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Most charcoal grills go in the backyard. We found one we’d be proud to put on the front porch

By David ArkinAugust 18, 2023September 6th, 2023No Comments

Most charcoal grills go in the backyard. We found one we’d be proud to put on the front porch

By Michael Hiller

Charcoal grills are ugly. That’s why they’re usually hidden in the backyard. We’ve found one we’d proudly display on our front porch.

The Everdure 4K Freestanding Charcoal Grill, designed with an assist from Michelin starred chef Heston Blumenthal, is a celebrity all-star, an expert cooker that’s also a looker.

Unlike traditional charcoal grills that employ boxy or kettle-shaped designs, the Everdure 4K stands out with its sleek appearance and sturdy steel construction. The grill is equipped with worthy features such as digital controls, a self-locking lid, double-wall insulation and a side-loading charcoal access door for adding fuel or wood chips during long cooking sessions. Chef inspired touches like an integrated water pan, dome light, digital temperature probes and both cast iron and aluminum cooking grates signal that Blumenthal’s involvement went beyond simply lending his name to the project.

If you appreciate the performance of kamado-style ceramic ovens like the Big Green Egg but dislike their bulky appearance and hefty weight, the Everdure 4K grill is a terrific alternative. Like a kamado grill, the 4K is fuel efficient and offers consistent heat control. But the 4K is less fragile than a Big Green Egg, which can break easily if tipped over.

The 4K’s digital panel displays temperatures from four integrated interior thermometers. This allows you to set alert temperatures and monitor the ambient temperature inside the dome and the internal temperature of your food.

Using the 4K is straightforward. Load it with charcoal and a few wood chunks for smoke, then press the quick-start charcoal ignition button to begin cooking. You control the temperature by adjusting the airflow knobs at the top and bottom of the grill. Whether you’re slow-smoking ribs and briskets at 225 degrees or cranking up the heat to 800 degrees for pizzas, achieving the desired temperature is easy.

The 4K also comes with a heat deflector, pizza stone and Bluetooth connectivity. A companion app can notify you when the grill or your food reaches the desired temperature. While the app and connectivity could use some refinement, the overall functionality of the Everdure 4K is impressive.

Cleaning the entire grill is hassle-free. The cooking grates and charcoal tray slip out easily. Everything else can be wiped down with a sponge.

The Everdure 4K is undoubtedly a splurge. However, if you’re in the market for a versatile smoker grill that performs as well as it looks, this is the one for you.