NOTE: Nothing has changed, the Weber Platinum model listed is still the winner, but I have removed the previous post in lieu of this more detailed one. ~OP

From America's Test Kitchen Season 7: Barbecued Brisket and Corn Fritters

• Testing Notes
  
• Youtube Video Review
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WINNER
Rated as HIGHLY RECOMMENDED:

Weber Performer Platinum 22.5-Inch Charcoal Grill with Touch-n-Go Gas Ignition - $349.00

The convenience of gas plus the flavor of charcoal make this grill a worthwhile (albeit pricey) upgrade from the basic model. Built around our favorite 22.5-inch Weber kettle is a roomy, easy-to-roll cart (much sturdier than the kettle’s legs) with a pullout charcoal storage bin; a lid holder; and, most significant, a gas ignition system that lights coals with the push of a button—no chimney starter needed.

Amazon Link

BEST BUY
Rated as HIGHLY RECOMMENDED:

Weber One-Touch Gold 22.5-Inch Charcoal Grill - $149.00

Weber’s versatile, well-designed classic kettle was an expert griller and maintained heat well, and its well-positioned vents allowed for excellent air control. The sturdy ash catcher makes cleanup a breeze, and it was the fastest and easiest model to assemble and move. We wish its tripod legs were sturdier and that the hinged portions of its grate were slightly larger.

• Amazon Link

Rated as RECOMMENDED:

Rosle 24-Inch Charcoal Grill - $400.00

This pricey kettle is sturdier than the Weber One-Touch and offers more cooking space, plus a few perks: a lever that marks vent positions and a hinged lid. But while it grilled well, its roomy interior lost heat relatively quickly. Its top vent sits in the center of the lid—a disadvantage for indirect cooking.

• Amazon Link
  

Stok Tower Charcoal Grill - $122.00

Its cast-iron grate is just as big as the Weber’s (and seared beautifully), but everything else about this inexpensive kettle is small—from its footprint to the space above and below the grates. Consequently, it holds heat well but struggles with indirect cooking since there is little room for a cooler zone. We appreciated its built-in chimney starter.

• While there are other models and accessories listed on Amazon, this particular model is not sold there. Here is the Where To Buy page from the Stok website, perhaps you'll have better luck finding it close to you.

Two were rated as RECOMMENDED WITH RESERVATIONS:

• Portable Kitchen Cast Aluminum Grill and Smoker - $300.00
• Brinkmann Trailmaster Limited Edition Grill and Smoker - $299.00

NOT RECOMMENDED:

• Char-Broil 30-Inch Charcoal Grill

This grill was a heartbreaker. Though outfitted with great features—a crank that adjusts coal height, a high lid, cast-iron cooking grates, a “keep-warm” shelf, and flip-up side tables—its cheap construction defeated it at every turn. Paper-thin walls and an ill fitting lid leaked heat (barbecued ribs were not quite finished after 4 hours). Assembly took hours. When it rolled, it rattled horribly.