Since the dawn of humankind, cooking over an open flame has been the go-to way to prepare meals. While most cooking now takes place over an indoor range, charcoal grills offer an efficient and safe way to enjoy the rich flavor and perfect sear that can only be found when cooking outdoors. You don’t need to get fancy or have fancy equipment to make use of a charcoal grill. All you need are charcoal briquettes, an outdoor grill, a safe place to cook and some matches. But what kind of charcoal grill works best for your needs? We have you covered.
High Quality Basics
Standard size with bottom flap that releases ash and coals. Holds up to 13 burgers at once. Weber
If you’ve never had a charcoal grill, you don’t have to make it complicated. Start with the basics! Look for a stand-alone circular grill that has a lid, a small trap door on the bottom to easily clean out the ash, and wheels to be able to move and store in a flash.
Dual Purpose Barbecue
Generous size, with multiple functions. Add wood chips to better determine the flavor imparted into your food. Royal Gourmet
If you are the type of person who loves the pungent flavor of smoked foods, you might consider a two-in-one smoker and charcoal grill design. You can slow smoke salmon while you grill your veggies and burgers at the same time without the upkeep and maintenance of multiple outdoor contraptions.
Ceramic Heating Power
Oblong oval shape provides ideal circulation, along with dampers on top and bottom for precise temperature control. Char-Griller
Charcoal grills have come a long way in the last few decades. You can choose from a variety of dome shapes and materials now. Whatever you choose, make sure that it suits your needs. For example, aluminum grills are lightweight and easy to move and transport. Heavy duty steel or cast iron are heavy but hold heat nicely. Ceramic grills have the best heat distribution and retention, and give consistent results. However, they require more maintenance than their metal counterparts.