Types Of Charcoal Grill- Find Your Perfect Match

Choosing the right type of charcoal grill can be a daunting task for you, with so many options available on the market.

You might be confused about which features are necessary for your grilling needs and which ones are just nice to have. 

You can use this guide to learn the basics about charcoal grills, such as what features they have and which ones should be the most important to you. This way, you can make an informed choice.

By reading this, you’ll be able to choose the perfect charcoal grill that meets your needs and enhances your outdoor cooking experience.

THINGS COME WITH A CHARCOAL GRILL

Before diving into the different types of charcoal grills, it might be helpful to know what features typically come with them.

This will not only help you understand why a charcoal grill might be the right choice for you instead of a gas or electric one, but it’ll also make sure you never confuse it with any other kind of grill.

Fuel Source: Charcoal briquettes or lump charcoal

Of course, you fuel your charcoal grills with charcoal, and the charcoal we use here comes in two main types: briquettes and lump charcoal.

Briquettes are more uniform in shape and burn longer, while lump charcoal is made from chunks of wood and burns hotter. 

Grillers often ask if blending these two charcoals is beneficial. This extensive guide on mixing lump charcoal with briquettes might help you comprehend.

Luckily, charcoal is generally less expensive than other types of fuel, such as propane or natural gas.

That’s why it’s a more affordable option for your outdoor cooking. 

Design

A charcoal grill is typically made of metal with a bowl or drum-shaped body and a lid that can be closed to control the temperature. Some designs may have other nice features, such as shelves or side tables.

Other types of grills, such as gas or electric, are typically larger depending on the necessary components required to operate the grill. 

For a charcoal grill, the size can vary greatly, ranging from very small to very large, depending on the amount of food you want to grill. 

In fact, some charcoal grills are designed to be very compact and portable and are perfect for outdoor activities like picnics and camping trips. 

There are other charcoal grills that can be pretty hefty and immobile; these, however, can give you more room to cook and fit bigger grilling sizes, like rotisseries. 

So in general, charcoal grills don’t have a specific size range – they come in all kinds of shapes, sizes, and structures. 

Components

The details on a charcoal grill are all there for some main functions, like controlling temperature, airflow and ensuring safe and effective cooking. Without them, your grilling experience may not be as enjoyable or successful: 

Lid

The lid covers your cooking area and helps regulate the temperature, by trapping heat and smoke inside the grill.

Grates

The grates are the cooking surface where the food is placed. They come in various shapes and materials, such as cast iron or stainless steel.

Vents

Some people mistakenly believe that vents perform the same function as the lid.

In reality, they assist in improving airflow and temperature control, while the lid traps heat and smoke inside. The intake vent allows air to enter the grill, while the exhaust vent allows smoke and hot air to escape. 

Dampers

The dampers are located on the intake and exhaust vents and can be adjusted to control the amount of air flowing into the grill. By the way, these are not the same as the vents. They also help to improve airflow together with the vents. 

Ash catcher

Some charcoal grills have an ash catcher that can collect the ashes from the burned charcoal, making your clean up easier.

But if your grill doesn’t come with an ash catcher, you can still collect the ashes manually using a small shovel or dustpan. 

When people get rid of the ashes, they often don’t know how to do it right or what else they can be used for. Make sure you know the right way to handle charcoal ash before you throw it away or use it.

Once you understand these parts and how they work, you can even make your own charcoal grill out of common items from your home.

Main benefits 

The major benefit of charcoal grills is that they impart a smoky flavor that is hard to beat by any other type of grill. 

The compactability of charcoal grills is also worth-noting; the specific models are super easy to move around, making them perfect for small spaces or if you’re always on the go. 

Also, charcoal grills can bring the heat better than gas grills; they can reach higher temperatures, which means a more intense sear on your meats. However, if you want to enhance your charcoal grill’s heat and performance, you may be interested in how to make it hotter.

And if you’re about to save some dough, charcoal is often less expensive than gas. It is a budget-friendly option for you savvy grillers. 

5 TYPES OF CHARCOAL GRILL

Now comes the important part – you may have heard of terms like kettle grills or Kamado grills, as they are some of the most popular types of charcoal grills. 

However, there are also many other types of charcoal grills available, each with a unique set of features. 

It’s important to stay informed about these options so you can choose the best charcoal grill to meet your needs.

Kettle Grills

Kettle grills are round or oval-shaped with a lid that can be closed to control the temperature. They usually have a cooking grate and a charcoal grate at the bottom.

Kettle grills are the most common type of charcoal grill and are versatile, easy to use, and easy to find replacement parts for.

Kettle grills are great for beginners or those who want a basic charcoal grill that can handle a variety of foods.

Kamado Grills

Kamado grills are egg-shaped and made of ceramic. They have a hinged lid and a draft door at the bottom.

Kamado grills are excellent at retaining heat and can be used for grilling, smoking, and baking. They are also fuel-efficient and can maintain a consistent temperature for long periods of time.

Kamado grills are a good choice for those who want a high-quality grill that can handle a variety of cooking methods and are willing to invest in a durable and long-lasting grill.

Barrel Grills

Barrel grills are shaped like barrels and have a large cooking surface. They often have a side firebox for smoking.

Barrel grills are perfect for large gatherings and can be fitted with additional features like a rotisserie. They are also versatile and can be used for grilling, smoking, and baking.

If you’re interested in rotisseries, check out these top grills.

Barrel grills are a great choice for those who frequently entertain or cook for large groups.

Hibachi Grills

Hibachi grills are small and portable with a low profile cooking surface.

Hibachi grills are perfect for outdoor picnics and camping trips. They are lightweight, compact, and easy to transport.

Hibachi grills are a good choice for those who want a portable and affordable option for outdoor grilling.

Ceramic Grills

Ceramic grills are similar to Karmado grills, but are made entirely of ceramic.

Ceramic grills are great for slow-cooking and can be used for smoking, roasting, and baking. They are also fuel-efficient and can maintain a consistent temperature for long periods of time.

Ceramic grills are a good choice for those who want a high-quality grill that can handle a variety of cooking methods and are willing to invest in a durable and long-lasting grill.

OTHER POPULAR TYPES OF CHARCOAL GRILL (NOT OFFICIALLY RECOGNIZED)

From what I’ve seen and heard, I’ve put together a list of grills that are popular among grillers but aren’t officially known to be types of grills:

Portable Charcoal Grill

Being very popular line for grills that use charcoal as a fuel source. Portable charcoal grill is a small and lightweight charcoal grill that is designed for easy transportation. It is perfect for picnics, camping trips, and other outdoor activities.

Built-In Charcoal Grill

Built-in charcoal grill is a grill that is integrated into an outdoor kitchen or patio. It is a permanent fixture and typically requires professional installation.

Check out our selection of the best built-in charcoal grills.

Adjustable Charcoal Grill:

Adjustable Charcoal Grill is a charcoal grill with many adjustable features like grate height or charcoal tray height, the point is to raise and lower the cooking surface to control the heat and cooking speed.

Handmade Charcoal Grill

A handmade charcoal grill that is made from various materials such as bricks, cinder blocks, or even a metal drum. It is a budget-friendly option and a fun DIY project.

Commercial Charcoal Grill:

A large, heavy-duty charcoal grill that is designed for commercial use in restaurants, catering businesses, and other foodservice establishments. It typically has multiple grates and a high cooking capacity.

Read more: Do restaurants use grills or griddles?