What to Look For

• 1). Evaluate the grill's composition. The materials that go into a grill directly affect the food that comes out of them. Thin-walled steel grills are cheaper, but produce inferior results. Look for grills that are thicker in construction. Thick walls will help retain the heat generated by the charcoal which leads to more even temperature distribution - a key component in producing consistent results. Note any apparent deficiencies in the materials used. Better construction leads to longer-lasting grills.
  
  
• 2). Inspect the craftsmanship. Look for good welding and durable construction. All the joints and seals should fit tight. Smoke leaking out wastes both wood and heat, and if air escapes, it will cause temperature fluctuations that can lead to unevenly cooked meat. It's impossible to maintain a temperature across the whole grill if it isn't built with the proper attention to detail.
  
  
• 3). Temperature control is the last key ingredient. There should be a way to control air intake at the firebox and output from the cooking chamber. Both should be easily adjustable during cooking. Another feature to look for is adjustable grate levels in the offset. This can be used to control the height of the charcoal which will lead to a higher or lower heat output into the cooking chamber. Make sure to look for a model with an included thermometer to keep an eye on your temperatures.