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Topic: Good but not too expensive charcoal grill  (Read 5773 times)

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Malibu_Two

  • Sea Lion
  • ****
  • Location: Pacifica
  • Date Registered: Jul 2005
  • Posts: 3106
I'm looking to revert back to the old technology of grilling by getting a charcoal grill. I can remember how good charcoal BBQd salmon tasted as a kid and propane despite all its conveniences just doesn't cut it as far as flavor goes.

So, can anyone recommend a nice charcoal grill. I know there are the classic round Webers, but maybe there's something a little more luxurious out there, too?

Thanks!
-Andrew
May the fish be mighty and the seas be meek...


123engineering

  • Sea Lion
  • ****
  • Location: Fort Bragg/Cleone
  • Date Registered: Sep 2017
  • Posts: 2095
You might also check out wood pellet grills.  I had used one for more than 10 years and love how convenient it is compared to charcoal.  Also, it cost less since we only use the amount needed for cooking.  I grill steaks, fish, chicken, smoked turkey, and beef jerky.  There are many different companies selling wood pellet grills these days due to the original pattern expiration. 

Paul
Paul C.

YouTube: Mendocino Kayak Fishing (Kayak Fishing Couple)
2018 Hobie Oasis Papaya
2022 Hobie Outback Papaya
2021 Stealth Fisha 500
CVN-72 Abraham Lincoln
2013 & 2019 Subaru Outback White


AlexB

  • Sea Lion
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  • Location: Oakland, CA
  • Date Registered: Mar 2011
  • Posts: 5226
If you’re looking to spend some $$$, check out the Kamodo Joe line of grills/smokers. Drool....

That said, if you don’t have $1,500+ to drop on a grill, you could look into one of the nicer Weber kettle grills. I really like cooking on my Weber “Premium”. It’s not fancy or “sexy” but it cooks really good food when you get the hang of it.

I also much prefer charcoal fired food over gas fired. In my opinion you just can’t beat the flavor of food cooked over hardwood lump.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk


AlexB

  • Sea Lion
  • ****
  • Location: Oakland, CA
  • Date Registered: Mar 2011
  • Posts: 5226
You might also check out wood pellet grills.  I had used one for more than 10 years and love how convenient it is compared to charcoal.  Also, it cost less since we only use the amount needed for cooking.  I grill steaks, fish, chicken, smoked turkey, and beef jerky.  There are many different companies selling wood pellet grills these days due to the original pattern expiration. 

Paul
I’ve been looking into getting a Traeger, but I’ve been turned off a bit by the lack of good direct heat for searing. My grilling style calls for good direct heat on one side of the grill for searing and indirect on the other side for slower cooking. You just can’t get that in a grill with a fan that acts more like a convection oven.

(Correct me if I’m mistaken, here... I don’t have personal experience with Traegers and the like.)


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk


Eddie

  • Sea Lion
  • ****
  • Location: Marin
  • Date Registered: Mar 2016
  • Posts: 9200
If you’re looking to spend some $$$, check out the Kamodo Joe line of grills/smokers. Drool....

That said, if you don’t have $1,500+ to drop on a grill, you could look into one of the nicer Weber kettle grills. I really like cooking on my Weber “Premium”. It’s not fancy or “sexy” but it cooks really good food when you get the hang of it.

I also much prefer charcoal fired food over gas fired. In my opinion you just can’t beat the flavor of food cooked over hardwood lump.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Speaking my language...these have been in my mom’s Filipino Maui style cooking since the beginning.  I am glad to have had experience and yumminess with them.... :smt006
« Last Edit: August 05, 2020, 08:27:39 AM by Eddie »
“I’m going fishing.”  They said, “we will go with you.” 
John 21:3

Stealth Pro Fisha 475
Jackson Kraken 15
Native Manta Ray 12.5
Werner Cyprus 220cm


Eddie

  • Sea Lion
  • ****
  • Location: Marin
  • Date Registered: Mar 2016
  • Posts: 9200
I'm looking to revert back to the old technology of grilling by getting a charcoal grill. I can remember how good charcoal BBQd salmon tasted as a kid and propane despite all its conveniences just doesn't cut it as far as flavor goes.

So, can anyone recommend a nice charcoal grill. I know there are the classic round Webers, but maybe there's something a little more luxurious out there, too?

Thanks!
-Andrew
Buddy!  I got an idea...just like they invented liquid smoke we could invent charcoal essence spray for that “just off the grill” flavor...comes in 3 great flavors and refills are expressed to your house if you join the club...made in USA with organic high quality charcoals...:smt005 :smt006
« Last Edit: August 05, 2020, 08:34:22 AM by Eddie »
“I’m going fishing.”  They said, “we will go with you.” 
John 21:3

Stealth Pro Fisha 475
Jackson Kraken 15
Native Manta Ray 12.5
Werner Cyprus 220cm


tehpenguins

  • Sea Lion
  • ****
  • Location: Santa Clara
  • Date Registered: Mar 2019
  • Posts: 1163
I'm looking to revert back to the old technology of grilling by getting a charcoal grill. I can remember how good charcoal BBQd salmon tasted as a kid and propane despite all its conveniences just doesn't cut it as far as flavor goes.

So, can anyone recommend a nice charcoal grill. I know there are the classic round Webers, but maybe there's something a little more luxurious out there, too?

Thanks!
-Andrew
Buddy!  I got an idea...just like they invented liquid smoke we could invent charcoal essence spray for that “just off the grill” flavor...comes in 3 great flavors and refills are expressed to your house if you join the club...made in USA with organic high quality charcoals...:smt005 :smt006

make it a PAM spray, spray it on the propane grill grates, and boom, charcoal flavor.
- Shane

2015 Papaya Hobie Revolution 13
2014 Hibiscus Revolution 13
2011 Blue F150 with Camper Shell


Eddie

  • Sea Lion
  • ****
  • Location: Marin
  • Date Registered: Mar 2016
  • Posts: 9200
I'm looking to revert back to the old technology of grilling by getting a charcoal grill. I can remember how good charcoal BBQd salmon tasted as a kid and propane despite all its conveniences just doesn't cut it as far as flavor goes.

So, can anyone recommend a nice charcoal grill. I know there are the classic round Webers, but maybe there's something a little more luxurious out there, too?

Thanks!
-Andrew
Buddy!  I got an idea...just like they invented liquid smoke we could invent charcoal essence spray for that “just off the grill” flavor...comes in 3 great flavors and refills are expressed to your house if you join the club...made in USA with organic high quality charcoals...:smt005 :smt006

make it a PAM spray, spray it on the propane grill grates, and boom, charcoal flavor.
Ooooo, you got me thinkin’...a charcoal marinade, “don’t let the color fool ya’, it might look dirty but it’s charco full of flavor”...wacky package style.  The spray is made with the finest purified ash... :smt005
Sorry Andrew for thread jack...that Costco drip has me goin’,  must fish to calm down... :smt006
« Last Edit: August 05, 2020, 09:05:54 AM by Eddie »
“I’m going fishing.”  They said, “we will go with you.” 
John 21:3

Stealth Pro Fisha 475
Jackson Kraken 15
Native Manta Ray 12.5
Werner Cyprus 220cm


tehpenguins

  • Sea Lion
  • ****
  • Location: Santa Clara
  • Date Registered: Mar 2019
  • Posts: 1163
Something nicer than a webber and you're looking at the 800-1500 dollar range.

at least from the brands I'm checking out.  I've got a FireMagic Charcoal Grill and I LOVE it, but it's pretty fancy.
- Shane

2015 Papaya Hobie Revolution 13
2014 Hibiscus Revolution 13
2011 Blue F150 with Camper Shell


tehpenguins

  • Sea Lion
  • ****
  • Location: Santa Clara
  • Date Registered: Mar 2019
  • Posts: 1163
I'm looking to revert back to the old technology of grilling by getting a charcoal grill. I can remember how good charcoal BBQd salmon tasted as a kid and propane despite all its conveniences just doesn't cut it as far as flavor goes.

So, can anyone recommend a nice charcoal grill. I know there are the classic round Webers, but maybe there's something a little more luxurious out there, too?

Thanks!
-Andrew
Buddy!  I got an idea...just like they invented liquid smoke we could invent charcoal essence spray for that “just off the grill” flavor...comes in 3 great flavors and refills are expressed to your house if you join the club...made in USA with organic high quality charcoals...:smt005 :smt006

make it a PAM spray, spray it on the propane grill grates, and boom, charcoal flavor.
Ooooo, you got me thinkin’...a charcoal marinade, “don’t let the color fool ya’, it might look dirty but it’s charco full of flavor”...wacky package style.  The spray is made with the finest purified ash... :smt005
Sorry Andrew for thread jack...that Costco drip has me goin’,  must fish to calm down... :smt006

I was going to say, I think we need to go catch some fish, we're being too 'creative'
- Shane

2015 Papaya Hobie Revolution 13
2014 Hibiscus Revolution 13
2011 Blue F150 with Camper Shell


Eddie

  • Sea Lion
  • ****
  • Location: Marin
  • Date Registered: Mar 2016
  • Posts: 9200
or put some wood of your choosing in foil and set it near one of the burners for smoke
Easy now...you’re not allowed to comment until you get a kayak or burn some surf spots...just kiddin’...hope you’re well and dreaming’ of the tug. :smt006
“I’m going fishing.”  They said, “we will go with you.” 
John 21:3

Stealth Pro Fisha 475
Jackson Kraken 15
Native Manta Ray 12.5
Werner Cyprus 220cm


Tall-Tails

  • Guest
If you’re looking to spend some $$$, check out the Kamodo Joe line of grills/smokers. Drool....

That said, if you don’t have $1,500+ to drop on a grill, you could look into one of the nicer Weber kettle grills. I really like cooking on my Weber “Premium”. It’s not fancy or “sexy” but it cooks really good food when you get the hang of it.

I also much prefer charcoal fired food over gas fired. In my opinion you just can’t beat the flavor of food cooked over hardwood lump.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Speaking my language...these have been in my mom’s Filipino Maui style cooking since the beginning.  I am glad to have had experience and yumminess with them.... :smt006

Eddie, that grill looks badass and like it’s served up a lot of good food. It also reminds me of a Green Egg. I have a friend that owns one and swears by it.

May be worth checking out if you aren’t already familiar. They’ve become fairly popular, so I wouldn’t be surprised ifyouve come across them before. They are a bit pricey too $800 or so for a large


Fiver

  • Enlightened Soul
  • Sea Lion
  • ****
  • Location: Pleasant Hill
  • Date Registered: Sep 2010
  • Posts: 1242
Just get a Weber.  It gets the job done better than 90% of the fancier, more expensive stuff out there.


Eddie

  • Sea Lion
  • ****
  • Location: Marin
  • Date Registered: Mar 2016
  • Posts: 9200
or put some wood of your choosing in foil and set it near one of the burners for smoke
Easy now...you’re not allowed to comment until you get a kayak or burn some surf spots...just kiddin’...hope you’re well and dreaming’ of the tug. :smt006

I’m doing just fine ...I’ll spot burn ...last week ..Dux ,45 FOW

LOL

PB so may not count
Heck yeah it counts!  Thank fo’ da yumtel!  See ya on da wattah... :smt006
“I’m going fishing.”  They said, “we will go with you.” 
John 21:3

Stealth Pro Fisha 475
Jackson Kraken 15
Native Manta Ray 12.5
Werner Cyprus 220cm


123engineering

  • Sea Lion
  • ****
  • Location: Fort Bragg/Cleone
  • Date Registered: Sep 2017
  • Posts: 2095
You might also check out wood pellet grills.  I had used one for more than 10 years and love how convenient it is compared to charcoal.  Also, it cost less since we only use the amount needed for cooking.  I grill steaks, fish, chicken, smoked turkey, and beef jerky.  There are many different companies selling wood pellet grills these days due to the original pattern expiration. 

Paul
I’ve been looking into getting a Traeger, but I’ve been turned off a bit by the lack of good direct heat for searing. My grilling style calls for good direct heat on one side of the grill for searing and indirect on the other side for slower cooking. You just can’t get that in a grill with a fan that acts more like a convection oven.

(Correct me if I’m mistaken, here... I don’t have personal experience with Traegers and the like.)

Some companies offer sear box attachment to prepare your stake delicious smoky taste with the satisfying seared finish. 
My latest wood pellet grill is from Camp Chef and been very happy with it:  www.campchef.com


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
« Last Edit: August 05, 2020, 08:06:19 PM by 123engineering »
Paul C.

YouTube: Mendocino Kayak Fishing (Kayak Fishing Couple)
2018 Hobie Oasis Papaya
2022 Hobie Outback Papaya
2021 Stealth Fisha 500
CVN-72 Abraham Lincoln
2013 & 2019 Subaru Outback White