If you're in the market for a new charcoal BBQ, there are a few key features you should consider before making your purchase.
One of the most important is the heat shield. This is a barrier that protects the outer walls of the BBQ from the high temperatures generated by the charcoal, preventing heat damage and keeping the grill stable during use.
Heat Shield: A heat shield is a must-have feature for any charcoal BBQ. It helps to protect the grill from the heat, so it can last longer and be used more efficiently. Look for a BBQ with a heat shield that is made from durable materials like stainless steel.
Another feature to look for is a hot tub. This is a reservoir built into the bottom of the BBQ that catches any excess ash and prevents it from getting into the cooking area. This not only keeps the grill cleaner, but also makes it easier to dispose of the ash when you're finished cooking.
Hot Tub: A hot tub is a great feature for charcoal BBQs. It allows you to add water to the grill, which helps to keep your food moist and flavorful. It also helps to keep the temperature of the grill steady, so your food cooks evenly.
When it comes to the charcoal itself, you have a few options. Lumpwood charcoal is a popular choice because it burns cleanly and produces little ash. It's also a good option for slow cooking, as it burns at a consistent temperature for a long period of time.
Lumpwood: Lumpwood charcoal is a popular choice for charcoal BBQs because it burns cleanly and evenly. It's made from hardwood that has been compressed into small, uniform pieces. It's a great option for grilling because it burns at a consistent temperature, making it easy to control the heat on your grill.
Slow Cooking: Slow cooking is a great way to cook with a charcoal BBQ. It allows you to cook your food at a low temperature over a long period of time. This is perfect for large cuts of meat, like brisket or pork shoulder, as well as for stews and casseroles.
If you're a fan of pizza, you might want to consider a BBQ that comes with a pizza stone. This is a flat piece of stone or ceramic that sits above the charcoal and absorbs the heat, creating a perfect cooking surface for pizzas and other flatbreads.
Pizza Stone: A pizza stone is a great addition to a charcoal BBQ. It helps to distribute heat evenly and allows you to cook pizzas, bread and other baked goods on the grill.
Another charcoal option is briquettes, these are compressed charcoal which burns for a longer time than lumpwood and with a more consistent heat.
Briquettes: Briquettes are a popular choice for charcoal BBQs because they burn evenly and for a long time. They're made from compressed charcoal and other ingredients, and are easy to light and control.
Finally, the cooking grate is an important feature to consider. This is the surface on which your food will be cooked, so you want to make sure it's made of durable, heat-resistant material like stainless steel. Look for a grate that's easy to clean and adjust, so you can control the distance between the food and the heat source.
All in all, a charcoal BBQ with a heat shield, hot tub, lumpwood, slow cooking, pizza stone, briquettes, and a durable cooking grate is a great option for the home griller looking for a high-quality, versatile grill.
Take a look at our Azuma Charcoal BBQs