Charcoal Grill Buying Guide

If you're in the market for a new grill, you're probably carefully weighing your options before settling on a particular style. The first decision you're going to make is fuel type, and if you're reading this, a charcoal grill is likely a strong contender! These styles of grills utilize a cooking method where charcoal is lit aflame and cooks everything by exposing it to high, sustained heat for a set period of time. Charcoal grills are great for backyard cooking and are relatively simple to use, and we're going to take a closer look at the different varieties available.

Which Type of Charcoal Grill Is Best?

There are three main types of charcoal grills. All of them are great for anyone looking to get into charcoal grilling, and they each come with their own benefits.

Kettle Grills

Kettle charcoal grills are circular with a dome-shaped cover, and this design allows heat to be trapped and retained for even cooking and consistent temperature. They come in a variety of sizes, with the most popular option being the classic Weber charcoal grill. Many models are lightweight and built with wheels for easy rearrangement. There are also portable models available in a tabletop-style size, which can easily fit in the trunk of a car. Whether you're grilling in the backyard for your family or you bring this little option to a campsite, it's sure to deliver delicious results in a low-maintenance setup.

Barrel Grills

Barrel charcoal grills are typically larger than kettle grills, making them less portable but better for handling larger parties in the backyard. These grills are shaped like a barrel laid horizontally, and offer a large surface area to accommodate large varieties of foods. They cook a bit slower due to their size, but if a slow-and-low style of cooking is what you like for your barbecue, these grills are an excellent choice.

Ceramic Grills

Ceramic charcoal grills are uniquely different from both barrel and kettle grills. These grills have somewhat of a vertical egg shape where the top is rounded and the lower area narrows beneath the grate. This shape allows the grill to heat up quickly and maintain an even temperature, granting greater versatility than other types of grills. Being ceramic, these grills are too heavy to be portable, especially when compared to their kettle counterparts. However, if you're okay with a model that will stay in one spot, ceramic grills are an exceptional option for anyone looking to make a wider variety of meals on their grill.

What's the Difference Between Lump Charcoal and Charcoal Briquettes?

Once you've decided on a style of grill, it's also a good idea to know about the types of coal that can be used. Charcoal grills can run on two different kinds of coals: lump charcoal and charcoal briquettes. Lump charcoal is 100% wood and tends to burn very hot, but this type also tends to burn out quickly and therefore needs to be replenished often. It also tends to be more random in shape and size when compared to the uniformity of briquettes. Briquettes can be arranged on the grill easily due to their sizes, and they burn out slower and less aggressively. This makes them ideal for a slow cook. Briquettes also tend to have additives like fillers and binders, which can make them more efficient when cooking but can result in more smoke. Both styles will get the job done, so it's really about your individual needs and preference.

Is Charcoal Better Than Propane or Gas?

Propane and charcoal grills both come with a number of pros and cons that make each of them a worthy choice for anyone looking to get into grilling. Though neither is necessarily better than the other, there are certain things about each one should be aware of. A key factor to note is that charcoal grills heat up much slower than propane grills, but they also reach higher temperatures, allowing for greater versatility and a wider variety of possibilities. On the other hand, propane grills give a user more precise control over temperatures than charcoal grills, which is worth knowing if you're looking for temperature accuracy. It's also worth noting that charcoal grills don't require much setup and many are portable, while propane grills typically require some setup and are more often larger in size. Propane grills allow food to cook with a “clean” flavor, but the smoky taste that comes with using a charcoal grill is something that many people enjoy. Both grills offer benefits, and it really all depends on your own preferences when it comes to cooking.

Now that you've obtained more charcoal barbecue knowledge, we hope you're ready to explore your options and find the barbecue of your dreams. Happy grilling!