Charcoal, gas or both?

[xenon]

It's grilling season - I had always written off charcoal as a messier, slower option. But, this weekend I had some charcoal grilled food at a friend's house. So good.

Now I'm considering a kettle grill. Anyone have strong opinions on this?

[Mik]

Both, definitely. I recommend a Weber 22" kettle with a Vortex and/or a Slow N Sear. then you can do some fine smoking. Both are easier than setting up two-zone.

But you need a good gas grill as well. You do not have to spend a huge amount of money. I cooked on one of these down in Florida and it did a great job. It won't last forever, but at $100 each used, you can buy a new one every few years.

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1034705587149207/?ref=search&referral_code=marketplace_search&referral_story_type=post&tracking=browse_serp%3A851ebbc3-5e8e-446c-b314-bccd499cb30b

If you want something that will last I recommend a Weber or a Broil King. I found a Broil King signet 320 3 burner for $80 used.

[Horace]

Nothing better than lump mesquite grilled steak IMO.

[LuFins Dad]

Anything that gives me a socially acceptable reason to drink beer and play with fire works…

[xenon]

@LuFins-Dad said in Charcoal, gas or both?:

Anything that gives me a socially acceptable reason to drink beer and play with fire works…

Well - that's the other part. Making the perfect fire seems like real fun.

[Mik]

@Horace said in Charcoal, gas or both?:

Nothing better than lump mesquite grilled steak IMO.

Snapper grilled over mesquite is great too.

[89th]

I absolutely love the smell of a charcoal grill. That being said, we have a gas grill. Maybe if we start going to lake houses we'll get a charcoal grill for use there.

[Jolly]

Don't forget the smoker.

Any damn fool can grill...

[Mik]

You can smoke on a kettle or a PK just fine, but it will never be the same as a stick burner.

[George K]

Doesn't @Horace have a BGE?

[Horace]

@George-K said in Charcoal, gas or both?:

Doesn't @Horace have a BGE?

Yes but it cracked in so many places. I tossed it and got a big cheap metal one, which worked fine. But I stopped using it after I ran over one of its wheels with my car. Then I got a little Lodge cast iron grill, which also works fine, and conserves the lump.

[Copper]

@Jolly said in Charcoal, gas or both?:

Don't forget the smoker.

[Axtremus]

@xenon, what do you plan to grill?

[Jolly]

Leg of man...

[Mik]

He’s gonna need a bigger grill.

[xenon]

@Axtremus said in Charcoal, gas or both?:

@xenon, what do you plan to grill?

Steak, ribs, chicken thighs mostly. But, I definitely like smoked and low/slow type meats - so that part appeals to me.

[xenon]

@Mik said in Charcoal, gas or both?:

Both, definitely. I recommend a Weber 22" kettle with a Vortex and/or a Slow N Sear. then you can do some fine smoking. Both are easier than setting up two-zone.

But you need a good gas grill as well. You do not have to spend a huge amount of money. I cooked on one of these down in Florida and it did a great job. It won't last forever, but at $100 each used, you can buy a new one every few years.

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1034705587149207/?ref=search&referral_code=marketplace_search&referral_story_type=post&tracking=browse_serp%3A851ebbc3-5e8e-446c-b314-bccd499cb30b

If you want something that will last I recommend a Weber or a Broil King. I found a Broil King signet 320 3 burner for $80 used.

I think I may spring for the basic Weber kettle.

[Mik]

This is what I have. I recommend the premium model. Much easier to clean.

https://www.weber.com/US/en/grills/charcoal-grills/original-kettle/original-kettle-premium-charcoal-grill-22/14402001.html

I also have a PK original. You can’t go wrong with either one.

[xenon]

@Mik said in Charcoal, gas or both?:

This is what I have. I recommend the premium model. Much easier to clean.

https://www.weber.com/US/en/grills/charcoal-grills/original-kettle/original-kettle-premium-charcoal-grill-22/14402001.html

I also have a PK original. You can’t go wrong with either one.

That one looks great - you're right, the basic one just seems to have an ash pan. I'll def go for the better kettle. I didn't realize there were tiers - I was referring to the ones with built in tables, etc.

[Mik]

There are some really great deals on your Seattle FB marketplace for Weber kettles and Performers. And you can always get parts for them if needed.