Magma Grill-Gas/Charcoal

[BrianW]

I am about to purchase a Magma kettle grill and trying to decide gas vs. charcoal grill. I want to actually grill with charcoal instead of gas, but like the ability to use a gas grill for other cooking. On a Magma gas kettle grill, could a round pan be placed on top of the gas burner and then charcoal use for grilling, then the pan removed for other cooking with gas? Thanks, Brian

 

[Steve O.]

No.

Don't try to make the product do something it's not intended to do. It's unsafe, and you'll be dissapointed with the results. Sounds like you want the convenience of gas and the taste of charcoal. Pick one, or buy both.

 

[Paul Akers]

Propane the way to go.

IMHO propane is the way to go. It does a good job and I enjoy the work it does. We plan all of our dinners on the grill and glad we have it. Storage of the propane bottles is easy (vented locker, please). I've used charcoal on the charters and find it messy (ash) and the charcoal alays burns out before I'm done. If you had to store the lighter fluid, that's OK. But what about storing the charcoal? And keeping it dry? Dry charcoal always absorbs moisture and can get tough to light.

 

[Gregg]

Magma

I have the larger size gas version. Works great, no mess. Buy the gas cannisters at Walmart - much cheaper than West Marine.

 

[Bad Obsession]

Propane

I have the propane version. I highly reccomend this grill. It works great, cooks even, and it is a lot less mess and hassle to deal with. I have used the charcoal grill and it works good, but it is really really really messy. After you are done and the grill cools, you dump the ashes overboard. These will find ways to cause problems, dirty your boat, and you will never get it totally clean.  Another hassle is using lighter fluid. You don't want that to spill in a storeage locker. Propane is cleaner, the storage tanks are very convienent. The grill cooks well and it can be used for other things.

 

[David Hoch]

Magma

I have the propane model and it's great. I recommend the new one with the hinged lid and built-in fire starter. Looks really nice. You'll want the rail mount too - and a cover.I bought a plastic tool box with a removable tray to use as a grilling box for tongs, brush, spatula, grill brush, spare regulator and a flat round stone for heating baked brie.I also fill my little propane bottles from my home bar BQ bottle.Have fun!

 

[BrianW]

Thanks-- Gas it is!

Thanks for all of your responses. I'll concede a little bit of charcoal flavor for a much simpler and cleaner evening on my boat. I'll save the charcoal for home. Thanks again. Brian

 

[Andy]

Charcoal Flavor

Get the propane and pick up some wood chips that suit your flavor(oak, hickory, or my favorite-mesquite) at Home Depot. Soak the chips in fresh water for 5-10 minutes and then put them between the burner and the grill (remove grill CAREFULLY). It will smoke up a storm and flavor the meat.