Expert Grill Heavy Duty 24 Inch Charcoal Grill Black

Discover Why This Large Charcoal Grill is a Backyard Barbecue Must-Have

As an avid griller and barbecue enthusiast, I am always on the lookout for high-quality charcoal grills that can help me take my outdoor cooking to the next level. After extensive research, I recently purchased the Expert Grill Heavy Duty 24 Inch Charcoal Grill and let me tell you – this thing is an absolute beast!

In this comprehensive buying guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about this exceptional charcoal grill so you can determine if it’s the right model for your backyard barbecue needs.

An Overview of the Expert Grill Heavy Duty Charcoal Grill

The Expert Grill Heavy Duty 24 Inch Charcoal Grill is a rugged, spacious grill perfect for those who love to barbecue large quantities of food for big gatherings. It provides an ample 554 square inches of primary cooking space plus 240 square inches of warming rack area. That’s nearly 800 square inches of total grilling surface!

This charcoal grill features heavy-gauge steel construction with powder coated black finish designed to prevent rusting and last for years of frequent use. The cooking grates are made from thick cast iron with excellent heat retention and sear capabilities.

There’s also an adjustable charcoal tray that allows you to control the heating temps, as well as dual side shelves for food prep and staging. Other highlights include oversized steel wheels for easy mobility, built-in lid thermometer, and assembly in under an hour.

How Does the Expert Grill Charcoal Grill Work?

This charcoal grill works like most standard kettle grills, utilizing an open lid design and adjustable vents to control air flow and cooking temperatures.

To use it, just fill the charcoal chamber with briquettes or lump charcoal. Use the crank to raise or lower the charcoal tray, which allows oxygen in to light the coals. Open up all the vents for maximum airflow and faster lighting.

Once the coals ash over, you can start grilling! Adjust the vents and charcoal tray to fine-tune the temperature. The cast iron grates do an amazing job searing the food while the ample space allows you to grill a large quantity at once.

Adding wood chips or chunks to the hot coals will infuse extra smoky flavors. The lid thermometer makes it easy to monitor the internal temps. Close the lid to get hotter indirect heat, perfect for smoking brisket or roasting chicken.

Key Features and Benefits of This Charcoal Grill

Here are some of the most impressive features this Expert Grill model brings to the table:

• Over 800 Square Inches of Total Cooking Space: The extremely roomy grilling surface can accommodate up to 32 burgers at once! That’s perfect for hosting big backyard BBQs.
• Dual Side Shelves: These foldable metal shelves provide ample prep space and easy access to grilling tools.
• Built-In Lid Thermometer: No more guessing! Easily monitor the internal temps without lifting the lid.
• Adjustable Charcoal Tray: Raising or lowering the tray lets you control the temp based on what you’re cooking.
• Steel Wheels for Mobility: Smooth-rolling wheels make it easy to move the grill in and out of storage.
• Rust-Resistant Construction: Powder coated steel helps prevent rusting from outdoor use for enhanced durability.
• Simple Assembly: Get grilling in under an hour with the easy bolt-together assembly using basic household tools.

How Much Does the Expert Grill 24 Inch Charcoal Grill Cost?

This high-performance charcoal grill retails around $299 but you can often find it on sale for $50-100 less during grilling season at major retailers like Walmart and Home Depot.

Given the generous cooking surface, premium construction, and versatility, this is an incredible value compared to similar extra-large charcoal grills. It’s a worthwhile investment that should provide years of delicious BBQ memories.

Where to Buy the Expert Grill Charcoal Grill

Since this Expert Grill model is a Walmart exclusive, the main place to purchase it is directly through Walmart.com where it’s typically eligible for free shipping to your home or local store.

You can also often find it in stock at physical Walmart locations, especially during peak grilling season. However, availability may vary by store.

A few other retailers like Home Depot, Hayneedle, and Wayfair also sell this popular charcoal grill model online. But Walmart will likely have the best stock and pricing.

Assembly and Installation Tips

One of the benefits of the Expert Grill Heavy Duty Charcoal Grill is the hassle-free assembly. Here are some tips to make the process even smoother:

• Review the instructions manual and all parts before starting. The manual will provide a helpful diagram.
• Assemble on a flat, smooth surface like a driveway or sidewalk. Keep small parts corralled in a container.
• Use the provided tools or basic household tools like a Phillips screwdriver and adjustable wrench.
• Follow the step-by-step directions carefully, being sure to tighten each nut and bolt securely as you go.
• Install the side shelves, lid, wheels, thermometer, and warming rack last after the main body is constructed.
• Do not move the grill while assembling. Wait until fully assembled to reposition.
• Overall assembly time is 30-60 minutes depending on familiarity with grill construction. Work at an unrushed pace.

Maintenance Tips and Easy Cleaning

Maintaining your Expert Grill charcoal grill helps keep it working properly for years. Here are some key tips:

• When not in use, keep the grill covered and store indoors or in a protected area if possible.
• Remove ash and grease buildup by brushing the grates after each use once completely cooled.
• Use a grill brush and warm soapy water to scrub the grates occasionally to remove stuck-on debris.
• Empty the ash from the charcoal chamber after each grilling session once cooled.
• Use a mild detergent and warm water to wipe down exterior surfaces. Avoid abrasive cleaners.
• Inspect nuts/bolts/parts periodically and tighten anything loose.
• Apply high-heat cooking spray to the grates before first use and periodically to maintain the protective coating.

With proper care and maintenance, you can keep your Expert Grill charcoal grill looking like new for many years of barbecuing enjoyment!

How Does the Cooking Surface Area Compare?

The Expert Grill Heavy Duty Charcoal Grill provides an exceptionally roomy cooking surface, especially for a kettle-style grill.

Here’s how the primary grilling area compares to other popular charcoal grill models:

• Expert Grill 24″: 554 square inches
• Weber Original Kettle 22″: 363 square inches
• Weber Performer Deluxe 22″: 363 square inches
• Char-Griller Super Pro 30″: 438 square inches
• Dyna-Glo Dual Zone Premium: 646 square inches

As you can see, the Expert Grill offers the most spacious primary cooking area, ideal for grilling bountiful batches of food. The 24-inch diameter and depth allow you to cook for a crowd.

When you factor in the secondary warming rack, the total cooking space of nearly 800 square inches is even more impressive.

If you regularly barbecue for large gatherings, the Expert Grill 24 inch model is a fantastic choice that delivers unmatched grilling capacity.

Adjustable Charcoal Tray for Precise Temperature Control

One of my favorite features of the Expert Grill charcoal grill is the adjustable charcoal tray. This provides such precise control over grilling temps!

Here’s how it works:

The charcoal chamber has a moveable crank-operated tray. By raising or lowering the tray, you change the distance between the hot coals and food on the grates above.

Lowering the tray brings the coals nearer to the grates for maximum heat, like when searing steaks. Raising the tray puts more space between the coals and grates for gentler, indirect heat, perfect for smoking.

Venting the lid adds more flexibility to finetune the temp range from hot and fast up to slow and low.

I love that the adjustable tray takes the guesswork out of temperature control. Such a handy upgrade you don’t find on most basic kettle grills!

Impressive Portability for a Full-Sized Grill

Despite the spacious 24-inch diameter design, the Expert Grill Charcoal Grill still offers fantastic mobility thanks to the smooth-rolling wheels.

Unlike many bulky, cumbersome grills, you can easily wheel this model in and out of garages, patios, or yards with minimal heavy lifting.

The rear wheels make light work of moving the grill across flat surfaces. Just carefully tilt and roll.

I’m able to transport this 160-pound grill solo without much strain, unlike many oversized grills that require two people to budge.

While not totally lightweight, it’s still one of the most portable full-sized grills I’ve used. The wheels make all the difference in mobility!

Get the Most from Your Charcoal

Achieving flavorful, even heat on the Expert Grill Charcoal Grill comes down to using the right types of charcoal:

• Lump Charcoal – Made from burnt wood, lump charcoal lights quickly for fast heat. It provides an authentic smoky flavor perfect for searing steaks.
• Briquettes – Made from compressed sawdust, briquettes burn slowly and steadily at lower temps. They’re great for slower barbecue cooking.
• All Natural – For the purest flavor, choose additive-free all natural briquettes or lump charcoal. Avoid chemical-laden quick-light briquettes.
• Hardwood – Opt for hardwood-based charcoal like maple or hickory for a subtler, smokier burn. Softwood charcoal can give overly strong flavors.
• Charcoal/Wood Blends – For smoky barbecue, add hardwood chunks or chips like mesquite, pecan, applewood. Soak first for slower burn.

Experimenting with charcoal and wood varieties will allow you to master grilling on the Expert Grill!

How Does This Charcoal Grill Compare to Other Models?

After extensive research, I determined the Expert Grill Heavy Duty Charcoal Grill is one of the best-value grills with unparalleled cooking capacity. Here’s how it stacks up:

Weber Kettles – Excellent quality but smaller grilling area and higher cost. Better for small gatherings.

Char-Griller Grates – Comparable size but subpar materials prone to quicker rusting. Not as durable.

Oklahoma Joe’s Grills – Similar capacity but pricier. Not as user-friendly for beginners.

Dyna-Glo Grills – Roomier but inconsistent quality control and tricky assembly.

Expert Grill – Best of both worlds: huge capacity, quality construction, ease of use, outstanding value!

Ultimately, the Expert Grill stood out as the ideal backyard charcoal grill at an affordable price point. You’d have to spend hundreds more to get a comparable grill of the same caliber construction and performance.

Handy Built-In Thermometer for Convenient Temperature Monitoring

The safe and successful grilling depends on accurately monitoring temperatures. That’s why I appreciate the Expert Grill’s built-in lid thermometer for convenient heat tracking.

Rather than needing to lift the lid repeatedly, you can quickly glance at the thermometer gauge mounted right on top. This lets you keep an eye on the internal heat level throughout the grilling process.

The thermometer makes it easy to maintain the optimal temp zones. If the heat dips too low or spikes too high, you can adjust the charcoal tray or vents accordingly to get it back on track, no guessing required!

It also helps identify when food is fully cooked and ready to come off the grill. No more undercooked or overcooked disappointments.

For beginner grillers especially, having that visual temperature guide can be invaluable for perfecting cooking times.

Constructed From Rugged Materials to Withstand the Elements

Choosing a durable, weather-resistant grill is key for longevity, especially when left outdoors. That’s why I appreciate the Expert Grill’s rugged construction:

• The steel body has a resilient powder coated finish to prevent rusting, peeling, and corrosion.
• The cast iron grates hold and conduct heat evenly. They develop a natural patina over time.
• The chrome-plated warming rack is resistant to weathering and wear.
• The glass thermometer and plastic wheels/grips can withstand sun, rain, and frost with minimal cracking or fading.
• The steel parts have been tested in extreme heat and cold and hold up well in most climates.

With proper use and care, you can expect at least 3-5 years of reliable service even with full-time outdoor storage. Overall, an impressively brawny construction built to conquer the elements!

Handy Manufacturer’s Warranty for Peace of Mind

The Expert Grill Heavy Duty Charcoal Grill comes backed by a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty.

This covers defects in materials and workmanship. Should issues arise during the first year of ownership, you can contact customer service for troubleshooting or to file a claim.

They will determine if the damage or malfunction falls under the warranty terms and conditions. If so, they will provide free repair or replacement parts.

While 1 year is not the longest grill warranty available, it’s about standard for this price point. The simple design and durable build should get you well beyond a year of use with proper maintenance.

Having that warranty coverage definitely provides extra assurance when making this investment. It’s nice having a safety net should anything go wrong out of the gate.

Infuse Delicious Smoky Flavor

While the Expert Grill does an amazing job with conventional grilling, I especially love using it for smoking larger cuts of meat low and slow:

• The ample room lets you smoke multiple racks of ribs or multiple pork shoulders simultaneously.
• Getting the ideal low temp (200-250 F) is easy with the adjustable charcoal tray fully raised.
• Wood chips and chunks (soaked first) placed over the coals provide up to 5 hours of smoke time.
• The built-in thermometer lets you monitor internal temp of the meat for perfect doneness.

Infusing that smoky essence into brisket, pulled pork, chicken, or turkey is so simple yet adds gourmet flavors.

This grill has become my go-to for smoking meat with minimal effort and delectable results I never expected from a basic charcoal grill!

Must-Have Accessories and Add-Ons

One of the benefits of the Expert Grill charcoal model is that you don’t need many fancy extras for delicious grilling. But here are some worthwhile accessories:

• Cover – Protect your grill from sun, snow, rain, etc when not in use.
• Grill Tools Set – Essentials like spatulas, tongs, skewers, etc. Look for long handles.
• Heat-Resistant Gloves – For safe handling of hot grates and adjusting charcoal tray.
• Chimney Starter – Fast, effective way to light charcoal without lighter fluid.
• Smoker Box – Add wood chips/chunks for infusing smoke flavor into meats.
• Grill Basket – Allow grilling small foods like veggies, seafood, cut fruit.
• Meat Thermometer – For monitoring doneness of roasts, whole chickens, etc.

I’d recommend starting with just the basics. As your grilling skills grow, you can build your collection of useful accessories.

Helpful Safety Tips

While a safe cooking method, charcoal grilling does involve some risks. Here are my top safety tips when using your Expert Grill:

• Grill in a clear, open area away from brush, overhangs, sheds.
• Check for grease buildup and remove before each use to avoid flare-ups.
• Clean out old ashes before lighting new coals.
• Open the lid slowly and use caution to avoid flashback flames.
• Wear gloves and long sleeves when adjusting charcoal tray or handling hot grates.
• Don’t use lighter fluid after coals are lit to avoid explosion hazard.
• Keep children and pets away from hot grill to prevent burns or tipping.
• Monitor grill while in use – don’t leave unattended.

Following basic safety precautions will allow you to use your Expert Grill safely for years of family grilling fun!

The Bottom Line

For outstanding quality and unmatched capacity at an affordable price point, the Expert Grill Heavy Duty 24 Inch Charcoal Grill is hands-down one of the top-rated charcoal grills on the market.

If you’re ready to take your backyard barbecuing to the next level with huge cooking surface, versatile features, and durable construction, I highly recommend adding this workhorse grill to your outdoor arsenal!