Live It Up With Charcoal Barbecue Grills

If you are trying to decide which barbecue grill is right for you, give some serious thought to charcoal grills as well as how you can celebrate when you have one at your disposal. A charcoal grill will enable you to turn out barbecues that have a full, old-fashioned smoky flavor which neither a gas nor an electric grill can provide. In addition, a charcoal grill allows for more heat than other types of grill.
Many people choose gas or electric grills because as a whole, these are more convenient to use and a bit easier to maintain. Though this may be the case, discerning barbecue diehards will stick to their charcoal grills because of the flavor. They remain undeterred by the fact that a chef has to be fully hands on to check the coals, monitor temperature, and flip the pieces of meat over.
What to Look for in Charcoal Grills
When you look for a charcoal barbecue grill, you are looking for one that will more than adequately cook what you will actually be serving. Consider carefully what you want to grill because there is a big difference between a grill that does hotdogs and patties and a grill that is expected to slow cook batch after batch of ribs or whole chickens.
You will need to look at how well controlled the airflow of the grill is. Check the vents on the sides of the grill you are interested in and make sure that when you close the lid, the grill is really shut down. This means that once you are done with cooking and you close the lid, the fire should be put out but any unused charcoal can still be saved for your next cooking session. A lid that fits tightly over your grill will also allow you to grill some foods as you barbecue indirectly.
Your prospective grill’s grate needs to be looked at closely. A grill grate that has hinges will make it easy to put wood chips as you barbecue. These chips, usually soaked in water, are an essential addition to the grill because they intensify the smoke flavor that you get from a charcoal grill.
It is very important that you check the stability of your charcoal grill. A wobbly grill full of hot coals simply won’t do. You want sturdy construction when you choose a charcoal grill and if this comes with side tables or flaps, it would be wise to see to it that they are stable too.
Caring for Your Charcoal Grill
Your grill must be cleaned after each time you cook in it. Using a grill brush, remove all food bits and grease from the grate. Then use a wet soapy sponge to wipe the grill’s surfaces. Grills don’t need to be waxed. Just a simple brushing and washing will be sufficient to keep your grill working for a long, long time.
Making the Most of a Charcoal Grill
A charcoal barbecue grill will allow you to cook at both high and low temperatures. It will also yield foods with that distinctive, sought-after smoky flavor that people are so fond of. Take advantage of this and experiment with different kinds of barbecue. Try lamb, chicken, ribs, and seafood. Make your charcoal grill the center of your menu as a host and develop your own sauces and side dishes. Learn how to handle the trickier aspects of using a charcoal grill such as efficiently lighting the charcoal and gauging the correct amount of coal you need to cook everything without wasting too many briquettes. Finally, put on your chef’s hat, your apron, your protective gloves and preside over your grill with confidence.