6 Best Alternatives to the MFSTUDIO Santa Maria Charcoal Wood (2026)

Comparing alternatives to the Santa Maria

Masterbuilt Pure-Paraffin Wax Fire Starters 48-Pack

This product is not a grill but an accessory. The Masterbuilt Pure-Paraffin Wax Fire Starters are designed for ignition, not cooking. You use them to light charcoal in gravity series grills quickly. They are odorless and do not affect food flavor. The original MFSTUDIO grill handles the cooking itself with adjustable height grates and a large 600-square-inch area. This pack contains 48 starters. Each starter is small, measuring 1.75 inches by 1.5 inches by 0.5 inches. It weighs only 0.5 ounces. You need this if you want faster startup times for your existing charcoal setup. It does not replace the grill or provide any cooking surface.

Weber 22-Inch Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill

The Weber 22-Inch Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill offers a classic kettle design rather than the open-fire Santa Maria style. It weighs 32.3 pounds, making it significantly lighter than the 99-pound MFSTUDIO unit. Its dimensions are 22.5 inches by 8.86 inches by 10.6 inches. This model focuses on durable heat retention and simple temperature monitoring. You give up the adjustable grate height and the large 600-square-inch cooking area. Instead, you get a compact, portable grill that is easier to move around. It fits cooks who value traditional design and reliable performance over specialized open-fire techniques. It is ideal for those who do not need the extra prep space of the Santa Maria.

Charmline 14x9-Inch Foldable Charcoal Grill

The Charmline 14x9-Inch Foldable Charcoal Grill is built for portability, not large gatherings. It weighs just 5 pounds and measures 13.7 inches by 8.66 inches by 2.99 inches. This is a tiny, foldable option for solo campers or small groups. You sacrifice the massive 600-square-inch cooking area and the heavy-duty construction of the MFSTUDIO grill. The Santa Maria unit is 99 pounds and designed for stationary outdoor use. This Charmline model prioritizes easy transport and quick setup. It is best for camping or tailgating where space is limited. You get a compact cooking solution that fits in a car trunk, but you lose the ability to host large events or use wood for deep smoky flavors.

Weber Aluminized Steel Charcoal Briquet Holders

Weber Char-Basket Charcoal Briquet Holders are an accessory for organizing charcoal, not a standalone grill. This set holds up to 20 total briquettes in aluminized steel baskets. It is designed for 18-inch and larger kettles. The original MFSTUDIO grill includes its own porcelain-enameled charcoal trays and a large cooking area. You do not need these holders for the Santa Maria grill. This product is for Weber kettle owners who want better charcoal management. The baskets measure 14.1 inches by 5.12 inches by 3.7 inches and weigh 1.86 pounds. You get improved airflow and organization for your existing grill. It does not provide any additional cooking space or adjustability features.

DNKMOR 500 Sq In Barrel Charcoal Grill

The DNKMOR 500 Sq In Barrel Charcoal Grill offers a different style with a side shelf for prep space. It weighs 29.9 pounds, which is much lighter than the 99-pound MFSTUDIO unit. Its dimensions are 33 inches by 21.5 inches by 40.4 inches. This grill provides 500 square inches of cooking area, which is smaller than the Santa Maria's 600-square-inch surface. You gain mobility and extra workspace on the side shelf. You lose the adjustable height grates and the open-fire Santa Maria design. This barrel grill is practical for small gatherings where prep space is important. It is a good alternative if you want a lighter grill with some additional workspace, but you do not get the same level of heat control.

Weber Smokey Joe 14-Inch Portable Charcoal Grill

The Weber Smokey Joe 14-Inch Portable Charcoal Grill is a compact option for small spaces. It weighs 8.4 pounds and measures 14.2 inches by 16.5 inches by 17 inches. This is a portable grill for small patios, camping, and tailgating. You give up the large 600-square-inch cooking area and the heavy-duty construction of the MFSTUDIO grill. The Santa Maria unit is 99 pounds and designed for stationary use. This Weber model is lightweight and easy to clean. It fits you if you prioritize portability over cooking capacity. You do not get adjustable grates or a side shelf. It is a simple, no-frills charcoal grill for occasional use or travel.

Quick picks

Our 7 picks

1 Best overall

MFSTUDIO Santa Maria Charcoal Grill

Best for: wood-fired grilling with adjustable heat

Fuel Type

Charcoal or wood

Cooking Area

Over 600 sq. in.

Dimensions

32.7 × 42 × 51.2 inches

Weight

99 pounds

View on Amazon: MFSTUDIO Santa Maria Charcoal Grill Affiliate link

This MFSTUDIO Santa Maria grill offers over 600 square inches of cooking space and supports both charcoal and wood fuels. Its key feature is an adjustable grate height controlled by a ratchet mechanism, allowing you to manage heat intensity from searing to slow roasting. Weighing 99 pounds with a 42-inch width, it is a substantial outdoor unit. It includes a fold-down shelf and wheels for mobility, making it suitable for dedicated backyard cooking.

Pros

• Adjustable grate height for precise heat control
• Dual-fuel capability for charcoal or wood
• Over 600 square inches of cooking area
• Includes rotisserie bracket for versatile cooking

Cons

• Heavy 99-pound build limits portability
• Large footprint requires significant yard space
• Electric rotisserie fork not included

Good fit if

• You want to cook with real wood for smoky flavor
• You need adjustable heat zones for different foods
• You have space for a large, heavy grill

Skip if

• You need a compact grill for small balconies
• You prefer lightweight equipment for easy moving
• You want a ready-to-use electric rotisserie setup

Verdict: MFSTUDIO Santa Maria Adjustable Grill is the best choice for cooks who prioritize fuel flexibility and manual heat control over portability. It fits those with ample space who want to master open-fire techniques.

2 Best budget

Masterbuilt Pure-Paraffin Wax Fire Starters 48-Pack

Best for: Igniting charcoal in gravity series grills

Fuel Type

Charcoal

Dimensions

1.5 × 1.75 × 0.5 inches

Weight

0.5 ounces

View on Amazon: Masterbuilt Pure-Paraffin Wax Fire Starters 48-Pack Affiliate link

These are Masterbuilt odorless paraffin wax cubes designed to ignite charcoal quickly. Each cube measures 1.5 by 1.75 by 0.5 inches and weighs 0.5 ounces. They burn up to 1300°F and light even when wet. This pack contains 48 starters. They are ideal for gravity series grills and other charcoal products, helping you reduce time to temperature.

Pros

• Burns up to 1300°F
• Lights when wet
• Odorless and smokeless
• Reduces time to temperature

Cons

• Small cube size requires multiple units per grill
• Not a grill or cooking appliance
• Consumable accessory rather than equipment

Good fit if

• You use a gravity series charcoal grill
• You want odorless fire starters
• You need starters that light when wet

Skip if

• You are looking for a charcoal grill
• You prefer natural lump charcoal starters
• You need a large single-piece ignition source

Verdict: Masterbuilt Pure-Paraffin Fire Starters are a practical accessory for users of gravity series charcoal grills who need reliable, odorless ignition. They help you get cooking faster without affecting the flavor of your food.

3 Best premium

Weber 22-Inch Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill

Best for: Classic charcoal grilling with durable heat retention

Fuel Type

Charcoal

Placement

Outdoor

Features

Thermometer

Style

Kettle

Size

22 Inches

Dimensions

22.5 × 8.86 × 10.6 inches

View on Amazon: Weber 22-Inch Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill Affiliate link

This 22-inch kettle grill uses charcoal fuel to deliver high-heat cooking. The porcelain-enameled lid and bowl retain heat well and resist rust. A built-in lid thermometer helps you monitor internal temperatures in real time. The one-touch ash cleanup system simplifies maintenance. Glass-reinforced nylon handles stay cool during use. It suits you if you want a durable, classic grilling experience with reliable temperature control.

Pros

• Porcelain-enameled lid and bowl retain heat and resist rust
• Built-in lid thermometer provides real-time temperature monitoring
• One-touch cleaning system with high-capacity ash catcher
• Glass-reinforced nylon handles withstand frequent heat exposure

Cons

• No adjustable height grates compared to other options
• Fixed 22-inch cooking surface limits capacity for large groups
• Weighs 32.3 pounds, making it less portable than smaller models

Good fit if

• You prefer the classic kettle shape for even heat distribution
• You want easy ash cleanup without complex mechanisms
• You value durable, rust-resistant materials for long-term use

Skip if

• You need adjustable grate heights for precise cooking control
• You require a portable grill under 30 pounds
• You prefer gas or propane for instant ignition

Verdict: Weber 22-Inch Kettle Charcoal Grill fits you if you want a durable, heat-retaining grill with simple temperature monitoring and easy cleanup. It is ideal for cooks who value classic design and reliable performance over adjustable features.

4 Best tailgating

Charmline 14x9-Inch Foldable Charcoal Grill

Best for: Solo campers needing a tiny, foldable grill

Fuel Type

Charcoal

Form Factor

Portable, tabletop

Primary Material

Alloy steel

Application

Camping, Tailgating

Dimensions

8.66 × 13.7 × 2.99 inches

Weight

5 pounds

View on Amazon: Charmline 14x9-Inch Foldable Charcoal Grill Affiliate link

This Charmline grill is a compact, foldable charcoal unit designed for one to three people. It measures 14 by 9 inches when open and folds to just 14 by 9 by 3 inches. Weighing 5 pounds, it is easy to carry for camping or tailgating. The alloy steel construction offers durability without assembly. It includes a dedicated sauce space and a lift-up grate for safe charcoal changes.

Pros

• Folds to 14x9x3 inches for easy storage
• Weighs only 5 pounds for portability
• No assembly required for immediate use
• Lift-up grate allows safe charcoal access

Cons

• Small cooking surface limits group size to 1-3 people
• No lid included to retain heat or smoke
• Lacks an adjustable height grate system

Good fit if

• You need a lightweight grill for camping trips
• You cook for one or two people
• You want a unit that requires no assembly

Skip if

• You need to cook for more than three people
• You prefer gas or propane fuel sources
• You require a large cooking surface area

Verdict: Charmline 14x9in Portable Charcoal Grill is a practical, ultra-compact option for solo campers or small groups who prioritize easy transport and quick setup over cooking capacity.

5 Also great

Weber Aluminized Steel Charcoal Briquet Holders

Best for: organizing charcoal in 18-inch kettles

Fuel Type

Charcoal

Dimensions

5.12 × 14.1 × 3.7 inches

Weight

1.86 pounds

View on Amazon: Weber Aluminized Steel Charcoal Briquet Holders Affiliate link

This set includes two aluminized steel charcoal holders built for Weber charcoal grills 18 inches and larger. Each holder accommodates up to 10 regular briquettes and resists corrosion. If you own an existing compatible kettle and need contained fuel zones for direct or indirect heat, you can position these 1.86-pound baskets right on your bottom fuel grate.

Pros

• Built from corrosion-resistant aluminized steel
• Fits charcoal grills measuring 18 inches and larger
• Comes as a set of two holders
• Weighs 1.86 pounds for easy placement

Cons

• Requires an existing 18-inch or larger grill rather than functioning as a standalone cooker
• Capacity limits fuel to 10 briquettes per basket

Good fit if

• You own a Weber charcoal grill measuring at least 18 inches.
• You need a twin set of aluminized steel briquette containers.

Skip if

• You need a standalone grill instead of an accessory.
• You have a charcoal grill smaller than 18 inches.

Verdict: Weber Char-Basket Charcoal Briquet Holders give owners of 18-inch and larger kettles a dedicated pair of aluminized steel baskets for holding up to 20 total briquettes.

6 Best backyard

DNKMOR 500 Sq In Barrel Charcoal Grill

Best for: Prep space and mobility

Fuel Type

Charcoal

Cooking Area

500 sq. in.

Placement

Outdoor

Application

Camping, Backyard

Features

Side Shelf

Style

Barrel

View on Amazon: DNKMOR 500 Sq In Barrel Charcoal Grill Affiliate link

The DNKMOR barrel grill offers 500 square inches of cooking area with porcelain-enameled steel wire grates and a chrome-plated warming rack. It includes a lid-mounted thermometer and a height-adjustable charcoal pan for heat control. The design features a large side table for prep space and two wheels for mobility. This 29.9-pound unit suits those needing extra workspace and easy movement.

Pros

• 500 square inch cooking surface
• Large side table for prep space
• Height-adjustable charcoal pan for heat control
• Porcelain-enameled steel wire grates

Cons

• Smaller cooking area than the MFSTUDIO Santa Maria
• No remote or app control
• Manual temperature monitoring only

Good fit if

• You need extra space for food preparation
• You want a grill that is easy to move
• You prefer manual heat adjustment

Skip if

• You require a larger cooking area
• You want digital temperature monitoring
• You need automatic fuel adjustment

Verdict: The DNKMOR Barrel Charcoal Grill with Side Shelf fits buyers who prioritize prep space and mobility over maximum cooking capacity. It is a practical option for small gatherings where workspace is as important as the grill itself.

7 Also great

Weber Smokey Joe 14-Inch Portable Charcoal Grill

Best for: small patios, camping, and tailgating

Fuel Type

Charcoal

Placement

Outdoor

Form Factor

Portable

Style

Kettle

Dimensions

16.5 × 14.2 × 17 inches

Weight

8.4 pounds

View on Amazon: Weber Smokey Joe 14-Inch Portable Charcoal Grill Affiliate link

The Weber Smokey Joe 14-Inch is a compact charcoal grill designed for portability. It measures 14.2 inches wide and weighs just 8.4 pounds. The porcelain-enamel finish resists rust and scratches. It includes a Tuck-N-Carry lid lock that doubles as a holder. An ash catcher simplifies cleanup. This model fits six burgers. It suits you if you need a lightweight option for travel or small patios.

Pros

• Weighs only 8.4 pounds for easy transport
• Porcelain-enamel finish resists rust and scratches
• Tuck-N-Carry lid lock doubles as a holder
• Includes ash catcher for easy cleanup

Cons

• 14-inch cooking area is smaller than standard grills
• No adjustable height grates for heat control
• Limited to charcoal fuel type

Good fit if

• You need a lightweight grill for camping or tailgating
• You have limited storage space on a balcony or patio
• You prefer simple charcoal grilling without complex features

Skip if

• You need to cook for more than six burgers at once
• You require adjustable grate heights for precise temperature control
• You prefer gas or pellet fuel for convenience

Verdict: Weber Smokey Joe 14-Inch Portable Grill is a compact, lightweight option for small spaces. It fits you if you prioritize portability and easy cleanup over large cooking capacity.

Specifications side by side

Frequently asked questions

See also

• mfstudio vertical charcoal smoker grill alternatives
• lingvum wood alternatives