Regardless of how much money you are willing to spend, you can probably find a durable charcoal grill that meets your needs. If the grill is set up in the store, examine it and make sure it is sturdy and doesn’t wiggle or shake, but even if the grill is only in the box, you can decipher the grill’s description to determine the quality of the grill.
Weber argues that its best grills are made of steel with a porcelain-enamel finish, and it is true that steel is a stronger material than aluminum. The best charcoal and cooking grates are also made of stainless steel, or perhaps cast-iron or porcelain-coated aluminum.
Look for a grill that seems easy to assemble and that the manufacturer backs with a several year warranty. If you cook certain types of foods or cook for particularly large groups of people, you can purchase a specialized grill or a large grill. The best charcoal grill will be one with which you are comfortable and regularly use.