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Best Charcoal Grills Under $100

So you’ve just moved into your new Chicago condo and have a great patio, balcony or terrace just waiting to be used. As long as your building permits it, the summer tradition of barbecuing may be high on your list of things to do this summer. A lot of Chicago real estate, including some of the lofts listed here http://www.bestchicagocondos.com/lofts/index.html already have rooftop building space designated for grilling. Other units may have gas hook-ups already in place and waiting for you to install a gas grill. But some traditionalists and hard core barbeque fans will say that charcoal is the way to go.

With that in mind, along with the fact that many may be on a budget, shopping for a good and reasonably priced charcoal grill is a priority. You could easily spend a couple of hundred for a gourmet grill, but as long as the basic structural details are met and the materials used aren’t cheap, you can save your money for some great cuts of meat instead. For less than $100 you can buy a charcoal grill that you can use for more than one season on your condo balcony or back patio, provided to take care of it and don’t leave it uncovered in the weather.

There are a few basic styles of charcoal grill. Kettle grills are probably the most common and they actually do resemble a large kettle. Round in shape with normally three or four legs, they are the great for grilling almost any typical meal. The four legged ones often have wheels on two of the legs so that you can easily roll them to another spot. They also often have a small fold down wooden side rack that is handy for sitting plates of food or utensils.

There are also variations on the kettle grill often called portable grills. This style is smaller in size with a more round, flat shape, shorter legs and often no closeable lid or top. They are great for a quick burger or hot dog and are usually very inexpensive, although sometimes don’t last as long structurally.

There are rectangular shaped charcoal grills that look a lot like typical gas grills. These grills are often made from heavier metals, sometimes cast iron, and have more grilling surface and greater control over cooking temperature, etc.

With those basic styles in mind, here are a few specific charcoal grill examples with the average price that they are selling for in 2008.

The Weber One Touch Silver kettle grill is a really nice grill for both beginning grill chefs and experienced BBQ masters. The actually grill measures 22.5 inches and will hold about six steaks, a dozen hamburgers or two dozen hot dogs. As with all good kettle grills, the rounded shape reflects heat back inward fairly evenly for great cooking. This grill is made from steel and is porcelain covered to prevent rust and paint peeling. It has three legs with wheels, aluminum vents and ash tray plus nylon handles. The ashes sift into a tray that is easily pulled out and emptied. Prices on this grill run from about $65 to $100.

Another great Webber grill is the Go Anywhere Charcoal Grill. This smaller charcoal grill is constructed from steel and coated with porcelain and has three nylon handles. The grate is made from heavy duty plated steel and the legs pivot and lock to make carrying easy. You can fit a lot of food on the 160 square inches of grilling surface. The Go Anywhere is priced at about $45.

The Old Smokey Barbeque Grill comes in three sizes, but all are made with the same high standards. These grills have shorter legs so you can sit and grill if you get tired of standing and is deeper so that the charcoal fire isn’t as close to the meat. This allows meat to cook through without burning on the outside. The body of the Smokey grill is made from aluminized steel to help prevent rust.

The Small Smokey is great for someone to take on trips or for someone who is only grilling for two or three people. It is very inexpensive at about $35.

The Classic Smokey is a good size for cooking for four to six people. It measures about 27 inches tall with an 18 inch diameter. The Classic runs about $47 to $50.

And for a big appetite or crowd on your patio, the Jumbo Old Smokey can handle it. The Jumbo will cost you around $70.

There are dozens of other brands and models of charcoal grills, but these examples should give you an idea of what you need to get started on your grilling adventure. So slide open those balcony doors, step out onto the patio or porch and get all fired up.

About the Author

Paula Cherrist writes articles about Chicago real estate, home trends and housing related topics for
About Chicago Real Estate
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X-Grill – folding portable charcoal BBQ grill

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Weber’s Charcoal Grilling by Purviance, Jamie Edition ILL,REV, 0 $13.99 Anyone with half a taste bud knows the difference a good charcoal fire can make. There is no mistaking the effects of its woodsy aromas or the primordial satisfaction of grilling over crackling flames and glowing embers. Now Weber, the inventor of the first covered charcoal grill, presents the definitive book on this unique grilling style, which lately has been surging in popularity. Thoroughly researched and handsomely designed, Webers Charcoal Grilling cookbook holds the most captivating examples of charcoal grilling and authentic barbecue from around the globe. More than 100 triple-tested recipes take readers through the full range of a charcoal grills versatility, including seared steaks, roasted vegetables, smoked fish, barbecued ribs, wood-fired pizzas, and much more. The pages of Webers Charcoal Grilling cookbook dazzle with more than 150 color photographs, one for each recipe, plus many more for illustrating essential grilling techniques and barbecue secrets. Additional photos and stories document a culture woven together by unforgettable personalities, an amazing culinary history, and a passionate appreciation for cooking over a live fire.

Weber’s Way to Grill by Purviance, Jamie Edition ILL, 0 $26.49 Everything a griller wants to know in the most complete grilling technique book ever:Five keys to grilling great steakThe right way with baby back ribsWhat to do when flare-ups happenThe way to smoke a turkeyFive secrets for perfect fish every timeSimple ways to check for donenessGetting great results with your smokerThe way to handle foods that stickWorking burger magic every timeOver 1,000 step-by-step photosMore than 160 delicious new recipesDozens of rubs, sauces, marinades, and moreWhat is Weber's Way to Grill? Well, first of all, it is not just one way to grill. It is not about absolute right and wrong when it comes to issues like gas versus charcoal, direct versus indirect heat, or grilling with the lid on or off. Webers Way to Grill includes and embraces any way to grill so long as it works. And what works best is paying attention to culinary details. There is a big difference between winging it and paying attention.Thats the point of Weber's Way to Grill. That's why this book includes so many how-to photographs and explanatory captions and detailed recipes. The emphasis here is on paying close attention. Its about learning how and why certain ways work well, so that you can move beyond the limits of winging it. Great taste lies in the details. Just pay attention and enjoy a new level of grilling success.

Sand/charcoal ::GRILL MASTER:: Men’s Longsleeves $26.3 ::GRILL MASTER::Men’s Longsleeves, sand/charcoal.

Bayou Classic Cypress Grill Charcoal Starter $21.99 The Cypress Grill Charcoal Starter (500-511) is a much simpler way to light charcoal. Just put newspaper under the Cypress Grill Charcoal Starter and put charcoal in the top. Light the newspaper. After the charcoal is lit, pour lighted charcoal in the grill. The Cypress Grill Charcoal Starter is used as a way of lighting charcoal without using lighter fluid. to protect it from dirt and the elements. It is weather resistant and covers the entire grill.

Napoleon Mirage Charcoal Grill $1099 Cook your meals with additional flavor when you cook them with the Napoleon Mirage Charcoal Grill (M605RBCSS-1). This powerful charcoal grill can cook foods on a large 845 square inches of cooking surface, and the double-lined Lift Ease grill drawer keeps your food covered and the flavors sealed in. With an Accu-Probe temperature gauge connected to the grill door, you can read the inside temperature of the griller for optimal cooking temperatures, while the stainless steel construction of the grill ensures that it can stand up to the worst weather. Heavy-duty stainless steel side shelves ensure that your side dishes and cooking trays will be held with absolute strength, giving you an easier cooking experience. A bottom charcoal door allows you to fit in more charcoal to the fire, giving you a burst of flavor inside your dishes that just can’t be beat. The reversible Wave cooking grids give your meats that trademark Napoleon sear line, while the two (2) bottom stainless steel drawers give you access to a plentiful storage space to keep your utensils, ingredients, and much more. Perfect for the griller in your family, this charcoal grill will have everyone coming back for more. Large Cooking Area: With 845 square inches of cooking space, this grill allows you to cook meals for large groups at BBQs, picnics, and more Stainless Steel Construction: Tough, durable stainless steel construction allows your grill to stand up to the toughest of weather Temperature Gauge: The Accu-Probe temperature gauge allows you to see the interior temperature while the grill is running for optimal cooking

Weber’s Art of the Grill $30 This book is in New – Excellent condition

Bon Chef 50127G Single Grill Top Only, 18.5 x 16.5-in, Stainless Steel $55.12 Bon Chef 50127G Single Grill Top Only, 18.5 x 16.5-in, Stainless Steel

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Keg-a-Que Charcoal Toolbox Grill $79.69 The Keg-a-Que Charcoal Toolbox Grill (123000) cooks as good as it looks! Show off your grill skills at the next tailgate party with the Keg-a-Que Toolbox grill. Your friends will love the unique toolbox design, and you’ll love the mess-free design that won’t leak grease or ashes. The Toolbox grill can go right back in the car with no clean-up. The heavy duty 20-gauge steel construction will last for years and stay looking great. Great for camping, tailgating, or hunting, the Toolbox grill has a large grill surface for feeding several people at once. The built-in heat shield allows the grill to be used safely on wood or plastic picnic tables. The compact size is convenient for packing along on your next trip. This charcoal-burning grill will have you cooking great-tasting food outdoors on all your future excursions! Heavy construction: The Toolbox grill will last for many years with its heavy duty 20-gauge steel construction Mess-free: This grill won’t leak grease or ashes, so you won’t have to worry about putting it back in your car when you’re done Portable: The lightweight and compact design facilitates easy transport, so it won’t get left behind on your next outing

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COMPACT PORTABLE CHARCOAL BBQ GRILL IN COOLER TOTE $39.98 The compact portable charcoal BBQ grill in a carrying tote doubles as a cooler. The BBQ grill has a 10” grate providing a grilling surface of 78.5 sq. in. The cooler is water-resistant and holds up to six 12-oz. cans. It features: a round 10 diameter por

Cypress Ceramic Charcoal Grill with Cart and Side Shelves $799 The ancient art of Kamado grilling is now both accessible and affordable with the Cypress Ceramic Charcoal Grill (500-515) from Bayou Classic. The Kamado secret is in the shape and weight of thick ceramic. The rounded shape of heavy ceramic creates an intense pressure that seals in moisture as radiating heat circulates and penetrates the food. No other conventional grill captures this function to such a high degree. This grill also includes a cart for added portability, and side shelves for convenience. The handcrafted cypress leaf finish blends with any patio setting. Each grill is unique, with a distinctly different color pattern and texture that accentuates its character. It is suitable for year round use regardless of weather conditions, so you can grill, BBQ, smoke and bake whenever you need to. Each finish is distinctly different, and unique to you! Ceramic Grilling Technology: The Cypress Ceramic Grill retains heat and moisture better than conventional grills by controlling the heat, radiating and circulating it throughout the grill Multiple Cooking Options: The Cypress Ceramic Grill will consistently grill, BBQ, smoke and bake at the temperature you need Less Charcoal Usage: The insulating quality of ceramic cooks food with only a small consumption of charcoal

Fire Sense Hot Spot Notebook Charcoal Grill $62.49 The Fire Sense Hot Spot Notebook Charcoal Grill (60508) is the perfect portable and lightweight charcoal grill and an excellent companion for tailgaiting, camping, trips to the beach or any outdoor event. The clever, two-step setup design allows this unit to stand 14.18 inches high for use and then fold flat to one inch in seconds. Constructed of high heat and weather resistant painted steel, this sturdy 192 square inch grill comes complete with an attractive carrying case for easy transport. Features 4 mm cooking bars and 1 mm thick fire tray.

Fire Sense Hot Spot Terrace 800 Charcoal Grill $487.49 The Fire Sense Hot Spot Terrace 800 Charcoal Grill (60531) combines attractive form with expertly designed multiple function capabilities. The Fire Sense Hot Spot Terrace 800 Charcoal Grill is the ultimate charcoal grill and is built to last a lifetime. This contemporary unit combines a modern BBQ grill with a traditional fire pit. Constructed of pressed steel and the highest quality 304 grade stainless steel, this sturdy grill is fully adjustable for different cooking temperatures. The unique 250 Sq. In. grill swings away for easy fire building and cleaning.  Comes complete with two chopping boards. This grill also features an ash trap for easy cleanup, a BBQ tool rack, and the swing out grill design ensures that no flare ups happen.

Fire Sense Hot Spot Terrace 600 Charcoal Grill $299.99 The Fire Sense Hot Spot Terrace 600 Charcoal Grill (60446) combines attractive form with expertly designed multiple function capabilities. The Fire Sense Hot Spot Terrace 600 Charcoal Grill is the ultimate charcoal grill and is built to last a lifetime. This contemporary unit combines a modern BBQ grill with a traditional fire pit. Constructed of pressed steel and the highest quality 304 grade stainless steel, this sturdy grill is fully adjustable for different cooking temperatures. The unique grill swings away for easy fire building and cleaning.  Comes complete with chopping boards. This grill also features an ash trap for easy cleanup, a BBQ tool rack, and the swing out grill design ensures that no flare ups happen.

Weber’s on the Grill by Purviance, Jamie Edition ILL, 0 $19.99 Over 100 Fresh, Great-Tasting Recipes!WHAT'S INSIDE THE BOOK?Grilling fundamentals66 steak recipes, from kabobsto filet mignon14 recipes for sides27 quick, go-to marinades, rubs,and sauces for steakSteak and vegetable grilling guidesComprehensive indexBeautiful color photography throughoutA SAMPLE OF THE RECIPES…Argentinean-Style T-Bone Steakswith Salsa Criolla (featured on the cover,recipe on page 58)Steak and Eggs with GremolataBig Cowboy Steaks withWhiskey Barbecue SauceFlank Steak Satay with Peanut SauceFilet Mignon Crostini with Balsamic Onion JamPorterhouse Steaks with Béarnaise Sauce

Weber Eberhard $289 Weber Eberhard

Max Weber $209 Max Weber

Weber Hinged Grate For 18 1/2 Kettles $17.67 Kettle grill, plated steel, hinged cooking grate makes it easy-to-add briquets. Just lift and drop in additional charcoal. Replacement grill grate for 18.5 IN One-Touch Bar-B-Kettle grills.