Contents
- Editor’s Choice
- Top 9 best charcoal grills in 2021 according to KP
- How to choose a charcoal grill. Expert advice
The grill is a special installation for cooking in the heat. The required temperature for cooking is obtained using burning coal, gas or electrical elements. Charcoal grills are chosen by lovers of the so-called “smoke” – a unique aroma that meat and vegetables acquire, which languish and roast over coals. There is no one-size-fits-all recipe to choose from—the best charcoal grill is the one that best suits your needs.
Grills are gas, electric, coal и combined. Charcoal grills are often small in size, which allows them to be easily transported, prices vary from a couple of thousand rubles for a “ennobled” brazier to several hundred thousand rubles for stationary structures in which everything is thought out in advance – such a product will most likely last for many years.
By design, charcoal grills come in three types. Spherical often made camping, they have removable ash pans, covers that protect from the wind, and wheels for moving. Charcoal grills in the form of a barrel in many cases they are made stationary, because they are larger and more likely to be designed for a family of several people. Ceramic grills originated from the Japanese kamado oven, they are expensive, but save fuel, give a constant and strong heat. Connoisseurs say that the meat in them has a special rich taste.
Editor’s Choice
Char-Broil Performance 580
The editors’ choice is the product of the American brand Char-Broil, which specializes in the production of grills, smokehouses, and accessories for them. This product is average in its segment, it is suitable for a small family and guests, the design provides for wheels for moving it around the site, a place for storing coal and the so-called tables – so that there is where to put some of the products and not get burned.
Price: from 21 990 rubles
Main characteristics
| design | Outdoor |
| body material | steel |
| temperature control | Yes |
| thermometer | Yes |
| measurements | length – 122 cm, width – 55 cm, height – 112 cm |
| the weight | 34 kg |
Top 9 best charcoal grills in 2021 according to KP
1. Kamado Joe Jr Charcoal Grill
The American manufacturer Kamado Joe has a whole line of ceramic grills, different in size. This is the most compact model that can be carried in the trunk to nature and installed on the terrace in the house. Despite its small size, inside, according to users, you can bake a whole chicken. Plus, it comes with a lot of useful accessories, so it’s definitely worth the money.
Price: from 59 900 rubles
Main characteristics
| design | Outdoor |
| temperature control | Yes |
| body material | ceramics |
| thermometer | Yes |
| measurements | length – 52,7 cm, width – 50,2 cm, diameter – 34 cm, height – 68,6 cm |
| the weight | 30,84 kg |
2. Gratar Family Optima BBQ
The company Hermes, based in the Bryansk region, has been producing grills, barbecues and accessories for them under the Gratar brand for 12 years. This model is made of quality materials, easy to assemble, convenient to operate, suitable for a family of several people. The height of the grill eliminates the need to bend over once again. Of the minuses – there is no grille in the kit, you will have to buy it in addition.
Price: from 13 220 rubles
Main characteristics
| design | Outdoor |
| body material | steel |
| temperature control | Yes |
| thermometer | Yes |
| measurements | length -44.1 cm, width – 133.2 cm, height – 111 cm |
| the weight | 41.2 |
3. First Junior
The American brand Primo gives a 20-year warranty on its grills. Their shape is unusual – oval, which allows, say, to bake a whole fish without cutting it into pieces. The price “bites”, but buyers write that they are satisfied with the quality of the grill, which comes with everything you need.
Price: from 69 000 rubles
Main characteristics
| design | Outdoor |
| temperature control | Yes |
| body material | ceramics |
| thermometer | Yes |
| measurements | length – 54 cm, width – 41 cm, height -55 cm |
| the weight | 50 kg |
4. LotusGrill Standard
LotusGrill International appeared in 2010 after the German company Lotus developed and patented the line of grills of the same name – LotusGrill. Model “standard” – desktop, compact designed for a small family, high-quality materials, “spare parts” easily fit in a regular dishwasher. Many people use this model for cooking at home, but the manufacturer still claims this model as an outdoor model for safety reasons.
Price: from 10 000 rubles
Main characteristics
| design | reading |
| temperature control | Yes |
| body material | combined |
| thermometer | no |
| measurements | diameter – 35 cm, height -23.4 cm |
| the weight | 3,7 kg |
5. Weber Go Anywhere
An international company producing grills of all kinds and colors. This model is extremely convenient for tourists: everything you need for a picnic is folded into a small suitcase that can easily fit in the trunk of a car. Of the minuses: on the old models there were handles on the side of the grill, for which it was convenient to take and carry it, on the new models there are no handles. The metal is thick, the enamel is of high quality – the product will last for many years.
Price: from 8 990 rubles
Main characteristics
| design | Outdoor |
| temperature control | Yes |
| body material | heat-resistant steel covered with porcelain enamel |
| thermometer | no |
| measurements | length – 43 cm, width – 31 cm, height – 41 cm |
| the weight | 6 kg |
6. Green Glade 11090
The Green Glade company produces goods for outdoor recreation: awnings, tents, grills. This model is very average in its segment, but easy to move around, the kit has everything you need, plus the manufacturer claims that the grill can also be used as a smokehouse. Ideal as an economical option for a country holiday.
Price: 7 990 rubles
Main characteristics
| design | Outdoor |
| temperature control | Yes |
| body material | steel |
| thermometer | Yes |
| measurements | length – 106 cm, width – 54 cm, height – 95 cm |
| the weight | 20 kg |
7. Charcoal grill Green Glade ASK18
The manufacturer declares in advance that this is not just a grill, but also a smokehouse at the same time. However, you need to get used to it – if used incorrectly, the coals go out. In general, the model is comfortable, stable thanks to four supports and mobile due to the wheels. The metal is thin, the build quality is not always up to par, but in terms of price and quality, this grill is quite a worthy purchase.
Price: from 6 110 rubles
Main characteristics
| design | Outdoor |
| temperature control | Yes |
| body material | steel |
| thermometer | no |
| measurements | length – 83 cm, width – 51 cm, height – 97 cm |
| the weight | 11 kg |
8. Go Garden Premium 46
Under the Go Garden brand, they produce garden furniture, goods for sports and recreation, as well as grills. This model is good for beginners. Inexpensive, cute, easy and understandable to assemble, pleasant to use, easy to wash and clean. There are no complaints from buyers about the quality of construction, but many times they reported damage during delivery.
Price: from 6 590 rubles
Main characteristics
| design | Outdoor |
| temperature control | Yes |
| body material | steel |
| thermometer | Yes |
| measurements | length – 58 cm, width – 47 cm, diameter – 47 cm, height – 100 cm |
| the weight | 7,5 kg |
9. Go Garden Picnic 37
Perhaps one of the most budget models that is able to perform its functions. The user lovingly calls it a “barbecue with legs”, they complain about thin metal, but they admit: for this money, even the paint that has flown around in places over the years of operation does not spoil the impression. And the manufacturer reads all the comments and promises to eliminate the shortcomings. However, how this will affect the price is not yet clear.
Price: from 2 250 rubles
Main characteristics
| design | Outdoor |
| temperature control | Yes |
| body material | steel |
| thermometer | no |
| measurements | length – 39,5 cm, width – 37 cm, diameter – 36,5 cm, height – 52 cm |
| the weight | 2,4 kg |
How to choose a charcoal grill. Expert advice
How to choose a charcoal grill, what characteristics and functions to pay attention to, Healthy Food Near Me told chef Anatoly Sidorov.
When choosing a grill, you need to decide how many people you are going to cook for (its size depends on it) and where it will stand (they choose a place for a stationary one once and for all, a grill on wheels can be moved around the site, and portable structures can be carried with you in the car).
Next we think of the material: steel or ceramics? Steel is cheaper, stronger and better tolerated by transportation, ceramics will not rust, keep heat better, and therefore more economical in terms of fuel consumption. Do you only need a grill or would you like to use it as a smoker and tandoor as well? Each additional feature with good quality increases the value of your purchase.
How to guess the size
Small and portable grills are good for families of 2-3 people, for large groups it is better to look at larger models right away. If we proceed from the fact that a lattice about 20×40 cm in size is enough for a small family, then further, the larger the lattice, the better. “Advanced” models also have 2-3 levels of grills, which allows you to simultaneously cook, say, meat and vegetables.
Dampers, vents and doors
High-quality charcoal ignites in about 15 minutes, the heat lasts for a while, but if you need to cook several servings of barbecue, then it is advisable to make sure that the heat is constant and even. The heat is regulated by special dampers: closed dampers cut off the air, and the product slowly languishes on the coals. Open dampers and a tightly closed grill lid will increase the heat. If there is a special door for adding coal, then the fuel can be thrown in without removing the dish from the fire.
What other features of a charcoal grill should you pay attention to?
It is good if the grates in the grill can be adjusted in height – so the pieces of meat will not burn or rest against the lid. The thermometer will show the temperature under the lid, and special regulators will help you set exactly the mode that you need – this is important if you are cooking according to a recipe.
Additional coasters or tables on the sides will help keep your hands free – you can put forks, knives, maybe plates there. The bottom stand is needed for the poker and firewood. The heat cutter will save you from burns when you open the grill lid.
It is also important how you clean the grill after cooking. Some small designs are disassembled and placed in the dishwasher, others just need to be burned and shake off food residue. The removable ash pan will help to remove the remains of coal, food and fat without problems. All these little things make life a lot easier.