For those of you who are considering a Weber Charcoal Grill as an addition to your family, there are some things you should ponder before you make a final decision. Charcoal grills are a fantastic way to barbecue and create delectable meals for family and friends. They’re definitely the best choice for old-school grillers, who harken back to a better time when charcoal was king and the world was not as crazy.  But we digress. 

Here are some of the things to know before you take the next step.

1. Where To Find Weber Charcoal Grills

The first place to look for Weber Charcoal Grills is the Weber website. There you’ll find all the info you need to know about the charcoal grills on their roster. There you can also get a good idea of the prices of their charcoal line.

Then of course the next places to go are all the big retail stores that sell grills. Home Depot, Lowes, Walmart, and many more. Shop around and find the best price and best selection for your tastes. 

Finally, don’t forget to just Google Weber Charcoal Grills and explore the information that pops up. You’ll be sure to find exactly what you’re looking for. 

2. Choices, Choices, Choices!

There are a multitude of choices when it comes to your next charcoal grill. Weber has a fantastic choice of grills to choose from, depending on your taste in style, size, and where you want to grill. The great news is that charcoal grills are generally much cheaper than other types of grills. If your budget has a say in your choice, then a Weber charcoal grill may be your best choice. 

3. Charcoal Briquettes vs. Lump Charcoal

Charcoal briquettes have been referred to as the OG of grill fuel. Nothing beats the old-fashioned flavor that briquettes bring to the table. But there is a new sheriff in town. Lump charcoal is making waves in the charcoal grill community, and for good reason. Lump charcoal is purer than the original. But also much more expensive. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of both types of charcoal. 

Charcoal Briquettes

Many grill enthusiasts insist that charcoal briquettes are the best thing ever for a barbecue. They believe the flavor from this oldie-but-goodie source of grilling fuel is unbeatable by any other source. Others will disagree with this assessment. Regardless, nothing brings back memories of barbecues past than the unmistakable smell of charcoal briquettes and meat on the grill.

Charcoal briquettes are made from leftover woods and sawdust and mixed with additives. Definitely not organic! 

Pros

• Cheaper
• Lasts longer than Lump Charcoal
• Easy to find
• Great flavor

Cons

• Needs lighter fluid to light
• Takes a long time to heat up
• The smell of lighter fluid
• Lots of ash

Lump Charcoal

Lump charcoal is the new kid on the block, and it is making quite the entrance. Many barbecue experts are singing the praises of this purer form of fuel. Since it is made from pure wood, it burns quicker than traditional briquettes, which may be a problem for a low and slow recipe. But there is no aftertaste or impurities in the flavor. We recommend you try both types of charcoal and see which one you prefer. 

Pros

• All-natural
• Easy to light
• Burns hotter and quicker

Cons

• Hard lump charcoal comes in uneven pieces which can cause difficulties
• Burns hotter and quicker
• More expensive

4. Charcoal Grills Are Affordable

The good news is that you can find a top-tier Weber Charcoal grill for under $500, and a few more if you want to go a little bit higher on the price. Hey, in this economy, affordability is important. And you can keep it affordable by sticking with the old-fashioned charcoal briquettes we know and love.

5. Indirect Heat

There are two ways to use indirect heat when grilling on a charcoal grill. The first way is with two-zone indirect heat. Cover the first half of the bottom grate with briquettes or lump charcoal and leave the other half empty. The empty side will be where you use indirect heat on whatever you’re grilling. 

Three-zone indirect heat is the other way to incorporate low and slow grilling into your repertoire. You’ll need a larger grilling area to pull this one off. Simply put the charcoal on both sides of the grate surface and leave the center of the space clear. This will make the center of the grill an indirect heating area. Easy peasy!

6. Temperature Control

Usually, people think that the number of briquettes or lump charcoal has the most to do with the temperature of a charcoal grill. This is not the case. Heat control has more to do with the dampers on your grill than how much fuel it uses. 

Most Weber charcoal grills come with two dampers. A top lid damper, and the dampers on the bottom bowl. Check out the handy list that Weber provides to charcoal grill owners for helpful instructions on how to control the temperature of your grill.

7. We Got Lots Of Recipes!

Need some fresh ideas for wowing your family, friends, and guests on barbecue weekends? Check out our recipe collection for barbecues and grills. You are sure to find a favorite recipe or two and learn to perfect it. While you’re there, check out many of our other articles related to grilling and BBQ topics. See you there! 

8. Accessories Galore!

Weber has got you covered when it comes to accessories specifically designed for your charcoal grill. Everything from grilling utensils to aprons and grill covers. You’ll be sure to find something you’ll love!

And be sure to check out our list of the 12 must have Weber grill accessories.

9. Healthy Choices

Grilling on a charcoal grill can produce healthy fare just as much as any other grill. Especially with the fancier lump charcoal that everyone is raving about. Grill some veggies and some fruits and watch your health-conscious friends swoon with appreciation. You’ll be the center of attention and their favorite source of healthy sustenance! 

10. Weber Is #1

Remember, you can’t go wrong with buying a Weber Grill. Top-notch craftsmanship and durable functionality are all wrapped up into an icon of backyard barbecues everywhere. Weber is always in contention for being the best grill out there. You can be the judge. Enjoy it and Bon Appetit with whatever you grill!