Charcoal baskets and the Slow ‘N Sear are two popular accessories for charcoal grills that allow you to set up both direct and indirect cooking zones. But which one is better? Here’s a detailed comparison of charcoal baskets versus the Slow ‘N Sear to help you decide which is right for your needs.
What are Charcoal Baskets?
Charcoal baskets are metal containers designed to hold charcoal in a focused pile within your grill. They have open sides and bottoms to allow air flow and come in various shapes like squares, rectangles, or circles.
The key benefits of using a charcoal basket include:
- Holds coals together for more direct and intense heat zone
- Allows you to arrange coals to customize direct/indirect heat zones
- Contains ash and unburned coals neatly for easier cleanup
- Improves airflow and heat efficiency
- Made of durable steel to withstand high heat
Charcoal baskets can be placed to one side of the grill to create two heat zones for searing and slow cooking, or centered to focus heat. You can add more coals to the basket during cooking for an easy temperature boost.
What is the Slow ‘N Sear?
The Slow ‘N Sear is a two-piece system designed specifically for Weber grills. It consists of:
- A charcoal basket that holds briquettes on one side of the grill.
- A water pan that sits above the coals on the other side to create an indirect heat zone.
Together, the Slow N’ Sear creates distinct direct and indirect cooking zones for searing and smoking on your Weber kettle grill.
Key features and benefits include:
- Holds up to 5 lbs of charcoal for 2+ hours of grilling time.
- Water pan diffuses heat and prevents flare-ups.
- Tight seal retains moisture and improves smoker performance.
- Designed specifically for 22” Weber grills.
- Made from ceramic coated steel.
The water pan catches drippings for smoking and prevents drying out. Vents in the charcoal basket regulate temperature.
Charcoal Baskets vs. Slow ‘N Sear: Direct Heat Performance
When it comes to direct, high-heat searing, basic charcoal baskets have an advantage over the Slow ‘N Sear:
- Charcoal baskets concentrate heat for better searing.
- The open design allows more airflow for higher temperatures.
- Charcoal baskets are more versatile and fit any grill.
With a charcoal basket, you can dump in a full chimney of hot coals to create a hot direct heat zone for proper steakhouse-style sear marks and crusts. The Slow ‘N Sear charcoal basket is limited to the 5 lbs of coals it can hold.
For extremely high heat searing up to 700°F+ for steak crust, basic charcoal baskets beat out the Slow ‘N Sear.
Charcoal Baskets vs. Slow ‘N Sear: Indirect Heat Performance
When it comes to low and slow smoking, the Slow ‘N Sear performs better for indirect cooking thanks to its integrated water pan:
- Water pan diffuses heat and regulates temps.
- Catches drippings for better smoker flavor.
- Tight seal contains smoke and moisture better.
While you can set up a basic charcoal basket for indirect cooking, the Slow ‘N Sear was purpose-built for it. The water pan makes it easier to maintain 225-275°F smoker temperatures for hours on end. It also seals in moisture better for juicier smoked or barbecue meats.
For serious smoking, the Slow ‘N Sear creates superior conditions to basic charcoal baskets. The water pan takes it to the next level.
Ease of Use
Charcoal baskets are easier and more convenient to use overall:
- Don’t have to manage water pan levels.
- Load up coals and go.
- Pick up and adjust coals mid-cook if needed.
- Fit any grill – more versatile.
The Slow ‘N Sear takes a bit more effort to set up with its 2-piece system and water pan to monitor and refill. But it also helps regulate temperature, so there’s less babysitting involved once cooking.
For quick weekday grilling, charcoal baskets offer better convenience. But the Slow ‘N Sear automation enhances low and slow smoking sessions.
Grill Compatibility
Charcoal baskets fit and work with just about any charcoal grill thanks to adjustable designs:
- Universal square or round baskets adjust to grill size.
- Can be used in any grill brand.
The Slow ‘N Sear only fits 22” Weber kettle grills, limiting compatibility. You need a compatible Weber grill to use it.
For those with common Weber models, the Slow N’ Sear is a great option. But charcoal baskets offer better flexibility across grill brands and sizes.
Cost Comparison
Charcoal baskets are generally more affordable than the Slow ‘N Sear system.
- Basic charcoal baskets start around $30.
- Premium baskets run $60+.
- The Slow ‘N Sear retails for $130.
You’re paying a premium for the Slow ‘N Sear water pan and Weber branding. But it can still pay off long run thanks to enhanced smoking performance.
For those looking to stay under a $50 budget though, a basic charcoal basket does the job.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Charcoal baskets are easier to clean and maintain after grilling:
- Just lift out remaining coals and ash.
- Made from simple steel – hose or brush off.
- Less parts and pieces to disassemble.
The Slow ‘N Sear requires cleaning the water pan, emptying ash from the basket, and wiping down multiple components. The charcoal basket itself isn’t too hard to clean, but the water pan adds steps.
For quick and painless grill cleanup, basic charcoal baskets win over the more involved Slow ‘N Sear process.
Temperature Regulation
The water pan design of the Slow ‘N Sear makes it easier to regulate temperatures for smoking and indirect grilling.
Benefits include:
- Water absorbs and diffuses heat for better regulation.
- Coals are confined to one side.
- Vents in basket fine-tune airflow.
With basic charcoal baskets, you have more control over coal placement, but fewer tools to fine tune temperature like the Slow ‘N Sear water pan.
If you want a set-it-and-forget it smoking experience, the Slow ‘N Sear maintains temperatures better once dialed in.
Smoking Performance
The Slow ‘N Sear consistently outsmokes regular charcoal baskets:
- Water pan provides better heat and moisture regulation.
- Catches drippings for better barbecue flavor.
- Tight seal contains smoke better.
You can smoke low and slow with a basic charcoal basket by piling coals to one side. But you’ll likely battle more temperature swings without a water pan buffer.
The Slow ‘N Sear was engineered for controlled smoking. If you grill primarily low and slow barbecue style, it’s worth the premium.
Conclusion
While basic charcoal baskets offer more flexibility and convenience, the Slow ‘N Sear excels for true smoking and indirect cooking thanks to its specialized water pan design.
Here’s a quick summary:
Go with basic charcoal baskets if you want:
- Max high heat searing – up to 700°F+
- More versatility across grill brands and sizes
- Greater convenience and ease of use
- More budget-friendly option under $50
Choose the Slow ‘N Sear for:
- Smoking low and slow or indirect cooking
- Superior heat and moisture regulation
- More set-it-and-forget-it temperature control
- Owning a 22” Weber grill (required)
So in summary, charcoal baskets are the better all-around choice – especially for high heat searing. But serious smoking enthusiasts will appreciate the advanced temperature control of the Slow ‘N Sear.
Recommended Charcoal Baskets
| Charcoal Basket | Price | Material | Shape |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weber 7416 Rapidfire Basket | $44.99 | Chrome-plated steel | Round |
| Grillaholics Heavy Duty Basket | $29.95 | Stainless steel | Square |
| Cuisinel Cast Iron Basket | $49.99 | Cast iron | Round |
| Outset Rectangular Basket | $39.99 | Stainless steel | Rectangle |