Every grillmaster has opinions on the best way to cook a summer meal. Some people swear by the convenience of gas grills, while others prefer the classic charcoal method. If you are remodeling your outdoor kitchen or simply improving your patio, you might have to pick a side as to which grill option you prefer.
Discover the Power of Charcoal Grills
Head towards tastier BBQ nights with a charcoal grill today!
Shop Charcoal GrillsDon’t write off charcoal grills just yet. This cooking method might be faster and more flexible than you give it credit for. Additionally, you may be able to buy a grill that provides both charcoal and gas options. Get to know some of the best charcoal grills and learn how to use them effectively.
The Best Charcoal Grills on the Market
Today’s charcoal grills don’t look like the small, round saucers you find in parks and cramped backyards. You can find a sleek, modern charcoal grill for your home that matches your design style. These charcoal grills have a variety of features and functions so that you can cook an entire meal (including sides) all in one place.
If you are looking for one of the best charcoal grills available, turn to this model by Coyote. It offers more than 875 square inches of cooking area and can handle both charcoal and wood chips. There is an integrated wind guard, so you will never get overwhelmed by smoke and won’t have to worry about the elements affecting your food.
Modern grills come with drawers that you can pull out to adjust the coals. This makes cleaning easier while creating a safe method for handling your heat source. Shift more coals to one side to handle your bratwurst, and use fewer coals on the other side for your delicate veggies. This model starts at $2,600 and is the leader in charcoal grill technology. If you are looking for a charcoal grill for sale, this is one of the best options to choose.
There is good news for homeowners who aren’t sure whether they are ready to fully commit to a charcoal grill. There are hybrid grill models that allow you to cool with charcoal on one side and gas on the other. You can use both functions at the same time or choose your preferred cooking method based on your dinner plans.
This particular Coyote model comes with 600 square inches of cooking area and up to 40,000 BTUs of output for gas. You can use charcoal or wood chips for this option, which gives you full control over how you cook your food. This stainless steel grill is 50 inches wide, which is ideal for large, open spaces. Prices start at $4,650.
How to Start a Charcoal Grill
There is a common misconception that charcoal grills are difficult to use. However, they actually provide more flexibility to grillers and are fast and easy to get started. Follow these steps to learn how to start a charcoal grill.
- Determine how many briquettes you need. Small grills use around 30 briquettes, but large grills need 50 to 75. The number of briquettes you add will also depend on the heat level you need and the weather conditions. If it is particularly cold, then you will want more briquettes. (This process takes trial and error as you start to grill more food.)
- Decide how you want to light your grill. For charcoal, you can either coal your coals in lighter fluid and set them ablaze or invest in a charcoal chimney. This latter method is faster and involves lighting a fire under the coals to get them burning.
- Let the coals get hot and reach an optimal temperature. You can spread the coals evenly across your outdoor charcoal grill if you want to grill one item, or you can place them strategically, so one side of your grill is hotter than the other. Your grill should stay warm through the cooking process.
Once you are done grilling, let your burned briquettes cool. You should have a pile of ashes and broken briquette pieces in your grill. You will need to remove these ashes as part of your cleaning process. Make sure the grill is completely cool before you remove the ashes – you might even wait until the next day so you can handle the waste safely.
Pros of Charcoal Grills
Everyone has opinions about whether charcoal grills really are better than other models. Here are a few reasons why you should invest in one of the best charcoal grills available.
- You can enjoy a better grilled flavor. Charcoal advocates swear by cooking over briquettes instead of using gas. They claim the smokey flavor is irresistible, which leaves guests wanting seconds (and even thirds).
- Charcoal grills can get hotter than gas models. In some cases, you can bring the temperature up to 700°F, which is ideal if you want complete control of your temperature.
- It is easier to find charcoal than to replace a gas tank. You can find bags of charcoal at your local grocery store, and they are typically affordable and easy to carry.
- Charcoal grills are considered more affordable. They come in all sizes, from small portable grills to large built-in stainless steel models.
Some grillers will do anything to maximize the flavor potential of the food they cook. Other homeowners want simple solutions and low-maintenance grills. Know what you want from your grill before you choose a charcoal vs. gas model.
Cons of Charcoal Grills
There are some drawbacks of charcoal grills that you need to be aware of. The benefits of good food also come with responsibilities. Consider the process of cooking over a charcoal grill and some of the cons of this option.
- The flavor can be affected by lighter fluid. If you choose to light your grill with lighter fluid, you may lose some of your ideal flavors. Some people notice a slight chemical taste when cooking items over a grill that is lit by lighter fluid.
- Charcoal grills are typically slower. While you can invest in a charcoal chimney that speeds up the heating process, you can’t instantly put food on the grill. You will need to plan ahead, so you and your guests eat in a timely manner.
- You will have to clean this grill more frequently. Burning anything creates ash. Whether you use charcoal or wood chips, you will need to remove the waste and clean your grill after almost any use.
- Some places ban charcoal grills. Apartment and condo complexes often have limits on what grills you can own.
Once you invest in a charcoal chimney, you can eliminate many of these drawbacks. These chimneys typically only cost around $20 and can last for years. Plus, once you get used to cleaning your grill, removing the ash becomes second nature.
FAQ
Is it worth buying a charcoal grill?
If you want to add a grill to your patio or backyard, it may be worth it to choose a charcoal model. Some people prefer the smokey flavor that comes with charcoal and believe it provides a better experience than cooking with gas. Charcoal grills are often viewed as affordable alternatives to gas grills, and you can pick up bags of charcoal at almost any grocery store.
Are charcoal grills easy?
Some homeowners are put off by charcoal grills because they think they are difficult to use. However, charcoal is simple to light and maintain once you understand how it works. With practice, you can get develop a better understanding of the number of briquettes you need to cook your food and how to adjust your coals to achieve different heat levels.
Is wood better than charcoal?
Some people prefer cooking with wood chips instead of charcoal. They believe it produces a better flavor and a more controlled cooking experience. It’s possible to use both wood and charcoal in your charcoal grill, as long as you clean out the materials used in between each cooking session.
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Not only do we offer top-rated appliances, name-brand electronics, and the best mattresses on the market but we also provide water treatment solutions and perform kitchen design services. Stop by your nearest Spencer’s and see what you’re missing!
Shop Charcoal Grills at Spencer’s
At Spencer’s TV & Appliance, we provide high-quality, name-brand products at great prices — check out our catalog to shop charcoal grills online today. Your friends in the business are always happy to help you find the best charcoal grills on the market. Call us, or better yet, stop by at one of our locations in the Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Glendale regions. Visit us today!
Learn More: Coyote Grills: The Perfect Addition to Your Outdoor Kitchen