I am considering switching from gas to charcoal grilling but have a
few questions many of you can probably answer. I have been cooking on
Weber Gas grills for some time and have enjoyed it but I feel, after
reading this group, that I am missing out on charcoal grilling flavor.
Many of you do a lot of smoking, but I would rather hold of on smoking
until I get my feet wet with charcoal grilling. I dont want to sound
"arrogant" but money really isnt an issue for me so I am looking for
what the best charcoal grill out there is. Although I have owned Weber
I have no "brand loyalty" and any brand is open for me. Plus I looked
at the Performer and felt the cooking area wasnt quite large enough,
but maybe that is the standard size.

So on to the questions...

1. Is there a specific brand/model you would recommend? (that you have
actually used or seen in use)

2. Are there specific features I should look for that would help me
make my decision? (I have seen many with adjustable grate heights for
adjusting from "hot" for searing steaks to "cool" for slower cooking).

3. Since I am coming from gas, I see charcoal and see it as being a
hassle (yet from what I read it is a rewarding hassle!) to fill up the
charcoal, light it, wait 20 minutes to get it going, cook, then figure
out what to do with hot charcoals when done. It seems like it can get
pretty messy. Are there any charcoal grills out there that have any
features to make all this easier? I saw the gas burner ignitor on the
Performer and thought that was a neat idea. Any other brands have
similar "ease of use" functions?

Well that pretty well sums it up. If anyone has more to add I would
greatly appreciate it!! I dont want to jumop into this blind.

Thanks!!

Todd