Built-in Charcoal Grills for Outdoor Kitchens
Charcoal grilling ignites the passion of many barbecue enthusiasts. The smoky flavor and aroma are hallmarks of these grills. When selecting one, several considerations come into play. First, determine the best size for your outdoor kitchen island. Charcoal grills excel in indirect cooking, so opt for a model that offers ample space for dual cooking zones, enhancing your culinary flexibility.
For a grill that will stand the test of time, look for 304 stainless steel construction like you’ll find on Blaze, Coyote, Bull, and Tagwood.
Next, consider features. Most built-in charcoal grills have front-loading charcoal access with vents that you can manipulate to control your airflow. It works by placing your charcoal in the built-in basket or tray and can typically be raised and lowered with a hand crank to adjust your temperature. Blaze takes it a step further with their hook system that lets you hang the cooking grate out of the way to easily add charcoal while cooking. On Coyote’s charcoal grill, the tray sits on a pull-out drawer which allows you to easily add charcoal during your cook.
As you navigate your charcoal grill journey, remember that the perfect built-in charcoal grill for your outdoor kitchen is not just a cooking appliance; it’s the heart of your culinary adventures.
How do you light a built-in charcoal grill?
The same methods you use to light your freestanding charcoal grill can be done on your built-in grill. First, place your charcoal in the dedicated basket and light it with your favorite fire starter. The Looftlighter is an electric fire starter that lights fire in seconds and charcoal chimneys make lighting your charcoal easy. Other charcoal lighters work well too. The one thing to remember is to never use lighter fluid because it contains chemicals that can seep into your grill and permanently ruin the flavor of everything you cook. Trust us, you don’t want lighter fluid-flavored barbecue.
Can you put a charcoal grill next to your house?
When determining the placement of your drop in charcoal grill, the safest thing to do is consult your owner’s manual. All manufacturers list a clearance to combustibles recommendation which should always be followed. This will tell you how far away your grill should be from any structure.
How do you clean ash out of a built-in charcoal barbecue?
There are a few methods to choose from. Some scoop it out manually with an ash shovel and others prefer an ash vacuum. Whichever method you choose, just be sure to clean your grill regularly. Some models even come with removable trays for easy cleanup.
Can you cook low and slow in a built-in charcoal grill?
Yes! Since the charcoal basket can be raised and lowered, it makes it easy to use low heat and smoke your food. Just increase the distance between your food and the fuel to cook at a lower temperature.
If you have more questions, check out our Charcoal Grill Buying Guide. Our Free 3D Design Service (a $500 value!) is a great resource to help you plan your backyard space from your barbecue island to outdoor seating and more. And as always, our experts are available for your calls at (877) 743-2269.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
