Outdoor Charcoal Grill

When you’re shopping for an outdoor charcoal grill, there are many things that you want to look for

1. Durability

Outdoor charcoal grills see a lot of wear-and-tear, as they’re oftentimes used every weekend. They’re generally left outdoors, where they are exposed to the elements. If you cover the grill, then that will reduce the amount of wear that the grill will experience. Also, the hotter that a grill becomes, the more it will combine with oxygen, creating the oxidation which creates rust and corrosion. So, take your grill inside if you wish to have it last a long time, or cover it with a grill cover, making sure that it isn’t hot when you cover it.

2. The Kind of Fuel Outdoor Grills Might Use

Outdoor grills can be fueled with wood, charcoal, natural gas or propane. Many people favor one method over another, some saying that wood imparts a wonderful taste to the food, particularly if you burn the right kind of wood. Others say that charcoal, because it’s oftentimes started with lighter fluid, adds chemicals to the flame which get on the grill and then you eat the residues of fluid. Propane is the clean gas, the proponents say. So, whether you choose one or the other, check around on the internet to see what others are saying about which fuel source is best.



However, Outdoor Charcoal Grills are oftentimes the ones that the experts use. When you use charcoal, use Natural Charcoal not briquettes. When you bake wood, you get natural charcoal. The most successful of the steakhouses use natural charcoal. Some like food that’s been cooked over oak, while others enjoy maple or mesquite; each imparts its own flavor. You can purchase such natural charcoal at stores like Lowe’s, Wegmans, Trader Joes or grill centers. If you do, you’ll never use briquettes again.



If your Outdoor charcoal grill has a chimney system, that will allow you to reach cooking temperatures in about 15 minutes without the need for lighter fluids. Just use one match and two sheets of newspaper to start it. That way there’s no chemical taste. A chimney allows for higher searing temperatures, too. When you want your food to have flavor, sear in the juices by using a high temperature, first.



3. Cost – Economy vs Quality



Generally, outdoor charcoal grills cost anywhere from the cheapest grill at around $30, to well over $1500 for a stainless steel grill such as the Arena, from GourmetGrills. Stainless steel will last forever; but they’re also some of the most expensive grills in the world.

4. Grilling

People sometimes forget that the purpose of a outdoor charcoal grill is to GRILL. It’s not rocket science. Just throw some wood chips on to add the smoky flavor. Domed outdoor charcoal grill models will allow you to either slow cook, or bake. Don’t overdo with the smoke, a little goes a long way; plus, natural charcoal delivers plenty of wood flavor. When you’re grilling, keep the dome open. Use high quality food, and cook quick, getting those searing temperatures that will create great tasting food, quickly. If you use the grill to smoke food, use lesser-quality food and slow cook it, adding rubs, smears and sauces, then just waiting until it’s done.