Smaller than most of the other models we tested, and with fewer bells and whistles, the SNS Original Charcoal Grill is a solid performer that can hold its own in both grilling and weber portable gas grill smoking. Charcoal evangelists swear food cooked over coals tastes better. In the interest of avoiding controversy, let’s say different fuels have different characteristics.
Plus, you can get it in a few different color and size combinations, and several (pricier) models are WiFi-connected smart grills. The materials—rustproof aluminum legs, weber kettle bbq porcelain-coated steel for the body, and a nickel-plated steel grill—are designed to last. And we appreciated details like convenient tool hooks on the side handles.
This model from Weber is our favorite for size and usability. To use one, load up the space on the bottom with a piece of newspaper or two, pile coals in from the top, then light the newspaper. The fire and heat from the newspaper ignites the bottom coals, then the fire builds up. When the top coals are covered with gray ash, you’re ready to go. Although starting a charcoal grill requires a little more skill and labor than gas, it’s made easier with the right tools and a quick primer.
The merits of charcoal do lie in its smoky flavor and nostalgia-inducing scent. These systems are especially useful if you’d like to limit the headaches of low and slow barbecue babysitting. Of course, the fundamentals of fuel, air and fire still apply. Even with fancy hardware, if you add too much lit fuel at once, your pit temperature will run away from you. A water pan helps smooth out temperature swings while apple smoke wood adds extra flavor. Once the snake catches fire, the grill should heat up and then stabilize at approximately 225 F in 20 to 30 minutes.
When he’s firing up his charcoal, Karl likes to shove all of it to one side of the kettle. You can spread the briquettes out across the bottom once they’ve transformed into hot coals. You can’t go wrong with the standard Kingsford briquettes. Creating a three-zone fire on my gas grill is incredibly easy. A few twists of the knobs, and I can have a high-heat zone, medium-heat zone, and low-heat zone at the ready.
Outstanding Customer Service- Weber is well known in the BBQ industry for having excellent customer service. They go the extra mile to ensure that every purchaser of a Weber charcoal grill finds a solution to any problem they encounter, and always feels satisfied with their grill. Built to Last- Charcoal Weber Grills feature a tried and true design and solid engineering. Weber believes in the quality and craftsmanship of their grills, and offer the warranty to back it up. If you want a charcoal grill to last decades, then this is the brand for you.
Weber’s Original 22-inch grill has name recognition going for it, and it certainly delivers on the marketing lore. Our testers praised it for its versatility in both grilling and smoking, thanks to a highly adjustable damper and rotational lid. We found it had just enough “upgrade” features without being flashy, like hinged grates that allowed for additional fuel while grilling.
Instead of placing the hot coals in a pile I spread them out sparsely so I have low even heat under the cooking area. With the ultimate grilling machine, mastering the art of grilling for special occasions and creating delicious, everyday meals is as simple as lighting a fire on your charcoal grill. Ace Hardware has everything you need to become a grilling pro. While Weber pellet grills and Weber gas grills have a variety of advantages, if you appreciate a classic, flame-broiled flavor, a Weber charcoal grill is simply the way to go. Control the heat, enjoy the crackle of the fire and focus on the entire cooking process as you create foods with delicious, mouthwatering flavors.