The best charcoal insert for a gas grill depends on your grill’s dimensions and the kind of cooking you want to do. Some inserts hold charcoal in a tray, while others create a smaller charcoal zone or are designed for a specific grill brand. Measure your grill before buying, and check whether the insert needs a particular fuel or accessory.
| Product | Type | Best suited for | Key caveat |
|---|---|---|---|
| onlyfire Adjustable Charcoal Tray | Adjustable stainless steel charcoal tray | Grill owners who want room for a larger load of charcoal | Measure carefully; it does not fit some Weber Genesis 300 models |
| Qwik-Char Charcoal and Smoker Tray | Made-to-size stainless steel tray | Shoppers seeking size options and multiple fuel uses | Marked unavailable in the supplied listing data; confirm availability |
| Napoleon Cast Iron Charcoal and Smoker Tray | Cast iron tray with smoker option | Owners of compatible Napoleon grills | Fit is described for most Napoleon grills, not all gas grills |
| FlavrQ Grid | Two-ply stainless steel charcoal grid | Cooks who want a simple drop-in charcoal zone | Works exclusively with FlavrQ Charcoal Chips, sold separately |
Our Picks: Best Charcoal Insert For Gas Grill reviews
onlyfire Adjustable Charcoal Tray: Best for a Larger Charcoal Load
The onlyfire tray is a stainless steel insert made to hold lump charcoal or briquettes inside a gas grill. Its listed capacity is up to 6 pounds, and the tray measures 17.5 inches long by 15 inches wide and 2.36 inches high. That makes it a substantial option for longer cookouts, though your grill still needs enough room to accommodate it.
The tray’s length adjusts from 17.5 to 18.9 inches. The product description says it fits many Weber gas grills and similar-sized grills, but it also names a specific exclusion: Weber Genesis 300 Series models from 2007 through 2016. Do not rely on a brand name alone to confirm fit. Measure the cooking area and compare it with the tray’s dimensions before ordering.
Ventilation holes are intended to help air move through the charcoal and support more even burning. The supplied instructions call for igniting the grill and letting the coals develop before cooking. Follow the maker’s instructions for your grill and insert, and allow ashes to cool completely before handling or cleaning.
Compared with the FlavrQ grid, this is a more conventional charcoal-holding tray with a stated fuel capacity. It offers more fit flexibility than the Napoleon model, but only within its size range. The main drawback is that adjustable length does not make it a universal fit.
Pros:
- Holds up to 6 pounds of lump charcoal or briquettes, according to the product description.
- Adjustable length provides some flexibility across compatible grills.
- Stainless steel construction and ventilation holes are designed for repeated high-heat use.
- Can suit cooks looking for a larger charcoal load for extended grilling.
Cons:
- Requires careful measuring and does not fit the named Weber Genesis 300 models.
- Its size may be too large for smaller gas grills.
Verdict: Choose the onlyfire tray if its dimensions match your grill and you want a sizable charcoal insert with an adjustable length.
Qwik-Char Tray: Best for Custom Sizing and Fuel Flexibility
The Qwik-Char is a hand-made tray made from #304 stainless steel. It is offered in multiple sizes, with custom sizing also described by the maker. The sizing approach is straightforward: measure your grill grate and select a tray to match. Since the supplied product information does not give a single set of dimensions, confirm the size option and fit before placing an order.
This tray is designed for more than charcoal. The product description says it can be used with gas alone or with charcoal, pellets, or wood. It can also be left in the grill as a replacement for the heat diffuser or deflector. That makes it a flexible choice in concept, but you should verify that the tray’s placement and intended use work with your specific grill.
The maker notes that the trays are hand-made and may have cosmetic imperfections, such as grinder marks or uneven air-hole slits. Discoloration from burning is also described as normal. These details are worth considering if you expect a uniform finish. The supplied listing data marks this item unavailable, so check whether it can currently be ordered before choosing it over the other options.
Compared with the onlyfire tray, Qwik-Char offers a wider range of stated fuel uses and custom sizing, but the size must be selected separately. Unlike the FlavrQ grid, it is not described as requiring a dedicated branded charcoal product.
Pros:
- Multiple sizes and custom sizing are described by the maker.
- Made from #304 stainless steel.
- Designed for use with gas alone or with charcoal, pellets, or wood.
- Can be used as a replacement for a heat diffuser or deflector, according to the product description.
Cons:
- The supplied listing data marks it unavailable.
- Hand-made cosmetic imperfections and heat discoloration are expected.
Verdict: Consider the Qwik-Char if you can find the right size and value its stated fuel flexibility, but confirm availability and grill compatibility first.
Napoleon Cast Iron Tray: Best for Compatible Napoleon Grills
This Napoleon insert is a cast iron charcoal and smoker tray intended to fit most Napoleon grills. Its product information also mentions a smoker option, making it the most brand-focused choice in this group. Cast iron is a different construction from the stainless steel used in the other listed trays, so consider that material difference when selecting an insert.
The key question is compatibility. “Fits most Napoleon grills” does not confirm that it fits every Napoleon model, and the supplied details do not provide dimensions. Check your grill’s manual or product specifications and compare them with the insert’s listing before buying. This is not the best pick if you need a broadly sized insert for a grill from another brand.
The product description is brief, so it provides less detail about capacity, airflow, or cleaning than the other options. If you want a Napoleon-branded accessory and can confirm the fit, its charcoal-and-smoker design may suit your setup. If you need more specific size guidance, the adjustable onlyfire tray or a made-to-size Qwik-Char option offers more fit information.
Pros:
- Designed to fit most Napoleon grills.
- Cast iron construction.
- Includes a smoker option, according to the product description.
Cons:
- Fit details are limited, and dimensions are not provided in the supplied information.
- Its stated fit is brand-specific rather than universal.
Verdict: Pick the Napoleon tray if you own a compatible Napoleon grill and confirm the fit; otherwise, a size-adjustable or made-to-size option may be easier to match.
FlavrQ Grid: Best for a Simple Drop-In Charcoal Zone
The FlavrQ Grid is a 14-by-12.5-inch, two-ply stainless steel insert that drops into place without tools, according to its product description. Rather than acting like a large charcoal tray, it is intended to turn part of a gas grill into a charcoal-powered cooking zone. That may appeal if you want a smaller area for charcoal cooking while keeping the rest of your grill available for other tasks.
There is an important fuel restriction: the grid works exclusively with FlavrQ Charcoal Chips, which are sold separately. Factor in the need for that specific fuel before choosing it. The product description also claims higher grill temperatures and faster searing, but those are manufacturer claims rather than results established by the supplied product information.
The grid’s listed dimensions make it easier to compare with your grill than the Napoleon tray, but “fits most standard gas grills” is not a guarantee of fit. Measure the space where it will sit. Compared with the onlyfire and Qwik-Char trays, the FlavrQ is a more specialized system because of its required chips; its simple placement may be convenient if you are comfortable with that setup.
Pros:
- Installs by dropping into place, with no tools required according to the product description.
- Two-ply stainless steel construction.
- Defined dimensions of 14 by 12.5 inches make measuring easier.
- Creates a charcoal cooking zone within a gas grill.
Cons:
- Requires FlavrQ Charcoal Chips, sold separately.
- Its stated fit for most standard grills still needs to be checked against your grill’s dimensions.
Verdict: Choose the FlavrQ Grid if you want a drop-in charcoal zone and are willing to use its dedicated charcoal chips.
How to Choose a Charcoal Insert for a Gas Grill
Measure the Grill Before You Shop
Fit is the first thing to check. Measure the cooking area or the space where the insert will sit, then compare those measurements with the product dimensions and fit notes. For adjustable products, check both the minimum and maximum length. A product described as fitting “most” grills may still be wrong for your model.
Choose the Right Insert Style
A tray holds charcoal in a defined area and may be suited to a larger fuel load. A grid, such as the FlavrQ, is designed to create a more localized charcoal zone. A brand-specific accessory can be a sensible choice when it is confirmed for your grill, while a custom-size tray may offer more flexibility if your grill has unusual dimensions.
Check Fuel Requirements and Capacity
Look at what fuels the insert supports and whether it requires a specific product. The FlavrQ Grid is described as working only with FlavrQ Charcoal Chips, sold separately. The onlyfire tray lists a capacity of up to 6 pounds of lump charcoal or briquettes. Other products may have different requirements or no listed capacity, so avoid assuming they are interchangeable.
Consider Materials and Construction
The options here include stainless steel and cast iron. Check the product description for the material and any notes about heat-related changes. For example, Qwik-Char says discoloration from burning is normal and notes that its hand-made trays can have cosmetic imperfections. These details can help you set realistic expectations for appearance and finish.
Think About Cleaning and Placement
Charcoal inserts collect ash and need to cool before you handle them. The Qwik-Char description calls for disposing of cooled ashes and washing the tray by hand. Before using any insert, follow the instructions for both the accessory and your gas grill, including directions about placement, ignition, ventilation, and cleaning.
Match the Insert to Your Cooking Plans
If you want a larger charcoal load for longer cooking, compare tray capacity and available space. If you mainly want to sear over a smaller charcoal area, a grid-style insert may be a better fit. For smoking, look for a product that specifically mentions a smoker option or smoking use; do not assume every charcoal tray is designed for that purpose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use charcoal in a gas grill with an insert?
These products are designed to add a charcoal-cooking setup to certain gas grills. Compatibility and instructions vary by insert, so check the product details and your grill’s manual before use.
Will a charcoal insert fit any gas grill?
No. The products listed here have different dimensions and fit claims. Measure your grill and confirm compatibility with your exact model before ordering.
Do charcoal inserts need a specific type of charcoal?
It depends on the product. The onlyfire tray is described for lump charcoal or briquettes, while the FlavrQ Grid works exclusively with FlavrQ Charcoal Chips, sold separately. Check the product instructions for the insert you choose.
Can a charcoal insert also be used for smoking?
Some options mention smoking use or a smoker feature. The Napoleon product includes a smoker option, and the Qwik-Char is described as a charcoal and smoker tray. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for the intended setup.
How do you clean a charcoal tray?
Let the charcoal and ashes cool completely before handling them. The Qwik-Char description recommends disposing of cooled ashes and washing the tray by hand. Follow the cleaning directions for your specific insert.
Is the FlavrQ Grid compatible with regular charcoal briquettes?
The supplied product description says it works exclusively with FlavrQ Charcoal Chips, sold separately. Do not assume regular briquettes are compatible.
Final Recommendation
For a general-purpose charcoal tray with a stated capacity and adjustable length, the onlyfire is the strongest starting point, provided it fits your grill. Napoleon owners should consider the cast iron tray only after confirming model compatibility. The FlavrQ Grid suits cooks who want a drop-in charcoal zone and accept its dedicated fuel requirement. Qwik-Char offers appealing size and fuel options, but the supplied listing data marks it unavailable, so confirm that it can be ordered before making it your pick.