Looking for Suggestions for a New Charcoal Grill: Must Have Adjustable Charcoal Basket. Currently Considering Hasty Bake and MGrills...

Moose · Nov 4, 2019

My first major grill investment was a Bar-B Chef grill. Here’s a picture of mine, right before I sold it in 2010:

It was a terrible smoker, as it leaked like a sieve, but it was a great grill. I especially loved the adjustable charcoal grate. But, as it leaked so much, getting consistent solid temps was impossibility.

I really miss the adjustable charcoal grate feature, so I’m looking for something similar, but can also function as a smoker if need be. Here are the features I need:

· Cooking area: around 30”x 20”

·Adjustable crank-driven height charcoal basket

·Solid temperature control/doesn’t leak a lot

·Front loading door feature to add more fuel to charcoal grates

·Grill is on a cart with wheels for easy transport and moving

·Solid construction

From what I see so far, the Hasty Bake Legacy and MGrills M1 or B2(currently sold out) seem to fit the bill.

I know there are much cheaper grills in the $100-$300 price range with the same features, but I don’t think they will last long based on the reviews I’ve seen about them.

Are there other quality grills with these features and specs that are in the $1500 or less price range?

Looking forward to your feedback and suggestions!

Pig_Farmer · Nov 4, 2019

Check out Assassin Grills and Lone Star Grillz. Both are high quality.

Pig_Farmer · Nov 4, 2019

Just thought about it, Assassin's don't have any adjusting grates. Sorry Moose.

Moose · Nov 4, 2019

Pig_Farmer said:
Check out Assassin Grills and Lone Star Grillz. Both are high quality.

I did, thanks! :thumb:

Both make great products, but Assassin grills don't have an adjustable charcoal grate/basket that I can see, and the Lonestar is both too large and costly for my needs at $2500.

I'm looking in the $1500 and under price range.

AWilliams · Nov 4, 2019

I've been debating on the Hastybake Legacy myself...grill and smoke

jimbloomfield · Nov 4, 2019

We have two Hasty Bake Gourmets. Only complaint is they are not air tight so they will not snuff out the coals. The movable coal basket is a nice feature. The food that comes off this is good.

Ron_L · Nov 4, 2019

It would be hard to go wrong with either Hasty Bake or M Grills. If I were buying to day I would go with M Grills after meeting and talking to Travis McGee at the SCA World Championships. Very well built, and Travis is a good guy.

Moose · Nov 5, 2019

jimbloomfield said:
We have two Hasty Bake Gourmets. Only complaint is they are not air tight so they will not snuff out the coals. The movable coal basket is a nice feature. The food that comes off this is good.

That's helpful info, thanks!

Does the Hasty Bake hold solid temps while cooking?

rwalters · Nov 5, 2019

Having owned/cooked on both a HB Gourmet and M1... between the two, I would hands down go with the M1 for numerous reasons

BowtieBill · Nov 5, 2019

This thread is of great interest to me. I, too, have a Bar-B-Chef charcoal grill (different then the OP's) that I like, but have been looking to upgrade. I was seriously looking at an Assassin, but want the ability to raise and lower either the food grate or the charcoal grate. I appreciate all the replies so far.

kevinstaggs · Nov 5, 2019

I've in kicking a similar purchase around for a while (currently grilling on Weber 26). I'm an Okie, so I had to look a the Hasty Bake and they are awesome. I've tried to research the M Grills B1 some, but haven't gotten as much info. The M Grills look heavier built but the HB looks like it'd be easier to clean out the ash.

Like you I eliminated the Assassin and LG becuause of fixed grates. I sometimes question that logic though. So long to short - still haven't pulled the trigger.

If you find anything other than these 4 that are worth consideration, let me know. I'll still on the case...

BowtieBill · Nov 5, 2019

https://www.bbqguys.com/napoleon/professional-freestanding-charcoal-grill

This looks interesting. Not what I was really thinking of, but maybe.....

pharp · Nov 5, 2019

What is the benefit of being able to adjust the charcoal basket?

tom b · Nov 5, 2019

BowtieBill said:
https://www.bbqguys.com/napoleon/professional-freestanding-charcoal-grill

This looks interesting. Not what I was really thinking of, but maybe.....

I really liked this one Moose, nearly pulled the trigger but I escaped just in time

Dweverett · Nov 5, 2019

BowtieBill said:
https://www.bbqguys.com/napoleon/professional-freestanding-charcoal-grill

This looks interesting. Not what I was really thinking of, but maybe.....

Interesting option. I'd totally forgotten they made one. What is a charcoal infrared burner though?

AWilliams · Nov 5, 2019

Watching this also....I'm in the same boat as a few of you.

Moose · Nov 5, 2019

pharp said:
What is the benefit of being able to adjust the charcoal basket?

To move the heat source closer or further away from the food. Great for reverse searing with a simple turn of a crank. Also, lower charcoal basket height can be used for smoking.

I see the MGrills M1 not only has this feature but a dedicated lower firebox to burn logs, making it quite versatile. While this wasn't what I was looking for as a main feature, it's definitely an added bonus.

chiefblue · Nov 6, 2019

Purchased my first HB in 1996, the suburban. Still have it and going strong! I've since purchased the gourmet model in 2015 but don't find myself using it much since only two of us and haven't entertained as much as I thought I would. So, I am a verified return customer of HB. I've really enjoyed the versatility and wouldn't choose anything else when using charcoal. I probably should sell the Gourmet to someone that will get good use of it.

BowtieBill · Nov 6, 2019

Anyone have experience with the Yoder?
https://www.yodersmokers.com/charcoal24x36.html

They have a 36" and a 48". One thing I am not sure of is the height from the grate to the top of the lid. Might limit what you can use it for.
Looks like it is built like a tank. They have a "comp" model as well.

Moose · Nov 6, 2019

BowtieBill said:
Anyone have experience with the Yoder?
https://www.yodersmokers.com/charcoal24x36.html

They have a 36" and a 48". One thing I am not sure of is the height from the grate to the top of the lid. Might limit what you can use it for.
Looks like it is built like a tank. They have a "comp" model as well.

I also looked at the Yoder, and yes, it's built like a tank, especially at nearly 400lbs! It has all the features I'm looking for, but I can't seem to get over the "boxy" look of it. Somehow reminds me of an odd shaped ammo can, whereas the MGrill and Hasty Bake actually look like grills.

Looking for Suggestions for a New Charcoal Grill: Must Have Adjustable Charcoal Basket. Currently Considering Hasty Bake and MGrills...

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