Hasty-Bake vs other built-in charcoal grills

[fauxQ]

Hi All,

Not trying to start a fight because I know there are many Hasty-Bake enthusiasts here, but I figure you'd be the best crowd to help me understand the difference between Hasty-Bake and other charcoal grills (built-in or otherwise) that can raise or lower the charcoal tray. I assume the devil must be in the details. For examples of the other grills I'm wondering about:

Fire magic has a few, but they don't seem to have a pull-out charcoal tray. Here's one example of many:

http://www.bbqguys.com/item_name_Fire-Magic-Legacy-30-Inch-Built-In-Meat-Smoker-Charcoal-Grill-14-SC01C-A_item_12450.html

This is one by Sunstone that seems like it's aiming to be a direct competitor to the H-B Hastings. It has dual pull out charcoal trays that can be independently raised/lowered:

http://www.bbqguys.com/item_name_Sunstone-42-Inch-Built-In-Dual-Zone-Charcoal-Grill-SUNCHDZ42_item_2872834.html

This is one by Texas Pitcrafters that also doubles as a offset smoker. There is an option to have a charcoal tray that can be raised/lowered in the main cook chamber:

http://www.bbqguys.com/item_name_Texas-Barbecues-500-Stainless-Brick-In-Barbecue-Pit-Smoker_item_6078.html

I apologize if this is a newbie question, but I'm looking for a built-in charcoal solution for an outdoor kitchen and want to better understand my options. I asked this question on my Intro thread, but I thought I should post it where it likely belongs.

Thanks for any thoughts/opinions...

Jay

[Max Good]

Looks like some good choices. Quite a variety of designs and price points. To make your decision more difficult, check out this built-in by The Good-One: http://amazingribs.com/bbq_equipment...-heritage-oven

[fauxQ]

I forgot about that one! If only the charcoal could be raised and lowered!

[tbob4]

Max Good , silly question, do you see an issue with the fire box being so far forward as a built-in on this unit? With their stand alone model you walk around from the fire box to the smoker. On this oven unit it looks like you have to reach a good deal forward over the hot box to get to the oven.

[Max Good]

I haven't tested this one, but the folks at The Good-One tell me they took that into consideration and made sure it didn't become a problem.

[ecowper]

fauxQ I meant to answer you earlier. I don't know anything about the other grills you are looking at, but they do look good.

[fauxQ]

Thanks. I know it is hard to make comparisons without hands on experience of the different brands. I just wanted to make sure I wasn't missing something unique about Hasty-Bake.

[fauxQ]

Looks like some good choices. Quite a variety of designs and price points. To make your decision more difficult, check out this built-in by The Good-One: http://amazingribs.com/bbq_equipment...-heritage-oven

FWIW, I realize that I listed different designs and price points. The question was really just to better understand whether there was something I was missing about the H-B (i.e., is there something more than the adjustable charcoal tray that makes them special). I ask b/c their units seem to be the go-to brand for charcoal cookers around here (or ceramic cookers). Just trying to educate myself.

[tbob4]

Your questions are good ones. You are spending good money for something that is going to be a focal point of your yard. You want to make sure that you get what you like and are well informed.

[rototiller78]

I believe Meathead has great experience on grills and he says that the Hasty-Bake is his favorite charcoal grill to use.

[fauxQ]

Good point. The H-B is clearly a well-designed and functioning cooking machine. No one would go wrong with that choice.

[ecowper]

rototiller78 is correct. One of the key reasons I bought the Hasty-Bake Gourmet was Meathead. He talked about it in glowing terms. So, after tons of research, I went with his recommendation. This is definitely a lifetime piece of equipment. And it really can do everything.

[fauxQ]

Thanks ecowper. As I said, I'm not taking a dump on the H-B, just trying to understand what makes it special. Is there something beyond the raise/lower of the charcoal bed? To be sure, that control is something that appeals to me and what makes me shy away from ceramics (which have their own benefits). But having to drop the cooking grate down to the coals in the deep hole of a ceramic where it will be tough to flip burgers gives me pause. I like the idea of being able to push coals to one side for indirect and then raise them up to grill-level for a sear. Or better yet, do low and slow with the meat then sear over a sear burner/sear station.

[rototiller78]

fauxQ Please tell me your getting a Hasty-Bake? If you are mentioning that a H-B is in your budget...Go for it! I would buy a H-B in a sec if it was in my budget.

[tbob4]

This was written on a site that is trying to sell students essays, but what the heck, it is pretty informative.

http://studymoose.com/hasty-bake-essay

[fauxQ]

Thanks tbob4! Actually an interesting read...especially the last part regarding competitive advantages.

[Old Glory]

One More for consideration:

https://lonestargrillz.com/collections/grills/products/24-x-48-adjustable-charcoal-grill

[Bluetail66213]

Holy moly. $$$$