Best charcoal grill??? Decision made...

[mikeschn]

It seems like it was just yesterday that I bought a new gas and charcoal grill for the backyard. The other day I went to use the gas side and it didn't work. Must be spiders in there or something so some cleanup is in order as soon as the weather breaks.

Then I went to use the charcoal side, and the charcoal tray is all rusted out.

This grill can't be more than a couple years old.

If I had to replace it with something new, I would probably just go with charcoal.

So if you guys had to recommend the absolute best charcoal grill, what would it be?

Mike...

[robfisher]

Don't know how the new ones are but my 30 year old Weber Kettle is still rock solid. And it's always outside. We use it often enough even in the winter that I don't take the time to put it in the garage. Never have covered it either.

The nice thing about the Weber is you can cook a turkey or goose with no problem.

So that's my vote for straight charcoal.

[asianflava]

You know my choice. If not a Big Green Egg, any other ceramic cooker would do, guranteed never to rust. What gave the BGE the nod over the others was the local dealer and warranty. I like my dealer, they always give me good service. Be careful though, like Teardrops, and Dutch Ovens, it's another type of obsession.

[aggie79]

I would second the suggestion for a kamado style cooker. With these you can cook low and slow or go all the way up to 600+ degrees for searing steaks or cooking pizzas. They are also very fuel-efficient.

These can be quite an investment so before I spent the money on a ceramic kamado, I bought a Char Griller Akorn cooker. The Char Griller is a double wall steel kamado. I love my Akorn and one day will step up to a XL BGE, Primo, or Kamado Joe.

[S. Heisley]

For you, Tom:

http://mancavemeals.net/the-akorn/

[S. Heisley]

Ever since I saw what BobHenry did, using a portable Weber Smokey Joe Jr as a holder and wind-screen for a dutch oven, I've been thinking about getting that combo plus a folding DO steel table. That would allow for multi-purposing, especially since I already have a portable gas table top barbecue.

[Woodbutcher]

My home grill is a Weber Kettle that sits in a cart. It has a 1 LB propane bottle with a striker/lighter. You can't beat charcoal.

[pappaw]

Weber Kettle, or the smaller Smokey Joe

[GerryS]

Depends what you want to cook. Or how.

Komodo cookers are great smokers. I've got my egg at home, but it's terrible on the road. It's far too big and heavy.

"Son of hibachi" are good for general use. They also compress down pretty flat. Great for the teardrop.

[bobhenry]

Ever since I saw what BobHenry did, using a portable Weber Smokey Joe Jr as a holder and wind-screen for a dutch oven, I've been thinking about getting that combo plus a folding DO steel table. That would allow for multi-purposing, especially since I already have a portable gas table top barbecue.

My smokey Joe Jr. is 8 years old and is used heavily all summer at home and camping. My big webber is over 13 years old and on its second cooking grill. (Yes you can buy the replacement cooking grill seperatly not too many manafactures can say that.)

Junior has been to almost every one of the 20+ gatherings and dozens of private outings. Like Karl Maulden always said "Don't leave home without it.



















And I wonder why I am on the wrong side of 300 pounds

[lancew]

weber grill has always been my choice. I am not sure why peeps say "it depends on how and what you want to cook" . weber grill can cook at high temps for searing steaks. can cook at medium temps for pizza and you can also smoke like a champ in a weber. all in all it depends how much you want to spend. 90 bucks for a 18 1/2 weber to 800 bucks for a BGE. its your wallet. <not capitol one>.

[aggie79]

For you, Tom:

http://mancavemeals.net/the-akorn/

Sharon,
I spend almost as much time on that site as I do here.
Tom

[mikeschn]

I see where this is going.

I'm going to have to buy both and see which one works out for me...

Mike...

[Pizzaguy]

This thread is making me hungry!

STOP IT!

[mikeschn]

This is what I am trying to achieve... Hope that helps a little bit...



Mike...