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.
Meat from the Nexgrill was delicious, with just a bit more flavor than the Weber. Between them, I’d say it largely depends on your budget and what style of grill you prefer for other meats like burgers or steak. For our tests, each grill gets a full chimney of lit charcoal and a 6-pound chicken opposite the coals for indirect heat. For this review, I focused on the top-rated Gold and Platinum Medal winning models from the AmazingRibs.com database of almost 600 searchable equipment reviews. The list below spans a range of features and prices, including both newer models and well-established leaders in the field. Weber provides the dimensions of a grill’s primary cooking area, secondary cooking area, (including side burners and warming trays), and total cooking area.
This gives smoke plenty of time to leisurely caress foods and impart that magic, smoky goodness. For a long while, charcoal grills were the primary tool of backyard grillers. Hasty-Bake introduced its wonderful cooker with a crank that raises and lowers the charcoal rack in 1948, and it remains one of our favorite brands to this day. When Weber-Stephen rolled out its now iconic charcoal kettles in 1952, they lit a fire in backyards coast to coast and barbecue grew into a national pastime.
A top-of-the-line gas grill crammed with features for a complete grilling experience. Its package makes it easy to handle and bring along for a trip to a friend’s house. Its size makes it best for one or two people, though, so if you need a bigger cooking surface, look elsewhere.
In her spare time, you’ll find her planning her next trip, reading historical fiction, and seeing as much art as she can squeeze into a weekend. Ribs cooked on the Nexgrill had lots of bark but were juicy and tender inside. Stack your charcoal briquettes in two rows of two deep along the inner wall of the grill.
Given the enormous variety of products and designs, there is no one-size-fits-all test. A small to medium electric grill usually costs between $299 and $349. In most cases, you can expect to spend between $35 and $3,800.
Our favorite bird from this batch was the one cooked on the Weber, though it was a tough call. The bird cooked on the Nexgrill cart-style grill came in right behind, a close second in terms of flavor and texture. Charcoal grills are also often more affordable than their gas counterparts, making them a good option for tight budgets and weber charcoal grill beginner grillers. All you need for charcoal grilling is a lighter, a bag of charcoal and your favorite ingredients. In no time you’ll be reaping the rewards of an easy meal with true smoky flavor. Many Weber gas grills have a built-in thermometer in the lid, which allows you to easily keep track of the temperature of the grill.
Be mindful of marketing copy advertising how much food will fit on a grill’s grate. A charcoal grill that claims it can fit eight burger patties may only be able to cook one prime rib at a time. In this case, it’s helpful to look at user photos and consider the shape of different foods you like to cook. Charcoal briquettes and lump charcoal are easier to ignite and keep lit than ordinary firewood. That said, charcoal (especially in briquette form) produces a lot more ash than hardwood. And if you plan to cook low and slow we suggest adding a few chunks of hardwood to your charcoal pile.
If you’re committed to charcoal, but envious of your neighbor’s shiny gasser, the Napoleon Charcoal Professional Cart Grill may be the answer. Only a few premium and luxury BBQ brands offer stainless steel weber charcoal grill charcoal grills. Napoleon’s Professional is one of the more beautiful models we’ve seen in this price range. This stainless steel charcoal burner feels right at home in a shiny outdoor kitchen ensemble.