Rotisserie Royalty: Is the Everdure HUB II the Ultimate Charcoal Powerhouse?

Strip away the flashy marketing, and most high-end outdoor cookers are over-engineered solutions looking for a problem.

We’ve all seen those monstrous $5,000 stainless-steel gas grills that look like they were designed by NASA, possess enough buttons to launch a satellite, and yet somehow manage to turn a basic quarter-pound burger into a dry, sad piece of shoe leather.

Then you have traditional charcoal purists – the folks who treat lighting a fire like a sacred religious ritual, spending forty minutes standing over a chimney starter, fanning embers, and smelling like a campfire for three business days just to cook four hot dogs.

Enter the Everdure HUB II. Designed in partnership with British three-Michelin-starred chef Heston Blumenthal, this machine promises to merge the raw, soul-satisfying flavor of live charcoal with the sleek, push-button convenience usually reserved for high-end gas rigs.

But at a price point that could easily buy you a decent used motor scooter, is this stunning piece of modern backyard hardware actually the ultimate charcoal powerhouse, or is it just a glorified, ultra-expensive status symbol meant to show off to your neighbors?

At a Glance: Specs, Key Features & Pricing

Before getting into the grease and smoke, let’s look at what the Everdure HUB II brings to the patio on paper.

This isn’t a basic kettle grill you toss in the back of a pickup truck; it is a heavy-duty, permanent statement piece for your outdoor kitchen.

Design, Build Quality & Aesthetics

Most charcoal grills look like dark metal cauldrons left behind from a medieval siege.

The Everdure HUB II, on the other hand, looks like it was designed in Copenhagen by someone who exclusively wears black turtleneck sweaters.

It features sharp lines, a matte-black powder-coated body, stainless steel accents, and a seamless silhouette that instantly elevates any patio.

Beyond the jaw-dropping looks, the build quality feels delightfully substantial:

• Heavy-Duty Chassis: The main body is built from thick-gauge steel with a high-temperature powder coat that resists flaking, rust, and extreme thermal shock.
• Porcelain Enamel Firebox: The internal charcoal tray is coated in durable porcelain enamel, engineered to handle extreme heat spikes without warping or cracking.
• Integrated Storage Cabinet: Beneath the firebox sits a fully enclosed dual-door storage space. It easily conceals extra charcoal bags, grilling tools, and the heavy-duty rotisserie spit rod when not in use.
• Retractable Power Cord: The built-in 4.9-foot power cord pulls out smoothly from the base to power the heating element and rotisserie motor, then rewinds automatically with a gentle tug.
• Mobility & Stability: Sitting on four heavy-duty casters (two of which lock securely), moving this 170-pound beast across smooth patio pavers is surprisingly effortless. Just don’t expect to drag it across deep gravel without a fight.

Core Features Deep-Dive

1. Fast Flame Ignition System™

The absolute biggest selling point of the Everdure HUB II is its complete elimination of lighter fluid, chemical firestarters, and tedious chimney starters. Tucked directly beneath the central charcoal tray lies a powerful 1400W electric heating element.

Pile your favorite lump charcoal directly over the element, hit the dedicated power button on the side panel, and walk away. The element glows red-hot, igniting the bottom layer of charcoal in roughly 7 to 10 minutes.

Once the first embers start sparking, the electric element shuts off automatically, leaving you with a roaring, chemical-free charcoal fire ready for cooking in under 20 minutes.

It bridges the gap between gas convenience and charcoal authenticity better than almost anything else on the market.

2. Rotiscope Technology™ & Rotisserie Setup

If the electric ignition is the engine of the Everdure HUB II, the rotisserie system is its crown jewel. Traditional rotisseries require cumbersome external motors, dangling wires, and loose brackets that end up lost under the patio furniture.

• Push-Button Retractable Pillars: With two simple pushes, dual stainless-steel pillars emerge smoothly from the left and right sides of the grill chassis.
• 3-Height Level Adjustments: You can lock the spit rod at three distinct height settings above the charcoal bed, giving you precise, effortless control over heat intensity.
• Monster Motor Capacity: Driven by an internal commercial-grade motor hidden inside the main body, this rotisserie can spin up to 88 lbs (40 kg) of meat. That means multiple whole turkeys, a massive pork shoulder stack, or even a small whole pig or lamb without the motor breaking a sweat.
• Cliplock Forks™: Forget annoying thumbscrews that loosen mid-cook, causing your chicken to flop around pathetically on the spit. The heavy-duty ratchet-style forks slide along the rod and lock down securely with simple clip levers.

3. Airflow & Heat Management

The Everdure HUB II operates primarily as an open-air barbecue, drawing inspiration from classic South American parrilla and Mediterranean spit-roasting traditions.

Instead of relying heavily on top dampers or draft doors like a closed kamado style grill, temperature control is managed through:

• Height adjustment of your rotisserie spit relative to the embers.
• Strategic charcoal placement across the spacious firebox floor.
• Heat-shielded chrome-plated handles that allow you to safely lift and re-configure individual grate sections mid-cook to manage direct vs. indirect heat zones.

Performance & Hands-On Testing

Lighting a grill in a controlled showroom is one thing; putting high-grade meats over real fire is where a product earns its keep.

Putting the Everdure HUB II through a series of demanding backyard cooking tests revealed exactly where it shines – and where you need to adapt your technique.

Test 1: High-Heat Direct Searing (Ribeye Steaks & Burgers)

Loading the firebox with premium oak lump charcoal and engaging the Fast Flame Ignition System™ had usable coals ready in 15 minutes flat.

The heavy-gauge chrome grates transferred searing heat remarkably well, producing crisp, beautiful grill marks while maintaining a hot center zone for fast searing and cooler outer edges for indirect warming.

Because the cooking surface measures over 523 square inches, managing multi-zone heat for high-volume entertaining is a breeze.

You can easily sear eight massive steaks right over the central coal bed while letting garlic butter mushrooms simmer gently along the perimeter.

Test 2: Multi-Bird Rotisserie Burn (Whole Herb-Butter Chickens)

This is where the Everdure HUB II transforms from a great charcoal grill into a spectacular centerpiece. Mounting three whole 5-pound chickens onto the heavy-duty spit rod using the Cliplock Forks™ took less than three minutes.

Once engaged, the internal motor turned the spit with quiet, continuous precision – no struggling, sputtering, or gear slippage.

By adjusting the spit height to the middle position above a medium bed of charcoal, the skin rendered out into a crunchy, golden-brown crust while the internal meat stayed insanely juicy.

The self-basting motion of a high-capacity rotisserie creates a flavor profile that no standard grate cook can ever hope to replicate.

Test 3: Fuel Efficiency & Heat Retention

Because the Everdure HUB II is an open-top, flat-bed grill design (though it does include a lightweight warming/protection cover when off), it naturally consumes charcoal faster than an airtight kamado ceramic cooker.

You won’t get 24-hour low-and-slow smoke sessions out of a single basket of coals here. However, fuel efficiency remains surprisingly reasonable for an open firebox thanks to the deep, heat-reflective porcelain body design.

Ease of Cleaning & Maintenance

Cleaning up after a long night of outdoor cooking is usually the moment where regret sets in. Fortunately, the designers at Everdure gave ash management serious thought:

• Removable Ash Pan: Beneath the cast-iron charcoal grid sits a fully enclosed, sliding ash drawer. Once the coals have completely extinguished and cooled, simply pull out the drawer, empty the dry ash into the bin, and slide it back in.
• Chrome Cooking Grates: The individual grate sections are light enough to easily fit into a standard utility sink for quick soaking and scrubbing.
• Spit Rod Cleanup: The stainless steel spit rod and Cliplock Forks™ wash down easily with warm water and basic grease-cutting dish soap.
• Weather Cover Imperative: Because of the electronic components, electric ignition rod, and internal motors, keeping this unit covered with the custom Everdure heavy-duty weather cover when not in use isn’t optional – it’s mandatory if you want to protect your investment from rain and humidity.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Unrivaled Rotisserie Power: The 88 lb motor capacity combined with push-button retractable pillars makes spit-roasting effortless and visually stunning.
• Lightning-Fast Lighting: Fast Flame Ignition System™ gets charcoal burning in under 10 minutes without messy fluids, chimneys, or gas assist tanks.
• Show-Stopping Design: Modern, clean aesthetics elevate any backyard, deck, or outdoor kitchen setup.
• Ergonomic Smart Features: Cliplock Forks™, integrated tool storage cabinet, and fully retractable power cord eliminate common grilling frustrations.
• Generous Cooking Area: 523 square inches provides plenty of room to feed large family gatherings and weekend parties.

Cons:

• High Barrier to Entry: At over $2,000 USD, it represents a serious financial investment compared to standard charcoal setups.
• Power Outlet Required: You must position the grill within reach of an electrical outlet (or heavy-duty extension cord) to run the ignition and rotisserie motor.
• Limited Air-Tight Smoking: Lacks a heavy, sealed dome lid, making long-distance low-and-slow barbecue smoking harder to regulate compared to traditional smokers or kamados.

Everdure HUB II vs. Key Competitors

To truly judge if the Everdure HUB II justifies its premium price tag, it helps to see how it stacks up against other high-end charcoal juggernauts on the market today:

While a Kamado Joe or Weber Summit excels at long, overnight brisket smokes under a sealed lid, neither can hold a candle to the raw rotisserie capacity, fast electric lighting, or modern design aesthetics of the Everdure HUB II.

The 3 Closest Alternatives

1. The Direct Up-Spec Rival: Weber Summit Kamado E6 / S6 Charcoal Grill

• Best For: Superior fuel efficiency, high-heat searing, and versatile lid-closed smoking without the fragile weight of ceramic.
• Price Range: ~$1,249 – $1,999 USD

Why it’s a great alternative:

If you want a high-end charcoal cooker that offers the sleek usability of a modern stand grill but fixes the HUB II’s biggest limitation – its open-top design – the Weber Summit Kamado is the premier alternative.

Built with dual-wall air-insulated steel, it heats up fast and retains temperature with incredible precision.

• Key Strengths: Unlike ceramic kamados, it’s light enough to move easily while maintaining extreme thermal insulation. It features a rapid gas-ignition system (S6 model) or easy chimney lighting, an adjustable grate position for direct searing vs. low-and-slow smoking, and a massive 24-inch cooking surface.
• Where it falls short of the HUB II: You lose the massive built-in 88-lb capacity rotisserie motor and retractable pillars. While you can add an aftermarket rotisserie, it doesn’t match the seamless integration or raw motor strength of the HUB II.

2. The Heavyweight Smoking & Versatility King: Kamado Joe Big Joe III (24-Inch) + Rotisserie Attachment

• Best For: Ultimate heat retention, fuel efficiency, long overnight brisket smokes, and all-weather durability.
• Price Range: ~$2,799 USD (plus ~$300 for the Joetisserie)

Why it’s a great alternative:

If the main flaw of the HUB II for you is its open-top design and lack of lid-enclosed smoking power, a heavy ceramic kamado is the gold standard.

When you add the heavy-duty wedge-shaped Joetisserie attachment, the Big Joe III matches much of the rotisserie charm while adding world-class low-and-slow barbecue performance.

• Key Strengths: The thick ceramic walls retain heat for up to 24 hours on a single basket of lump charcoal. It handles everything from sub-220°F ribs to 800°F wood-fired pizzas, making it far more versatile for variable weather conditions.
• Where it falls short of the HUB II: No electric push-button ignition (you have to light coals manually), lower rotisserie load limit (~20–30 lbs vs. the HUB II’s 88 lbs), and a far bulkier, traditional “egg-shaped” look.

3. The Modern Fuel Hybrid: Kalamazoo Charcoal & Gas Hybrid Fire Built-In/Freestanding Grill

• Best For: Unlimited budget buyers who want raw gas speed paired with real charcoal/wood-fire roasting.
• Price Range: ~$15,000+ USD

Why it’s a great alternative:

For buyers who are eyeing the HUB II as a luxury outdoor kitchen centerpiece and aren’t afraid of a serious high-end price tag, Kalamazoo is the ultimate luxury benchmark in open-flame cooking.

• Key Strengths: Features a heavy-duty drawer system directly below gas burners. You can fire up gas burners for instant heat, then drop real hardwood blocks or lump charcoal directly into the drawer for authentic wood-fired flavor. It includes a commercial-grade motor rotisserie system that can hold massive whole-animal roasts.
• Where it falls short of the HUB II: The entry price is dramatically higher, requiring a massive investment compared to the HUB II’s ~$2,000 price point.

Final Verdict & Overall Rating

The Everdure HUB II isn’t trying to be an all-in-one smoker, nor is it trying to compete with cheap weekend kettles.

It is a purpose-built, luxury outdoor showpiece designed specifically for people who love the raw flavor of charcoal cooking and want to make rotisserie roasting the main event of their backyard entertaining.

If you are looking for an airtight smoker to cook briskets for 18 hours at sub-zero temperatures, look toward a heavy ceramic kamado.

But if your idea of outdoor perfection involves lighting charcoal at the touch of a button, cracking open a cold drink, and watching three whole chickens or a massive roast turn effortlessly over glowing embers while hosting friends, nothing else on the market comes close.

It blends raw open-fire cooking with pure modern luxury, making the Everdure HUB II an absolute triumph for the modern outdoor cook.

Final Score: 4.7 / 5 Stars

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does the Everdure HUB II require a constant electrical outlet to cook?

No. Electricity is only required to run the Fast Flame Ignition System™ heating element (for the first 7–10 minutes to ignite the coals) and to power the internal rotisserie motor during a cook.

If you choose to light your charcoal manually with chimney starters or firelighters and aren’t using the rotisserie, the grill functions entirely without power.

2. How long does the charcoal take to light using the built-in ignition?

The 1400W heating element gets your charcoal ignited in roughly 7 to 10 minutes. 

After the element automatically shuts off, the embers spread across the firebox, making your grill fully ready to cook in 15 to 20 minutes without lighter fluid or chemical starters.

3. Can I use the Everdure HUB II as a smoker for low-and-slow barbecue?

While you can set up indirect heat zones for roasting, the HUB II is an open-top, flat-bed barbecue designed primarily for direct grilling and high-capacity rotisserie cooking.

Because it lacks a heavy, sealed insulating lid and top draft dampers, maintaining precise sub-250°F temperatures over 12+ hours for long brisket or pork shoulder smokes is difficult compared to dedicated kamados or offset smokers.

4. How do you control the heat without traditional lid dampers or vents?

Heat control on the HUB II is managed by controlling fuel volume, strategically arranging coals across the firebox, and raising or lowering your meat on the rotisserie.

The Rotiscope Technology™ pillars feature three height settings so you can move your roast closer to or further away from the glowing embers.

5. Can I leave the Everdure HUB II outside in the rain?

Because the HUB II houses delicate internal electronics, an electric heating element, and a retractable power cord, you should never leave it uncovered in wet weather.

Using the custom Everdure heavy-duty water-resistant cover when the unit is cool and not in use is mandatory to protect your investment from moisture and rust.

Featured image credit: @zenoutdoorkitchens