Why Wood Fired Grills Are Worth It
A wood fired grill does something no gas or electric grill can replicate: it cooks with real fire. The combination of radiant heat from embers, convective heat from rising smoke, and the natural oils released by burning hardwood creates a flavor profile that's impossible to achieve any other way.
But not all wood fired grills are created equal. This guide covers everything you need to know before buying — from construction materials and fuel types to size, portability, and which grills deliver the best value for serious outdoor cooks.
What Counts as a Wood Fired Grill?
A wood fired grill is any grill designed to use wood (or wood-derived charcoal) as its primary fuel source. This includes:
- Argentine parrilla grills — Heavy-duty iron or steel grills with separate fireboxes for burning wood to embers
- Santa Maria-style grills — Crank-operated adjustable grate systems over an open fire pit
- Open fire grills — Freestanding or portable grills designed for direct wood or charcoal cooking
- Cross grills (asador) — Stake-style systems for cooking whole animals or large cuts over an open fire
- Kamado/dome grills — Enclosed ceramic or steel grills that use charcoal with wood chips for smoke flavor
Each style handles wood differently, but they all share one principle: real wood creates real flavor.
5 Things to Consider Before Buying
1. Construction Material and Weight
The best wood fired grills are built from heavy-gauge steel or cast iron. Why? Mass matters. A heavier grill retains heat more evenly, resists warping under extreme temperatures, and lasts longer. Thin-gauge steel grills may cost less upfront, but they warp, rust, and lose heat consistency within a season or two.
Look for grills that weigh at least 40–60 lbs for portable models and 80+ lbs for stationary units. Products like the KANKAY XL (66 lbs) and Tromen Gaucha are built to this standard.
2. Firebox Design
A dedicated firebox (brasero) is the single most important feature in a serious wood fired grill. It lets you burn wood down to embers separately, then transfer clean, smokeless coals under your cooking surface. This is the Argentine method — and it produces better results than burning wood directly under the grate.
Grills with built-in fireboxes include the Tromen Gaucha, Tromen Chulengo, and the Porteña Cruz (Full Set).
3. Cooking Surface Size
Match the cooking surface to your typical group size:
- Under 300 sq in — Good for 2–4 people (couples, small families). The Kankay BBQ fits here.
- 300–500 sq in — Handles 4–8 people comfortably. The Chulengo (26" × 17") is a solid mid-range option.
- 500+ sq in — Built for entertaining. The Gaucha (600+ sq in) and Porteña Cruz (612 sq in) handle large gatherings with ease.
4. Portability vs Permanence
Decide whether you need a grill that stays in one place or one that travels with you:
- Fully portable — The Kankay BBQ ($249.99) and KANKAY XL ($499) disassemble completely for car transport.
- Mobile with wheels — The Chulengo has built-in wheels for repositioning in your yard.
- Stationary/semi-permanent — Larger grills like the Gaucha and the freestanding open fire grills are designed for a dedicated grilling spot.
5. Fuel: Which Wood to Use
The wood you burn matters as much as the grill itself. Different woods produce different heat levels, burn times, and flavor profiles:
- Quebracho Colorado — The gold standard for Argentine grilling. Burns hotter and longer than any domestic hardwood, with a rich, subtly sweet smoke. Imported directly from Argentina.
- Red oak — The traditional wood for Santa Maria-style grilling. Clean burn, moderate smoke.
- Hickory — Strong, classic BBQ smoke flavor. Burns hot.
- Mesquite — Intense heat, bold smoke. Best for short, high-heat cooks.
- Fruit woods (apple, cherry) — Mild, sweet smoke. Great for poultry and pork.
Best Wood Fired Grills Available in the USA
Here are our top picks across different price points and use cases:
| Grill | Price | Best For | Weight | Cooking Surface |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kankay BBQ | $249.99 | Camping, portability | 44.1 lbs | 17.7" round |
| KANKAY XL | $499 | Larger portable | 66.1 lbs | 23.6" × 23.6" |
| Tromen Chulengo | $544 | Family grilling + smoking | Heavy gauge | 26" × 17" |
| Porteña Cruz (Classic) | $900 | Cross-style grilling | Heavy gauge | 24" round (612 sq in) |
| Tromen Gaucha | $1,249 | Full asado experience | Heavy gauge | 600+ sq in |
| AlaCruz Pampeano | $1,425 | Complete cross grill set | Heavy gauge | Multiple surfaces |
Why Buy from Cholys?
Cholys is an authorized Tromen dealer that imports directly from Argentina — no middlemen, no inflated prices. Every grill ships with full manufacturer warranty, and free shipping is available on select items. We've been specializing in Argentine grilling equipment since day one, and our team can help you choose the right setup for your space and cooking style.
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