The 357 PRO wouldn’t be a Hasty-Bake without their classic adjustable-height charcoal tray that can be raised and lowered with a crank. The coals can move from 14.5 inches to 2.5 inches away from the cooking surface for serious direct infrared searing, a lot like a classic Santa Maria-style grill. Energy at the food level reduces rapidly as the coals move away, so this is a very effective temperature controller.
Flimsy charcoal grills with loose, warped lids and rickety moving parts make temperature control a nightmare. Charcoal grills don’t need to be tanks made of heavy, quarter inch-thick steel, but they shouldn’t be tin cans that lack structural integrity. It’s true that great charcoal grills don’t have to cost a lot, but there are many high-end models with superb construction and compelling features. For most of us, price is a key element in all purchasing decisions. Whatever your charcoal grill budget may be, I strongly advise getting a model that has an ash removal system, such as Weber’s One-Touch removable ash bucket.
For instance, it’s equipped with a propane-powered ignition system that gets your coals lit quickly and easily, and there’s a cook timer built into the grill cart. The Nexgrill Cart-Style Charcoal Grill is a compelling alternative to the Weber, especially if you prefer a cart-style backyard cooker. That design gives you a handy side tray and more cooking surface room. In fact, at 572 square inches, this updated larger grill has even more cooking space than the previous version, which offered 390 square inches. It’s also a lot compared with the Weber’s 363-square-inch cooking area. The air control required for charcoal grills actually makes them dang good smokers, too.
This grill has a front shelf where you can place plates and condiments and a lower weber portable grill shelf for supplies, and it’s mounted on wheels that make it easier to move.
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.
The fire and heat from the newspaper ignites the bottom coals, then the fire builds up. When the top coals are covered with gray ash, you’re ready to go. Recently, they changed the company name to SnS Grills and introduced their very own Slow ‘N Sear Kettle Grill. If you add the cost of a Slow ‘N Sear insert to a Weber Performer (and you should) the Slow ‘N Sear Kettle is about the same price. This makes it a solid package deal that’s definitely worth the consideration of folks on the lookout for a new charcoal burner. Speaking of Slow ‘N Sear, this company was built on their innovative charcoal insert, mentioned above.
When you’re trying to decide what size Weber grill you need, think about the number of people you usually feed. It’s also important to consider the types of food you prepare most often. Hot dogs and hamburgers take up less cooking space than racks of ribs. If you’re in the market for a Weber grill, the shopping process can get overwhelming in a hurry.
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 portable 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.
Portable charcoal grills for tailgating and camping are popular and effective. This is typically accomplished by piling or corralling your charcoal fuel on one side to create a hot direct cooking zone over the weber bbq fire and a moderate indirect zone on the opposite side. A two-zone setup helps you avoid charred chicken and exploding sausage, plus it gives you the option to gently roast or sizzle and sear at the same time.