Best charcoal grills
Cooking food on charcoal makes it fragrant, juicy, with a pleasant crust. And for this you cannot do without a grill. It is convenient to use it in the country or take it with you to a picnic. However, not all models meet the minimum customer requirements. Therefore, the expertpro.techinfus.com/en/ team has formed a rating, which includes the best charcoal grills.
Content
Charcoal grill rating
We have done a lot of painstaking work to create the rating. The first thing we focused on was the technical characteristics of the products on the market. After that, we involved independent experts who gave their objective assessment to the nominees, and, finally, assessed the customer reviews. When selecting nominees, the following indicators were analyzed:
- Lattice, walls and cover material;
- Construction quality;
- Charcoal grill height;
- Brazier size;
- The weight;
- Equipment;
- Warranty period;
- Market availability in different regions;
- Additional functions.
In the course of checking more than 20 applicants, we were able to identify the 8 best charcoal grills. We have divided them into two categories: steel and ceramic.
Steel charcoal grills
Most popular because of their practicality. They are lightweight and always ready for transport, they are easy to assemble and wash. The participants in the rating were selected according to the volume of the stored products, weight and dimensions. Convenience of transportation also mattered.
Weber compact kettle
The grill is suitable for a summer cottage or a private house. Small dimensions make it compact, easy to transport, and it does not need a lot of storage space. But despite this, a spacious brazier will allow you to cook a large amount of food. The design provides strength and durability. The boiler itself and the lid are covered with porcelain enamel - a heat-resistant, durable and anti-corrosion material. There are aluminum dampers, with their help it is easy to regulate the heat level, which affects the degree of roasting. The manufacturer's warranty is 10 years, but with proper care and use, it will last much longer.
Advantages:
- Compactness;
- Made of heat resistant steel;
- Has removable pallets;
- Handles do not heat up when frying;
- Mobility;
- Resistant to various weather conditions.
Disadvantages:
- High price;
- Open ash collector.
Green Glade K222
The casing of the floor-standing model has a circular cross-section, made of carbon steel. As a coating, the manufacturer used heat-resistant black enamel. The length and width of the model are 57 cm, diameter - 53 cm, wall thickness - 0.8 mm. The presence of 2 polypropylene wheels on the tripod provides ease of movement. The boiler is equipped with a cover with ventilation flaps, a thermometer. The handle is made of stainless steel and bakelite. On the bottom shelf you can place everything you need for cooking.
Advantages:
- Enamel durability;
- The ability to adjust the temperature;
- Ash collector;
- Compact;
- Low price;
- Working height - 77 cm;
- Convenience of cleaning the grate.
Disadvantages:
- Opening the grill rack on one side.
In reviews of the charcoal grill, they note that the price of the product matches the quality. The advantages include the accuracy of the thermometer, the reliability and ease of use of the unit.
The presence of an ash pan allows you to cook in a wooden arbor. At the same time, the bulkiness of the device makes it difficult to use it at outdoor picnics.
Go Garden Grill-Master 48
The barbecue grill is barrel-shaped. The body and the boiler are made of steel.The lid is equipped with a thermometer, which allows you to set the desired temperature. It is hinged and equipped with an opening limiter. The presence of the pipe ensures a steady level of heat during cooking. The length of the chrome-plated lattice covered with porcelain enamel is 47 cm, the width is 43 cm, and the working height is 77.5 cm. A massive frame with 2 wheels on one side and 2 supports on the other guarantees good mobility and stability.
Advantages:
- The handle does not heat up;
- Non-stick coating of internal surfaces;
- The presence of a side table;
- Wind protection;
- Containers for collecting fat, ash;
- Additional grid for warming up;
- Anti-corrosion coating of the case;
- Low price.
Disadvantages:
- Complexity of cleaning.
Users note the ease of assembly of the structure, smoke removal during cooking. The advantages include the speed of heating, the strength of the materials, the convenience and safety of operation. For 3 years of use, there have been no malfunctions and breakdowns, so most users recommend buying a charcoal grill for a summer residence.
Forester Squorcher Mobile
The mobility of the outdoor grill is in the shape of a suitcase. The working surface is 45x25 cm, which makes it possible to simultaneously cook a large number of products. The lid, tray and side walls are made of steel with a heat-resistant coating that can withstand heating up to 650 degrees. The plastic handle eliminates the risk of scalding during cooking. Height adjustment is provided for ease of use. Long service life is guaranteed by a corrosion-resistant coating.
Advantages:
- Ease of assembly;
- Life time;
- 3 levels of grill grate arrangement;
- Collapsible design;
- Low price;
- The leg locks provide good stability.
Disadvantages:
- Not found.
Most owners are satisfied with the build quality and performance of the portable charcoal grill. The ability to transform into a compact suitcase allows you to take the device to any picnic location. The only drawback is the side plugs. If you forget to remove them, they will quickly bend and will poorly fix the side walls.
Ceramic Charcoal Grills
The peculiarity of the devices lies in the preparation of products not from the heat of the coals, but from the circulation of hot air under the dome of the lid. This allows you to use the grills to prepare meals from products that require prolonged heat treatment. They can be compared to a smokehouse, as the devices can withstand the required temperature for up to 18 hours. According to the owners, the food is juicier and healthier. The disadvantages include a high price, fragility, but in comparison with steel models, ceramic models are not subject to corrosion. According to the results of comparative tests, 4 models have the best build quality and usability among the 10 nominees.
Kamado joe Classic II
Charcoal grill with a ceramic body, which is installed on a cast iron base. Legged wheels provide mobility of the unit. The lid has a built-in thermometer that allows you to adjust the temperature in the range of 107 - 399 degrees. An upper ventilation tower is provided. On the sides of the boiler there are folding side shelves of the "table" type. The cooking grates are made of stainless steel, the wire mesh is made of fiberglass. The bottom of the grill has an integrated ash drawer. The floor structure is 118 cm long, 71 cm wide and 121 cm high.
Advantages:
- Working surface diameter - 46 cm;
- The set includes tongs for grabbing the grate, a poker for removing ash;
- Stainless steel latch;
- Fasteners in the form of hooks for the scapula;
- 2-level cooking system;
- Keeps warm for a long time;
- Movable heat deflector.
Disadvantages:
- High price;
- The weight.
The pluses are also important to include the possibility of simultaneous cooking of products at different temperatures. The high price of the product and the weight of 113 kg reduce its popularity.
Big Green Egg Large EGG
The floor-standing structure with an egg-shaped body allows you to cook food simultaneously on 2 levels. Round grill diameter 46 cm and working surface 1688 cm2 designed for frying meat, vegetables for 8 people. It can also be used for baking, smoking. The grill is 84 cm high and weighs 73 kg. A built-in thermometer is provided on the lid. The legs are equipped with casters for mobility. Various accessories are optionally produced for the unit - wooden tables, bird holders, ceramic stones.
Advantages:
- Stability;
- Ceramic thickness;
- Uniform heating;
- Compact dimensions.
Disadvantages:
- High price;
- Low height.
Owners of restaurants and cafes are attracted by the possibility of inserting the case into the table top. The advantages of the design also include a reinforced stand, good capacity of the lattice.
The possibility of extended configuration will allow the buyer to choose a set according to his preferences.
Monolith Classic 201001
The model from the German manufacturer is available in black and red. Designed for smoking, frying, barbecuing, drying and baking products. The diameter of the grate is 46 cm. The work surface can be doubled with grates on the 2nd level. The wood chip feeding system allows smoke chips to be inserted directly onto the burning coal without lifting the lid. The latter has a built-in thermometer and a ventilation tower. The grill is completed with bamboo tables with mounts, ceramic legs. Length with open shelves - 120 cm, device height - 120 cm.
Advantages:
- Supported castors for mobility;
- Temperature adjustment;
- Compact dimensions;
- Collapsible design;
- Insulated handle with anti-scald protection;
- The best price in the category.
Disadvantages:
- Weight - 85 kg;
- Difficulty cleaning the cast iron grate.
Primo Oval Large
The compact dimensions of the structure allow you to use it as a table grill or build it into a countertop, outdoor kitchen. The model is 76 cm high, 55 cm in diameter and 35 cm wide at the bottom. The set includes a steel grill with a porcelain non-stick coating. The quality of materials is confirmed by a 20-year manufacturer's warranty. The heating temperature range is from 90 to 400 degrees. When cooking at 300 degrees, fuel is enough for 6 hours of continuous operation. Operates in the brazier, oven, barbecue grill, bakery, smokehouse. With an additional grid, the working area increases to 2600 cm2.
Advantages:
- The capacity is 12 - 15 steaks;
- Compact;
- Life time;
- Keeps temperature well;
- Fast heating.
Disadvantages:
- Price;
- The inconvenience of moving.
Charcoal grill with lid and ceramic body is recommended by 100% of users. The owners have no complaints about its reliability and functioning. Slight difficulties arise only when cleaning the additional cast-iron grate.
How to choose a charcoal grill
Portable and mobile units are chosen by the owners of their homes or outdoor barbecue lovers. According to the characteristics of the devices, you can determine the volume of ready meals, the ease of use and the service life of the device.
Grill size and shape
For cooking for a company of 20 - 30 people, it is recommended to buy grills with a large working surface. The devices are often purchased by restaurant owners. A medium sized grill is suitable for a family of 4. Small models are suitable for 1 - 2 servings. Their advantages include ease of movement, installation. Devices with a grid height of 100 - 120 cm are considered the most convenient to use.
Rectangular, egg-shaped and round grills are distinguished in shape. The first option is suitable for barbecue. The rest are considered more versatile. They distribute heat better, keep the temperature longer, therefore they are intended not only for frying, but also for stewing, smoking. The presence of a cover allows the unit to be used in any weather.
Material
Traditionally, grills are made from steel, ceramic or cast iron.The former are considered the most durable and lightest, but they do not retain heat well. Therefore, when buying, it is recommended to take into account the presence of double walls. Cast iron maintains the desired temperature well. However, its weight does not allow them to be used as mobile devices.
Ceramic models are considered premium grills. The walls distribute heat evenly, preventing food from burning. The ability to maintain the temperature up to 18 hours makes it possible to smoke. The pluses include service life. The presence of an anti-corrosion coating does not completely save the metal from damage, therefore, over time, it rusts. Ceramic grills are more reliable when handled with care, as the material is fragile.
Steel or cast iron is also used for gratings. The large weight of the second option affects the convenience of cleaning, but it will not "lead" from heating.
Cooking modes
Modern devices provide an opportunity not only for frying food, so when choosing, consider its versatility. The number of modes is directly proportional to the variety of ready meals. The best feature set includes grill, barbecue, wok, pizza oven, smokehouse.
With such capabilities, the design should provide for the possibility of changing the height of the grate, since the cooking temperature for dishes is different. Smoke control eliminates smoky taste in food.
The convenience of use
The presence of folding tables, mounts will allow the owner to have the necessary tools for cooking on hand. For frequent use, choose a device with easy access to the air-controlled charcoal bowl. The safety of operation is ensured by a heat deflector, which excludes burns when opening the lid.
The convenience of movement is affected by the weight of the grill, the presence of special wheels on the supports. The braking system of the latter guarantees good stability. Collapsible structures are easier to transport in car trunks.
An important factor is the non-stick coating. The owner will not need to worry about the condition of the dishes, it is easier to clean. In ceramic models, only the wire rack and the dishes need to be washed after frying.
Which charcoal grill is better
To facilitate the purchase, the expertpro.techinfus.com/en/ project team has highlighted the best charcoal grills in a review on a number of principles:
- The most compact and inexpensive device - Forester Squorcher Mobile;
- The best price / quality ratio - Go Garden Grill-Master;
- Largest work surface - Primo Oval Large;
- The most convenient to use - Kamado joe Classic II;
- Best Build Quality - Monolith Classic 201001.
When choosing a suitable option, you need to take into account the peculiarities of its use. Each model has pluses and minuses, so the analysis of reviews in the rating of charcoal grills will allow you to clarify in advance all the nuances of their operation.
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