Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)Thought it might be helpful to break down this review into the good, the indifferent, and the bad.I'm pretty sure it would apply to other Meco series 4100 series grills as well.
Good:The adjustable grate heights in combination with the generous vent options and tight fitting lid produce the ability to control your cooking better than in any charcoal grill I've ever had or used. In that regard it almost rivals a Weber gas grill I once had.Add the charcoal taste and I would as soon eat food cooked in it as that cooked in the Weber.For example, last night I cooked 3 lamb cutlets.Started with the grid in the hot position and all vents open to sear in juices and give the meat an attractive, crusty appearance.Then, moved grid to medium position to cook further.Did the same for the other side.When finished, closed the vents and cover.At least, with my grill, this really does put out the charcoals rather quickly.After they cool, I put them in a covered can and add them to new coals next time..For quick cooking meals like steaks, this reduces total charcoal use by maybe as much as half.Although not an exact science, the ability to tilt the grill does help me cook steaks rare and medium in the same time.I sear all steaks on hot for about 90 seconds and then, if the coals are good and hot,usually tilt the grill to medium on one end and cool on the other end for 3 minutes or so.After doing the other side the same way, one is about medium rare and the other about medium.I've cooked some chicken successfully using the indirect method.However, the space left for cooking this way is certainly not abundant.My overall rating as to cooking quality is 5 stars plus.
Indifferent:Quality of most materials in the grill are probably just above average.The grate, grid, and tilting mechanism (the guts of the system) are probably slightly better than that.The folding table is much worse.My overall rating for quality of materials in this price range is 4 stars.
Bad:Being pretty old now, I've probably assembled say 8 or more charcoal and gas grills.At a good 2+ hours this one took easily twice as long as any of the others.I ascribe that to the number of things to be assembled and, even more so, to the poor instructions.Since assembly is fairly complicated, Meco could help us a lot if they would pre assemble at least the top and bowl parts and ship in a slightly larger box. Failing that there certainly must be a way to more clearly picture and define each step.Lastly, some things are just hard.For example, just screwing the wood screws into the table assembly requires prodigious effort.Suggest you keep an electric drill handy for this step.My overall rating of ease of assembly is 1 star.That said, this gripe will undoubtedly fade even more into distant memory as more fun to cook and tasty meals come off the grill.
Overall.Once you get this grill assembled I believe you will really like it.
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Product Description:
Meco Swinger charcoal grills are especially handy for picnics, ballgames, camping, RVing or anywhere people are on the go. Tilt away hood with easy action hinges, stay-cool wood handles and rolling wheels make it easy to transport. 342 square inches of usable cooking surface and a 3 position nickel-plated cooking grid cook rare or well done simultaneously. Adjustable vents in hood and bowl save charcoal and control cooking temperatures.Elevated fire grate and ash dump for better starts, easier cleaning and burnout prevention.
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