Passionate grilling enthusiasts cannot say NO to the famous charcoal grill. Americans love charcoal grilled food because of its distinctive taste and smell. The inviting sound of meat crackling and sizzling on the grill can bring all your neighbors at your door. While there are many types of grills in the market, the famous charcoal grill is preferred by experts because of its smoky results.

This helpful guide will teach you everything you need to know about charcoal grills and why Americans and people around the world love it.

What Is So Special About Charcoal Grill?

Achieving the char and charbroiled taste and smell is practically impossible while using a gas or electric grill. This is primarily because a charcoal grill utilizes the smokiness and heat generated by charcoals. This is why it is able to produce more heat compared to gas, wood or electric grills! Sure, mastering the art of the grill may take some practice but it is surely worth the effort.

Types Of Grills

Are you looking forward to summer and all the delicious foods that follow? Contrary to popular belief, there are a large number of grill options on the market for you to choose from. The most common types include:

Gas Or Propane Grills

As the name indicates, you can power the flame burners on the grill using propane or gas.

Gas grills allow direct and precise control over the heat and do not require you to add and remove charcoal after each use, which minimizes inconvenience.

When investing in a gas grill, you must evaluate the heat rating which is normally measured in BTUs.

Most consumer grills have a heat rating between 80 and 100 BTUs.

You must also remember that propane and natural gas fuel are not interchangeable. While purchasing a grill, ensure the machine is specifically made for the fuel source or is appropriately equipped with a conversion kit.

Pros Of Using In A Gas Grill

Here are some notable pros of using a gas grill:

Cons Of Using In A Gas Grill

Here are some notable cons of using a gas grill:

Electric Grill

Despite its many cons, most people are forced to choose electric grills because they have fewer restrictions. Many condos and apartments prohibit the use of large gas or charcoal powered grills. There are many disadvantages of using an electric grill.

For example, it is difficult to get the grill hot enough to cook well on. The amount of heat the grill generates typically depends on the design and function of the electric grill.

Additionally, heating up the grill can take up more time as compared to gas and charcoal grill. The cooking process can also be tedious since you will have to wait longer.

However, the most notable disadvantage is the taste as it lacks the rich charcoal flavors you would want in a BBQ.

An electric grill may be a good option for folks who live in an apartment and do not have access to a backyard for grilling purposes but otherwise, it is simply not worth it.

Pros Of Using An Electric Grill

Here are some notable pros of using an electric grill:

Cons Of Using An Electric Grill

Here are some notable cons of using an electric grill:

Charcoal Grill

These grills use charcoal as fuel and are a favorite among grilling enthusiasts because of the smoke and flavors they produce. Most professionals enjoy working with charcoal grill because it provides a stable source of heat, which makes it easier to cook the meat. However, the grill is more susceptible to corrosion and requires frequent physical addition and removal of charcoal, which can get tiresome.

Buyers should particularly take notice of the construction of the material. This is because thin walls made using standard steel and cast iron are prone to corrosion. Buyers must also keep in mind that the charcoal must be removed promptly after each cooking session as the existing ashes can damage the grill.

Pros Of Using A Charcoal Grill

Here are some notable pros of using a charcoal grill:

Cons Of Using Charcoal Grill

Here are some notable cons of using a charcoal grill:

The Winner

Because of its delicious taste and aroma, charcoal grills certainly are the winner here.

How To Use A Charcoal Grill

Grilling food on charcoal can be intimidating but once you have familiarized yourself with these easy tips, you can become the master of the grill in no time. Here are some easy secrets to preparing meat on your kettle. You can grill anything you want using these few easy tips.

Prepare The Kettle For Preheating

Preheating Your Kettle

How To Heat Up A Charcoal Grill

Whipping up a delicious meaty dish becomes easier when you learn how to control the heat of charcoal grill. Here are some simple to follow techniques that will help you manage the flames and cook your favorite dishes to perfection.

Oxygen: Is It Your Friend Or Enemy?

When using the grill, you must keep in mind that oxygen is your friend AND your enemy. Oxygen is what creates the fire and causes the coal to burn.

Abundant amount of oxygen makes the coal burn faster and hotter while limited amount of oxygen can slow down the cooking process.

Fortunately, the vents located on the top and bottom lets you control the flow of oxygen to stabilize the coal temperature.

Increasing Temperatures With Vents

To increase the grill temperature, all you have to do is open up the vents to allow more oxygen to flow inside. This allows the coal to burn better.

Decreasing Temperatures With Vents

If you want to slow down the cooking process and reduce heat, close down the vents. However, always leave the vents partially open so the fire does not suffocate.

Flares Up? It’s Time To Move Aside

Flare-ups are caused when fat condenses from the food and starts dripping on the coals. You may be tempted to put these flare-ups out using water but that is not the way to go as this can cause the ashes to fly up to your food. The best way to manage this situation is to create a two-zone fire. Simply move the food to the side without coals. Once the flames have subsided, move the food back to the hotter side to continue cooking.

Add More Coals To Increase The Heat

If you want to increase the heat of the grill, simply add unlit coals on the top of the bed of already lit coals. You don’t need to add any fluid as the new coals will light up on their own. However, this will take about 15 minutes so you need to plan. Another strategy is to light up new coals in a chimney and then pour it over the hot coals when they are ready.

Is Charcoal Cooking A Healthy Option?

Grilling meat using charcoal is considered a popular pastime for most American families, especially during the summer. While there are several grilling options to choose from, some people prefer the smokiness of charcoal in their food as opposed to when it is cooked with gas, while there is some controversy involved in cooking with charcoal. Here are a couple of things you ought to keep in mind:

Benefits Of Grilling

Contrary to popular belief, grilling foods can be a healthier option when done properly. Grilled foods, including foods cooked on a charcoal grill, contain fewer fats because the fat drips away during the cooking process.

Additionally, grilled foods can be seasoned with dry rubs, which does not utilize added dressing and fats. Grilling also helps your food taste better without using any harmful preservatives.

Tips For Healthy Grilling

Follow these healthy tips to reduce the dangers of grilling in charcoal grills:

Cut Down Cooking Time

Cooking meat for a long time using a charcoal grill can maximize the exposure of carcinogens due to smoke and added flames.

To cut down on cooking time, consider cooking foods that require less time to cook.

This includes fish or meat cut down into cubes. Additionally, consider microwaving your food before tossing it inside the grill.

Always put partially cooked meat on the grill to protect it against pathogens, which may cause illness.

Avoid Using Processed Meats

Perhaps it is time you skip sausages and hotdogs. While they might taste good, these meats contain cancer-causing substances, which can also increase the risk of colorectal cancer.

Keep Flames At Bay

If your grill has this option, turn the flame down to a low-heat setting. This will keep the meat from charring and burning. Additionally, to prevent the meat from burning and sticking, consider oiling the grill rack. You can also use a sheet of foil to avoid flames from touching your foods. Allow the meaty fats to drip down for best results.

Grill Veggies Or Fruit

You can still enjoy the taste of charred foods by swapping meat for veggies. Veggie burgers are worth a try, especially if you are trying to keep cholesterol levels at bay. Not to mention, the phytochemicals found in vegetables and fruits can reduce the risks of certain types of cancers.

Top Charcoal Grill Recipes

Now that you have learned everything you need to about charcoal grilling, it is time to try some fantastic recipes.

Grilled Chicken With South Carolina-Style BBQ Sauce

This classic BBQ grilled chicken is the ultimate recipe for your summer gathering with friends. Try this delicious recipe:

Ingredients

For The BBQ Sauce

For the chicken

Method

Conclusion

Hopefully, this guide has taught you everything you need to know about charcoal grills. For more information, don’t forget to check out our buyer’s guide. Good luck!