Hey all, I need grill opinions. We've had propane grills for the past 16 years. Our last one has now self destructed as has our electric smoker. Im trying to decide between another affordable propane grill or a charcoal grill. Here is the front runner:

https://www.amazon.com/Char-Griller-16620-Kamado-Charcoal-Barbecue/dp/B00GJEPTJS?ie=UTF8&*Version*=1&*entries*=0

I like the one above because you can smoke and grill, but I'm concerned about temperature variables. We had an old school charcoal grill growing up, but I wasn't responsible for its upkeep. Thoughts and opinions? What do you all have? I'm trying to keep this purchase under $300. Thanks in advance.

That's a decent one. Several on here have that one.

Ive had many and all kinds of grills and smokers. IMO, a Kamado style (ceramic) grill is the most versatile, best cooking type grill you can get. Yes they are expensive, but you definitely get what your paying for with these grills. There are several different brands and price ranges out there, but from what I've seen and tasted, you won't find a nickels worth of difference in them. I have a Vision and have been very pleased with its performance.

I have both and use both but I could not live with out my gas grill it is a live saver when u want to grill on weekdays

For me, I get home from work, light the BGE, go inside and pat out burgers and grill is at 600 degrees in 20 minutes. I don't think I'll ever go back to gas.

If your not using charcoal, you might as well do it in the kitchen, your not really fooling anyone but yourself

Traeger.

Propane smoke tastes like propane. Charcoal smoke tastes good.

If you just want to grill and not slow cook, then a Weber Kettle is about impossible to beat.

You can't go wrong with Traeger or BGE. I have both. Traeger for controlled temp smoking like brisket & ribs. BGE with lump charcoal for high temp grilling.

Put a faster auger motor on that Traeger and lay some fire bricks in the bottom and you'll sell that BGE at a yard sale.

This only reason I have gas Weber grill is so my wife can quickly light and grill chicken, hamburgers and hot dogs. I do real bbq on Weber kettle w charcoal or wood.

X2 except Kamado Joe

I get a cheap 4 burner grill from Lowes/HD every other Memorial Day or so. Spend less than $150 during one of their sales and takes about the 2yrs before the burners rust out. Still get good consistent heat after 2yrs or so of use. I don't pay the extra for the ss burner or grates...just save the $ and replace.

You need to learn how to use your egg. I can control temp. smoke all day. I cooked butts and ribs Memorial Day and the egg stayed at 225 for 13 hours. I smoke turkeys at thanksgiving. Controlling temp on an egg is easy.

Yep.. BGE is the way to go. Cooking on it is pretty easy once you figure out the airflow to the charcoal..

Agree. I prefer the BGE. My wife wouldn't take the time to master the BGE so I bought her a Traeger. She loves it because the digital temp control takes the guesswork out of it. The Traeger gets more use when we are cooking lots of meat for church parties, etc. All that matters is Momma is happy...right?

My qualms with the BGE type grills is they look as though they will not hold much food. For those that have them. How many ribs are you able to cook at a given time.

I've never needed to cook more than 2 slabs on the large, but I bet you could do 4 with a rack.

Momma can load that Traeger up with butts, fill the hopper , put it on 250 , go to bed let them cook over night one hour per pound. Done! Last ones I did I put them on about 10 PM took them off next morning bout 6 . Never went out to check them, slept right through it, doesn't get any easier.

I sold my nice propane about two years ago and bought a $100 Weber charcoal. Best decision I've made in the last twenty years.