Posted on 05/09/2007 2:10:07 PM PDT by 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
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!
lol!!!
I remember putting two huge bluefish fillets on foil with eight pounds of charcoal in the drum grill. The charcoal died out before the fish cooked all the way.
Cast iron grills require special care, just like cast iron skillets and dutch ovens. If you don't mind the extra work, they're great. I prefer the porcelain coated cast iron grates. Just stick them in the dishwasher.
If you do mind the extra work you just put another clean grill on top and your meat never touches the cast iron grill.
I also use a small piece of fire starter (made from the same material as they use in the artificial fire logs) and it lights in about 15 minutes.
Indeed - but the cast-iron grill has a lifetime warranty, compared to the one-year warranty for the grills at the top of the page. With proper care, cast-iron can last for generations.
I bought a Sunbeam kettle grill several years ago - and then I was disappointed when I realized it was made in China. I still use when cooking for a larger group, but it is showing a lot of wear and tear.
You like that more than starter fluid?
Starter fluid soaks into the charcoal. I’m not sure it changes the taste or not but just on principle I don’t want a petroleum product involved in my food. I can;t remember ever using it in my life.
[cue Beach Boys music]
"I wish they all could be California grillllls..."
Do you know the history of the briquette?
Go with the Weber. They are indestructible and with a tiny amount of care (put car wax on the outside of the grill in the fall) they will last forever. Also Weber has several great cookbooks that take one from ‘here’s why to grill’ to ‘how to do it’ to ‘impress everyone in your apt. complex with your grilling prowess’.
I'm with hubby. Oh, I don't hate the taste of food grilled with gas. But charcoal cooked food tastes great. The thing with gas grills is that food tastes the same if you cooked it indoors using the kitchen stove.
As a good Texas redneck gal, I can say with no hesitation WEBER. I call upon Bacon Man to offer an opinion. He’s a grillin’ machine!
Then it won't rust, food won't stick, and the sear marks will be perfect.
L
I recommend a chinmey starter, like some others have mentioned.
I like the convenience of gas.....
It is past re seasoning, it is starting to crack and flake away. I know how to care for cast iron, I have a frying pan that we have had for almost 50 years and it is in great shape. I’m just not willing to do it to the grill. I’ll buy a new one.
I have a drum style smoker and a Weber and for regular old grilling like steaks and burgers, the Weber wins hands down. Plus the drum will rust like crazy without alot of extra care that the Weber won’t need. I’ve had my Weber for 10 years and the only part that has rusted is the grate, which is easily replaceable at Home Depot.
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