Charbroil 21201715 Grill Review
Our verdict
The Charbroil 21201715 is a compact charcoal grill priced at $115.88 with 143 owner reviews and a 4.2-star average, giving it more real-world credibility than most grills in this price bracket. It is a straightforward, no-frills charcoal option that suits occasional grillers and small households.
Check price on AmazonBest for
Apartment dwellers, small households, or budget shoppers who want a basic charcoal grill for occasional backyard or patio use without spending more than $120.
Skip if
You cook for more than 3 to 4 people regularly, want precise temperature control, or need a grill with a large cooking surface.
- Fuel Charcoal
- Material Alloy Steel
- Color Black
- Dimensions 20.7 X 18.63 X 17.75 In
- Weight 32.0 lb
- Priced 70% below the category median ($381.99 across 260 tracked models)
- Weight of 32.0 lb - lighter than 73% of the 261 models we track
Pros
- 143 reviews averaging 4.2 stars, a reliable sample size
- Charbroil brand adds credibility over unknown budget alternatives
- Compact 32-pound build makes it easy to move and store
- Low entry price at $115.88
Cons
- No cooking area published, hard to assess capacity
- Alloy steel construction limits long-term durability
- Small physical footprint means limited capacity for larger groups
- Charcoal fuel requires more time and prep than gas
Our scorecard
-
Owner rating4.2/5
4.2 average across 143 owner ratings
-
Popularity3.5/5
143 owner reviews, more than most models here
The overall score is owner satisfaction weighted by how many reviews back it, so a high rating from few reviews counts for less. The bars below show where this model stands against the other grills, grill parts and burners, smokers and smoking gear, grill tools, outdoor griddles, outdoor kitchen appliances and grill covers we track in this category on price, popularity and size. Context, not marks against it, and our read of the data, not a lab test.
Overview
The Charbroil 21201715 is a small charcoal grill built from alloy steel, measuring 20.7 by 18.63 by 17.75 inches and weighing 32 pounds. That is a compact, portable-leaning form factor, more suited to a patio or small backyard than a full production cookout. Charbroil is a brand with decades in the grill market, which gives this entry-level piece more legitimacy than a comparably priced offering from an unknown name.
The 143 reviews with a 4.2-star average tell you this grill has been bought and used by enough people to form a genuine opinion. Four-point-two stars across over a hundred reviews usually indicates a product that does what it promises for its price range without serious design defects, even if it does not excel in any one area.
No cooking area is listed in the specs, which limits the ability to size it against other grills numerically. The alloy steel construction is standard for budget charcoal grills and does the job, though it will not match the longevity of cast iron or thick-gauge stainless. At $115.88, this is a practical buy for someone who wants charcoal flavor on a budget.
Specifications
| Fuel | Charcoal |
|---|---|
| Material | Alloy Steel |
| Color | Black |
| Dimensions | 20.7 X 18.63 X 17.75 In |
| Weight | 32.0 lb |
Performance notes
Charcoal-fueled, alloy steel construction. Dimensions are 20.7 by 18.63 by 17.75 inches, with a total weight of 32 pounds. No cooking area figure is published. The compact size and light weight suggest this is positioned as an entry-level or occasional-use grill rather than a high-frequency outdoor cooking station. Alloy steel holds up adequately for regular use but benefits from a cover when stored outdoors.
What buyers say
With 143 reviews at 4.2 stars, buyer sentiment is cautiously positive. That rating across a meaningful sample suggests most owners found the grill satisfactory for its price and purpose. Some dissatisfied owners likely account for the gap from a perfect score, which is normal and expected for a budget charcoal grill. No purchases were tracked last month.
More from Charbroil
Similar grills, grill parts and burners, smokers and smoking gear, grill tools, outdoor griddles, outdoor kitchen appliances and grill covers to consider
Frequently asked questions
What size charcoal does the Charbroil 21201715 use?
Standard charcoal briquettes and lump charcoal both work in most compact Charbroil grills like this one. The firebox dimensions are roughly 18 inches across, so a single chimney starter load of briquettes is typically enough to fill the cooking area and get up to grilling temperature in 15 to 20 minutes.
Is the Charbroil 21201715 good for camping or tailgating?
At 32 pounds it is on the lighter end of backyard charcoal grills, but it is not a purpose-built camping grill. It lacks folding legs or a travel case. It could work for a stationary tailgate with a stable surface, but a purpose-built portable charcoal grill would be more practical for moving it frequently.
How long do the grates last on this grill?
Alloy steel grates on budget charcoal grills typically last 2 to 4 seasons with regular use, depending on how often the grill is cleaned and whether it is stored under a cover. Rust is the most common failure mode. Keeping the grill dry between uses and oiling the grates before each cook extends their life noticeably.