I'm interested in a decent-cooking small grill- it could be charcoal or gas. I might even wind up with one of each. Must be- ah- co$t efficient.
I don't want anything on a permanent stand, something more like a tabletop. Portability- say, take it somewhere for a picnic- is not that big with me. So for a small propane grill I'd prefer one of the "satchel/baby suitcase" types over the smaller, more portable "tool box/tackle box" style- unless you know of a great little tool-box type propane unit.
Charcoal: *Must* have a bottom vent *Below* the charcoal- not level with or above it, that defeats the whole purpose. I have a charcoal starter chimney, no fluid need apply. Top small charcoal contenders I've seen:
1. Weber Smokey Joe 14" kettle- time tested, about $30 if you're careful, & I have enough A-Zon credits to get one shipped for "free". Or could get one at WM/Home Depot/Lowes for ~$0.50 less total & save Azon mad money.
2. Old Smokey 14"- looks like 2 galvanized/aluminized buckets, could do beer-can chicken on one, but hard to find around here & direct order is > $40 total. Advantage Weber.
Propane gas: I know little about this, except that 30 yrs ago we had one(long gone now) with lava rocks that worked OK. For at least a while I would use whatever small grill I get with just the green 1-lb propane bottles. The two that look the nicest are also way too much $$:
1. Weber Q basic- nice, but ~$150 new.
2. Coleman Travel (LXE?)- also nice, ~$180 new.
These two Ain't Gonna Happen unless I find a good used one. I have seen some semi-small ones for under $50 that look OK. True, they're not heavy duty cast aluminum like the Q- but reviews say they work well & one would probably last me for 5-6 yrs at least. Wally World has one for $35 that looks pretty decent, & would store easily on a carport closet shelf.
No big BBQ parties, just want to grill a few burgers/pork chops/chicken/sausage now & then. I don't make a religion out of this. And if later on I just *Gotta* have a bigger one- full sized grills are in the want ads all the time. Smaller ones, not so much here. But I'm keeping an eye out, just in case!
Any suggestions appreciated.
Charcoal: *Must* have a bottom vent *Below* the charcoal- not level with or above it, that defeats the whole purpose. I have a charcoal starter chimney, no fluid need apply. Top small charcoal contenders I've seen:
1. Weber Smokey Joe 14" kettle- time tested, about $30 if you're careful, & I have enough A-Zon credits to get one shipped for "free". Or could get one at WM/Home Depot/Lowes for ~$0.50 less total & save Azon mad money.
2. Old Smokey 14"- looks like 2 galvanized/aluminized buckets, could do beer-can chicken on one, but hard to find around here & direct order is > $40 total. Advantage Weber.
Propane gas: I know little about this, except that 30 yrs ago we had one(long gone now) with lava rocks that worked OK. For at least a while I would use whatever small grill I get with just the green 1-lb propane bottles. The two that look the nicest are also way too much $$:
1. Weber Q basic- nice, but ~$150 new.
2. Coleman Travel (LXE?)- also nice, ~$180 new.
These two Ain't Gonna Happen unless I find a good used one. I have seen some semi-small ones for under $50 that look OK. True, they're not heavy duty cast aluminum like the Q- but reviews say they work well & one would probably last me for 5-6 yrs at least. Wally World has one for $35 that looks pretty decent, & would store easily on a carport closet shelf.
No big BBQ parties, just want to grill a few burgers/pork chops/chicken/sausage now & then. I don't make a religion out of this. And if later on I just *Gotta* have a bigger one- full sized grills are in the want ads all the time. Smaller ones, not so much here. But I'm keeping an eye out, just in case!
Any suggestions appreciated.
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