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Lion Grills vs. Full-On Charcoal Grills

Lion Grills vs. Full-On Charcoal Grills

Dive into the classic appeal of charcoal grilling, see how Lion’s gas grills can transform with a straightforward tray upgrade, and discover how to balance convenience and rich barbecue flavor in one setup.

Grill Showdown: Lion Gas Grills vs. Full-On Charcoal Grills

Why Charcoal Remains a Favorite

Unparalleled Smokiness: That’s the core reason charcoal lovers stick to their coals. The aroma, the crackle, and the layered flavors can be hard to beat with just gas.

Grilling over charcoal is both an art and a science. Managing vents, raking coals, and achieving the perfect sear at just the right moment can be deeply satisfying, turning every meal into a mini celebration.

Lion Grills: Gas Convenience, Charcoal Upgrade

Key Insight: Lion’s grills are gas-powered by default but gain charcoal capability with a simple tray—bridging the gap between speed and flavor.
Lion 32”

Lion 32-inch (L75000)

Rugged, efficient, and crafted with high-grade materials, the 32-inch Lion is a workhorse for everyday grilling. Once you insert the charcoal tray, you access deeper flavors without needing multiple grills.

Lion 40”

Lion 40-inch (L90000)

Offering a larger cook surface, the 40-inch Lion excels at feeding crowds. Swap in charcoal whenever you want to elevate the taste beyond typical gas grill flavor. It’s a versatile pick for those who entertain often.

Add-On

Lion Charcoal Tray

This tray is your ticket to near-hybrid grilling. Use gas burners to ignite charcoal quickly, saving time and cutting out lighter fluid. It’s straightforward, efficient, and perfect for those who crave smoky depth without giving up gas convenience.

Think of Lion Grills as the best of both worlds—gas for quick meals, charcoal for those leisurely weekends when you want to explore deeper flavors.

Dedicated Charcoal: Time-Honored Flavor

If you want a fully authentic charcoal experience, these grills focus on rich taste and manual precision. Each model offers adjustable features, robust materials, and tested designs.

Classic

Blaze 32-inch Charcoal

Adjustable trays and air vents make the Blaze 32-inch user-friendly yet capable. Crafted in stainless steel, it’s built for longevity and consistent heating performance— a reliable pick for those stepping into the charcoal realm.

Premium

Coyote 36-Inch

Designed for larger get-togethers, the Coyote 36-inch offers ample room and a built-in configuration. Multiple venting options let you grill, roast, or smoke at your leisure.

Pro

Fire Magic 30-inch

The Fire Magic 30-inch is built for rigorous use and advanced heat management. Seamless ash cleanup and heavy-gauge construction ensure this grill can handle frequent cookouts without missing a beat.

Kamado Grills: Ceramic Innovation

Kamado grills—like Komodo Joe or Big Green Egg—use thick ceramic walls for superior heat retention, offering remarkable efficiency and temperature control. They can bake pizzas, smoke pork shoulders, or sear steaks at high heat—all with minimal charcoal.

Versatile

Coyote Asado Ceramic

The Coyote Asado maintains stable temps for hours, making it great for everything from smoked briskets to artisan bread. Its ceramic chamber uses less fuel while delivering rich, evenly distributed heat.

Innovative

Blaze 20-inch Cast Aluminum

Unlike ceramic kamados, the Blaze 20-inch uses cast aluminum, making it rust-resistant and durable under tough conditions. High-heat searing or low-and-slow BBQ—this kamado handles it with ease.

Which Grill Suits Your Style?

Whether you crave the full charcoal experience, the ceramic efficiency of a kamado, or the flexibility of gas plus charcoal, there’s an option for every backyard chef:

  • Lion 32” & 40” + Charcoal Tray: Gas-first design with a quick charcoal upgrade.
  • Blaze 32-inch Charcoal: Classic design for straightforward, flavorful grilling.
  • Coyote 36-inch Charcoal: Built-in premium solution for large gatherings.
  • Fire Magic 30-inch: High-end control for precise temperatures and heavy use.
  • Coyote Asado Ceramic: Fuel-efficient ceramic for all-day cooks or lightning-hot sears.
  • Blaze 20-inch Kamado: Cast aluminum weather-resistance with versatile cooking options.

Why Lion’s Charcoal Tray Is a Must-Have

If you love the speed and simplicity of gas but yearn for the depth and richness of charcoal, Lion’s tray attachment offers a near-hybrid experience.

  • Dual Fuel on Demand: Light charcoal with gas for quick starts—no separate grill needed.
  • Reduced Setup Time: Skip lighter fluid and extended waiting periods.
  • Sturdy Build: Quality materials mean minimal maintenance and consistent performance.
  • Menu Expansion: Go from fast weeknight burgers to slow-smoked weekend feasts seamlessly.

While not a full hybrid out of the box, the Lion Charcoal Tray can quickly transform your grill into a versatile cooking station that satisfies both casual weeknight dinners and special BBQ occasions.

Charcoal FAQ

Q: Lump charcoal vs briquettes—what’s better?
A: Lump charcoal burns hotter and produces less ash, while briquettes provide consistent burn times and are often more cost-effective. Some grillers mix them to balance high heat with steady consistency.
Q: How do I regulate temperature on a charcoal grill?
A: Airflow is the main tool—open vents for higher heat, close them to cool down. If your grill allows, raising or lowering the tray also modifies temperature.
Q: Lighter fluid or chimney starter?
A: A chimney starter is recommended to avoid chemical tastes. If you use fluid, ensure it’s burned off fully before cooking.
Q: Can I add wood chips to charcoal?
A: Absolutely. Soak chips for about 30 minutes, then place them on hot coals. Popular woods include hickory, mesquite, applewood, and cherry—each adding unique flavor.
Q: How do I keep my grill clean?
A: Dump ash after each cook, and periodically scrub the grates. A clean grill helps maintain steady airflow and prevents old flavors from seeping into fresh meals.