We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that’s designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections. If you want a Weber for tailgating, camping, etc., this is one of the best portable grills out there. We noted similar temperature performance from the Nexgrill, along with similar rib results.
Always preferred charcoal to gas but this grill makes lighting charcoal a breeze. Propane ignition lights charcoal in minutes, I have not had to use a chimney nor lighter fluid once. They utilize charcoal briquettes to fuel the cooking and add flavor to your meats, vegetables, and other foods. While using a charcoal grill tends to take longer, many traditionalists feel that the taste is so superior to other grill options that it’s worth the extra effort.
We have a whole guide right here to help you get started with charcoal grilling, from arranging your coals to determining temperature and even controlling flare-ups. The best way to light your grill without the scent of chemicals is to forgo lighter fluid and use a chimney starter. This model from Weber is our favorite for size and usability. To use one, load up the space on the bottom with a piece of newspaper or two, pile coals in from the top, then light the newspaper.
If you want a family-sized charcoal grill that’s about $200 and that can cook anything and will last forever, the Weber Original 22-Inch Kettle Grill is it. When George Stephen, Sr. introduced the Weber Kettle in 1952, he set America’s backyards on fire (in a good way). Today’s design is not far from the original, and it’s by far the most popular backyard grill in the world. We have several recommendations for charcoal grills, at a host of price points.
If you’re cooking for one or two people, you can afford to lose some cooking space, but for events and dinner parties, you should skew larger. The larger the surface size, the more vegetables and meats you can cook at one time. No other grill in this group could match the rock-solid temperature control of this iconic cooker. Readings from our own thermocouples, plus a digital pit thermometer, confirmed this. Throughout the Weber’s 6-hour, 32-minute cook time, the grill’s internal heat levels never strayed beyond 25 degrees of our target, 225 degrees F.
If your model doesn’t have one, it’s a good idea to buy one separately, so you can cook more effectively and efficiently. Gas grills are very common, and Weber has a variety of convenient gas models. Weber’s gas grills run on either natural gas from your home’s line or propane from a tank. The main advantage of a Weber gas grill is that it doesn’t require as much prep or cleanup time as a charcoal model.
It also has an easy-to-remove ash pan, a professional temperature gauge, and large air dampeners for superior airflow control. The best charcoal grill weber portable grill for steak searing in our lineup was the Weber Classic Kettle. The steak had nice grill marks while keeping a medium doneness on the inside.
The smaller the grill, the better for camping trips, small cookouts, or beachside BBQs. Remember, charcoal needs airflow weber gas grill and time to get to the proper temperature. You can always make your own charcoal if you don’t have any on hand.
This Kamado style grill from Char-Griller promotes even heating to enhance the flavor of everything you cook. The top and bottom dampers make for easy temperature control and there’s an ash pan for simple cleanup. Buyers noted it’s a great charcoal grill for tailgating, camping and trips to the park, or if you have limited space to keep a grill. “I am able to reach over 700 degrees with only about 12 coals. I was able to cook a thin cut steak in three minutes, about a minute and a half on each side. It’s awesome.” Here are 22 surprising things you wouldn’t think to grill but should.
This brings about more smoke flavor in barbecue meat like pork ribs, pork butt and beef brisket. Next, we tested each grill’s medium heat cooking capability by roasting whole chickens. The trick here is to keep the grills at a hot enough temperature to cook a chicken for upwards of two hours. We placed two steaks on each grilling grate near the center and seared them for five minutes before flipping them over and searing for another five minutes. With a good, reliable grill, this will give you a steak with a seared outside and a medium rare to medium center.