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Looking for the best charcoal grill to buy this year? Read on to find out.

You can use pretty much any grill to cook meat, but nothing quite tastes the same as meat cooked using a charcoal grill. That particular flavor can make all the difference to a meal, and it’s a taste you can’t quite achieve with any old grill.

If you’re looking to add a little bit of extra zing to your meals, you may be in the market for a charcoal grill. The main question is how do you find a good charcoal grill, and what do you need to look out for? Thankfully, we’re here to help you find the perfect charcoal grill for you. Read on to find out our rankings of the best charcoal grills on the market. We’ve also included a handy buying guide to help you to know what you need to look for?

In a hurry? Our top pick is smokin’ hot!

Best Charcoal Grill (Winner)

Original Kettle Premium 22 Inch Charcoal Grill

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Best Charcoal Grills – Comparison Table

Image	Product	Our Rating	Buy
	Original Kettle Premium 22 Inch Charcoal Grill		CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON
	PK Grills Original Outdoor Charcoal Grill and Smoker Combination		CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON
	Weber Smokey Joe Portable Charcoal Grill		CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON
	Char-Griller Akorn Kamado Charcoal Barbecue Grill and Smoker		CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON
	Lodge Cast Iron Sportsman’s Grill		CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

Best Charcoal Grills Reviews

#1. Original Kettle Premium 22 Inch Charcoal Grill (Overall Top Pick)

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The Original Kettle Premium 22″ is a classic charcoal grill from Weber that you can’t really go wrong with. It’s a very easy model to assemble, and you can set it up fairly simply in less than 15 minutes. It has a kettle with a dome lid and handle. It also has heat shields and a plated steel grate that has 363 square inches for cooking. You can cook a lot of burgers and dogs using this grill!

The grill also has dampers at the top and bottom of the kettle, and these help to make sure that the heat control is perfect so you can cook the food exactly as you like it, whether that’s rare, medium or well done. It consists of a steel construction that’s coated in porcelain enamel so you don’t need to worry about any rust or corrosion.

The grill also comes equipped with a built in lid thermometer so you can see how warm it is. You will also get a hinge on the plated steel cooking grate that will allow you to add in charcoal while you cook. It’s an easy grill to clean too with a one touch cleaning system that will allow you to sweep any debris and ash into the removable ash catcher for simply, hassle free disposal.

Pros

• Compact and classic design
• Cost efficient
• Ash catcher for easy cleaning

Cons

• Small wheels

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#2. PK Grills Original Outdoor Charcoal Grill and Smoker Combination (Runner Up)

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Whether you’re a professional chef or a novice griller, you’ll find something to love with the PK Grills Original Outdoor Charcoal Grill and Smoker combo. The grill is a durable, yet efficient option for those barbecues with the family.

The grill is made of cast aluminum so it’s very good at conducting heat right off the bat. It’s got a pretty intriguing shape and a four point venting system that makes it quite good both for smoking and grilling foods. It has a whopping 300 square inches of cooking surface too, so if you have a particularly large family that just HAS to be fed right now, you don’t need to leave them waiting for many different batches as you can fit a lot on it all at once!

The grill even has two work shelves where you are able to prepare the food. It heats up the coals very quickly too so no need for waiting for ages for it to heat up, and the shape of the grill is ideal for allowing you to cook a number of different types of food.

Pros

• Easy to set up
• Good heat control and retention
• Can be taken tailgating as it’s portable
• Side table built in for prep

Cons

• The lid doesn’t attach securely to the grill

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#3. Weber Smokey Joe Portable Charcoal Grill (Runner Up)

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If you’re looking for a charcoal grill you can just pack up and take with you on your world adventures, look no further than the Weber Smokey Joe Portable Charcoal Grill! This grill is perfect for people going camping, among other activities.

The grill is similar to its bigger brothers as it sports a 14 inch grill that has a porcelain enameled lid and bowl, and it even has steel grates and an ash catcher positioned on the bottom. It can hold an impressive seven burgers at once, so you’re in for a treat if you have 7 in your household! The handle is also made of glass reinforced nylon so it remains cool when you’re using it.

The grill provides impeccable value for money, and it’s super easy to carry it around with you to a range of different events. You will get fantastic food quality too with this fantastic, pack up and go grill.

Pros

• Portable – you can take it anywhere!
• Quick and easy assembly
• Affordable

Cons

• Not a lot of airflow when the cover is on

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#4. Char-Griller Akorn Kamado Charcoal Barbecue Grill and Smoker (Runner Up)

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The Char-Griller Akon Komado Grill model has a triple walled solid steel construction, so it’s pretty durable. This Kamado style grill can be used to both bake and smoke dishes and provide a lot of taste that’s sure to have you licking your lips!

It also has 314 square inches of cast iron grill space, and a handy removable warming rack. There is even a thermometer built in that will allow you to cook at temperatures in the range of 200 to 700 degrees Fahrenheit.

Another interesting part of this grill is that it has two very handy folding side tables and utensil hooks. This means you can easily prepare the food and reach for your utensils without having to set up a separate table for it. A lot of reviewers have also said it’s useful for preparing a range of meals as you can grill, smoke and – get this – even bake pizza on this grill! Barbecues have never been so simple!

Pros

• Good heat retention
• Budget friendly if you aren’t able to spend a lot of money on competitors
• Easy cleaning

Cons

• The thermometer in the lid isn’t always accurate

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#5. Lodge Cast Iron Sportsman’s Grill (Runner Up)

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The Lodge Cast Iron Sportsman is a little Hibachi grill that is a fantastic option if you need something more portable to pack away for your latest outdoor adventure. This popular grill will satisfy all of your deepest barbecuing desires, all from the comfort of outside of your tent, or while tailgating or grilling in a smaller space.

The grill weighs 30 pounds total and measures at 10.25 x 8.25 x 19 inch in total, and it’s made of American made cast iron, so it’s designed to be especially durable so it can last a long time. It’s possible to adjust it as it has two different adjustable heights. It also has a draft door which helps you to be able to regulate the heat, and there’s even a flip down door that will let you access the coals without any extra trouble.

All in all this is a durable, and powerful little grill that will allow you to have a delicious barbecue while tailgating or camping. It’s even easy to clean – how could you go wrong with that?

Pros

• Durable
• Good size
• Powerful
• Easy cleaning

Cons

• A little heavy for its size

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Best Charcoal Grills Buyer’s Guide

If you’ve made up your mind that you want to buy a charcoal grill, and if you are a newcomer to grilling, the main thing you need to consider is what kind of things are you going to be using your grill for. Will it be used to grill your standard hotdogs and burgers, or do you want to grill some fat juicy steaks? You may want to try some smoking! Regardless of what you’re using it for, you need to identify the reason you’re buying it before you click that ‘add to cart’ button. You should also consider your budget and how much you can justify spending, or even how much you want to spend. Finally, think about the space you plan on giving to your grill.

Gas or Charcoal

When you’re looking for a charcoal grill when online or in store, you’re likely to be presented both with gas and charcoal grills.

Charcoal grills are slightly easier to operate, and are a bit simpler in the way they are constructed as they give you a container in order to burn the coals, and then there’s a rack above that’s designed for the cooking process. Because of this they are also more affordable because they’re easier to operate. There’s a pretty high price for gas grills if you get a high quality one that’s durable. They will need things like burners, tanks, hoses, valves and ignition systems. They can also be more stressful when it comes to worries about propane tanks, leaks and parts you need to replace.

Of course gas grills are a bit more convenient, whereas charcoal grills are going to need a bit more engagement and time to get set up. While it may seem more straightforward to opt for a gas grill because you set the temperature yourself, it’s very rewarding to get a charcoal BBQ.

The types of grill you can opt for are: ceramic grills, barrel grills, and classic kettle grills. These allow you to barbecue, smoke or grill, but they all have their own unique features, as we will cover below.

Kettle Charcoal Grills

These types of grills tend to be a little bit smaller in size. They are usually anywhere from 18 to 22 inches in diameter as standard, and the 22 inch diameter can give you 363 square inches of cooking space. This amount of cooking space will let you grill anywhere from 12 to 15 burgers at once. Some of them are slightly larger, like 26 inches and some even more than 36 inches, but for the most part a 22 inch model should be sufficient for most families.

Barrel Charcoal Grill

Barrel grills usually are a little bigger than kettle grills, having an average length of roughly 36 inches and 435 square inches of cooking space. They’re made both for smoking and grilling. These kinds of grills tend to have a chimney and air vents, and they allow you to cook more food. The downsides of this is that you will need to have more space for it, and it’s also going to cost you more when you’re buying.

Ceramic Charcoal Grills

These grills are quite expensive and are usually not the kinds of grills to invest in if you’re camping, a newbie or a tailgate griller. They tend to give fantastic heat control for smoking and barbecuing. They come in a range of different sizes, and the largest can even weigh over 200 pounds!

Things to Consider When Buying A Charcoal Grill

Temperature

It’s helpful to be able to control the temperature because it will determine how well you cook the food. Charcoal grills differ a little from your normal household over that has temperature control as charcoal grills usually don’t have any. They tend to have a number of characteristics that help to influence the cooking temperature. These things include dampers or air vents, thermometers or temperature gauges, lids, adjustable grate distances above the charcoal, coal beds that can be moved, and experience at the grill.

Grills will usually use at least two dampers, one that will be used for intake and the other for exhaust. It’s possible to control the temperature with the chill you use for input, as this will allow the oxygen to enter and feed the fire. If you want to lower the temperature you can also choke the fire using the vent.

If the grill has a lid it should fit onto the grill to keep the temperature.

You can get a decent digital thermometer on the market easily these days. You should avoid a dial thermometer as they are a little archaic. A thermometer or temperature gauge is definitely a good investment.

One of the best ways to control the temperature of your grill while you’re cooking is through adjustability and grate distances. If you drop or raise the coal bed then the temperature is going to lower, and so on. This will help you to be able to cook slowly at the start, and you can sear the meats right at the end. Some of these grills will also have cranks that will let you raise or lower the charcoal bed.

Two Zones

You need to consider whether the grill will give you enough room in order to load the charcoal on one side, as it will allow you to have a direct heat area and also a lower heat area where you are able to cook with indirect heat.

Charcoal Access

It’s important to have the ability to add charcoal in while you are grilling, or ones that are even able to allow you to move the charcoal in the grill while you’re cooking. Some of them come with doors or folding grates that will give you the access you need.

Ashes and Removing Them

A decent ash removal system can make your life so much simpler! Some of them will come with drawers or removable receptacles that will make it easier to remove the ash. It’s important to remove the ashes as they can insulate and absorb the heat which can reduce the performance of the grill. It’s helpful to have a way to clean up faster.

Grill Grates

The positioning of the food when you’re grilling can make a big difference. Some grates are made out of cast iron but these tend to need a little bit more maintenance. It can be a good choice to go for steel plated or chrome plated wire grills as they don’t tend to block the heat and you will get better airflow with them.

Thickness

You should try to ensure that the grill you’re thinking of getting is very durable. Some good alternatives are stainless steel, ceramics or 16 to 18 gauge steel. The thicker the material that your grill uses is the better your grill is going to react to the heat. Flimsy grills are most definitely not a good choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of using a charcoal grill?

The main benefit of a charcoal grill is that they are usually much easier to transport than large gas grills that obviously need to account for the gas. They also provide lovely flavoring to the food you are cooking, which will not be the same with a gas flame.

Are there any problems with using charcoal grills?

When you’re using charcoal grills there is a slightly higher risk of fire so if you’re in an apartment or a condo you should first check the local fire codes or building codes.  You can also get very dirty from handling charcoal and it can be a bit tricky to light. As long as you keep water nearby you should be fine as far as sparks are concerned. You should also note any flare ups that can burn your food, and you may also need to consistently add charcoal in order to keep the heat up to where you need it to be. A lot of charcoal grills also do not have rotisseries, and you will always need to get rid of the ashes once you’re finished using the grill.

Looking for the best contact grill to buy this year? We’ve done the hard work for you and curated the top 5 options available on the market. Read on.

Boy, have we got something to tickle your taste buds!  With the contact grills we’ll review for you shortly you can bring the benefits of a grill indoors, making delicious paninis, grilled cheese and thick burger patties, all seared and sizzling!  And all with no nasty smoke or bad weather to worry about.

We’ve handpicked our Top 5 contact grills that are out on the market today, all from top brands, and we have reviewed them for you, and following that we’ve got a good buying guide, which goes through all the things you might want to think about before you buy.  And to top that off we’ve also got a section where we answer some of your most frequently asked questions.

Best Contact Grill (Winner)

Hamilton Beach 3-in-1 Indoor Grill and Electric Griddle Combo and Bacon Cooker

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Best Contact Grills – Comparison Table

Image	Product	Our Rating	Buy
	Hamilton Beach 3-in-1 Indoor Grill and Electric Griddle Combo and Bacon Cooker		CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON
	Ninja Foodi 5-in-1 4-qt. Air Fryer, Roast, Bake, Dehydrate Indoor Electric Grill (AG301)		CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON
	Cuisinart GR-150P1 GR-150 Griddler Deluxe		CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON
	George Foreman 5-Serving Removable Plate Grill and Panini Press		CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON
	T-fal GC70 OptiGrill		CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

Best Contact Grills – Our Reviews

#1. Hamilton Beach 3-in-1 Indoor Grill and Electric Griddle Combo and Bacon Cooker (Our Overall Top Pick)

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Here’s one of Amazon’s best sellers, and it comes from that well established brand, Hamilton Beach.  The customer feedback has been just great on it, scoring an average customer rating of an impressive 4 and a half stars out of a possible 5, even after well over 300 ratings.

This contact grill does a lot more than just press your paninis – in addition to using it as a traditional grill, the lid opens up to a full 180 degrees, effectively doubling the cooking space, allowing the grill lid to be used as a griddle.

And it’s perfect for bacon lovers – you can make super crispy bacon without any messy splatters or turning, simply flip the kickstand out to elevate the grill for easy bacon cooking and better grease drainage.  Just imagine, grilled sausages, griddled eggs and crispy bacon, the perfect breakfast!

With it’s extra nonstick cooking space totalling 200 square inches, you could easily feed a family of six.  Or for smaller families you can have guests over.

This grill gives you restaurant quality food right at home, and you get all those features that can make your cooking so easy and convenient, indicator light, electronic temperature controls, and removable grids that are safe to go in the dishwasher.

And it’s at a really fair price too, much cheaper than some of the other contact grills in our Top 5!

Pros

• Affordability
• one of Amazon’s best sellers well established brand
• Great customer feedback
• Grill, griddle or cook perfect bacon
• 200 square inches of cooking surface
• easily feed a family of six
• Make restaurant quality food
• indicator light
• temperature controls
• removable grills are dishwasher safe

Cons

• No timer to turn device on/off

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#2. Ninja Foodi 5-in-1 4-qt. Air Fryer, Roast, Bake, Dehydrate Indoor Electric Grill (AG301)

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If money were no object this is hands down the machine to go for!

It’s a really good contact grill – but that’s not all it can do.  You can also use it to air fry, roast, bake, and dehydrate.  But we’ll concentrate this review on it’s grill functions.

You get a 10 by 10 inches grill grate, which is big enough to fit 4 8-ounce burgers, or 4 7-ounce chicken breasts.

The grill is super hot, 500 degrees to be exact, and it will give you those great char-grilled marks and flavors we all love.

You don’t have to flip your meats over mid cooking, and there are several different grill settings, namely low, medium, grill and max, all with their own benefits in different dishes.

Speaking of different settings, we just love the digital control panel – it makes it so easy to select your cooking function and adjust time and temperature, leaving you to grill with real confidence.

The grill gate is ceramic, so is non-stick and easy to clean.

It’s virtually smoke free, thanks to it’s splatter shield and cool-air zone.

And if that hasn’t convinced you, you should check out the customer ratings and feedback on the Amazon page – with around 2000 customer ratings (that number says a lot in itself) the average customer rating comes in at a whopping 4 and a half stars out of a possible 5.

Pros

• As well as grill you can air fry, roast, bake, and dehydrate
•  Large enough to feed the entire family
• grill is super hot, for those char-grilled marks and flavors
• You don’t have to flip your meats over mid cooking
• several different grill settings
• adjust the time
• Adjust the temperature
• grill gate is ceramic, so is non-stick
• It’s easy to clean
• Virtually smoke free
• One of Amazon’s best sellers
• Fantastic customer feedback

Cons

• Premium product at a premium price
• Although the manufacturer has done their best to reduce the smoke emitted, unfortunately it’s not completely smokeless, but you can solve this by using a vent or opening a window.

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#3. Cuisinart GR-150P1 GR-150 Griddler Deluxe

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This is an amazing contact grill from Cuisinart – and it seems many Amazon customers think so too, with well over 1000 customer ratings, and yet still coming out at an average customer rating of 4 and a half stars out of a possible 5.

What we really love about this grill is it’s versatility – it offers six different ways to cook, namely contact grill, panini press, half grill, full grill, half griddle, and top melt.  The possibilities are endless!

This is all made possible thanks to it’s different removable grill and griddle plates and how it’s large hinge and adjustable top cover, which allows it to be opened right up, so you can cook twice as much food in one go.  In fact there 240 whole square inches of cooking surface when fully open.  Big enough to feed a large family.

It packs plenty of power too, enabling you to sear your meats at a super hot 500 degrees.

Unlike some contact grills, with this beauty you can control the temperature.  But that’s not all.  You get independent heating controls on each half of the grill/griddle.  Perfect for combination cooking.

It’s so easy to clean up too – there’s an integrated drip tray, and that along with the removable plates and free scraper are all dishwasher safe.

We also love it’s Brushed stainless steel housing, so stylish and elegant.

Pros

• Amazon best seller
• Big hit with customers, great average rating
• six different ways to cook
• 240 square inches of cooking surface when fully open
• sear your meats at a super hot 500 degrees
• independent heating controls on each half of the grill/griddle
• Super easy to clean and dishwasher safe parts
• Looks great too

Cons

• Premium product at a premium price
• Some customers have complained about the grease drainage not being up to scratch, unfortunately this model doesn’t feature the grease removing slope you would find with other brands.

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#4. George Foreman 5-Serving Removable Plate Grill and Panini Press

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Our Top 5 contact grills would be somewhat amiss without a George Foreman!  And this model has been flying off the shelves at Amazon.  What’s even more impressive though is that after well over 2000 customer ratings, the average Amazon customer rating comes in at a staggering 4 and a half stars out of 5.

Out of all of the George Foreman grills out on the market this was hands down our favorite, simply because of the sheer size of it.  With it’s 72 square inches of grilling space, you can feed a family of 5 with ease, have all your food ready at the same time so you can all sit down to eat together.

It also features the George Foreman signature fat removing slope.  Up to a whopping 42% of grease and fat simply slides away from your food into the convenient grease drip tray at the bottom.  Meals are leaner and your bodies are healthier.

As for the grilling surface, it’s highly upgraded from George Foreman’s previous models.  The ceramic coating is 5 times more durable than the previous model’s non stick coating, and is also stain and fade resistant.  And to top that off it’s also free of PTFE and PFOA too!

But those aren’t the only benefits to the ceramic coating.  It also means that it’s completely dishwasher safe – simply remove the plates when done with and wash in your dishwasher as you would with your other dishes.

It’s preheating is super fast, and your food is cooked evenly.  We also love that it has a 1 inch hinge, so you can grill a really thick burger or gourmet panini no problem.

Pros

• One of Amazon’s best sellers
• 4.5 stars out of 5 customer rating
• Fantastic brand
• feed a family of 5 with ease
• fat removing slope to remove grease
• Durable non stick ceramic coating
• Plates are dishwasher safe
• preheating is super fast
• food is cooked evenly
• 1 inch hinge for larger food items

Cons

• No timer
• No temperature or power control

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#5. T-fal GC70 OptiGrill

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This contact grill from T-fal has been super popular with customers.  After well over 2500 customer ratings the average customer rating comes out at 4 and a half stars out of a possible 5 – how good is that.

It has a number of features that really make it stand out from it’s cheaper counterparts.

There’s how the grill adapts to the thickness of the food for one.

And we just love the 6 automatic programs that take all the guesswork out of your cooking – you simply select from, Poultry, Sandwich, Burger Red Meat Sausage, or Fish, and your food is cooked perfectly for the right length of time.

After a quick preheat, you can choose whether you want your meat rare, medium or well done.  There’s even a special mode for cooking food from frozen.

The grill plates are angled at 7 degrees, so excess fat simply drains down into its handy drip tray.

The grill plates are non-stick, removable and dishwasher safe.  Super easy to keep clean.

You can choose from a grill that will do you 4 servings at a time, or opt for double that.

Pros

• One of Amazon’s best sellers
• Great customer rating
• adapts to the thickness of the food
• 6 automatic cooking programs
• choose from rare, medium or well done
• excess fat simply drains away
• grill plates are dishwasher safe
• Feed the whole family

Cons

• Premium product at a premium price

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Contact Grills Buyer’s Guide

It’s worth noting at this point that contract grills can also go by other names, such as panini press, or they’re sometimes named after their inventor, like the infamous George Foreman.  But you can take it from us that a contact grill can do a heck of a lot more than toast your paninis!

There are a few things you might want to think about before you buy your grill, and we’ll cover them here for you now.

Size

The size of the grill determines how much you can grill at any one time.  Most contact grills will allow enough room to cook for 1 to 2 hungry people, but we say, the more cooking surface area the better.  You never know when you’re going to get an unexpected guest over for dinner.

Heat Distribution

No one wants a burger that’s hot and juicy on one end and cold on the other.  That’s why it’s important to have a contract grill that will heat your food evenly.

Non-Stick

A common problem with contact grills is that the food sometimes sticks to the surface.  But you can avoid this frustration by getting a contact grill that’s non-stick.

Easy to clean

It’s very important to keep cookware and cooking appliances clean, and anything that helps in this process is a big plus.  As a general rule, contact grills that are non stick do tend to be much easier to clean than their counterparts.

But a further bonus would be to have a contact grill with removable plates that you can take straight over to the sink, or even the dishwasher.  In fact several grills in our Top 5 have this feature, specifically our Number 1 grill, the Hamilton Beach 3-in-1 Indoor Grill, our Number 3 grill, the Cuisinart GR-150P1 GR-150 Griddler Deluxe, our Number 4 grill, the George Foreman 5-Serving Removable Plate Grill, and finally our Number 5 grill, the T-fal GC70 OptiGrill.

Grill Plate Material

There are 3 main grill plate materials that are used in contact grills these days.

Cast iron is the most common, thanks to their excellent heat retention.  But these can take a little longer to heat up.

Then you’ve got aluminum plates which heat up quickly and are good for searing.

Ceramic plates meanwhile are heated using infrared, and heat up lightning fast.  They’re incredibly easy to clean too.  But unfortunately they come at a higher cost.

Safety Features

We love our safety features, but especially an auto shut-off.  Once you’ve put your food onto the grill, it’s so easy to get sidetracked and drawn into something, and forget that you’ve got food on the go.  And a grill that just shuts itself off after it’s been left on for too long gets a big thumbs up from us.

Other Features

There’s a few other things that go into the perfect contact grill.  Adjustable power and temperature is a big plus, so you can tweak your grilling just how you like it.

If you want a grill that will let you control the heating power, we can recommend the following: our Number 2, the Ninja Foodi, our Number 3, the Cuisinart GR-150P1, and our Number 5, the T-fal GC70 OptiGrill.

A countdown timer is super handy too, as it saves you from having to dig around for your smartphone to time your cooking.

Indicator lights can be really handy, letting you know when the grill has finished preheating.

And finally a grease tray can also be a great addition.  Many contact grills will channel grease and fat away into a convenient little tray, leaving healthier morsels for your breakfast, dinner or lunch.

If you’re after a contact grill that has one of these drip trays, we can recommend our Number 4, the George Foreman 5-Serving Removable Plate Grill, or our Number 5 grill the T-fal GC70 OptiGrill.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you clean contact grills?

Contact grills are easy to clean.  In fact nearly all of the grills in our Top 5 contact grills feature grill (and sometimes griddle) plates that you can remove and simply place in your dishwasher with your other dishes.

Many contact grills also feature a handy removable drip tray.  Excess grease is drained into these trays which can then be removed and emptied, leaving very little residue to mop up on the grill plates themselves.

If your machine doesn’t feature removable grills, then you need to allow it to cool down before you clean it.  Then simply dip a soft sponge into soapy water and rub it over the grill grates to remove any small food particles or grease residue.  Then you can rinse, and either allow it to air dry, or wipe down with an absorbent cloth.

What are the differences between a charcoal grill and a gas grill? Which one is better? Read our charcoal grill vs. gas grill head-to-head showdown to know the capabilities and what to expect of each grill.

Are you looking to start grilling up meat for the entire family? Maybe you’re looking for a different way to cook some of your favorite entrees from time to time.

If so, then you’ll want to add a grill to your repertoire, that much is for sure! However, you still have one very important decision to make: charcoal or gas?

The two different types deliver two very different results to your food. They also have different pros and cons that come along with them.

Here is an in-depth guide that compares charcoal vs gas grill. Be sure to use it to find the right fit for your needs and preferences.

Benefits of a Charcoal Grill

Growing up, you were probably exposed more to the effects of a charcoal grill over a propane grill. Charcoal grills have stood the test of time, delivering flavorful meats for decades.

Be sure to read below for several benefits of a charcoal grill. If these are the advantages you’re looking for, then find a grill that feeds on charcoal for your backyard setup!

1. Smoky Flavor

Simply put: the smoky meat flavor is something to die for. Many grill enthusiasts refuse to eat meat without it.

If you’re after the delectable smoky flavor over all else, then you’ll want to invest in a charcoal grill. The higher heat of the charcoal produces more juice to drip from the meat as it’s cooked.

But when that juice falls on top of the piping-hot charcoal, it produces smoke that gets sent right back up into the meat you’ve placed on the grill.

2. Budget-Friendly

Some of you out there are only beginning on your path to becoming a BBQ enthusiast and if so, are looking for the cheapest way to buy-in. If that’s the case, then you might prefer to go the charcoal grill route first.

Charcoal grills come in all different shapes, sizes, and price points. That allows you to find a grill that meets your budget.

At the heart and soul of it, charcoal grilling merely requires a small grill and charcoal to be loaded inside of it. You can get a $25 charcoal grill to start and perfect your craft.

3. Higher Temperature

One of the biggest features of a gas grill is its ability to moderate the temperature that your meat is cooked at. That’s great, but some of you out there want a grill that can reach a higher temperature than 400° to 500° Fahrenheit.

You know… you want something that can peak at 600° or even 700° to give the meat that smoky flavor you’re searching for!

If that’s the case, then a charcoal grill is your answer. The grill will trap those insanely-hot charcoals in to cook your food at the highest temperature possible.

Benefits of a Gas Grill

Now then, it’s time to turn the page in order to learn about the benefits that a gas grill can bring you and your family. They offer a wide range of advantages to help with your cooking experience.

See below for more information on the perks of a gas grill. Use these to decide whether a propane grill is the best fit for your preferred grilling style.

1. Easier Clean Up

To keep your grill in prime grilling shape for the long haul, you’ll want to clean it up after every use (regardless of whether it’s gas or charcoal).

A gas grill is far easier to clean up, only requiring you to scrape away at the metal grate after you’ve cooked your food. It takes less time to perform and is easier to upkeep.

It’s perfect for those of you that have young children running around. The gas grill allows you to cook your food, turn it off, and clean it up quickly. Rather than brushing at the ash in a charcoal grill, you simply dump the ashtray in your gas grill.

2. Easy to Use

When it comes to using a charcoal grill, you might find that each experience can be a bit inconsistent. Sometimes the meat cooks differently depending on how well the fire has taken, how much charcoal is inside, etc.

With a gas grill, you can experience the luxury of a consistent grill experience every single time. It’s as easy as turning on the burners the same way, evenly laying down the meat, and the cooking experience won’t be thwarted by high winds.

Not only that, but you can find a rhythm for the different meat you grill. For example, grilling steaks will require the same timing, temperature, and turning every single time!

3. Accessories

Unless you purchase the most base-level gas grill possible, buying a gas grill means giving yourself more accessories to grill with.

You’ll find gas grills that have side burners, which are perfect for making things like a secret home-made BBQ sauce while you grill. It might also contain a smoke box that can give you a similar smoky flavor to a charcoal grill without the hassle.

If you want access to different amenities, then a gas grill is the way to go. If you’re only looking to grill and nothing more, then either a gas or charcoal grill will serve you well.

Charcoal vs Gas Grill: Which One Will You Choose?

Even though you’ve seen an in-depth guide on charcoal vs gas grill, the decision is ultimately yours to make!

Be sure to read this page on the best gas grills to keep your eyes on if you’ve decided that a gas grill is your preferred choice.

For more inquiries, please feel free to reach out via our contact us page and we’ll be happy to assist you further!

Do you know how to use a charcoal grill? Read on for the top tips and tricks that will make it easy for you to use this favorite pitmaster equipment.

Grilling is a favorite for many people during not only the summer months but almost all year long if the weather permits. There’s something about firing up the grill and spending time outdoors cooking the entire family a delicious meal. When food is cooked on the grill, it’s filled with that amazing flavor we all know and love.

Grilling, though, is a skill. Not everyone knows how to grill, and not everyone can grill. It’s also important to take note that there are several different types of grills, and each has its own way of grilling.

How to Use a Charcoal Grill

Knowing how to use a charcoal grill is its own craft. Once you get the hang of it, you’ll be cooking up some pretty amazing meals! To become the next charcoal grill master, continue reading below.

Here are all the charcoal grilling tips and tricks you need to know to do just that!

Making Preparations

Before you start grilling, there are several things you need to do to prepare it. You should never begin grilling without preparing the grill first because the preparation process is what’ll ensure your food comes out great!

You should start by removing any ash that’s left in the grill from the last grilling session. Leaving ash in the grill can cause the food to taste different and cook differently because it’ll prevent the grill temperature from remaining consistent.

You’ll then need to clean the grates on the grill. Use a wire bristled grill brush to clean them. This will create the perfect grilling environment.

Starting the Grill

You can now begin to start up the grill. You’ll need to decide between briquettes and lump charcoal. Once you have your charcoal ready, open the vents on the grill. In order for the fire to burn well, it’ll need oxygen.

Light the charcoal and adjust the temperatures using the vents. The more you open the vents, the hotter the grill will get. To light the charcoal, you can try a few different methods.

Place charcoal in a pyramid shape and use lighter fluid to light the coals. You can also use an electric starter and place it in the middle of the pyramid. You’ll need to plug the electric starter into an outlet, which may require an extension cord.

Allow it to heat the coals until ash begins to form on them. You can then remove the starter.

A chimney starter is another method. Place crumbled newspapers into the bottom of it under the wire rack. You’ll then fill the chimney with the charcoal of your choice and light the newspapers.

Let the newspapers burn until the coals are covered in ash. While wearing your gloves, remove the top grate of the grill and pour the coals into it. You’ll then want to replace the grates and cover them with oil.

No matter which method you choose, allow your oil-covered grates to become hot before placing food on them. This will prevent the food from sticking.

Cooking on High Heat

When cooking on high heat, you allow steaks and vegetables like corn or onions to cook on the outside while remaining juicy on the inside. When using high heat, you can create an area of direct heat and an area of indirect heat on the grill.

Direct heat is when you cook directly over the flames, while indirect heat is when you cook the food off to the side of the flames. Direct heat is best when cooking smaller pieces of meat that you want to cook quickly. Indirect heat works best for cooking large pieces of meat that you want to cook for several hours, like ribs or brisket.

Cooking on Medium Heat

The best foods to cook on medium heat are food that you’ll need to cook all the way through. One example is chicken. Meats that need to be cooked on medium heat can also be marinated overnight for extra flavor.

Trying to cook marinated food on high heat will only lead to the flavoring being cooked off. It’ll take longer to cook this way, but medium heat will ensure that food is cooked thoroughly without burning the outside.

When your food is done cooking, no matter what heat you use, be sure to allow it to cool off the grill and soak up all the flavor for a few moments before serving. Be sure to have a smoker thermometer nearby as well to help you determine when the grill and when the meat is at the right temperature.

Beginning the Cleaning Process

When you’re done using your charcoal grill, you need to clean it. Cleaning the grill after each use makes it easier for yourself when you’re ready to use the grill again. You’ll need to clean the grill immediately after you’re done cooking.

Use a wire grill brush to clean the grates while it’s still hot. This will make it easier for you to clean, because the heat will help remove the leftover food pieces.

You should also give your grill a good deep cleaning once every grilling season or twice every grilling season if you use your grill often.

Now You Know How to Use a Charcoal Grill!

If you love grilling or love eating food off the grill, then you need to know how to use a charcoal grill. Charcoal grills are the best way to get that scrumptious smokey flavor. Once you master the charcoal grill, you’ll find yourself outdoors using the grill more often than you use your oven or stove!

To discover some of the best charcoal grill options for your needs, be sure to browse these options today.

Do you know how to clean a gas grill? Read on for the step by step guide that will ensure your equipment is always clean and in tip top condition for your next cooking session.

Summertime has finally arrived! That means it’s time to get off the couch and enjoy being outside!

When it comes to spending time with family and friends on the patio or in the backyard, there’s really nothing better than firing up the gas grill. After all, the smell of burgers and steaks sizzling is what makes life worth living.

But once everyone has eaten, it’s time to clean up. This article takes a look at how to clean a gas grill so that it will stay clean and functional for as long as possible.

How to Clean a Gas Grill

Keep reading to get the inside scoop on making your grill shine like the day you bought it.

Gather the Cleaning Supplies

First of all, you’re going to need to gather a few cleaning supplies before getting started.

This will include gloves, a grill brush, cleaning rags, paper towels, and a putty knife or a bristle brush. You’ll also need some soap and water.

Many people make the mistake of either not cleaning their grill at all or simply wiping it down with a damp rag. But this won’t get it adequately clean or keep it sanitary enough for proper food preparation.

Just keep these items under the kitchen sink so you’ll be ready to go every time you use your grill.

Turn Off the Gas

It’s extremely important to make sure that the gas supply to your grill is shut off before cleaning. You can simply turn in off at the tank or detach your grill from the tank altogether.

This will help prevent possible leakage or exposure to fumes while you work. It’s also a good idea to wipe off any grease or meat drippings from the tank during the cleaning process.

Remove the Grates

Next, remove the grill grates from the grill. Place them on the ground or any level surface where you can clean them.

Make sure to place them on a surface that is safe to get wet because you’ll be scrubbing them, then using soap and water. You can even take them inside to clean them at the kitchen sink.

Clean the Grates

Cleaning the grill grates is a straightforward process. Start with the grill brush, and clean away as much of the material on the grates as possible. Because this is the part of the grill that actually touches the food, it’s important to clean the surface as thoroughly as possible.

Once you’ve scraped the grates clean, go ahead and complete this step in the process by rinsing the grates with soap and water, then set them aside to dry.

Clean the Burner Tubes

The burner tubs are located beneath the grates. These are the parts of the grill that feed gas to the cooking surface. The gas escapes from a series of tiny holes, ignite into flame, and then apply heat to your food.

 

When the burner tubes get dirty, they won’t allow proper gas flow. This reduces the heat inside your grill.

It’s crucial to keep your burner tubes clean. Each tube is typically held in place by a single screw. Once the screw is removed, the tube can be removed. Brush away any debris from the out surface, and then use something long and bristly to clean out the inside.

When each tube is clean, it can be put back in place.

Clean the Burner Covers

The burner tubs of metal covers that keep grease and other debris from falling directly on the tubes. These burner covers typically become very dirty willing cooking on the grill.

The burner covers generally fit neatly inside the grill without any form of attachment. Thus you won’t need to worry about removing screws in order to remove the covers.

Simply remove the burner covers, brush and wash as needed, and then place them back inside the grill over the burner tubes.

Clean the Grease Tray

It should come as no surprise that the grease collection tray can fill up rather quickly. If left unattended, it will eventually overflow and you’ll soon discover an unpleasant greasy mess at the bottom of your grill.

gas grill tray

Remove the collection tray and clean it with soap and water. If your grease collection tray is disposable, toss it in the trash and replace it with a new one.

Clean the Bottom and the Lid

Once you’ve successfully washed all the individual parts of the grill, it’s time to thoroughly clean the bottom and the lid.

The lid should be unaffected by the mess of cooking, so it can simply be wiped off with a wet rag.

The bottom of the grill shouldn’t be too much of a mess either, so a wet rag my work. But it will usually require a bit of clean up, so be prepared to use a putty knife and some scrubbing to clean up any grease that might have dripped or splattered.

Put the Grill Back Together

Now that everything is clean, it’s time to make sure each part is in its proper place. Check the burner tubes, the burner covers, and grill grates to ensure that nothing is missing.

Once you’ve verified that the grill is properly reassembled, you can close the lid, reattach the tank, and put on the protective cover to shield it from the weather.

A Complete Guide to How to Clean a Gas Grill

Summer is the time for cookouts with family and friends. Fortunately, this guide to how to clean a gas grill will help keep your grill looking good as new for years to come.

Please feel free to contact us with questions about any of our products.