How to Best Use Your Charcoal Grill
Have you always wanted to try your hand at charcoal grilling instead of using a gas grill but felt a little overwhelmed by the process? That’s only natural. With a gas grill you merely have to turn on the gas, then click the “ignite” button and you’re up and ready to get to grilling. Charcoal grilling can seem a little overwhelming; with the mixture of air flow and getting the charcoal to the correct temperature (and keeping it there) may seem hard, but in reality it simply isn’t. We, at Backyard, want to help you on your endeavor of properly utilizing your charcoal grill and make it a little easier for you by following a simple process.
The most common charcoal grill is undoubtedly the kettle grill. Because of its simplistic design, it is the most utilized charcoal grill and makes for a relatively easy grilling process. There are accessories that make charcoal grilling a much, much easier process. For starters, having a chimney starter is almost essential. Having a chimney starter will allow you to get your charcoal lit easily and thoroughly. Also, because of the ease with which you can ignite your charcoal, you will never need to use chemicals to aid you such as lighter fluid. We strongly recommend never, ever using any charcoal with lighter fluid on it as it can completely ruin the flavor of the meat you’re grilling. We simply cannot overstate how helpful having a chimney starter is.
The first order of business is to ensure your grill’s bottom dampers are completely open along with the dampers on the lid. This will allow for optimal airflow when lighting your charcoal. Next, simply remove your top cooking grate. Now it’s time to get the charcoal going, and where having a chimney starter is so paramount. Fill up your chimney starter approximately to its midpoint. The best method of lighting your charcoal within the chimney starter is by placing 2-3 lighter cubes beneath the chimney and then igniting them. Once the charcoals have developed an outer layer of ash, you’re ready to empty the coals into the charcoal grate.
The dispersal of the hot smoldering charcoal should not be done haphazardly. The most efficient method of placing the charcoal into the charcoal grate is having them all on one side. This will allow you to create a direct heating surface as well as an indirect heating surface. Now that the coals are hot and correctly positioned, it’s time to put the cooking grate back on the grill (be mindful of not getting burned, so using grill gloves is always the smart route to go). After you’ve placed the grilling grate back upon the grill, now put the lid on with all the vents still open. Now all you need to do is wait for your grill to preheat, this usually takes around 15 minutes or so.
Once you have preheated your grill, make certain to thoroughly clean the grilling grate utilizing a sturdy grill brush. Once you have completely cleaned the grilling grate, you are now ready to grill any and everything you could desire. Once your meat or food is on the grill cooking, you can control the internal temperature of the grill utilizing the top dampers/vents. If you want a slower, low temperature grilling process, simply close more vents. The less oxygen the coals receive, the cooler at which they will emit heat. You will have total control over your cooking duration and temperature. Charcoal grilling made easy.
For further information on how to best utilize your charcoal grill, to find your very own charcoal grill and the accessories mentioned within this article, call Backyard anytime at +966.13.845.6798. We will be more than happy to discuss any questions or concerns you may have and help you to better understand the “ins and outs” of charcoal grilling. Having the most experience and expertise in charcoal grilling in the entire Middle East, we can essentially teach you how to be a charcoal grilling master. We look forward to hearing from you soon, and happy grilling!