Ok, I know there’s some hardcore grill masters here so I’m looking for some recs.
I’m looking to buy an all purpose grill, initially was thinking I’d go with a pellet grill but currently I’m leaning on a nice gas grill with a green egg.
I’m definitely not a seasoned hardcore grill guy, but I’d like to buy a nice built in grill that will last me a decade of cooking steaks, chicken, burgers/dogs, shrimp, and veggies etc. For the purposes of this thread let’s leave out the slow and low stuff.
Current contenders;
DCS series 9
Lynx Sedona or potentially a professional series (I’m not sure how usable or potentially game-changing having adjustable infrared burners is)
Alfresco/Artisan
Looking for thoughts and personal experience on briquette shape/arrangement, ease of cleaning said briquettes, infrared burner for searing or potentially adjustable infrared zones, etc.
Feel free to educate me
If you want to grill, a gas grill will be the easiest. No waiting etc. You sacrifice a bit on the taste.
For smoking/charcoal, I bought and constantly use a Weber Kettle. I use it for grilling as well and it works very well. The main issue is prep time. It can take 20 to 30 minutes to get your charcoal ready to go but if you use a burner or some other device, you can cut that time down significantly.
The Weber 18” Original Kettle is a backyard classic with iconic design, porcelain-enameled finish, aluminum ash catcher, and One-Touch cleaning system.
www.weber.com
I bought this basic version right after fellowship and was stressed about spending so much.
5 years later, it's still going strong. Do the typical steaks, burgers, chicken to brisket, beef plate ribs ( brisket on a stick), smoked chuck roast, lamb legs etc.
I wouldn't recommend the above version though because Weber has better versions of it like these:
The Weber 22” Performer Deluxe grill has color options and includes electronic ignition, large work table, LCD cook timer, and charcoal storage bin.
www.weber.com
Weber does make a Kamado style grill that has good reviews. Will put you out ~$1000 though.
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If going the charcoal route, get a chimney starter as well if not using a burner or blow torch etc.
You can technically light a chimney starter with newspaper etc but I found that made a lot of ash/mess at times
I typically use lighter cubes (since they are cheap):
www.google.com
Or tumbleweeds:
www.google.com
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For charcoal, I typically use the Kingsford original if I'm smoking etc. I need a constant burn so it works well. Someone mentioned the snake method which works very well. I can get an 8 to 9 hour burn time at around 275 to 300 degrees with briquettes in the snake method.
Main downside of briquettes is they make more of a mess due to the binders etc.
Briquettes won't burn as hot as lump charcoal.
Lump charcoal works well also. I'll typically use it for direct grilling etc. You can still use it to smoke but that would be easier in a Kamado style device for temp control.
It burns hot and fast with minimal ash which helps with clean up.
Not all lump charcoal is equal. The stuff at the supermarket etc (Cowboy brand typically) isn't that great. I have heard people finding rocks and screws in the bag.
You'll have to pay more for quality.
I use Kamado Joe Big Block charcoal and it works well.
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As mentioned earlier, Costco is a good source for meat.
You can consistently find prime packer brisket there. Plus prime ribeye and tenderloin.
Depending on your location you can also get tri tip and some other steaks as well. They do sell beef ribs but not the beef plate ribs. You'll have to find a butcher or specialty shop for those.
