If you’re a fan of grilling, especially on a Kamado-style grill, you know that managing charcoal and ash can be a bit of a hassle. From keeping the airflow steady to dealing with ash buildup, maintaining your grill can sometimes feel like more work than it’s worth. However, a simple upgrade that I recently discovered can revolutionize your grilling experience — it is the charcoal ash basket
What is a Charcoal Ash Basket?
A charcoal ash basket is a specially designed metal basket that sits inside your grill, holding the charcoal while allowing ash to fall through to the bottom. It typically replaces the need for a charcoal grate and simplifies the process of both grilling and cleaning.
The open design promotes better airflow, and when it’s time to clean up, you simply shake the basket, letting the ash and small charcoal pieces fall away while the larger chunks remain in the basket to use again next time.
The Benefits of Using a Charcoal Ash Basket
- Easier Cleanup: With a traditional setup, cleaning out the ash requires you to manually remove the charcoal, sift through it, and then scoop out or vacuum out the ash. A charcoal ash basket simplifies this process—just lift the basket, shake it, and the ash falls through, leaving only usable charcoal behind.
- Convenience: No more digging around the bottom of your grill to remove stubborn ash. The basket makes it easy to separate usable charcoal from the waste. Being able to pull the entire charcoal basket out at once instead of dealing with the traditional setup is a huge time-saver.
- Improved Airflow: The open grate design of a charcoal ash basket enhances airflow within your grill, ensuring that your charcoal burns efficiently and will get up to temperature more quickly. This can lead to better grilling results and more efficient fuel use. The only downside is that you may burn through lump charcoal a bit faster, but just adjust your vents accordingly and it should be about the same.
- Reusability: After each cook, you can simply shake the basket to remove the ash and keep the remaining charcoal for your next grilling session. This not only makes the cleanup quicker and cleaner but it also ensures that you’re getting the most out of your charcoal.
Are Charcoal Ash Baskets Worth It?
While a charcoal ash basket is not absolutely necessary (I did go 10 years without one), however, it’s hard to argue against the convenience it offers. Many long-time grillers who have upgraded from the traditional setup agree that while you can get by without one, having a basket makes the process so much easier and more enjoyable. Plus, it makes setting up for your next cook faster and less of a chore.
Which One Should You Choose?
While the Kish Ash Basket is the most well-known brand, it comes with a hefty price tag of around $79. If you’re looking for something more budget-friendly without compromising on performance (and I think the quality is outstanding), the Onlyfire charcoal ash basket is an excellent choice for under $40 (half the cost) .
It offers the same benefits as the more expensive options—enhanced airflow, easy cleanup, and durability—at about half the cost. Personally, I went with the Onlyfire basket for my large size Big Green Egg and couldn’t be happier with my decision. It’s heavy-duty, fits perfectly in my grill, and has made my grilling experience much more enjoyable.
Just be sure to get the right size basket for your specific grill.
Conclusion
If you want to elevate your grilling game and make maintenance easier, a charcoal ash basket is a worthwhile investment. While it’s not an absolute necessity, the added convenience, better airflow, and quicker cleanup make it a smart choice for any serious griller. Whether you choose the premium Kish Ash basket or the more affordable Onlyfire option, you’ll enjoy better performance, easier cleanup, and a more enjoyable grilling experience overall.
