We know that this blog is about electric smokers, but, hey, you know, there’s more than one way to BBQ your meat! So, with summer almost here, I thought I would look at a perfect complement to the electric smoker, the charcoal grill.
There are many factors to consider when choosing a charcoal grill – size, portability, and price are just a few. But with so many options on the market, it can be hard to know where to start. This article will help you narrow down your choices so that you can find the perfect grill for your needs.
Different Types
When it comes to charcoal grills, there are many different types to choose from.
Whether you want a small and portable grill for tailgating or a large one for backyard barbecues, there’s a charcoal grill out there that’s perfect for you.
In this blog post, we’ll go over the different types of charcoal grills so you can find the perfect one for your needs.
Small and Portable Grills
If you’re looking for a small and portable grill, there are many great options to choose from. These grills are perfect for tailgating, camping, or picnics. Some of the most popular small and portable charcoal grills include the Weber Smokey Joe and the Coleman RoadTrip and for those larger, at-home gatherings then we recommend the Royal Gourmet range – here’s a couple of quick outlines.
Weber Smokey Joe
The Weber Smokey Joe 14-Inch Portable Grill is the perfect charcoal grill for grilling on the go. Its compact, lightweight design makes it easy to take with you wherever you go – whether it’s to the beach or on a road trip. The porcelain-enameled lid and bowl retain heat and won’t rust or peel, while the dampers allow you to easily control the temperature inside your grill. The durable plated steel cooking grate retains heat and is easy to clean.
- Load up the car and hit the road with your Smokey Joe portable charcoal grill. Its durable, lightweight, compact design is perfect for grilling on the go - whether walking to the beach or taking a road trip. Make your holiday at the beach even more enjoyable with this Weber 14 Smokey Joe Charcoal Grill.
- Holds up to five burgers made with a Weber burger press
- Compact and lightweight for grilling on the go
- Porcelain-enameled lid and bowl retain heat, and won’t rust or peel
- Dampers allow you to easily control the temperature inside your grill
- Durable plated steel cooking grate retains heat and is easy to clean. Dimensions - Lid closed 17 H x 14.2 W x 14.5 D inches
- 3D interactive assembly instructions for this product are available through the free BILT a
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Royal Gourmet CC1830SC Charcoal Grill Offset Smoker
The Royal Gourmet CC1830SC Charcoal Grill Offset Smoker is perfect for those who love the taste of smoked meats. The offset smoker is firmly attached to the grill, ensuring good circulation of heat and smoke. The easy-to-open side door allows you to add charcoal and remove ashes easily, while the air vent stokes the fire instantly. The 2-level height-adjustable charcoal pan creates better heat control and holds up to 4.4 lbs. of coal, so you can cook with confidence. The lid-mounted thermometer gauge helps you check and monitor the cooking temperature. The front and side tables offer workspace for seasonings and grilling tools, while the bottom shelf provides extra storage space for accessories (up to 20 lb.).
- 811 Square Inches: Includes 443 sq. in. porcelain-enameled steel wire cooking grates, 184 sq. in. chrome-plated warming rack and 184 sq. in. offset smoker.
- Tasty Smoke Flavors: The offset smoker is firmly attached to grill to ensure good circulation of heat and smoke. Easy to open side door to add charcoal and remove ashes; air vent stokes fire instantly.
- Adjustable Pan: 2-level height-adjustable charcoal pan creates better heat control and holds up to 4.4 lbs. of coal.
- Temperature Monitor: Lid-mounted thermometer gauge helps check and monitor the cooking temperature and you can cook with great confidence.
- Ample Space: Front and side tables offer workspace for seasonings and grilling tools. The bottom shelf provides extra storage space and holds up to only 20 lb. accessories when they are evenly distribut
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
How to choose the right size grill
When grilling season comes around, many of us decide to invest in a new smoker. But, if you have ever done this, you will know that it’s not as straightforward an exercise as you may have thought.
Here are a few things to consider when choosing the right size grill:
- How many people will you be cooking for? If you typically entertain large groups, you’ll want a larger grill. But if you’re mostly grilling for two or three people, a smaller grill will suffice.
- How much space do you have? If you have a small patio or deck, you’ll need to consider a compact grill. Conversely, if you have plenty of space to work with, you can opt for a larger model.
- What type of food will you be grilling? If you plan on grilling mostly meats, a larger grill will give you more cooking surface area. However, if you’ll be doing a lot of vegetable grilling or skewering, a smaller grill will do the trick.
Keep these factors in mind when sizing your new charcoal grill, and you’ll be sure to find the perfect one for your needs.
What type of charcoal to use
If you’re new to grilling with charcoal, it can be tough to know what type of charcoal to use. There are many different types of charcoal on the market, and they can all have different effects on your food.
To help you make the best choice for your grill, we’ve put together a brief guide to the most popular types of charcoal.
lump charcoal: Lump charcoal is made from whole pieces of wood that have been burned down to coal. It lights easily and burns hot and evenly, making it a great choice for grilling.
briquettes: Briquettes are made from sawdust and other wood scraps that have been bound together with a binder. They’re usually cheaper than lump charcoal, but they can be harder to light and can produce more ash.
natural wood: You can also grill with natural wood, like oak or hickory. This will give your food a smoky flavor, so it’s best to use it for meats or vegetables that can stand up to that flavor.
Now that you know a little bit more about the different types of charcoal, you can make an informed decision about which one is right for your grill.
Tips for grilling perfect food every time
No matter what you’re grilling, or how many people you’re feeding, these tips will help you cook the perfect meal.
1. Choose the right charcoal. As we have just discussed, there are two main types of charcoal: briquettes and lump. Briquettes are uniform in shape and size, and they light easily and burn evenly. Lump charcoal is made from whole pieces of wood that have been charred, and it lights quickly and burns hot.
2. Anyone who’s ever had a less-than-perfect grilled steak knows the importance of preheating your grill. This simple step helps to ensure that you get those beautiful grill marks that are the hallmark of a perfectly cooked piece of meat. In addition, preheating your grill helps to prevent sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Simply light your coals and let them burn until they’re covered in gray ash. Then, use a grill brush to scrape the grates clean. Now you’re ready to start cooking!
3. One of the best ways to ensure that your food comes out tasting great is to make sure that your grill grates are properly oiled. By oiling the grates before you start cooking, you will help to prevent sticking and make cleanup much easier. Simply brush a light layer of oil over the grates with a clean cloth or paper towel. Be sure to do this away from any open flames, and allow the grates to heat up for a few minutes before starting to cook. With proper care, your grill grates will stay in great condition for years to come.
4. Know your zone. The two main zones on a grill are direct and indirect heat. Direct heat is best for quick-cooking items like burgers and hot dogs, while indirect heat is better for slower-cooking items like chicken or ribs.
5. Any grill master will tell you that one of the most important things to remember when grilling is not to overcrowd the grill. This may seem like a small thing, but it can have a big impact on the quality of your food. When there are too many items on the grill, it becomes more difficult to control the temperature. This can lead to uneven cooking, with some items being overcooked while others are still raw. In addition, overcrowding can also cause flare-ups, making it more likely that your food will be burned. So next time you fire up the grill, remember to give your food plenty of space to ensure that it cooks evenly and stays juicy.
Some FAQs
Which is better lump charcoal or briquettes?
Lump charcoal has a lot of appealing qualities; it lights faster, burns hotter, and produces less ash than briquettes. Lump charcoal is also more oxygen-responsive, making it easier to control the temperature of the fire if your grill has adjustable air vents.
Do I close the grill after lighting charcoal?
While you are setting up your charcoal and lighting it, make sure the lid is open. When the coals are sufficiently ignited, place the cover back on the container. The majority of charcoal grills reach their maximum temperature shortly after being lit.
How long do you let the charcoal burn before cooking?
Make sure you give your charcoal at least 15–20 minutes to thoroughly heat up before putting it into the base of your grill. The amount of time you need to set aside depends on how much charcoal you will be lighting.
Conclusion
When it comes to choosing the perfect charcoal grill, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. First, consider the size of the grill and how many people you plan on cooking for. Second, think about how often you’ll use the grill and what types of food you’ll be cooking. Finally, take into account your budget and any special features you might want. With these factors in mind, finding the perfect charcoal grill for your needs will be a breeze!
