There are a few popular grilling techniques that each add their own unique finesse to a dish. Grilling with charcoal is among the most commonly used grilling approaches, coveted for the deep smoky flavor that enhances the natural flavors of meat, vegetables, and other foods. However, there can be a learning curve to understand factors like heat control, airflow, and fuel management. If you’re familiar with gas grills, you’re used to the instant ignition and precise temperature adjustment features. Charcoal grilling is a whole new world, and with patience and practice, you can master this tender and mouth-watering art form. Whether you’re a beginner on the grill or an expert looking for new tips, this is the ultimate charcoal grilling guide.
Choosing a Charcoal Grill
When choosing a charcoal grill, it is important to consider a few key factors to get the best value out of your decision. Here are our best charcoal grilling tips:
1. Size and cooking space
- Small charcoal grills are optimal for a small family with limited cooking space. A little corner in the backyard is enough for modest-sized charcoal grills — plus they are portable and easy to store. Larger charcoal grills are suitable for those who grill frequently and entertain large groups. While these grills typically have more advanced features, they will be harder to move and require more room for storage.
2. Shape
- The shape of the grill will contribute to the heat conduction, smoke retention, and efficiency of the cook. For example, the classic round design of a kettle grill is great for heat distribution with direct and indirect heat. Barrel grills are larger and have more space for cooking party-sized batches of food. Finally, the ceramic egg shape of Kamado grills aids in its popularized heat retention.
3. Material
- Steel is by far the most popular material for a grill because it is affordable, but it can rust over time. Some higher-quality steel models may be rust-free, but not every steel grill will be protected against rust. Materials like cast iron won’t rust and offer excellent heat retention, but it is heavier than other alternatives. Ceramic is considered the best for heat retention, but is also the most expensive.
4. Additional Features
- When you’re learning, start with a basic charcoal grill. Some grills have advanced functions like ash collectors or lid thermometers, which can make the grilling and clean-up process less hectic overall. You may want wheels for easy portability, or potentially a side abe for prep work. Every charcoal grill is different, so it’s up to you to decide what features you want most.
Charcoal Grilling Basics
A charcoal grill is one of a few different types of grills, each with distinct approaches to cooking and flavoring food. The beauty of a charcoal grill is the simplicity of the heating process, making it a great choice for charcoal grilling for beginners. When you light the charcoal, it will burn and produce smoke and heat. Once the food is placed on the grill, it will cook from the direct heat below. Covering the grill will also help cook the food by trapping the indirect heat around it. Charcoal itself is perfect for charcoal grilling because of the natural flavor the smoke imparts to food. At the end of the day, you’ll have to decide which type of charcoal is right for you.
Lump Charcoal
Lump charcoal is made out of natural hardwood that has been burnt down through a process of ‘carbonization’, heating in the absence of oxygen. This type of charcoal is hotter and will burn faster than briquettes for a brighter, more intense heat. Also, this type of charcoal will produce less ash than the alternative. On the other hand, the burn time of lump charcoal is short, making it more difficult to sustain the temperature for long periods of time. Lump charcoal can be ideal for foods that require high heat and a short cook time like steak.
Charcoal Briquettes
Briquettes are made from a mix of charcoal dust, wood byproducts, and binding elements. You will find briquettes sold in uniform shapes, which makes them easier to arrange in the grill, so you can count on a more consistent and reliable burn that lasts for a longer time. While charcoal briquettes may not reach the same high temperatures that charcoal can, they produce a steadier burn. However, as a trade-off for convenience, charcoal briquettes can sometimes produce a slightly ashy taste and the additional binders added to the bricks may affect the purity of the smoke. Briquettes are a solid option for those who look for reliability and convenience.
What do You Need for a Charcoal Grill
Before you start grilling, go through this checklist to make sure you have everything you need:
- Charcoal: The most obvious item on the checklist, for sure. The first thing you’ll need to do is choose which type of charcoal you prefer and keep some on hand for when you’re inspired to grill.
- Chimney starter: This essential grilling tool can efficiently heat up the charcoal without the use of lighter fluid. To use a chimney starter, add charcoal to the top compartment, place a fire starter cube or other lighting material underneath, and light it. This way, the heat will rise through the charcoal. You’ll know it’s ready when the charcoal is glowing red and covered with a light layer of ash.
- Grill tools: This is charcoal grilling 101. It’s important to choose tools that are specifically designed for grilling. You’ll want tools that are long enough to keep your hands away from the heat and should be made of heat-resistant material like stainless steel. To get started, you’ll need grill tongs, spatulas, and forks.
- Heat-resistant gloves: Keeping a set of heat-resistant gloves nearby can be a good idea. The tools are there to pick up the food, but if you keep your plates and trays around the grill during the cooking process, they can get hot from the indirect heat too.
- Grill brush: It is essential to stay on top of grill care. Cleaning the grill regularly will help maintain the grill’s performance and the food’s quality. Keep a grill brush nearby for habitual cleaning before and after cooking.
- Thermometer: A thermometer is an important tool, no matter what you’re grilling. You’ll want to invest in a reliable instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of meat, and you may even find a grill with a temperature gauge on the hood to monitor the heat from the grill.
- Grill divider: To set up a two-zone fire, you’ll need a grill divider to set up separate cooking areas. Not all grill dividers fit all grills, so it’s important to check compatibility with your appliance.
- Fire starters: If you don’t have a chimney starter, fire starter cubes or lighter fluid will also work. However, if you use lighter fluid when cooking, let the coals burn for a few minutes before adding food to the grill to cook off any chemicals.
- Aluminum foil: This can be a handy cooking tool when you’re in a pinch. For example, you can use aluminum foil to section off parts of the grill when you need to maintain certain temperatures. Also, if you lose your grill brush, you can use crumpled up aluminum foil and a pinch of oil to scrub the grates of debris and grease when you’re done cooking.
- Grill cover: It can be easy not to think about grill care when you aren’t actively preparing to cook something. A grill cover is a simple yet effective way to protect your grill through the elements: wind, rain, snow, dust etc.
How to Start a Grill with Charcoal
One of the most essential charcoal grill tips you’ll need is how to effectively light the grill. Rather than being a straightforward process, there are actually a few steps to lighting a charcoal grill:
- Prepare the grill: Inspect the grill by removing the grate and clean out any leftover ash from the last grilling session.
- Fill the chimney starter: Add the desired amount of coals into the chimney starter. The amount of charcoal to use depends on your grill size and what you’re cooking. A general rule of thumb is to fill the chimney starter about halfway for medium heat and three-quarters full for high heat.
- Light the fire: Place a fire starter underneath and ignite it. The design of the chimney starter allows the heat to evenly distribute through the coals, allowing for a more consistent burn while grilling.
- Wait for charcoal to ignite: Give the charcoal about 10-15 minutes to fully heat up. It should be glowing red with a light layer of gray ash on top.
- Pour the charcoal into the grill: Carefully pour the charcoal into the base of the grill. Wear a pair of heat-resistant gloves to transfer the coals from the chimney starter to the grill.
Once you have the grill heated up, you may consider creating different heat zones for different foods. You can arrange the charcoal in one of two ways:
- Direct heating (one zone): This method is optimal for achieving a constant, high heat. Spreading the coals evenly across the bottom of the grill is the key to a perfect sear every time.
- Two-zone heat: Focus the coals on one side of the grill, leaving the other side completely empty. Now, you have a ‘hot zone’ and a ‘cool zone’. Start by placing food in the hot zone to achieve the signature sear from direct heat, then transfer it to the cool zone to finish cooking with indirect heat.
Charcoal Grilling Temperatures
It wouldn’t be a proper charcoal grilling guide without a quick cheat sheet on grill heat.
What to Grill on High Heat
The best foods to grill over a high heat are:
- Steaks
- Burgers
- Chicken breasts
- Pork chops
- Vegetables
- Shrimp
What to Grill on Medium Heat
Some foods take a little more time and patience to finish cooking over a lower heat, including:
- Chicken thighs
- Fish fillets
- Hot dogs and sausages
- Ribs
- Small roasts
- Thick vegetables
Charcoal Grill FAQs
Before you begin cooking, you should allow the charcoal to burn for about 15-20 minutes. When the coals are glowing with heat and covered by a light layer of white ash, the grill is ready for use. To keep the grill hot, you’ll need to maintain proper air flow by keeping the vents open and adding fresh charcoal when necessary (as they die out).
Ultimately, the best way to cook on a charcoal grill depends on what you are cooking. In general, it is best to keep a two-zone system where one side cooks with direct heat to achieve a proper sear and the other utilizes indirect heat for slow cooking. This way, you have more control over the grilling process.
When you are heating up charcoal, it is best to leave the lid open to help the air circulate and heat up the coals more efficiently. After the coals are heated up, close the lid to maintain the heat of the coals.
The best charcoal grill to buy depends on your personal needs and expectations. The best charcoal grill for beginners is a classic kettle grill because it is perfect for practicing the basics and building preferences. As you get more experience and form opinions on things like temperature control, cooking space, and portability, you may consider graduating to other types of charcoal grills.
This is a matter of preference. The organic heating material you use will depend on what your goal is on the grill. Overall, charcoal is considered the more convenient and easier to control option, providing efficient heat and a clean, smoky flavor. However, wood can impart a more distinct smoky flavor that is customizable depending on the type you use. While wood offers the traditional taste, it can be more challenging to manage.
