One of the main factors that is going to inform your buying decision is size. It\u2019s important to know how many people you intend to grill for once you have your grill.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re only planning on using your grill to make family meals or for small gatherings, a Kettle Grill will do. However, if you intend to throw the largest backyard barbeques then a barrel grill from Char Griller or Dyna-Glo is the way to go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Temperature Control<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It goes without saying that when you\u2019re using a charcoal grill, you\u2019re playing with fire. Unlike a gas grill, there is no immediate way of lowering the temperature by the turn of a dial. But charcoal grills do come with dampers and other ventilation in order to increase or reduce the air flow to a fire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Of course, some do this better than others. If you\u2019d like more precise control of the size and temperature of your fire, ensure that it is equipped with adequate ventilation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Durability<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Charcoal grills, like gas grills, are put under some pretty trying conditions. Between exposure to intense heat and having to withstand the elements, there are some pretty powerful forces that can weaken and even destroy a grill that\u2019s not adequately constructed. It\u2019s important, therefore, to consider durability when buying a grill.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are different parts of a grill that will rust or weaken first – in particular the cooking grates and dampers. Ensure that your grill is constructed from quality build materials and has protective finishes on all surfaces and joints. Some grills also come with a cover, so you may want to capitalize on those deals when possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ease of Use<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

How complex do you want your grilling process to be? For some, all they need is a firebox to contain a flame and a cooking grate, and they\u2019re ready to go. Others, however, want endless features that will streamline and enhance the grilling process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Of course, the more complicated the grill, the higher the cost. So in the end it just comes down to how minimal you want your experience to be.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

How long should I wait to put food on the grill after lighting the coals?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Once you\u2019ve lit your charcoal, sit back and have a beer. It\u2019ll take about 20 to 30 minutes for the charcoal to burn down into a usable ember. If you put your food on before this, you will definitely char it to a crisp.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ensure that you turn every coal so that it gets exposed to the fire. Once most of the charcoal has turned white and there are no longer any visible flames, spread the coal and place the grate on top.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can test if the fire is ready by holding your hand above the coals for about five seconds. If you can\u2019t do this, give the coal five more minutes and try again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How do I quickly kill the flames?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The fastest way to put out a fire is by using water. However, this is going to create a lot of smoke and will likely turn the ashes into a sooty mud that\u2019s no fun to remove. If you have time, the best way to kill the flames is simply to cut off the air supply by closing the lid as well as the dampers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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