Charcoal grill: advantages and disadvantages, how to use and how to choose

A charcoal grill is a grilling equipment that resembles a charcoal grill. As a fuel, coal is used in bulk or in briquettes. The upper part of the design is equipped with a lid. Let's consider the advantages and disadvantages of charcoal grills, how to use them and a few tips on the choice.

Advantages and disadvantages of charcoal grills

Advantages of charcoal grills:

• Due to the fact that the design is covered, you can cook outdoors, in the yard in any weather. Rain will not get on the charcoal and products, the wind will not blow out the flame.
• Products are evenly fried.
• Cooking takes minimum time.
• The charcoal grill can be used anywhere, as it does not require connection to the power grid. It can be taken on trips, camping, installed on the balcony or in the yard.
• You can smoke food in a charcoal grill.

The disadvantage of such equipment is one: the charcoal grill is difficult to clean. The ash strongly stains the elements of the structure.

How to use a charcoal grill

Follow these steps:

• Coals are placed under the grate in the starter for ignition.
• Prepare the material for ignition. You can take a paper soaked in vegetable oil and put it on the bottom of the starter. The charcoal is lit. When the fire flares up, you need to wait about 20 minutes for gray ash to appear. This means that the coals are sufficiently heated.
• Products are placed on the grate and, if necessary, cover with a lid.
• During cooking, you can periodically check the temperature of the dish with a special thermometer.
• After the dish is ready, the charcoal grill is closed. When it has cooled down, it is cleaned from the ashes. Thoroughly remove the remains of food grease from the grate. For this purpose, a metal brush is used. Wipe the body of the equipment and the boiler.

How to choose a charcoal grill

Pay attention to such characteristics of the equipment:

• Size. For home use and a small group of friends, a small equipment is suitable. Large-sized charcoal grills are needed for cooking large amounts of food for 15-30 people. The smallest models are used to cook dishes for one or two people.
• Shape. Coal grills are made round, egg-shaped, rectangular. Round charcoal grills are more compact.
• Heat regulation. The temperature in the charcoal grill is regulated by the inflow of air. It is important that it is possible to adjust the height of the grate above the coals.
• In order for the boiler to retain heat longer, it should be made of thick metal. It is good if the lid has a heat-reflective coating. Then the heat is retained longer in the product.
• Ease of ignition. The container for coal should be located in an easily accessible place. It is important to be able to adjust the air supply when igniting.
• Grill material. Often the boiler is made of steel or ceramic. The peculiarity is that ceramic holds heat better than metal. Grates are made of steel or cast iron. It is better to choose stainless metal.
• Functionality. It is convenient if the grill has several modes: grill, barbecue, tandoor, wok.

Choosing a grill, pay attention to reviews about the manufacturer. You can also read about the features of a particular model and familiarize yourself with the opinion of users.