Summer is a great time for outdoor cooking and nothing beats the taste of grilled food on a warm summer evening. Whether you are an experienced grill master or a beginner, choosing the perfect charcoal barbecue grill can be a daunting task. With so many options available in the market, it is easy to get overwhelmed. In this guide, we will help you navigate through the different types of charcoal barbecue grills available, their features, and what to consider when buying one.

Types of Charcoal Barbecue Grills

Kettle Grills

Kettle grills are the most popular and widely used charcoal barbecue grills. They have a simple design with a round or oval-shaped cooking chamber and a lid with a vent. Kettle grills are available in different sizes and are ideal for grilling, smoking, and indirect cooking. They are also relatively inexpensive and easy to use.

Ceramic Grills

Ceramic grills, also known as kamado grills, are gaining popularity in recent years. They are made of thick ceramic walls that retain heat and moisture, making them ideal for smoking and slow cooking. Ceramic grills are more expensive than kettle grills, but they are also more versatile and durable. They come in different sizes and shapes and are known for their excellent temperature control.

Barrel Grills

Barrel grills are also known as drum grills and have a cylindrical shape with a lid. They are larger than kettle grills and are ideal for cooking for a large group of people. Barrel grills are versatile and can be used for grilling, smoking, and indirect cooking. They also have a large cooking surface area, making it easy to cook multiple items at once.

Hibachi Grills

Hibachi grills are small and portable charcoal grills that originated in Japan. They have a rectangular or square shape and are made of cast iron or stainless steel. Hibachi grills are perfect for small outdoor spaces and for cooking for a small group of people. They are also great for tabletop cooking and can be used to cook skewers, vegetables, and small cuts of meat.

Features to Consider

When choosing a charcoal barbecue grill, there are several features to consider.

Size

The size of the grill depends on the number of people you plan to cook for and the available outdoor space. If you have a small balcony or patio, a hibachi grill or a small kettle grill may be ideal. If you plan to cook for a large group of people, a barrel grill or a large ceramic grill may be a better option.

Material

Charcoal grills are made of different materials, including cast iron, stainless steel, and ceramic. Cast iron grills are durable and retain heat well, but they are also heavy and prone to rust. Stainless steel grills are lightweight and easy to clean, but they do not retain heat as well as cast iron grills.