Charcoal grilling is a great way to get a good sear and that unmistakable smokey flavor. The true flavor is unlocked when the meat drippings come in contact with hot charcoal and produce that unique blend of smoke and steam.
Our grill experts assessed the performance, capabilities, durability, and price of the top charcoal grills in 2023, so you won’t have to. Whether you're a tailgater or a backyard chef, we’ve laid out the perfect products to help you level up your grilling experience.
If you believe the joy of outdoor cooking is found in sharing the cooking experience with your friends and family, then the Sea Island Forge 30-Gallon Grilling System is the perfect grill for you. It’s more than an ordinary charcoal grill; it doubles as a fire pit. It transforms outdoor cooking into a memorable experience focused on quality food and quality time.
Each add-on gives you even more precision and versatility, taking your grilling game to the next level. You can save up to $900 when you bundle the products.
The bundle we’re addressing in this article consists of a durable cast ductile iron bowl to hold your coals and a cutting-edge adjustable grill grate that smoothly raises, lowers, and pivots over the fire.
The patented Ratcheting Grill attachment provides outdoor chefs with maximum versatility and precise heat control needed to manage every variable of the grilling process.
If you have ever been in a situation where your temperature was too hot, you can save your meal with the Ratcheting Grill attachment. Grillmasters can effortlessly adjust the grill's position in relation to the fire and raise or lower it while cooking, providing real-time temperature control within seconds. The attachment can be easily added and removed, so guests can enjoy the warmth of the fire pit before, during, and after the meal.
This bundle also includes the Sea Island Forge Heat Dome 2.0. The restaurant-grade, stainless steel dome sits on top of the grill to capture the smokey flavor and preserve the tenderness of the meat. A built-in thermometer on the Heat Dome and an adjustable smoke valve provide additional control and precision.
This 30-Gallon Grilling System bundle includes a galvanized steel boot rail stand, the Heat Dome 2.0, stainless steel Grill attachment, and a half-inch, hand-hammered poker for adjusting coals. This all-in-one charcoal grilling and fire pit solution is the true centerpiece of any outdoor gathering space and is built to last generations.
Forbes weighs in on the versatility of this grill and fire pit combo System, "Speaking of firepits, check out the line from Sea Island Forge, an artisan blacksmithing ship from South Georgia...They are great looking as open fire pits, but on top of that, accessories make them very versatile."
Kamado grills are top-rated among grilling enthusiasts for their durability and heat consistency. They are typically made of ceramic and are designed to retain heat over long periods. The Big Joe® Grill - Series III from Kamado Joe embodies everything experienced outdoor chefs love about this grill style.
Convenience features like the Air Lift™ hinge system allow the grill to be easily opened with one hand using a secure, comfortable grip.
Although the Kamado Joe Classic Joe Series III charcoal grill is equipped with top and bottom vents to assist in heat maintenance, the ceramic construction offers a challenge for inexperienced grillers looking to control heat. Once the grill reaches a certain temperature, it can be difficult to lower it, as the ceramic material retains heat for a long time. If you prefer a hands-off approach to cooking, this grill may not be for you.
Kamado Joe has a passionate community of users who love to share how practical and versatile these grills are. One reviewer sang the praises of the Kamado grill, “This grill is probably one of the best on the market,” the reviewer stated, “if you love grilling but aren’t the best, this grill is a must-have as it will help you become a great griller, smoker, or searer.”
Best Accessories: XLarge Big Green Egg in an intEGGrated Nest+Handler with Mates Package
Like the Kamado Joe, the Big Green Egg XLarge Grill is a ceramic-style grill that is popular for its versatility and is renowned for consistency of temperature and flavor. The number of accessories available for maximum versatility sets the Big Green Egg brand apart from others in its category. The Big Green Egg has a wide range of accessories, from basic items like cooking grids, ash tools, and grill covers to more advanced options like pizza stones, rib racks, and digital temperature controllers.
The XLarge intEGrated Nest+Handler with Mates Package includes the items listed in the product name, a convEGGctor for indirect cooking, a Grid Gripper to easily adjust your cooking grid, an Ash Tool, a bag of charcoal, and charcoal starters. If you’re a grilling enthusiast with a love for ceramic grills, this package is all you need for the ultimate cooking experience.
The Big Green Egg offers an EGG Genius that controls the temperature of your Big Green Egg XLarge Grill via your smartphone, tablet, or computer (similar to automatic pellet smokers). Through the EGG Genius application, you can set and monitor the heat of both your fire and your meat.
Like the Kamado Joe, the Big Green Egg charcoal grill has heat-adjusting equipment and a fan attached to the charcoal box that helps raise and lower the temperature. This is more of a hands-off approach to cooking, but it will ensure the temperature is exactly what you want. Less fun. More Precise.
Remember that the ceramic material is the ultimate heat retainer; the added temp controls are not instant fixes. It could take as long as 18 hours for the grill to cool down once it’s hot.
The Big Green Egg has numerous cookbooks, spices, wood chunks, and chips available to achieve your desired flavors. Overall, the Big Green Egg XLarge Grill can be tailored to fit the desires of any outdoor chef. The wide variety of accessories available and the charcoal grill’s additional capabilities to smoke or bake make this ceramic grill a good choice for the experienced grillmaster who enjoys versatility and durability.
No matter your outdoor cooking requirements, these high-quality charcoal grills will provide you with fantastic outdoor cooking experiences. As you search for your perfect charcoal grill for cooking delicious meals and entertaining, consider your experience as a grillmaster and your guests' experience. Happy Grilling!
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