(Vanity) Need help in deciding between these two charcoal gills. Advice?

[yankeedame]

First: It pretty much just for hubby and I, thus these small grills.

Second: Hubby HATES the taste of food grill via gas, thus the charcoal grill.

Third: Neither of us know very much at all about grilling -- an understatement if there ever was one. (Though your's truly is a pretty darn good cook, if I do say so myself)

Finally:
a) We live in an empty-nester apt. and so be we'll be grilling from a patio.... into the clear sky.
b) Yes, it has to be portable, and have a work surface. (Want to drag back and forth as little as possible.)

So, I've narrowed it down to these two:

Char-Griller 2121 Super Pro Charcoal Grill

570-square-inch charcoal grill made of heavy-gauge steel 
Cast-iron grates provide fast, even heat, searing meat to lock in flavor 
Adjustable grate controls heat; easily add coals without removing grate 
Airtight flanged hood with heat gauge; easy-dump ash pan; 3 handy shelves 
Measures approximately 42 by 29 by 50 inches; 1-year limited warranty 

OR

Weber 847001 22-1/2-Inch Performer Charcoal Grill with Touch-N-Go Propane Ignition

Combines flavor of charcoal grilling with convenience of gas 
Robot-welded steel cart; rust-resistant, porcelain-enameled steel bowl and lid 
Propane gas ignition for easy start-up 
Includes stainless steel One-Touch cleaning system; removable ash catcher 
Measures 40 by 50-1/4 by 28-1/2 inches; 22-1/2 inch cooking surface 

So, there you have it gang! Any and all advice will be most welcome. Thanks again!

[Vision]

Go with the weber.

I bought one of those 55gal drum style grills for use at parties. They look cool but all that space means lots of area to heat...besides the wide space would take more than an entire small bag of charcoal.

[digger48]

for ribs and chicken, you can’t beat a plain old Weber Kettle with some Cowboy Charcoal.

Myself, I like steaks and burgers better off the gas.

[Joann37]

Here are some reviews from Amazon.com. I usually check out their reviews before I make certain purchases.

The Webser sounds like a good one.

http://www.amazon.com/Weber-847001-Performer-Charcoal-Touch-N-Go/dp/B000659KDW/ref=sr_1_1/103-7286089-0544669?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1178745162&sr=8-1

http://amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw/103-7286089-0544669?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=Char-Griller+2121+Super+Pro+Charcoal+Grill+&Go.x=9&Go.y=6

[lesser_satan]

I’m getting my parents the Weber Performer as a joint Mother’s Day/ Father’s Day/ gift. I don’t know anybody who’s owned one, but it looks like one hell of a grill.

[Joann37]

Weber not WebSer!

[FortWorthPatriot]

They make gills out of charcoal now?

[Arrowhead1952]

I’d go with the Char-Griller 2121 for what you are describing. Which ever one you buy, clean the ashes ever time you use it, as they will eat the metal.

I actually use an extra grate for the coals. Also, get an electric starter. It’s basically a cal rod type unit that plugs into 110V outlet. That will remove the lighter fluid taste completely.

[HAL9000]

They both look good, but here is another one to consider - the Lodge Cast-Iron Hibachi Grill - made in Tennessee USA -

This is my favorite grill when cooking for 2-to-4 people. Food seared and cooked on cast-iron over charcoal tastes great. Sometimes I wrap a few hickory pellets in a foil pouch for extra flavor.

A little charcoal goes a long way in this grill. I use natural lump charcoal in mine with a "chimney starter" - basically a big metal can that gets the fire started quickly. It works every time without starter fluid that affects the taste of the food.

Sold at Amazon.com - Reviews available here.

[Clint N. Suhks]

I’ve owned both in the regular Webber.

The Char-Griller is much better because it’s bigger and has iron grill grates. Because it’s bigger you can offset-grill much more easily. You can also buy the optional charcoal fence, stack all your charcoal on one end by the damper and smoke ribs on the top rack on the other end.

[Clint N. Suhks]

These aren’t nearly as big as a 55 gal drum grill.

[martin_fierro]

I likes mine.

[Clint N. Suhks]

Stolen! LOL!!!

[Vision]

Yea but look at all that airspace above the drum style and the small amount in the weber.

Whatever you do, don’t forget the “Doctor Tillitsuits” \dumb smile.

[CholeraJoe]

I owned a standard Weber charcoal grill for years. Loved it, but it finally rusted out and fell apart. Then I bought a stainless steel propane grill and never looked back. If you have to have a propane tank, go with pureblood propane, not a hybrid charcoal/propane.

[Deguello]

Those 55 gal drum grills are inexpensive 'cause the barrels are used. The used barrels are cheap 'cause the original owners didn't want to pay the HazMat Disposal Fee for each to get rid of them. The used barrels were considered HazMat 'cause of what was in them.

[Ditter]

I wondered if anyone besides me still used one of these cast iron grills. I love mine but I noticed the grill section is looking a little rusted. I leave it out on the porch all the time. I don’t put the meat directly on the cast iron grill because it is too hard to clean. I have another grill that I put on top and it gets kept in the house and washed each time it is used.

[alisasny]

NOW, thats a grille : )

[Clint N. Suhks]

I own one and they have Zero problems keeping heat.

The space above is needed for the upper rack. That’s where I cook chicken so it doesn't flare up.

I own both and never use that tiny Webber anymore. You want it?

[El Laton Caliente]

Similar to the first one but more flexible with the firebox. It does slow smoking better and you can still set it up as a large or small direct grill.

Makes great slow cooked injected brisket, pork loin, roasts, etc.

http://www.academy.com/index.php?page=content&target=products/outdoors/grills/smokers&start=0&selectedSKU=0263-02219-2850