Charcoal Grills Buying Guide

Many people who like to grill their food outdoors prefer to do this on a charcoal grill. They are not interested in the fancy new gas grills which have been swamping the market in recent years. For them, the whole procedure of grilling outdoors involves the setting up of the grill, adding the coals and lighting them, right down to the tending of the food while it is cooking. This is part and parcel of grilling outside and they wouldn’t have it any other way.

A good charcoal grill should be made from high quality steel, and for a better finish baked on rather than painted on should be chosen. Another item that you should look for in a top quality charcoal grill is parts which are welded on rather than screwed on. This can all provide you with a quality charcoal grill that will stand the test of time. You should make sure that your charcoal grill has grates which are made either from stainless steel or plated nickel as these are rust resistant and will be much easier to clean. Having wooden handles or even tough durable plastic ones will ensure that you can lift the lid without being burned. It is better to choose a large charcoal grill so that you can distribute the heat better. It is easier if you don’t have to grill everything in a small area.

The benefit of charcoal grills are that they are much cheaper than gas grills and are therefore a better option for those who only want to grill outside occasionally. They also provide a smoky flavour to food which you just don’t get from a gas grill.

People also like the portability of charcoal grills. They are more convenient for taking on camping trips or for picnics, sporting events etc. There are a lot of small portable charcoal grills available for this purpose.

When cooking on a charcoal grill there are a few tips you can follow to make it more efficient. You should start by building a pile of charcoal in the centre of the grate. It should really measure about three times bigger than what you are planning to cook. Once you have lit the coals leave them to burn for at least 15-20 minutes and then spread them around the grill. You should continue to let the coals smoulder for another ten minutes. After this your coals should be ready for cooking on.

Once you place the food on the grill you should really have an idea of how long it will take to cook. Cooking times will be different to conventional indoor cooking. Another good idea is to have a grill thermometer as part of your charcoal grill to assist you when gauging cooking times. If you find the temperature is too hot you can move the coals around to distribute the heat. You should make sure food is cooked throughout to avoid food poisoning. Food can appear cooked on a grill but may be still raw inside. Use a food thermometer to ensure food is piping hot in the centre.

You should try to clean your grill while it is still warm as once it cools down it will be more difficult to get those stubborn stains off. The most important thing when cooking with a charcoal grill is to enjoy it. There is nothing better than the taste of food which has been cooked on a charcoal grill with its smoky outdoor taste.