The charcoal grill is the cooking standard that many grilling enthusiasts know and love. While charcoal grills are often used more for barbecuing (slow cooking over low and indirect heat with a closed lid), many grilling experts prefer to use charcoal for grilling (fast cooking over high heat with no lid) due to the added flavor and fuel options that charcoal offers. For a simple way to cook outdoors, it’s hard to beat the charcoal grill.

Charcoal grills come in several forms: the kettle-style grill made famous by companies like Weber and Big Green Egg, rectangular shaped grills, round and lidless brazier-style charcoal grills and even built in charcoal grills. The shape of the grill comes down to your personal preference. The materials used to construct the grill will contribute to its price and longevity. The best charcoal grills cost more but usually last longer and come with warranties. Aluminum charcoal grills will be more affordable, but tend to deteriorate much faster. There are also portable charcoal grills that are compact enough to use while camping or tailgating.

Charcoal Grill Advantages

One of the great aspects to charcoal grilling is its simplicity. There aren’t any burners, pipes or tubes that can corrode and rust away, so charcoal grills require less maintenance and have longer lifespans. You’re also less likely to run out of fuel, since you can visually check how much charcoal you have at any time.

Charcoal grills are often cheaper than gas grills, but perhaps the greatest advantage of using a charcoal grill is the added flavor that charcoal adds to the food. Many grilling experts refuse to cook without charcoal and feel that it brings out optimum flavor. There is even some debate over which charcoal is best: briquettes or natural lump charcoal.

Briquettes vs. Natural Lump Charcoal

As charcoal is burned, it forms embers that radiate the heat necessary for cooking. It imparts a smoky flavor that can be further enhanced by cooking with the lid down and over lower heat. This natural smoke is a large reason why many prefer charcoal over gas to fuel their grill. Some feel that charcoal briquettes are best because of their uniform size, the rate of consumption and the amount of heat they create. Those that prefer all-natural lump charcoal point out the lack of binders and additives as well as a smokier aroma as reasons why it is best.

Charcoal Grill Disadvantages

There are some downsides to cooking on a charcoal grill. For one thing, charcoal is messy and you have to light it yourself rather than use an electric igniter. After lighting the charcoal, it requires anywhere from 30 to 45 minutes to get up to the optimum cooking temperature. You just can’t rush cooking on a charcoal grill, but many grilling enthusiasts swear that the results are well worth it.