Classic American Grill, The Kettle Charcoal Grill
Charcoal Grills
The original Weber kettle grill was invented in 1951 by George Stephen. It has remained one of the best charcoal grill designs to date, and is often copied by other manufacturers.
Kettle grills all have these things in common. They have a lid, cooking, grid, charcoal grid, lower chamber, venting system and legs. Some models have ash catcher pans and wheels. The lower chamber is shaped like a kettle, hence the name
The shape of these grills distributes heat more evenly. Once the lid is in place, it prevents flare ups and alllows heat to flow around the food. This makes it perfect for smoking foods. Charcoal or flavored woods can be placed on either side of the lower chamber with a pan of water between. Food is cooked over the water pan. Thre are vents in the lower chamber as well as teh lid the control the temperature.
Kettle grills may also be small. There are tabletop models. The larger ones often have wheels to allow the user to move them easily from place to place. The smaller models are popular for camping and tailgating.
When I was growing up in the fities and sixties, every backyard had a kettle grill of some description. Summer weekends the air was filled with charcoal smoke and the delicious aroma of steaks, hamburgers, chicken or hot dogs being grilled. There is something about that smell that still transports me back to simpler times. So whether you’re new to grilling, or like me, want to remember the neighborhood barbeques old, try a kettle charcoal grill. It’s a little old fashioned, but the results are great.
