I’ve tested grills for two decades. This is the best smart charcoal grill of 2026

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After testing outdoor cookers for over 20 years, I’ve learned that the best charcoal grills all solve the same challenge: temperature control. Gas grills make this easier with the twist of a knob, but they can’t match the rich wood-burning flavor that keeps charcoal loyalists coming back.

Pellet grills bridge the gap with digital precision, yet many pitmasters argue that they smoke first and grill second. Now, a new generation of charcoal grills is bringing smart temperature control to real charcoal cooking — and Spider Grylls’ The Huntsman Might be the best example yet.

Want even more grilling advice and product reviews? Read more for our greatest hits 2026 grilling awardsIncluding the best griddles, best pizza ovens, and best grill appliances.

Why Spider Grylls the Huntsman The best smart charcoal grill of 2026

The picture of getting real charcoal flavor with temperature control is usually reserved for pellet smokers. huntsman The 22-inch kettle uses a fan and PID controller to stabilize airflow, removing the constant vent adjustment demands of traditional charcoal cooking. This means you can hold a steady 225°F for low and slow cooking of steaks like brisket, pork shoulder, or ribs – or boost it up to 700°F for a high-heat sear on steaks and burgers. Yes, plugging a charcoal grill into an outlet seems a little unorthodox, but the benefit is a consistency that’s hard to ignore.

Control resides in a companion app, where you can monitor temperatures, track cooks, and adjust settings from your phone using the included meat probe. The body is made from 5mm carbon steel, giving it serious durability if you stay on top of basic rust prevention. Hardware details reinforce that intention: A heavy-duty lid hinge and a removable ash bucket simplify cleaning and day-to-day use.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Spider Grylls the Huntsman

Pros

• Real charcoal flavor with pellet-grill precision – you no longer have to choose between smoke character and temperature control
• The PID controller and fan system keeps virtually steady temperatures over a huge range, from 225°F low and slow all the way up to 700°F searing territory.
• App connectivity with the included meat probe means you can monitor cooking long briskets from the inside without the need for a baby care vent
• The 5mm carbon steel build is serious hardware that will outlast thinner-gauge competitors with basic maintenance
• The ash bucket and heavy-duty hinge make cleaning and daily use significantly less troublesome than a standard kettle

Shortcoming

• At 155 pounds, it’s not easily moving around your patio, and it’s not going anywhere near a campsite or tailgate.
• The need for an electrical outlet to run the fan and controller is a real limitation for those who grill off-grid or don’t have a convenient plug near their cooking setup.
• A one-year warranty seems short for a premium-priced grill – competitors at this price often offer longer coverage
• Carbon steel demands rust prevention maintenance that a ceramic-coated or stainless steel grill body doesn’t require, which is a real consideration depending on your climate.
• Dependence on apps means a switched off phone or connectivity issue can complicate a simple cook’s job

Spider Grylls The Huntsman Specs

• Cooking area: 363 square inches (22 inches diameter)
• Temperature range: 150°F to 700°F
• fuel: charcoal
• Dimensions: 41 x 27 x 31 inches.
• weight: 155 pounds.
• Warranty: one year

why should you trust me

As a journalist, I’ve been covering and testing outdoor cooking equipment for nearly 20 years. My patio is filled with nearly every style of cooker you can imagine, including a classic Weber kettle that I’ll never give up. Always skeptical of companies releasing new products annually, part of covering this category means keeping in touch with brands about new gear and technological advancements and checking in with professional chefs (not ambassadors or influencers) to see what they think about the equipment.