The charcoal grill is a cooking device used in barbecue. It uses a mechanism where heat is used from below to cook meat. Charcoal grill uses charcoal briquettes to fuel it. Briquettes of charcoal or lump charcoal are burnt, and the hot coals produce heat for the food to cook. Charcoal grills are available in different shapes and sizes. They can be round, rectangular, or square shaped. They may or may not have lids to cover.
History of Charcoal Grills
The idea of a charcoal grill was developed by E. G. Kingsford. As time passed, versions such as the “Sputnik” was created by George Stephen. With advancement in technology, the charcoal grill has undergone various changes in look and style.
How to Use a Charcoal Grill
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The grill is placed in a non-flammable surface.
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It is inspected and made sure that everything fits well.
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The briquettes are lit either by a lighter fluid or by igniting paper. Hot charcoals made using a chimney starter can also be used directly.
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When the coals are covered with white ash, they are ready to use.
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The cooking grid is placed above the hot charcoals.
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The meat is placed on the grid and cooked until done.
Benefits of Charcoal Grill
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They are less expensive.
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Meat cooked by charcoal grills has a smoky flavor to it.
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Charcoal grills are usually small and, therefore, highly portable.
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They take up very less space.
Types of Charcoal Grills
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Brazier. The brazier is a simple version consisting of a charcoal pan and a cooking grid placed on top of that. The cooking grid is attached to the charcoal pan by means of legs. The temperature is adjusted by moving the grid up and down the charcoal pan. The brazier does not have a lid.
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Pellet Grill. The pellet grill has a barrel shape and has a square hopper box, which is attached to the end or the side. Hardwood pellets are poured into the hopper, which is then fed into the fire box. These are lit using electric igniter, and the resultant coals are used to slow cook food.
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Hibachi grills. These are cooking grills made of cast iron or aluminium. It has a charcoal pan and two grids for cooking.
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Kettle grill. This is one of the most popular charcoal grills. It comprises of a charcoal grid, a cooking grid, lower chamber, lid, and venting system. The charcoal chamber is shaped like a kettle, and this design helps the heat spread evenly.
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Square charcoal. This has features of both the brazier and the kettle grill. It has a pan as in a grazier and a lid as in a kettle grill.
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Cart grill. This is rectangular in shape and has a charcoal grid, cooking grid, and hinged lid. These also can have a drawer for collecting ashes while cooking.
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Barrel grill. Barrel grills are made from 55-gallon barrels. They can be used both vertically and horizontally. In a horizontal barrel, top part forms the lid and the bottom part forms the chamber for charcoal. Cooking grids are used for cooking.
Maintenance
The charcoal grill requires less maintenance.
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Ashes from the previous session are removed.
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The cooking grid, while hot, is brushed with a stiff wire brush, and any food residue is removed.
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Just before the cooking starts, the cooking grid is given a coat of oil to prevent food from sticking onto the grate.
Trivia
Charcoal grills are available at all price ranges. The least expensive ones cost about $20, and the most expensive models can cost up to $500.