So I'd like a grill as a sister to my smoker. Style/brand thoughts please?

[Tallbald]

I won't use my OK Joe Highland as a grill because I consider it a dedicated smoker. I have now a couple of the steel smoker grill type cookers bought at Kroger's. They have the slide out ash tray, coated iron grids that are not adjustable for height from the coals and a vent at each end. I cannot though, as said above, adjust the grid height from the coals to go from searing to lower heat. The Weber Kettle cookers may be what I need but I'm not sure. I wonder if there's a heavier made, affordably priced grill that would let me sear then move the meat aside to smoke to done. Below is what I now have. Maybe there's folks here who've modified this type grill to be what I hope for? Thanks. Don.

 

[fliptetlow]

I use 2 grills along with my smoker all the time, bought one of C-list for $225 and the other was a Sams CLub close out for $350. Really depends on what your budget is.

 

[phatbac]

I recommend going cheap and getting a good grill at the same time. Try the Weber kettle. i got mine and assembled for $90. I bought some charcoal baskets so i can do 2 zone cooking ( another $24) and replaced the grill grate after a year for $20. that's it. it can smoke, grill, do 2 zone cooking, and it cheap to use and nothing to maintain. I have looked at other accessories like a rotisserie for $85 for it or a pizza stone for $60ish but haven't need either yet. I recommend if you are going to buy a grill don't drain the bank and get the best on the market get a Weber!

Happy Smoking (and grilling),
phatbac

 

[gmc2003]

Check craigslist or yard sales. I picked up my Weber Kettle for 20 dollars at a yard sale. Best money I've spent.

Chris

 

[Tallbald]

Thank you folks. I will keep my eyes open! Don

 

[SmokinAl]

Yep, Weber kettle here too. They now have a Santa Maria attachment so you can raise & lower the grate.
Al

 

[daveomak]

Have you considered something in the infrared screaming hot grills line ??? somewhere around 8-900 deg. F. cooking surface... Then you have slow and fast cooking options....

 

[Tallbald]

Personal funds prevent the newer and fancier options here. I do wish for the ability to raise and lower the cooking grates to adjust from searing to slower cooking. I'm a tinkerer and have even considered taking the body of a tossed away gas grill (I see them yearly and randomly at the curb) and creating my own grill with adjustable level grates. To be able to sear chops, steaks and such at one end of a grill, then shift the food to the other end of the grill and close the lid for smoking to complete the cooking is attractive. With the Weber Kettle I could do this (I think) nicely. But many gas grills are aluminum bodied. I wonder if the aluminum body would handle charcoal heat without melting. Thoughts please? Don.