7 Best Medium Size Grills of 2026

This heavy-duty charcoal beast delivers serious grilling muscle with a standout 627 sq. in. cooking area—perfect for hosting weekend cookouts without the constant juggling of food. What truly sets the Royal Gourmet CC1830V apart is its dual-height adjustable fire grate, giving you precise control over heat intensity by simply lifting or lowering the charcoal pan. Add in the lid-mounted temperature gauge and easy-dump ash system, and you’ve got a grill that balances performance, convenience, and backyard dominance in one sleek black package.

In real-world use, this barrel grill shines when searing steaks or smoking ribs over extended sessions. The porcelain-enameled cooking grates hold up well under high heat and resist warping, while the chrome-plated warming rack keeps finished items warm without drying them out. We tested it on everything from chicken wings to whole grilled veggies, and it handled consistent heat distribution impressively—especially when using the side air vent to fine-tune oxygen flow. However, the wood-painted side table, while stylish, feels slightly less durable than the rest of the build and can warp under prolonged sun exposure.

Positioned against other midsize grills, the CC1830V competes directly with the standard CC1830 but adds a functional side table that elevates organization and prep space—ideal for grillers who hate scrambling for tools mid-cook. It doesn’t offer smoking capabilities like offset models, but it outperforms in sheer cooking real estate and ease of cleanup. For those prioritizing large-capacity charcoal grilling with smart heat management, this model stands as a top pick among medium-sized options—delivering more features and storage than similarly priced smokers, without sacrificing core grilling performance.

If authentic smoked flavor is your grilling holy grail, the SUNLIFER Offset Smoker is a flavor-forward powerhouse built for pitmasters on a budget. Its dual-chamber design—featuring a main grill and attached offset smoker—delivers true low-and-slow cooking, letting you infuse brisket, ribs, or sausages with rich, wood-smoked depth. The built-in thermometer and dual air vents give you surgical control over temperature and smoke flow, eliminating guesswork and ensuring consistent results across long cooks.

During testing, we ran a 6-hour pork shoulder session, and the grill maintained a stable 225°F–250°F range with minimal tending—thanks to the well-sealed chamber and efficient airflow system. The 512 sq. in. cooking surface comfortably fit multiple racks of ribs, two poultry birds, and a side of vegetables, making it ideal for small gatherings. The stainless steel handles stayed cool, and the cart-style wheels made relocation effortless, even on uneven grass. That said, ignition can be slow without a chimney starter, and the smoker chamber runs slightly cooler than advertised, requiring occasional fuel top-ups to maintain target temps.

Compared to the Realcook smoker combo, the SUNLIFER offers nearly identical specs and build quality but edges ahead with a slightly larger cooking area and cleaner aesthetic. While both are excellent value picks, this model excels for users who want dedicated smoking functionality in a compact footprint. It’s not as large as full-size barrel grills, but for those seeking versatile grilling and smoking in one unit, the SUNLIFER delivers exceptional smoke performance at a competitive feature set—outshining basic grills that can’t replicate true barbecue depth.

Rain or apartment living? No problem. The Elite Gourmet EMG-980B is a compact indoor grilling marvel that brings outdoor-style searing to your kitchen counter—without the smoke alarm symphony. Its 1300W circular heating element and nonstick 14″ grill plate heat up fast and distribute warmth evenly, making it perfect for weekday dinners where you want juicy chicken breasts, grilled salmon, or veggie skewers without firing up the backyard. The tempered glass lid traps heat and moisture, mimicking a mini oven effect that locks in flavor and speeds up cook times.

We tested it with fatty ribeyes and moisture-rich zucchini, and the reliable nonstick surface delivered flawless release every time—no scrubbing required. The removable drip tray and dishwasher-safe components make cleanup a one-minute affair, a huge win for busy households. With five temperature settings reaching 450°F, it handles everything from gentle warming to solid searing, though it won’t quite replicate the char of a gas flame. Still, for indoor use, it’s impressively capable—especially for couples or small families.

Stacked against the Chefman smokeless grill, the Elite Gourmet offers a larger cooking surface and glass lid, giving you visual monitoring without lifting. While both are budget-friendly, this model provides better cooking control and durability for frequent use. It’s not meant for large parties or outdoor grilling, but for renters, dorm dwellers, or anyone needing quick, healthy meals indoors, it’s a standout. Offering more features and better build than most entry-level electric grills, it punches above its price class in convenience and usability.

The Realcook Charcoal Grill with Offset Smoker is a no-nonsense, high-value combo that brings serious barbecue capability to budget-conscious backyard chefs. With 510 sq. in. of total cooking space and a true dual-chamber design, it lets you grill over direct heat while simultaneously smoking ribs or sausages in the side chamber—delivering authentic smoky flavor without upgrading to a premium smoker. The built-in temperature gauge and adjustable vents make heat management intuitive, and the two-grate system in the main chamber allows easy charcoal top-offs without disturbing food.

In real-world use, it handled a 5-hour pork butt cook with steady temps between 220°F–240°F, though we did need to add coals once—typical for this class. The 467 sq. in. of storage across front and bottom shelves kept tongs, gloves, and seasoning within reach, and the sturdy wheels made moving it across patios smooth. The porcelain-coated grates resisted rust after multiple uses, but the warming rack feels flimsy under heavy loads and isn’t ideal for large cuts. It’s not the most insulated smoker, so cold winds can affect temp stability.

Compared to the SUNLIFER model, the Realcook is nearly identical in size and function but offers a slightly more user-friendly grate system and equal storage. Neither dominates in insulation, but both deliver remarkable versatility for the price. For those who want real smoking capability without overspending, this grill is a smart choice—offering better long-term value than basic barrel grills and more flexibility than single-chamber units. It’s the ideal starter smoker combo for weekend warriors eager to explore low-and-slow cooking.

When it comes to indoor searing power, the Hamilton Beach Electric Grill is a precision-engineered performer that locks in juices with a blistering 450°F max temperature—perfect for achieving that restaurant-quality crust on steaks, burgers, and chops. The PFAS-free nonstick grate ensures easy food release and cleanup, while the adjustable thermostat (200°F–450°F) gives you full control, whether you’re gently cooking shrimp or charring bell peppers. A convenient viewing window in the lid lets you monitor progress without losing heat, a rare and welcome feature in this category.

We tested it with ribeyes and salmon fillets, and the even heat distribution and large 118 sq. in. surface handled six servings with room to spare. The extra-large drip tray captured grease efficiently, reducing mess and smoke—especially when used with lean cuts. The removable grate and lid are dishwasher-safe, simplifying post-meal cleanup. However, fatty foods can still produce smoke if the drip tray overflows, so it’s best used with ventilation. It’s also heavier than most tabletop models, limiting portability.

Compared to the Elite Gourmet, the Hamilton Beach offers superior searing performance and a viewing window, but lacks a glass lid for moisture retention. While both are indoor-focused, this model is built for flavor-first cooking, not just convenience. It’s pricier than budget electric grills but justifies the cost with higher build quality, better heat control, and premium features. For home cooks who demand indoor grilling that mimics outdoor results, this grill delivers strong performance and professional-grade results in a countertop package.

The Royal Gourmet CC1830 is the undisputed king of medium-size charcoal grills, combining massive cooking real estate with intelligent design touches that elevate every grilling session. With 627 sq. in. of total space—443 sq. in. on the main grate and 184 sq. in. on the warming rack—it effortlessly feeds crowds, making it ideal for family reunions or weekend entertaining. The adjustable fire grate with two height settings gives you unmatched control over heat zones, letting you sear burgers at high heat or gently roast veggies over low embers. Add in the lid-mounted thermometer and easy-removable ash pan, and you’ve got a grill that’s as smart as it is spacious.

In testing, it maintained consistent heat across 350°F–450°F ranges for over two hours, perfect for everything from grilled corn to thick-cut steaks. The porcelain-enameled grates resisted sticking and cleaned up easily, while the durable mesh shelf and tool hooks kept essentials organized. The dual wheels made relocation simple, even on grass. It doesn’t have a smoker chamber or side table like the CC1830V, but its cleaner, more focused design appeals to purists who prioritize grilling performance over extras.

Against the SUNLIFER and Realcook smokers, this model wins on pure grilling capacity and heat control, though it lacks smoking functionality. For those who grill more than they smoke, the CC1830 is the better investment—offering broader cooking versatility and superior build quality than most barrel grills in its range. It’s the best overall choice for serious charcoal enthusiasts who want maximum cooking power, minimal hassle, and pro-level results—without stepping up to a premium smoker or gas hybrid.

The Chefman Electric Smokeless Grill is a budget-savvy indoor solution that delivers surprisingly solid performance for under $40. Its water tray cooling system genuinely reduces smoke—when filled properly—making it safe for apartment kitchens and small spaces where ventilation is limited. The 1120W heating element and adjustable knob (from warm to sear) let you cook everything from delicate fish to charred chicken thighs, while the nonstick surface ensures effortless release and cleanup. It’s compact, lightweight, and perfect for quick meals when you don’t want to brave the elements.

We tested it with burgers and veggies, and while it doesn’t achieve the deep sear of higher-wattage models, it cooks evenly and consistently. The removable water tray and grill top are dishwasher-safe, a major plus for solo cooks or couples. However, the cooking surface is smaller than competitors, and fatty meats can overwhelm the water tray, leading to occasional smoke. It also lacks a lid, so you lose moisture and heat during cooking—limiting it to faster sears, not roasting or steaming.

Pitted against the Elite Gourmet, the Chefman is more affordable but less feature-rich—missing a lid and glass window. Yet, for first-time buyers or occasional grillers, it’s a smart entry point. It doesn’t match the Hamilton Beach in performance, but it offers essential smokeless grilling at a fraction of the cost. If you need a no-fuss, easy-clean indoor grill for small meals, this model delivers solid value and reliable results without breaking the bank.