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How to Choose the Right Charcoal Grill or BBQ Smoker

How to Choose the Right Charcoal Grill or BBQ Smoker

At Ultimate Gardens, we offer a range of GrillSymbol charcoal grills and BBQ smokers to cater to different outdoor cooking styles. Whether you're new to barbecuing or a seasoned pro, here's how to choose the best model for your needs, with a breakdown of the key features and cooking benefits of each.

Understanding BBQ Grilling vs. Smoking

Barbecuing typically involves cooking at higher temperatures over direct heat, perfect for grilling burgers, steaks, and vegetables. Smoking uses indirect heat and low temperatures for a longer time, delivering that deep, smoky flavor ideal for meats like ribs or brisket.

BBQ Smokers

1. GrillSymbol BBQ Smoker Smoky Beast XL

Designed for those who love traditional smoking with professional results.

Features:

  • Two-stack system for even airflow and optimal smoke retention.
  • Corten steel construction, highly resistant to rust and weather.
  • Capable of cooking at low and slow temperatures, delivering rich smoky flavours.
  • Can hold up to 70 kg of meat at a time, making it ideal for large gatherings or professional use.
  • Includes a special charcoal tub that can be installed under the grates, transforming the smoker into a charcoal grill when needed.

Pros:

  • Huge capacity, perfect for large events or professional catering—can smoke enough meat to serve big crowds.
  • Versatile cooking options: can be used for both BBQ roasting and grilling, offering flexibility in outdoor cooking.
  • The Corten steel construction ensures long-term outdoor use, even in harsh weather conditions.
  • Delivers exceptional smoky flavours, with the ability to maintain consistent low temperatures over long periods for smoking.
  • Two-stack design provides excellent heat distribution, allowing for even cooking across the entire cooking area.

Cons

  • Requires significant space due to its size.
  • Higher price point, but reflects the premium quality and capacity.

Perfect for: BBQ purists and outdoor chefs who frequently entertain large groups.

2. GrillSymbol BBQ Smoker Smoky Beast

A slightly smaller version of the Smoky Beast XL, designed for regular home use.

Features:

  • Combines grilling and smoking for versatile outdoor cooking.
  • Corten steel construction ensures long-term durability.

Pros:

  • Great for home use with excellent versatility.
  • Smaller and more manageable than the XL version.

Cons:

  • Smaller capacity compared to the Smoky Beast XL.

Perfect for: Home cooks who want to explore smoking without needing a huge setup.

3. GrillSymbol BBQ Smoker Smoky Beast Silver

A stainless steel version of the Smoky Beast, combining style and performance.

Features:

  • Sleek stainless steel design, making it weather-resistant and visually appealing.
  • Perfect for both smoking and grilling.

Pros:

  • Stylish and durable with a polished finish.
  • Versatile for a variety of outdoor cooking styles.

Cons:

  • Smaller than the XL version but still highly functional.

Perfect for: Those who want a stylish, high-performing smoker for everyday use.


Charcoal Grills

4. GrillSymbol Outdoor Charcoal Grill Chef

An excellent grill for those who want a reliable, everyday charcoal BBQ.

Features:

  • Classic design with excellent temperature control.
  • Medium cooking surface, great for family-sized meals.
  • Corten and stainless steel are weatherproof materials

Pros:

  • Simple and straightforward to use, making it great for beginners.
  • Compact enough to fit in most outdoor spaces.
  • Versatile—suitable for grilling meat, veggies, and even pizzas with the right accessories.

Cons:

  • Limited cooking surface for large parties.

Perfect for: Small to mid-sized families looking for a quality charcoal grill.

5. GrillSymbol Outdoor Charcoal Grill Chef XL

The larger version of the Chef, perfect for bigger families or frequent hosts.

Features:

  • Extra-large cooking surface for grilling multiple items at once.
  • Advanced features such as wind protection, ensuring even cooking in all weather.
  • Sturdy, long-lasting materials designed for heavy use.

Pros:

  • Large enough to cater for big BBQs or outdoor parties.
  • Precision temperature control allows for grilling perfection.
  • Versatile enough for roasting larger cuts of meat.

Cons:

  • Larger size requires more storage space.

Perfect for: Enthusiastic grillers and larger families.

6. GrillSymbol Outdoor Charcoal Grill Naked Chef XS

A compact and portable grill for smaller spaces or on-the-go barbecuing.

Features:

  • Lightweight and easy to transport for camping trips or picnics.
  • Simple design focusing on grilling essentials.
  • Quick heat-up time for impromptu BBQs.

Pros:

  • Small and portable, perfect for balconies or trips.
  • Affordable and easy to maintain.

Cons:

  • Smaller cooking area means limited food capacity.

Perfect for: City dwellers or outdoor adventurers who want a quick and easy grilling solution.

7. GrillSymbol Outdoor Charcoal Grill Naked Chef XXL

For those who love the Naked Chef series but need more grilling capacity.

Features:

  • Large cooking surface for bigger gatherings.
  • Minimalistic design that’s easy to use and maintain.
  • Sturdy construction that will last for years, even with frequent use.

Pros:

  • Perfect for large groups, with enough space for grilling various dishes at once.
  • Low maintenance with a focus on performance over aesthetics.

Cons:

  • Size may be too large for smaller outdoor spaces.

Perfect for: Those who often entertain and need a larger cooking surface without the bells and whistles.

8. GrillSymbol Charcoal Grill Naked Chef

A balanced mid-sized grill with the simplicity and quality of the Naked Chef line.

Features:

  • Medium-sized cooking surface for family BBQs.
  • Sturdy, weather-resistant build.

Pros:

  • Perfect for smaller groups or family meals.
  • Easy to move and store.

Cons:

  • Not as feature-heavy as the Chef series but still reliable for simple grilling.

Perfect for: BBQ enthusiasts who want a reliable, simple grill for everyday use.

9. GrillSymbol Charcoal Grill Naked Chef XL

A step up in size for those needing more grilling space without compromising simplicity.

Features:

  • Large cooking area for bigger meals or parties.
  • Built to last with high-quality materials.

Pros:

  • Great for grilling large quantities of food.
  • Straightforward, with no unnecessary extras.

Cons:

  • Larger size requires more storage space.

Perfect for: Larger families or frequent entertainers who need a reliable grill.

10. GrillSymbol Charcoal Grill Chef XXL Silver

A top-tier grill for professional or frequent home chefs.

Features:

  • Extra-large grilling surface for catering or large gatherings.
  • Advanced features like triple windshield protection for steady cooking.
  • Stainless steel finish, adding a modern, premium touch.

Pros:

  • Ideal for large-scale grilling.
  • Easy temperature control and superior heat retention.

Cons:

  • Premium price due to the size and features.

Perfect for: Professional chefs or serious BBQ enthusiasts looking for the best of the best.


What’s Important When Choosing a Grill or Smoker?

  • Size: Consider how much space you have in your outdoor area and how many people you'll be cooking for.
  • Cooking Style: If you enjoy low-and-slow cooking, a smoker like the Smoky Beast may be ideal. If you prefer quick grilling, a charcoal grill like the Chef series will suit you.
  • Materials: GrillSymbol products are built with high-quality materials like stainless steel and Corten steel, designed for long-lasting durability.
  • Budget: We offer a range of products to fit different budgets, from entry-level models like the Naked Chef XS to professional-level smokers like the Smoky Beast XL.
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