Barbecook Oyster Standard

This is interestingly designed charcoal grill on the market. You light it by placing a couple of sheets of newspaper in the base and lighting the paper. Charcoal above will be lit quickly. The base holds a small amount of water. Hot ashes from the grill fall through and are extinguished. When you're done grilling you can simply pull out the coal grate and drop the hot coals into the water. Aside from the innovating lighting (and dowsing) design this grill cooks well. There are some limits to the construction which might give you problems which is disappointing considering the price.

This model has been discontinued. It is replaced by the Barbecook Arena Ceram.

While you probably haven't heard of Barbecook before, they are one of the largest charcoal grill makers in Europe. The advantage they had in designing this grill (and many similar models) is that they did it without trying to reproduce American designed grills. This unit has several innovative features that make it an interesting grill.

To appreciate this grill you really need to see one in action. You start by filling the base of the unit with water. This shifts the weight down but also serves another purpose you'll see in a minute. Next, fill the neck of the unit, just under the coal grate with newspaper. Pour in your charcoal and light the newspaper from one of the vents in the side of the base. This lights the charcoal just like a charcoal chimney would. In about ten minutes you are ready to grill.

The large cooking area gives you plenty of versatility and the lid lets you roast a whole chicken or grill up some burgers or steaks. When you are done grilling, pull out the coal grate and the coals drop down the base into the water, extinguishing the fire instantly. No worry and now more fire. Dump out the removable base and your ready to start again. See, easy to light and clean up.

The biggest limitation of this grill is it's price. If you can find it for sale you are looking at spending at least $250USD. This wouldn't be a bad price, but that the construction on this grill isn't really worth the price. While it is a very good grill you can certainly find a better (and better priced) charcoal grill.

If you don't live in Europe you might have to hunt around to find this grill, but it is definitely worth the effort. You can contact the manufacturer to find a distributor in your area or someone who can ship it right to your door.