Cooking potatoes on a charcoal grill is a great way to add a smoky and delicious flavor to this versatile vegetable. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to accomplish this:
- Choose the right type of potatoes: Select firm and waxy potatoes like red potatoes or Yukon gold, as they hold their shape better during grilling.
- Clean and prep the potatoes: Scrub the potatoes thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt. Pat them dry with a towel and then cut them into slices or cubes, depending on your preference. Leaving the skin on is an option but make sure to scrub it well.
- Parboil the potatoes: Fill a pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add the potato slices or cubes to the boiling water and cook them for about 5-7 minutes, until they are slightly tender but still firm. This will help speed up the grilling process.
- Prepare the charcoal grill: Preheat the charcoal grill to medium-high heat. Once the coals are hot and covered with a layer of ash, spread them evenly across the bottom of the grill.
- Season the potatoes: Toss the parboiled potatoes in a bowl with your choice of seasonings and spices. You can add salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, or any other desired herbs or spices. Drizzle olive oil over the potatoes and mix well to ensure even coating.
- Grill the potatoes: Place the seasoned potatoes directly on the grill grate or use a vegetable grilling basket. Arrange them in a single layer to ensure even cooking. Close the grill lid and cook for approximately 15-20 minutes, flipping the potatoes occasionally with a spatula. The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the potato slices or cubes. Look for a golden-brown color and a crisp texture.
- Test for doneness: Check the potatoes for doneness by inserting a sharp knife or fork into a few pieces. They should be tender and easily pierced but not mushy or falling apart.
- Serve and enjoy: Once the potatoes are cooked to your desired doneness, transfer them to a serving dish. You can garnish them with fresh herbs like parsley or chives if desired. Grilled potatoes make a delicious side dish alongside grilled meats, burgers, or fish.
Remember, grilling times may vary, so keep an eye on the potatoes as they cook to prevent burning. Enjoy the smoky flavor and delightful texture that grilling brings to this starchy vegetable.
Best Charcoal Grills of April 2024
1
Rating is 5 out of 5
Royal Gourmet CC1830SC Charcoal Grill Offset Smoker with Cover, 811 Square Inches, Black, Outdoor Camping
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811 Square Inches: Includes 443 sq. in. porcelain-enameled steel wire cooking grates, 184 sq. in. chrome-plated warming rack and 184 sq. in. offset smoker.
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Tasty Smoke Flavors: The offset smoker is firmly attached to grill to ensure good circulation of heat and smoke. Easy to open side door to add charcoal and remove ashes; air vent stokes fire instantly.
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Adjustable Pan: 2-level height-adjustable charcoal pan creates better heat control and holds up to 4.4 lbs. of coal.
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Temperature Monitor: Lid-mounted thermometer gauge helps check and monitor the cooking temperature and you can cook with great confidence.
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Grill Cover Included: Made of heavy-duty fabric, the cover protects your grill from elements and withstands the harshest weather.
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Ample Space: Front and side tables offer workspace for seasonings and grilling tools. The bottom shelf provides extra storage space and holds up to only 20 lb. accessories when they are evenly distributed.
2
Rating is 4.9 out of 5
Weber Original Kettle 22-Inch Charcoal Grill
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Stay true to the modern version of the kettle that started it all—the Original Kettle, invented by Weber’s founder, and loved around the world. Its ultra-durable, porcelain-enameled lid and bowl retain heat, while the damperseasily adjust for precise temperature control. With a One-Touch cleaning system for easy cleanup after a long day of grilling, the Original Kettle will always be the grill built for everyone
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Holds up to 13 burgers made with a Weber burger press
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One-Touch cleaning system provides hassle-free ash cleanup.Removable, aluminum ash catcher
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Porcelain-enameled lid and bowl Retain heat, and won’t rust or peel
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Use the lid hook to avoid placing the lid on the ground while grilling
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Dampers allow you to easily control the temperature inside your grill
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3D interactive assembly instructions for this product are available through the free BILT app.
3
Rating is 4.8 out of 5
Char-Griller E1515 Patio Pro Charcoal Grill, Black
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CHARCOAL GRILL - Barrel style BBQ Grill with heavy duty steel construction and powder coating finish, the perfect grilling solution for small decks, backyards, and patios
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LARGE COOKING AREA - 250 square inch total cooking area delivers exceptional taste and charcoal flavor
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BARBECUE GRILL FEATURES - Thick Cast Iron Cooking Grates, Bottom Storage Rack, Heavy-Duty Steel Construction, Side Air Vent, Stay Cool Wood Handle, Wheels for Easy Mobility, and Side Shelf Workstation with Barbecue Tool Storage Hooks
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EASY TO ASSEMBLE & CLEAN - Assembles easily and quickly cleans up after use with the Easy Dump Ash Pan
4
Rating is 4.7 out of 5
Royal Gourmet CC1830 30 Barrel Charcoal Grill with Side Table, 627 Square Inches, Outdoor Backyard, Patio and Parties, Black
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627 Smoking Space: 443 sq. in. porcelain-enameled steel wire cooking grates with 184 sq. in. chrome-plated steel wire warming rack offer enough space to cook.
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Heat Control: Close the side air vent completely that cuts off the oxygen flow to help extinguish coals and adjust the smoke stack for extra heat control.
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Adjustable Fire Grates: 2-level height-adjustable fire pan ensures more controlled cooking and holds up to 6 lbs. of coal.
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Temperature Monitor: Lid-mounted thermometer gauge helps check heat fluctuations for confident grilling.
5
Rating is 4.6 out of 5
Royal Gourmet CD1824M 24-Inch Charcoal Grill, BBQ Smoker with Handle and Folding Table, Perfect for Outdoor Patio, Garden and Backyard Grilling, Black, Medium
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Spacious Cooking Area: 384 sq. in. porcelain-enameled steel wire cooking grates and 106 sq. in. stainless steel warming rack provide a total of 490 sq. in. cooking space respectively, serving up to 10 people.
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Height-adjustable Charcoal Pan: The crank handle controls the distance between the charcoal pan and food for fine-tuning temperature and regulating heat. The charcoal pan holds charcoal up to 4.5 lb. for each use.
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Convenient Access Door: Front charcoal access door with heat-resistant spring handle provides more convenience for adding charcoal and controls heat loss to a minimum during cooking.
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Built-in Thermometer Gauge: The lid-mounted thermometer indicates the temperature changes precisely in real-time.
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Air Flow: Two adjustable air vents control air circulation to enhance sufficient burning of charcoal for efficient smoking.
6
Rating is 4.5 out of 5
Royal Gourmet Barrel Charcoal Grill with Front Storage Basket, Backyard BBQ Party and Outdoor Cooking Grill on Clearance Prime with Wheels, Black, CC1830T
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Additional Cooking Options: The charcoal grill can meet your versatile cooking demands by slow smoking or grilling ribs, veggies, lobster tails, or other preferred ingredients.
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Ample Cooking Area: To accommodate 23 hamburgers at once, there are 443 sq. in. porcelain-enameled steel wire cooking grates and a 184 sq. in. chrome-plated steel wire warming rack as a secondary heating area.
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Impressive Storage: Store seasonings in the front basket, hang some cooking utensils on the integrated hooks, place plates and other food on the side tables, and meanwhile put your charcoal on the bottom storage shelf.
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Adjustable Charcoal Pan: Easily control the distance between food and fire with the lifting handle to regulate cooking temperature, which also saves fuel in the meantime.
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Heat Control: Customize your desired temperature by twisting the air damper and smoke stack, thus getting the best cooking results.
7
Rating is 4.4 out of 5
Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill, 22-Inch, Black
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Holds up to 13 burgers made with a Weber burger press; Built-in lid thermometer. Rust-resistant aluminum dampers
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One-Touch cleaning system with high-capacity ash catcher provides hassle-free ash cleanup
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Porcelain-enameled lid and bowl retain heat, and won’t rust or peel
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Use the lid hook to avoid placing the lid on the ground while grilling
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Cooking grate is hinged for easily adding charcoal while grilling
8
Rating is 4.3 out of 5
Royal Gourmet CC1830S 30" BBQ Charcoal Grill and Offset Smoker | 811 Square Inch cooking surface, Outdoor for Camping | Black
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811 Square Inches: Includes 443 sq. in. porcelain-enameled steel wire cooking grates, 184 sq. in. chrome-plated warming rack and 184 sq. in. offset smoker.
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Tasty Smoke Flavors: The offset smoker is firmly attached to grill to ensure good circulation of heat and smoke. Easy to open side door to add charcoal and remove ashes; air vent stokes fire instantly.
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Adjustable Pan: 2-level height-adjustable charcoal pan creates better heat control and holds up to 4.4 lbs. of coal.
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Temperature Monitor: Lid-mounted thermometer gauge helps check and monitor the cooking temperature and you can cook with great confidence.
9
Rating is 4.2 out of 5
Dyna-Glo DGN576SNC-D X-Large Premium Dual Chamber Charcoal Grill
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Removable firebox divider for single or dual cooking zone
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Primary cooking area is 576 square inches
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Secondary cooking area is 240 square inches
10
Rating is 4.1 out of 5
Royal Gourmet CC1830W 30 Barrel Charcoal Grill with Side Table, 627 Square Inches, Outdoor Backyard, Patio and Parties, Black
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Spacious Cooking Area: Includes 443 sq. in. porcelain-enameled steel wire cooking grates, 184 sq. in. chrome-plated steel wire warming rack, and 184 sq. in. offset smoker.
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Offset Smoker: Use the side fire box to get tasty and authentic smoky flavors in the main chamber. Smoking, grilling, or searing all will be your choices.
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Adjustable Charcoal Pan: 2-level height-adjustable charcoal pan ensures better heat control and holds up to 4.4 lb. of coal.
Can I use a charcoal chimney starter to light the grill?
Yes, you can use a charcoal chimney starter to light the grill. A charcoal chimney starter is a metal cylinder with holes at the bottom and a handle on the side. It allows you to light the charcoal without the need for lighter fluid or other chemicals. Simply fill the chimney with charcoal, place crumpled newspaper underneath, and light the newspaper. The fire will quickly ignite the charcoal, and once the coals are glowing and covered in white ash, you can carefully pour them onto the grill for cooking.
Do I need to oil the potatoes before grilling?
It is not necessary to oil potatoes before grilling. However, lightly coating them in oil can help prevent sticking to the grill and add flavor. If you prefer crispier skin, brushing or tossing them in oil before grilling can be beneficial.
How should I season the potatoes before grilling?
There are several ways to season potatoes before grilling. Here are a few popular options:
- Classic Seasoning: Drizzle olive oil over the potatoes and sprinkle them with salt and pepper. This simple combination enhances the natural flavors of the potatoes.
- Garlic and Herb Seasoning: Mix minced garlic, chopped herbs (such as rosemary, thyme, or parsley), olive oil, salt, and pepper to create a flavorful marinade. Toss the potatoes in this mixture and let them sit for a while before grilling.
- Cajun Seasoning: If you prefer some heat and spice, try using a Cajun seasoning blend. Coat the potatoes in olive oil and generously sprinkle them with Cajun seasoning, which usually includes paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and herbs. Adjust the amount of seasoning based on your preference for spiciness.
- Parmesan Roasted Potatoes: Combine grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, dried herbs (such as basil and oregano), salt, and pepper. Toss the potatoes in olive oil and then coat them with the Parmesan mixture. The cheese creates a crispy and flavorful crust when grilled.
- Lemon and Dill: For a fresh and tangy flavor, squeeze the juice of a lemon over the potatoes and sprinkle them with chopped dill, salt, and pepper. The acidity of the lemon complements the potatoes nicely.
Remember to adjust the seasoning amounts based on personal preference, and feel free to experiment with different combinations to find your favorite flavor.
Can I cook the potatoes directly on the grates or do I need to use a grill pan?
While you can cook potatoes directly on the grates of a grill, using a grill pan is a better option. Cooking potatoes directly on the grates may cause them to fall through the gaps or result in uneven cooking. A grill pan provides a stable and flat surface for cooking the potatoes, allowing for better heat distribution and preventing them from falling into the grill. Additionally, a grill pan makes it easier to toss or flip the potatoes during cooking, ensuring they cook evenly on all sides.
