10 Easy Pieces: Outdoor Charcoal Grills - Remodelista
The charcoal vs. gas grill debate will go on as long as there are backyards and patios. A kamado is a traditional Japanese wood- or charcoal-fired earthen vessel. Kamado-style cookers are made from a variety of materials, including high-fire ceramics, refractory materials, traditional terracotta, and a mix of Portland cement and crushed lava rock. On the high end of the pricing spectrum, the Kamado Joe ProJoe Stainless Steel Grill is made from commercial-grade stainless steel and heat-resistant ceramic; $7,499 from Shopper’s Choice. The Primo All-in-One Kamado Round Grill includes cradle shelves, an ash tool, and a lift for $875.99 from Amazon. The leader in this category is the Grillery. Pundits such as Tom Brokaw and the late R. W. Apple of the NY Times put this open-flame grill in a league of its own. California Fire Pit has several models that double as both a cooking surface and an open pit fire for warmth and ambience. Until recently only available on the West Coast, they are now available across the US. We like the modern lines of this sturdy, all-steel Piet Hein Eek Grill, a Dutch design that has two cooking levels and a shelf for storage. Weber has dominated the kettle grill category since the first was invented by George A. Stephen, Sr., one of the co-owners of the Weber Brothers Metal Works, a Chicago custom order sheet metal shop. As usual, the Scandis do us one better in the design department. Weber’s Ranch Charcoal Kettle Grill is the perfect size for small backyards and patios; $1,299 from Amazon. The Masterbuilt Kettle Grill has a porcelain-coated lid and cooking grate for $67.84 through Amazon. : This post is an update; the original story ran on May 5, 2009 as part of our Shaker Style issue.