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Things To Consider When Buying A Charcoal Grill
For many BBQ fanatics, there is no better flavor than food cooked on a charcoal BBQ. Charcoal simply offers a unique smoky flavor that other grills just can't compare to. When you set out to buy a new charcoal barbecue, 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 charcoal grillers find the right 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 some tips for choosing the perfect charcoal grill for your backyard:
Think About What Kind of Charcoal Grilling You Do
The best charcoal grill for you is the one that fits your cooking need and lifestyle. Do you plan to sear and grill burgers and steaks, or are you looking for something that is best suited for low-and-slow smoking, like BBQ ribs and chicken? If you plan to use your grill as a smoker, you'll need one that offers plenty of space to build your coals on one side or around the perimeter of the firebox, while leaving plenty of space for your food on the other. It's also important to consider air flow and ventilation. The grill needs to be sealed tight to hold in the smoke and the heat, 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 charcoal smoking, and some grill grates let you fold up a section to add or tend to your charcoal.
Consider the 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 grill, you can expect to enjoy it for many years longer than one built of lesser quality materials that may rust or corrode over time.
Look for Outdoor Charcoal Grills that are Easy to Clean
Nobody wants to be stuck with a grill that has to be turned over to clean out any ash or partially burned charcoal. One handy feature to consider is an easy clean-out mechanism. Many kamado grills offer some sort of ash tool or pull-out ash basket, while some kettle charcoal grills have ash trays that can be easily removed and dumped.
Other Popular Features to Look For
- Rotisserie: An increasing number of charcoal grills either accommodate a rotisserie or include one. This can really level-up your charcoal grilling game by providing even cooking of larger cuts or whole birds, making the meat more tender, and reducing fat and grease.
- Height-adjustable Cooking Grates: Give you more control over the cooking temperature, especially when cooking over direct heat.
- Split-tier, Adjustable Charcoal Trays: Allow for highly versatile cooking, making it even easier to manage the heat when you are cooking different foods with different heat requirements.
For more helpful information about buying a charcoal grill, visit our Charcoal Grill Buying Guide.
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. We strongly recommend against using lighter fluid to start your charcoal fire and offer some excellent charcoal lighters and starters that won't impart unwanted chemical notes to your flavor profile.
How much does a charcoal BBQ grill 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 gives you that extra natural flavoring other fuels often lack. Charcoal gets plenty hot for almost anything you 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!
Is it cheaper to use a propane or charcoal grill?
The cost per use of a charcoal grill can be higher than that of a propane grill depending on how big the grill is and what temperature you'll be cooking at. A 20lb propane tank usually costs around $10 - $15 to fill up, while a 20lb bag of lump charcoal can cost anywhere between $15 - $35 depending on the quality and brand.
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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