By BBQ Island

If you are planning to purchase a charcoal grill for the first time, it is important to consider certain factors before making a decision.

Location
The first important determinant is where you want to put your charcoal grill. If you want to make it a permanent part of your kitchen (indoor or outdoor), a built-in choice would be the right one for you. The location would also determine which material to go for. For outdoor kitchens, you need to pick one that can withstand extreme weather conditions.

Usage
A few important questions you need to ask yourself are: How many people are you grilling for? How often will you grill? The following list would give you an idea about the different charcoal grill sizes available on the market:
• Small: They are perfect for couples and small families, and a few guests now and then. They are around 26 inches wide and support direct heat only for grilling.
• Medium: Perfect for large families and guests. The cooking grates measure somewhere between 27 to 33 inches in width and support both direct and indirect heat cooking.
• Large: Large charcoal grills are suitable for family get-togethers. The cooking grates range up to 34 inches wide and support both direct and indirect heat cooking.

Charcoal Grill Class
The last thing to choose is the charcoal grill class. How fancy do you want your grill to be? If you want to simply grill and can overlook the fancy factor, then an economy charcoal grill might be right for you. They have small capacities and limited versatility. As they are made with low-quality material, they need to be replaced sooner.

Then you have premium charcoal grills, which are made from stainless steel or aluminum with a few extras like hidden rotisseries, adjustable height trays, push-button ignitions, charcoal chamber doors, and are usually meant for longevity outdoors. 

The last one would be a luxury charcoal grill. These are usually made from commercial grade stainless steel and have additional features such as electrical charcoal starters and digital controls. They generally come with lifetime warranties.

Advantages of a Charcoal Grill
• Versatile Cooking: With the option of cooking with both direct and indirect heat, you can add versatility to your cooking. Whether you want it baked, grilled, seared, or smoked, you get it all.
• Incredible Flavors: Enjoy aromatic flavor in your food without putting much effort into the cooking.
• Affordable: They are quite pocket friendly and give you value for your dollar. Almost all products come with a warranty.

Cons of a Charcoal Grill
• It can get a little messy if not handled properly and can require a lot of time in cleaning up. It is all about how you handle it.
• Longer cooking sessions mean more charcoal. No such issues with shorter cooking sessions though.
• Its heat up time is relatively longer than gas grills.

Visit bbqislandinc.com to learn more about charcoal grills, and other styles, too!