When it comes to achieving a perfect smoked flavor, a charcoal grill is your best bet. This post will determine the right one to suit your budget and backyard.
The kettle grill―the design which was first marketed in 1952, by Weber-Stephen Products Co.―distributes heat evenly, thus, making it synonymous with charcoal grilling.
A charcoal grill is a timeless classic―the flavors it infuses in the food is sure to take you back in time. The crispy char in the piece of meat and the smoky richness of a burger can be obtained only and only through a charcoal griller. The wafting aroma on a summer afternoon is enough to make you salivate. It is a bit time-consuming, but the end result is always a hands-down winner. Charcoal grills are not only cheaper, but also worth every penny you shell out.
The Body of the Grill
Your grill has to last for a long time, which means that you need to be sure it is made of sturdy material. The three models available in the market are kettles, front loaders, and open grills, like hibachis or table grills.
▣ Whatever model you decide to buy, it ought to be constructed from heavy-gauge metal. ▣ Look for a grill with a fitting, heavy-duty metal lid that will help retain heat. ▣ Ensure the supports welded onto the base of the grill area are sturdy and heatproof.
▣ Ensure the handles are heatproof. ▣ It should have secondary grates at the bottom of the grill to evenly hold wood or coal. ▣ To easily lift and add fresh coal, opt for grill grates with hinged sides in cast iron or bar steel.
Cooking Space
Before you go out and purchase, you need to think about how often and how much you are going to be grilling. To put it mildly, ask yourself if you are going to entertain often or just cater to your family. In either case, you would have to invest in the right grill space.
While a large cooking space is good when catering to a larger group, it is known to notoriously consume more time and fuel to get you started.
A smaller cooking surface, however, will limit you to a couple of burgers and hot dogs at a time and is perfect for summer lunches with just your family. The only downside of a smaller grill is that you cannot cook large quantities of food at once.
Temperature Control
To properly cook the meat and avoid burnt or undercooked meat, you would have to ensure that the temperature remains constant. The easiest way to ensure this is to look for vents both above and below the cooking grid.
These vents are the only source for air to get in and out of the grill, making it capable of retaining a set temperature. Opt for vents that close completely so that it not only hastens the cooling process, but also allows using the coal to be used for the next cookout. In addition to the vents, look for grills with lids that have built-in thermometers.
Cleaning and Maintenance
To keep the grill in optimum working condition, it is essential to keep it clean and ash-free. When purchasing a grill, ensure it comes equipped with an ash catcher and a slide-out tray for easy disposal.
Storage and Portability
Depending on where you live, you would have to give a serious thought to storing your grill. Covering it with a slip-on cover will add a few years to it and protect it from rust during rainstorms.
Portable grills can be easily dismantled, thus, allowing you to easily store the grill inside your house.
As an add-on, grills come equipped with wheels, allowing you to move them around the house and the lawn, depending on your mood. Ensure the portable grills have a locking lid that will prevent ash and coal from spilling.
With lesser moving parts, the charcoal grill emerges as a winner, and the best part is that it won't take you long to get the knack of grilling. If used properly, it turns out to be the most cost-effective grill that you can opt for.