Grilling is a tradition that just about everyone enjoys. Whether you’re cooking up burgers and hot dogs or throwing on some steaks, there’s nothing quite like the taste of food cooked over an open flame or coals.
But if you’re still using that old gas grill from college with an ancient propane tank and questionable gas line, it might be time for an upgrade. That’s where charcoal grills come in, which use lumps of charcoal or charcoal briquettes as fuel. Not only do they give your food that delicious smoky flavor, but depending on the model and features they also tend to be less expensive to purchase than other grill types.
In this blog post, we’ll go over the different types of charcoal grills and how to pick the perfect one for your needs.
So let’s get started!
The Different Types of Charcoal Grills
There are different types of charcoal grills available on the market, each with its own set of features.
Kettle grill
A kettle grill is a type of charcoal grill that resembles a kettle. It is usually made of cast iron or aluminum and has a cylindrical shape. The kettle grill has a lid and a bottom bowl that typically contains the charcoal. There is also a grate that sits above the coals, on which the food is cooked. Kettle grills are great for cooking burgers, hot dogs, and other small items. They are also easy to use and clean, making them a popular choice for many people.
Barrel grill
A barrel grill is a type of grill that consists of a cylindrical metal barrel that is typically split in half lengthwise (they look similar to pellet grills). The barrel is then placed over a charcoal fire, with the food being cooked on a cooking grates inside the barrel. Barrel grills are often used for cooking large quantities of food, as they provide a large cooking surface. Additionally, barrel grills are often equipped with rotisserie attachments, which allow for even cooking of large cuts of meat. While barrel grills are typically used for outdoor cooking, they can also be used indoors if there is sufficient ventilation.
Kamado grill
Kamado grills are traditionally ceramic grills that originate from Japan. Kamado grills are often made from thick, heat-resistant clay and typically have a dome-shaped lid, although nowadays many are made from stainless steel. They are designed to retain heat well and tend to have fewer temperature fluctuations than other charcoal grills, which makes them ideal for slow cooking at low temperatures. Kamado grills can be fuelled by charcoal, wood, or gas, and they often come with accessories such as temperature gauges and smoking boxes. Kamado grills are becoming increasingly popular in the western world, as they offer a versatile cooking experience that can be used for both grilling and smoking meats.
Hibachi grill
There are some more specialized charcoal grills such as a hibachi, which is a small, portable grill that is traditionally used for cooking smaller items (originally from Japan). The hibachi grill is made from cast iron or ceramic, and it has a flat surface with a series of ridges or grates. These grates help to circulate the heat evenly, preventing food from sticking or burning. Hibachi grills can be placed either directly on the table or on a special hibachi stand.
How To Pick The Perfect Grill For You
Read on for some of the most common questions to consider when looking at a new charcoal grill.
Space
One of the first things you need to consider is how much space you have.
If you have a small patio or balcony and not a lot of space to add a new grill, a tabletop grill might be your best option (e.g. a mini-kettle or hibachi).
For larger spaces or if you do have a decent cooking space on your patio, a freestanding unit comes in two options - either a grill on a cart or a grill on legs.
Size
Smaller units have great portability and large units enable dual zones for more versatile cooking. How many people will you usually cook for, and also what will be the maximum number of people you will cook for once in a while?
For couples, a small unit such as up to 26 inches in width may work well and will be great for camping too. For a medium-sized family then a unit between 27-33 inches wide is good, and for a larger family or for entertaining large groups, you'll want a grill with a lot of cooking surface, so consider units 34+ inches.
Another important consideration when thinking about size is the type of foods you'll be looking to cook. If it's lots of racks of ribs etc you're going to need a pretty large unit!
Features
Once you've decided on the size of grill you need, it's time to select the features that are most important to you.
Some grills come with side shelves for holding tools and plates, while others have storage cabinets for storing charcoal and other supplies. Other features to look for include wheels for easy transport, adjustable air vents for temperature control, and built-in thermometers.
More expensive units sometimes have split tiers for versatility, electric charcoal starters, and digital controls.
Quality
Consider things like materials the charcoal grill is made from. For instance, commercial 304-grade stainless-steel will likely last longer than painted steel, however, you'll be paying a lot more for the unit.
Insulation and thickness of the materials not only help with heat retention but also how long a unit will last. Look at the warranties that come with various units, although just because a unit only has a short warranty doesn't mean it won't last for many years.
Also, remember that while it can be a guide, price doesn't always mean quality!
To Sum Up
If you want to step away from gas grills with propane tanks or natural gas lines and don't want to be trapped with a pellet grill requiring electricity, then perhaps charcoal grilling is for you, as they are typically more portable and do provide a delicious flavor that can't be beaten!
While it might initially seem like a daunting task to find the perfect charcoal grill for your needs, you just need to work through the tips presented in this charcoal grill buying guide and you'll get a great unit!
If you are in the market for a charcoal grill right now, then check out some of our best portable unit picks here!
