Well it is that time of year again, summertime. Summertime represents a time when the weather is most inviting for outdoor activities to include grilling. Now if you are like me you grill year-round. I am a meat eater and as such believe that some meats or cuts thereof are simply better when cooked on a grill. However, not all are lucky enough to live in an area where the climate permits year-round grilling. Some guys like to cook on a charcoal grill and others prefer gas. There are also those that do a bit of cooking on a smoker or wood fired grill. I like to do a little of each, though I honestly believe charcoal provides the best summertime memories and flavors. I think it’s got a lot to do with being outside and smelling the smoke of the perfectly seasoned delicacy that I will soon be consuming. Now some guys keep their grill tucked away in a garage or shed when not in use or cover it and leave it outside. The thing is, no matter which way you choose, every so often you unfortunately must replace the old grill for a new grill. Don’t waste time cooking on the old grill and miss out on the best new grill for you.
Charcoal Grills
Whether you buy a cheaper charcoal grill and plan to replace it more often or a more expensive fancier, design for longer lasting use, here we have options for both and also more mobile options for the tailgater or cookouts on the go. One of these options may be the best new charcoal grill for you or may just help get you started looking for your new grill.
Kettle style grills from Weber
The Weber Jumbo Joe portable charcoal grill is a grill that is great for going anywhere. This grill has a Tuck-n-Carry lid lock that doubles as a lid holder, so you don’t have to place the lid on the ground, and when latched on the top you can pick the whole thing up with the lid handle for easy transportation. The cooking surface is made of plated steel. It has adjustable vents on the top and the bottom for cooking heat control. Small portable grills like this one can be set on the ground or on a raised surface. However, with this unit I would suggest having a section of plywood or some other buffer because the legs are also plated steel and the heat transfer could burn or melt the surface it is placed on. Aside from that, this would make a perfect new grill for camping or tailgating.
For backyard grilling, Weber has the Master-Touch kettle style grill. This grill has a cooking surface of 363sq in providing plenty of space for any cookout. The kettle shape, porcelain-enameled coated lid and bowl, and dampers help retain heat and control air flow for even cooking. The Master-Touch has a circular grill insert that can be replaced with separately available Gourmet BBQ system inserts to expand the abilities of this grill. There is a one touch cleaning system that helps with clean up of ash and debris, a removable ash catcher. The Master-Touch grill doesn’t have a hinged lid but no need to set the lid on the ground because it has a tuck away lid holder.
Step up to the Weber Performer Deluxe charcoal grill. This grill is like the Master-touch in that it is a kettle style grill and offers most of the same features, but benefits from features not found on that model. The Performer has a rolling cart type setup that provides a workspace table-top area which is a good space for seasoning or meats that are finished or waiting to go on the grill. There is also a removable timer, a place to hang your grilling tools, and a tucked away on-board trashcan. Lighting the charcoal is simple with the push button gas ignition system that uses disposable LP gas cylinders purchased separately, a feature found on very few charcoal grills.
This is just a sample of the charcoal grills manufactured by Weber. Weber has been making grills since the early 50’s. They are well known and built with quality and durability. They not only make some of the best charcoal grills, they also make great gas grills and smokers. A Weber grill would make a great choice for your new grill. Search Weber Grills Here
Barrel style grills from Char-Broil
From Char-Broil we have a couple of barrel style grills. This first example is the tabletop version. The portable barrel charcoal grill from Char-Broil is a heavy-duty portable grill. The steel frame construction provides a durable stability for grilling anywhere. The 225sq in grilling surface of cast iron grates provides plenty of space for grilling burgers and hotdogs at the beach, lake, or pool. The slide out charcoal drawer allows for easy access for cleanup.
Stepping up to the Char-Broil American Gourmet 30 inch charcoal grill, we have the big barrel grill made for backyard entertaining. This grill has a primary cooking surface of 568sq in of cast iron grates providing plenty of space to cook everything at once. There is room for food prep and seasonings to be kept close with a side shelf and integrated hooks for your grilling tools. There is a temperature gauge on the hood and multiple dampers to control the heat. I like the barrel style charcoal grills like this one for the large grilling surface as well as they seem to cook well allowing plenty of internal heat.
Char-Broil manufactured what is thought to be the first cast iron charcoal grill called the Char-Broil19 in the 1940s. Since that time they have become a worldwide leader in the manufacturing of charcoal, gas, and electric grills, as well as smokers, grill parts and accessories. Under parent company W.C. Bradley, Char-Broil manages or manufactures brands including Oklahoma Joe’s high end smokers and grills and SABER premium grills. Search Char-Broil Grills Here
Kamado Style grills from Char-Grillers
The Char-Griller Akorn Jr is a portable Kamado style grill. It has a hinged and locking lid that opens to a 153sq in cast iron grate cooking surface. There is a temperature gauge in the lid and top and bottom air dampers that allow for temperature control. This Kamado style grill is built with insulated triple wall steel to help it hold more heat with less charcoal. The Akorn Jr has handles that help with portability and easy dump ash pan for fast easy cleanup.
The Char-Griller Akorn full size Kamado charcoal grill steps up to a backyard grill for family. It has a primary cooking surface and warming rack with a total surface of 447sq in. This bigger version also adds 2 folding shelfs and wheels to help with mobility.
Stepping up to another level, the Char-Griller Akorn Kamado Cart charcoal grill adds a cart that provides a 26x26in prep space. The cart is made of tubular steel and has a lower shelf for added storage, which can be a good place to keep your charcoal close.
Char-Griller got its start decades ago with Charcoal barrel-style grills and since expanded to Dual fuel, Kamados, and kettels. The smoker and grill company is owned and operated by the Georgia brother and sister duo that founded it. Search Char-Griller Grills Here
Whatever style or size you prefer, make sure you have the best charcoal grill for your summertime grilling. Don’t miss out on all the good weather and opportunity to grill every chance you get.
Very good information. Thank you.