Charcoal Grills (105 products)

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3 Things To Consider When Buying A Charcoal Barbecue

For some, there is no better flavor than food cooked on a charcoal grill. Charcoal simply offers unique smoky flavor that other grills just can't compare to. When you set out to buy a new charcoal BBQ grill, there are some things that should be considered to ensure you'll be happily grilling for many years to come.

Since 1998, it has been our passion to help griller's find the best charcoal grill, at the best price possible. We are pleased to offer many of the top brands of built-in, freestanding, and portable charcoal grills in the industry and we thank you for giving us a shot to earn your business. Here are three tips for buying the perfect charcoal grill for your backyard:

1. Think About What Kind of Charcoal Grilling You Do

The best charcoal grill for you is the one that fits your style. Do you plan of searing more burgers and steaks, or looking for something that is best suited for low-and-slow BBQ ribs and chicken? If you are looking to smoke on a charcoal grill, you'll need a grill that offers plenty of space to build your coals on one side, while still having plenty of space for your food on the other. It's also important to consider the grills ventilation. The grill needs to be sealed tight to hold in the smoke, while offering sufficient air vents to regulate the temperature properly. An adjustable charcoal basket that can be raised or lowered is another great feature that is handy for smoking on a charcoal grill.

2. Consider the Charcoal Grill’s Durability

Construction should be a major factor when shopping for a charcoal grill. Typically, the most durable charcoal grills are made of commercial-grade 304 stainless steel. Not all stainless is the same, and if the product details don't say it's made with 304, chances are it's not. By purchasing a quality-built professional charcoal grill, you can expect to enjoy your grill for many years longer than one built of lesser quality materials that may rust or corrode over time.

3. Look for Charcoal Grills that are Easy to Clean

Nobody wants to be stuck with a charcoal grill that has to be turned over to clean out any ash or left over charcoal. One handy feature to consider when buying a charcoal grill is an easy clean out mechanism. Many kamado grills offer some sort of ash tool or pull-out ash basket, while other charcoal grills have ash trays that can be easily removed and dumped.

Charcoal Grills FAQ

Is charcoal The best way to grill?

Ah - the age-old question! Brilliant BBQ minds agree to disagree over this but if there's a consensus, it's that charcoal is a great fuel for grilling. It imparts natural wood flavoring to food, and once you learn how to use charcoal it is a very rewarding way to grill or smoke.

How much do charcoal grills cost?

You can pick up a decent charcoal grill for below $50, or you can go big and spend as much as $15,000 or more for a full-featured stainless steel charcoal grill that does everything but the dishes. In other words, there's a really good charcoal grill for just about any budget. It comes down to what features and materials you want in a grill.

Can you use a charcoal grill in an outdoor kitchen?

Absolutely! Not only can you locate a freestanding charcoal grill within most outdoor kitchens, but there are also built-in charcoal grills from top brands that can be the centerpiece in an outdoor kitchen.

What type of charcoal is best for grilling?

Another age-old question! The two choices are lump charcoal, and briquettes. Many seasoned backyard chefs lean toward lump charcoal because it is all wood, and lacks the chemicals and additives briquettes typically have. Lump charcoal is a little harder to work with, but once you get the knack you may never go back. One thing BBQGuys strongly recommends: light your charcoal with a chimney, electric lighter, or non-toxic starters. Avoid lighter fluid and "match light" charcoals - especially if you use a ceramic grill, which will absorb the chemical odors and retain them for quite some time.

Is it worth buying a charcoal grill?

Absolutely! While there are other fuel types, including gas and wood pellets, charcoal give you that extra natural flavoring other fuels often lack. Charcoal gets plenty hot for almost anything you will cook, and it is relatively easy to manage for low and slow roasting and smoking. Charcoal requires a little extra work and attention, but we think you'll find it worth the effort when you take that first bite!

Still have questions about charcoal BBQ grills? Our BBQ experts are always standing by at 1-888-711-6860 to answer all of your charcoal grilling questions, or to help find the perfect charcoal barbecue for you!

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