dissipation since it has a chimney and a separate smoker. It even has two-layer grill grates for cooking various food.
The ergonomic wooden handles give you a better grip, so you can easily check the meat, fruit, or veggies or add more charcoal. It also has ample storage space, with the bottom rack serving as a place to store your sauces and grilling equipment and the top shelf for food prep. If you're an experienced griller who hosts backyard BBQs often, this is a great pick!
HomerCharcoal Grill ｜ HOMKY1813D
Best for Preparing Party-Sized Meals
If you love hosting outdoor barbecue parties, Homer's barrel charcoal grill is definitely for you! Like your usual barrel grill, it has a large lid and two side vents for temperature control, a bottom rack for storage, and a foldable table for food prep. But what makes it different are these features.
For one, it has a spacious grilling area, which makes it convenient to prepare large batches of food. You also wouldn't have to worry about cleanups since it comes with a removable ash catcher. It has a sturdy base as well, with wheels for easier transport. And with heavy-duty steel grates that'll leave satisfying sear marks on the food, this product is practically a master griller's dream!
HOME FIXRectangular Table Top Charcoal Portable BBQ Grill
A Portable Grill With a Large Grilling Area
HOME FIX's rectangular tabletop grill is recommended for those who love grilling but have little to no outdoor space for it. It has foldable legs that make it easy to set up and place on any surface. Moreover, it has an enamel-coated, chrome-plated steel body, making it a reliable griller that you can use for a long time.
This ihawan is ideal for everyday grilling for yourself or a small group of friends and family during parties or outings. The large surface area means that you can use it to prepare liempo, steaks, burgers, hotdogs, and other meats. The detachable lid and air vents also allow for better temperature control, so you wouldn't have to worry about lengthy and uneven cooking.
EverdureCUBE Portable Charcoal Grill
Easy to Pack and Carry
Everdure's CUBE Portable Charcoal Grill is perfect for people who are always on the go and looking for their next adventure. The grill features two chrome-plated steel handles, two latches, and a sturdy base for portability and durability. Its bamboo lid doubles as a cutting board, while the plastic tray serves as a food storage space. Plus, it is compact enough to fit in most car trunks.
You also wouldn't have to worry about uneven cooking since it has excellent heat retention properties, thanks to its porcelain-enamel base with vents. And it is equipped with a heat-protection shield and cool-to-touch handles for your safety. According to Everdure, It has enough cooking space for six small burgers and three medium-sized steaks.
Outdoor BBQ Smoker Grill
Doubles as a Smoker for Meat and Seafood
Barbecuing just got a whole lot simpler with this two-layered outdoor grill! You can use the two grills separately or combine them if you need to grill more food. You also have the option to use the grill as a smoker—all you have to do is remove the grates! With this, you can prepare smoked fish, smoked meat, and rotisserie chicken at home.
It has a medium-sized cooking area, which is enough to prepare a meal for yourself or a group of three to five people. To help you control the temperature of the grill, it has a lid that's equipped with a built-in thermometer, dampers, and air vents. Even better, it's made from iron with a porcelain-enamel coating, making it resistant to rust, corrosion, and extremely high temperatures.
All HomeOutdoor Charcoal Grill With Side Table
A Small Barrel Grill for Parties and Gatherings
Need a compact charcoal grill for your next gathering? This small barrel grill is the best choice! With its stainless steel finish, it is guaranteed to last for a long time—plus, this material is resistant to heat. If you need to grill a lot of food, the two-layered grills, side shelf, bottom rack, and utensil hooks are a great help.
The extra storage space ensures that all your condiments, grilling tools, and serving plates are in one place. Meanwhile, the two-layered grills help you serve more food in a shorter time. The two stoppers keep the grill in place, but if you need to move it somewhere, you just have to use the handle and two wheels to push it.
Lightweight and Great for Small Batches of Food
This steel and aluminum griller is perfect for narrow and small spaces. Weighing only 2.8 kilograms, it is one of the lightest portable charcoal grills on this list. It is also budget-friendly and great for small batches of grilling.
The grill has removable parts that are pretty straightforward to clean. And it features a drawer-type charcoal box that prevents ash from getting on the floor—this also makes adding or removing uling much easier. However, it doesn't come with a lid, so maintaining the temperature can be tricky.
MasflexMastro Barbecue Grill ｜ 32 cm
A Light and Compact Grill for Outdoor Trips
Complicated setups are now a thing of the past, thanks to Masflex's Mastro Barbecue Grill! You can either attach the legs for more height or remove them if you want to use the bowl by itself. Its sturdy yet lightweight steel exterior is also worth noting since it's made for outdoor grilling.
Plus, it has a non-stick interior and chrome grates, which give it excellent heat resistance and make it easy to clean. Chrome is also known to transfer heat efficiently. However, the Mastro grill doesn't come with a lid, so controlling the temperature can be quite challenging.
Expert's Comment About the Top 10 Products
Tip: Remember to preheat the grates of the grill! This makes a huge difference on both the flavor and appearance of the food.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by the mybest team.
Is Smoking With a Charcoal Grill Possible?
Yes, it is possible to smoke meat with a charcoal grill! To start, place charcoal bricks and a few wood chunks on one side of the grill and an aluminum pan on the other. Then, place some lighted charcoal bricks on top of the unlighted bricks and chunks. Next, fill up the pan with 1/3 of water—you can also use apple juice or beer for extra flavor.
Put the grate and lid back on and close the vent, leaving 1/4 of an inch of opening. Wait for the grill to heat up to 107-121°C (225-250°F). Use a grill brush to scrape off the ash from the grates, then place your meat on top. Leave it for a few hours, and voilà—you've got yourself some smoked meat!
Is Charcoal Grilling Healthy?
Unfortunately, grilling isn't the healthiest cooking method. When the fat from the meat comes into contact with heated charcoal, they produce carcinogens, carbon monoxide, and other harmful compounds, which may be detrimental to one's health.
For healthier grilling, experts from Harvard and The University of Texas recommend grilling marinated meat, fish, fruits, and veggies instead of raw red meat or processed meat. It's also important to spread the coals evenly, oil the grill grates, and add a layer of foil on top to prevent charring. And to avoid getting sick when grilling food with charcoal, do it in a well-ventilated area.
When to Add Charcoal to Grill?
It's best to add charcoal before grilling the food. We suggest heating the charcoal bricks for 10-20 minutes to keep the temperate consistent throughout the grilling process. Another way to check if your charcoal briquettes are ready is if they are covered in white ash.
Grilling Essentials for Your Next Cookout
Want to serve restaurant-style grilled food on your next handaan—think Samgyupsalamat, Tajimaya, and Okane? We got you! Whether you plan to make samgyup, ribs, or grilled chicken, these articles will help you find the best food items and grilling equipment that you can purchase online.
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Author: Mariah Hannah Beatrice G. Caga
Re-editor: Aprille Jarcia
How We Chose and Ranked Our Product Recommendations
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
Top 5 Charcoal Grills
No. 1: Weber｜Charcoal Grill Orig Prem 22"｜14401508
No. 2: Kamado Joe｜Classic Joe I Red
No. 3: BarrelPro｜B-Size Smoker Grill ｜Rolled Steel Version
No. 4: Homer｜Charcoal Grill｜HOMKY1813D
No. 5: HOME FIX｜Rectangular Table Top Charcoal Portable BBQ Grill
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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