I dumped my gas grill a few years ago for my first charcoal grill...a 22" Weber Performer. I LOVE it. But I always wish I had a little more space, as most gas grills (including the one I owned) are bigger. Does anyone else feel the same way, or do you have any tricks that you use to maximize space for big cookouts?
I find that the 22 is a good size for my family of 4, but when a large group comes over, it fills up quickly. I know I can buy a second grill, but I'd like to find a way to stick with one, as I'd only use #2 a few times per year and I'd rather not store and maintain another grill. If the Performer came in a 26" model I would have bought that, but it didn't. I love the propane starter option, which is why I like the Performer. I also prefer one big side table over two smaller ones.
I bought a Hovergrill to get a second layer, but I don't like the legs on it. Whenever I fill the many grill with meat and then try to place the Hovergrill on top, the legs always get in the way of the meat on main grill and then I have to shuffle everything around. It would be nicer if it mounted on a single pivoting vertical rod or something so that you can spin it in and out of the way.
I think for my next cookout, my plan is going to be to smoke some stuff ahead of time so that it's ready when the guests arrive. Then, pull it off, crank open the air holes, and dump some fast cooking burgers and dogs on.
I think some of the space issue that I have may be from my hit or miss ability to keep the grill at the right temperature while mingling with guest. (I'm picking up a temperature controller to assist with this.) Then if I can keep the grill at a constant hot temperature, I can keep rolling food on and off the grill at a constant pace. That's probably the right way to use a smaller grill.
Anyway, the popular charcoal grills....Webers, Akorns, Big Green Eggs, for the most part seem to be this size....always 30-50% smaller than the gas grills I see in stores. Maybe it's a function of being able to stay hot without using too much charcoal.
Most people that have switched from gas to charcoal to upgrade their taste have probably also downgraded their grill space. What tricks do you guys have to maximize it?
Topic: Size Envy? Tricks for Maximizing Grill Space? (Read 4071 times)