As we approach grilling season (everyone’s favorite time of year), 2026 cooking trends suggest grill masters are buzzing about a new type of grill: the smart charcoal grill. Smart charcoal grills deliver the taste profile of a cooking on a charcoal grill without the constant need to manage the fire — making it easier than ever before to grill flavorful foods with minimal effort.
While charcoal grills were once associated with more difficult temperature control, new smart charcoal grills make it easy to achieve consistent, repeatable results with that rich flavor you expect from a charcoal grill. Alex Hough, Project Engineer at Masterbuilt, shares how new grill technology is transforming backyard BBQs in 2026 and why smart charcoal grills are on the rise.
Why smart charcoal grills are trending
“One of the biggest shifts in charcoal grilling right now is the ability to achieve consistent, repeatable results,” says Hough. “Just like people expect consistency from their favorite restaurant, grillers now expect the same level of reliability at home, and smart temperature control is helping deliver that. There will always be an art to cooking with fire, and that’s part of the appeal of charcoal. What technology is doing is removing some of the friction, making it easier for people to get repeatable results without losing the flavor and experience that charcoal provides.”
Technology & innovation
The technology and innovation behind modern charcoal grills also make them more attractive to newbies who were once intimidated by charcoal grills. “One of the most exciting developments is how versatile these grills have become. Modern charcoal grills can now maintain low-and-slow smoking temperatures for hours, while also reaching high heat for searing, giving people the flexibility to cook a much wider range of dishes,” Hough shares.
For beginners, automation and connectivity make it easier to cook with confidence, while still giving advanced pitmasters the control they want. The goals of these “smart” technologies is to make it easier for someone new to grilling to dive in (which may have once required years of experience to master). In addition, Hough shares that data is now an essential part of the grilling experience. Companies like Masterbuilt have integrated apps that allow users to track session graph history to review what worked and refine grilling techniques as they build confidence in their results.
A new generation of grillers
From a lifestyle perspective, Hough also notes that smart charcoal grills have the capacity to attract a whole new generation of grillers who might have otherwise chosen gas or electric. “A lot of people are drawn to charcoal because of the flavor, but historically it required more hands-on management, and technology is helping lower that barrier.”
In addition, many people are starting to experiment with more complex recipes. “When temperature control becomes easier and more reliable, grillers feel more confident trying things beyond the traditional burgers and hot dogs.” Over the next five years, Hough believes we will continue to see growth in automatic and ease of use for charcoal grills. Across the industry, all brands are striving to make great outdoor cooking more accessible for everyone. To take things one step further, brands are also constantly thinking about how to leverage AI for new tools and offerings, helping people genuinely cook better without adding complexity.
Smart charcoal grills: Tips and tricks
For those that are new to charcoal grilling, Hough recommends a few key starter tips to help you get up-and-running. First, he recommends starting with high-quality charcoal, such as the Masterbuilt Charcoal, which will burn cleaner, last longer, and make temperature control easier. Choosing a smart grill, such as Masterbuilt’s Gravity Series grills, help maintain stable temperatures regardless of environment to make cooking easier.
