Charcoal Grill And Gas Grill User Guide

Nothing reminds us more of summer than the smell of a nice smoky barbecue. Having a backyard barbecue has been an American pastime for decades and is great for picnics and family get togethers.

Using a traditional charcoal grill is inexpensive and helps flavor the food with that smoky barbecue flavor, especially if you use wood chips. Wood chips can be burned down into charcoals and then used alone or in addition to the charcoal for a distinctive smoky flavor.

Advantages to using a charcoal grill are that they are usually inexpensive and there is the added smoky flavor.

Disadvantages are that the charcoal is messier, takes a bit of skill in lighting and it takes longer, because you have to wait until the charcoals are ready before adding the food.

Gas grills have become very popular because they are convenient and fast, you don't have to wait for the gas grill to warm up, and they usually light instantly. The food cooks quickly and there is less preparation and clean up involved. Barbecue foods cooked on a gas grill are easy and convenient but they don't always have the distinctive smoky flavor that comes from a traditional charcoal grill.

The grill you choose is up to you they both have advantages and many people use both. Today we are going to talk about each type of grill and you can decide which works best for you.

Charcoal grills come in different shapes and sizes there is the kettle grill, such as the Classic Weber Grill, then there are box grills, barrel grills, and drum grills. Many are also designed as smokers so meats can be cooked slowly and take on that mouth watering smoky taste.

Different charcoals can be used with your charcoal grill the most common are briquettes which are made from wood burned to a carbon state. Briquettes light quickly and some contain additives that help them to light even faster. There are also better quality charcoals made from hardwood which burn hotter and slower than briquettes.

If you really want a smoky flavor added to your meats than you should go for the barbeque wood chips. When making authentic barbeque the food is slowly cooked over wood chips for that smoky barbeque flavor. Usually food grilled for less than 20 minutes don't take on that smoky flavor, so go with wood chips for slow cooking or smoking.

To light a charcoal barbeque you can use self igniting briquettes, charcoal lighting fluid, or an electric fire starter. The best way to light the briquettes is to create a pyramid shape with the coals and then ignite with lighter fluid. Let the flames burn out and let the coals ignite and burn long enough to form a gray ash on the surface. Once the ash is formed the charcoal should be well lit and hot enough to spread out so that you can add your meat and other barbeque ingredients.

If you are using an electric fire starter you can have your coals already spread out, with a layer below and above the fire starter, when you light them. If you are interested in buying a charcoal grill we have many charcoal grill reviews on this site.

Summer grilling has become a favorite pastime and many people grill several nights a week thanks to the ease and convenience of gas grills. Gas grills aren't usually designed for slow cooking they are usually for fast and convenient easy grilled meals. Just head out to your Grill and hit the electronic ignite button and let the grill warm up. Then you can place your meats and vegetables on the different burners on the grill. Many gas grills have 3 or 4 burners so you can control the heat and cook different items at different temperatures. Many also come with a side burner where you can warm up a pot of beans or sauce or steamed vegetables.

With a gas grill you can cook all of your meal outdoors and enjoy nature while not heating up the house. Many even have extra grills you can use for warming bread or hamburger buns. You can get a simple gas grill for a couple of hundred dollars or you can get really extravagant, and get a gas grill with every function imaginable for a thousand dollars or more. Gas grills are also the center piece for most outdoor kitchens that homeowners have been adding to their homes.

Which ever grill you choose is a personal decision but the good news is that there is a grill for every need and every budget. We hope to help you find the best outdoor gas grills when you decide it is time to buy a gas grill.

Gas Grills

The illustrious gas grill.  Perhaps nothing signifies the joys of summer more than grilling out in your backyard enjoying a beverage of your choice with your family and friends.  Nothing brings out that special flavor better than flame kissed meat!  There is such a wide array of grills on the market today that it could make your head spin.  That said, there are some very key things that you need to keep in mind when you go to buy your grill that will make your grilling experience all the better.

Cheap Gas Grills

If the internet is designed for one thing it is find a great deal on items you want to purchase (in addition to being the holding place for tons of illicit images and videos!).  When it comes to cheap grills you need to remember that often, as is the case with most things in life, you get what you pay for.  That said, there are many brands that offer good quality for less than the big name brand like Weber or Charbroil.  To be sure there are reasons why these brands are on the top of everyone’s lists as they have proven it over many decades with great grills that stand the test of time.  That said, there are some brands without quite the mystique that sell very good grills for the money.  Check out the Char Broil Magnum 340 Quantum Infrared Two-Burner Gas Grill as a great example of a grill that is cheap in price, but expensive in features.  You won't be disappointed.

Gas Grills On Sale

When it comes to finding that perfect deal for your money it pays to shop around.  Compare gas grill prices on several sites and even go to a few brick and mortar stores and find what a baseline price is for the unit that you are looking for.  Once you have that check out Amazon.  They have constant sales on all of their grills, and you are more than likely going to find a great deal on the grill you want.  One thing to keep in mind that many of the sales you find in B&M stores will be on name brands, but will be cheap knockoffs of their legitimate grills.  Make sure that the model number you are buying is one that you have researched and displays a quality grill that will last for you and your family.

Top Rated Gas Grills

When it comes time to select the best gas grill for your family you will want to find one of the top rated gas grills on the market today.  These models and brands have stood the test of time.  We are not looking for a Johnny come lately or a product with shoddy workmanship.  We are generally looking for Weber, Char Broil, and Broil King.  Weber is going to be the most expensive as they have a great brand presence and people will pay more for that name recognition.  If you want a gas grill with slightly less bank on the link I would steer you towards Char Broil.

Specific models that has been shown to be high quality and people love include the following:

Weber 3751001 Genesis E-320 Propane Gas Grill

Weber 2780301 Summit S-670 Propane Tuck-Away Rotisserie Grill

Broil King 987744 Sovereign 90 Liquid Propane Gas Grill with Side Burner and Rear Rotisserie

Char Broil Magnum 340 Quantum Infrared Two-Burner Gas Grill

All can be found on Amazon as well as your local brick and mortar home improvement store.  Make sure that you compare model numbers, that is where they get you these days.  If you are simply looking at a brand name and not the specific model you may be looking at a lemon that is all dressed up!

Best Gas Grill Deals

A common question we are asked here at charcoalgrillguide.com is "where can i find the best gas grill deals?"  If you look long and hard enough you are bound to find a deal somewhere, but it always helps to have a couple of go to places online to check prices.  It is hard to beat Amazon with their free shipping option and continual sales for a first stop in your search.  In addition, check Ebay if you are a little more patient, but looking for an even better deal.

As for specific brands for the best deal in gas grills, I would steer you towards Char Broil.  They make a quality unit, but have lower prices than brands like Weber.  Sure you are getting a great grill if you buy a Weber, but you are going to pay the price!  I really like the following models in the Char Broil gas grill line:

Char Broil Magnum 340 Quantum Infrared Two-Burner Gas Grill

Char Broil Patio Bistro Infrared Gas Grill

Char Broil Magnum 500 Quantum Infrared Three-Burner Gas Grill, with Sideburner

Refurbished Gas Grills Online

When it comes to finding refurbished items the best place I have found to continuously find these units is on Ebay.  The diversity of the sellers as well as their ability to find their way into the wholesale niches of manufacturers and buy them up for pennies on the dollar is what makes Ebay so great.  From there they list them on Ebay for sale at wholesale prices and you can reap the benefits.  To be fair they often have cosmetic defects that you will have to live with, but if a scratch here or a slight dent there bother you then you probably shouldn’t be looking for a refurbished gas grill.  Here are some great deals on discount gas grills on Ebay right now:

Where to Buy Discount Gas Grills

When it comes to finding great discounts on gas grills the internet is the place to go.  Online discounts are commonplace, and Amazon has great deals year round and especially around cyber Monday and Christmas time.  If you are willing to scour the pages of the "great Zon" you can definitely come up with a great discount deal.  Their free shipping on orders over $25 is a great deal and don't forget that they still have no tax on your purchases.  Compared to your local hardware store that can be quite a bit of savings in states with 5%+ local tax rates.  I know it has saved me money many times over the years.

Lodge Logic L410 Pre-Seasoned Sportsman’s Charcoal Grill

Lodge Logic L410 Pre-Seasoned Sportsman's Charcoal Grill

Lodge Logic, the company known for their cast iron cookware, produced a winner with this compact hibachi-like cast iron charcoal grill, the Lodge Logic L410 Pre-Seasoned Sportsman's Charcoal Grill. 

A large step up from the hibachi of old with the flimsy wooden handles that eventually fall off, this grill is solid on all fronts.  From its solid cooking surface to its cast iron legs, this grill is pretty much indestructible. 

At roughly 33 pounds this grill will not blow away in the wind.  With its low profile and sleek design you can transport it from your home to the campground, beach, or tailgate party with ease.  Your friends will marvel at the unique, stout design and will be blown away by the grilled delights that this unit will deliver.

The grill measures in at 20 X 12 X 10 inches with two adjustable heights.  The actual cooking surface measures in at 17 ¼ X 9 inches and you’ll find this cooking surface is more than ample enough for your grilling exploits.  The durability of this grill is what makes it stand out especially among the portable charcoal grills. 

Cast iron, which is Lodge Logic’s trademark, sets this grill apart from its competitors.  As a result, you certainly won’t have to worry about this grill breaking down in any way.

Lodge Logic L410 Pre-Seasoned Sportsman's Charcoal Grill Features

=> Durable cast iron construction

=> Cooking surface has two adjustable heights

=> The cooking grate is 17-1/4 by 9-inches

=> Lifetime limited warranty

=> Shipping weight: 32 pounds

The Lodge Logic L410 Pre-Seasoned Sportsman's Charcoal Grill

The Lodge Logic L410 Pre-Seasoned Sportsman's Charcoal Grill is a great picnic grill due to its compact size and portability.  The cast iron definitely radiates heat evenly across the cooking grate.  This grill is pretty much impervious to any type of weather – wind, rain, snow, or hail.  The temperature of the grill is easily controlled with the damper and the two adjustable levels of the cooking surface. This unit comes up to temperature quickly and leaves beautiful sear marks on your meats, fish, and vegetables.  At a tailgate party during the snow and cold this unit can easily be transformed into an outdoor fire pit.  Just bring along enough wood to keep it stoked and you are happy campers. 

If you’re looking for a no-nonsense, rugged, indestructible charcoal grill then take a look at the Lodge Logic L410 Pre-Seasoned Sportsman's Charcoal Grill.  You’ll be grilling for years with this one of a kind portable charcoal grill.

Bayou Classic Fold and Go Portable Grill

Bayou Classic Fold and Go Portable Grill

 

=> Bayou Classic portable charcoal grill is ideal for tailgating

=> Includes a black grill tote bag with shoulder strap for easy portability

=> No assembly required

=> Stands 13 inches high when assembled and folds flat to only 2-1/2 inches high for storage

=> Grilling space measures 19 by 14 inches for 266 square inches of cooking space

Product Description

Bayou Classic's new portable charcoal grill is a tailgaters dream! It comes with shoulder-strap tote bag and assembles in seconds! After you are through grilling, just empty out the ashes, then Fold-N-Go!

Bayou Classic Fold and Go Portable Grill

Looking for a unique charcoal grill that you can pack up and take it with you in a snap?  The Bayou Classic Fold and Go Portable Grill is a novel charcoal grill that adds a convenience that you simply will not find in other grills.  How many charcoal grills can you think of that come with a tote bag for moving it from place to place?  Well, this unit affords you the versatility of packing it up and moving it with ease. 

Not only does it give you portability, it also comes with 266 square inches of cooking surface which is certainly on the higher side when it comes to portable grills.  Heading off to the big game and want to cook for the crew?  This charcoal grill will be ready to go and ready to assemble in seconds.  You’ll be amazed at how much food you can place on this grill surface.

Affordability, versatility, and portability are certainly the buzz words for this charcoal grill.  The ability to fold up this grill is what gives it the low profile and smaller footprint that you need when packing it away in your car for the trip to the beach, campground, or football game.  The unique design maximizes the cooking surface and the stable legs give it the rigidity that you are looking for especially in a smaller grill. 

 Setup of this charcoal grill is what makes it so attractive as it just may take you more time to pour your charcoal in the chimney starter than it does to set this unit up for grilling.

Bayou Classic Fold and Go Product Features and Details

=> Unique portable design comes with a tote bag for transporting

=> 266 square inches of cooking surface

=> Quick assembly and packs away easily

=> Shipping weight: 13 pounds

=> Product weight: 5 pounds

The Bayou Classic Fold and Go Portable Grill

Portability, value, and large cooking surface are certainly the main reasons the consumers are buying up this low profile charcoal grill.  The ease of placing this charcoal grill in your trunk after folding it up and placing it in the handy tote bag is one of the most pleasing aspects of this portable grill.  Gone are the days of trying to fit an irregularly-sized portable grill in your trunk or back seat.  The unique design of this grill puts it over the top for the consumer.

If you’re looking for portability in a small charcoal grill, the Bayou Classic Fold and Go Portable Grill will win you over.  Take it to your next outdoor grilling venue and you won’t regret it!

Bayou Classic Fold and Go Portable Grill

Weber 21301Condiment Holder

Weber 21301Condiment Holder

 

=> Wire-basket condiment holder for Weber 22-1/2-inch charcoal grills

=> Minimizes air exposure time for tender, juicy barbecue

=> Nickel-plated steel wire resists rust and cleans easily

=> Contoured with the round edge of the grill kettle

=> Easy access to spices without getting in the way

Product Description

The Weber Condiment holder, model #21301, keeps sauces and spices handy. Made of nickel-plated steel, this rack fits any of the Weber 22 1/2" charcoal grills.

Amazon.com Review

A lot of back and forth to the kitchen for condiments is a recipe for barbecue disaster, tough steaks, dry chicken and disappointed guests. Designed to fit any 22-1/2-inch Weber charcoal grill, the Weber Condiment holder puts an end to all that by providing a handy shelf for sauces and spices right there at waist height. Quick and easy access to spices and sauces means the grill lid isn't left open long enough for meat to get tough when it's time to add seasoning. Nickel-plated, steel wires look sharp, stay cool, resist rust, and are easy to clean should condiments leak or spill. Contoured with the round edge of the grill kettle, the holder offers easy access to spices without getting in the way. --Brian Olson

Weber 21301Condiment Holder