How to Keep A Charcoal Grill Burning?

20 minutes read

To keep a charcoal grill burning consistently, you need to follow a few steps.

  1. Start by preparing your charcoal briquettes. Stack them in a pyramid shape, leaving space between each briquette for air circulation.
  2. Once the charcoal is stacked, carefully light it in several places using either lighter fluid or a charcoal chimney starter. If using lighter fluid, wait for a few minutes to let it soak in before lighting the charcoal.
  3. Allow the charcoal to burn for around 10-15 minutes until the briquettes have developed a white ash coating. This indicates they are ready for cooking.
  4. Once the charcoal is ready, spread the briquettes evenly across the grill's charcoal grate using long tongs.
  5. Maintain a consistent heat by adjusting the vents on the charcoal grill. The more open the vents, the more oxygen will reach the charcoal, resulting in a hotter fire. Conversely, partially closing the vents will reduce the airflow, lowering the temperature.
  6. To keep the grill burning, periodically add more charcoal as needed. This prevents the fire from dying out and maintains a consistent temperature.
  7. Avoid smothering the fire by not suffocating it with too much ash or adding too many briquettes at once. This can inhibit proper airflow and extinguish the flames.
  8. Monitor the grill throughout the cooking process, adjusting the vents, and adding charcoal as necessary to maintain the desired heat.


Remember to prioritize safety and always follow the manufacturer's instructions and guidelines when using your charcoal grill.

Best Charcoal Grills of December 2024

1
Royal Gourmet CC1830SC Charcoal Grill Offset Smoker with Cover, 811 Square Inches, Black, Outdoor Camping

Rating is 5 out of 5

Royal Gourmet CC1830SC Charcoal Grill Offset Smoker with Cover, 811 Square Inches, Black, Outdoor Camping

  • 811 Square Inches: Includes 443 sq. in. porcelain-enameled steel wire cooking grates, 184 sq. in. chrome-plated warming rack and 184 sq. in. offset smoker.
  • Tasty Smoke Flavors: The offset smoker is firmly attached to grill to ensure good circulation of heat and smoke. Easy to open side door to add charcoal and remove ashes; air vent stokes fire instantly.
  • Adjustable Pan: 2-level height-adjustable charcoal pan creates better heat control and holds up to 4.4 lbs. of coal.
  • Temperature Monitor: Lid-mounted thermometer gauge helps check and monitor the cooking temperature and you can cook with great confidence.
  • Grill Cover Included: Made of heavy-duty fabric, the cover protects your grill from elements and withstands the harshest weather.
  • Ample Space: Front and side tables offer workspace for seasonings and grilling tools. The bottom shelf provides extra storage space and holds up to only 20 lb. accessories when they are evenly distributed.
2
Weber Original Kettle 22-Inch Charcoal Grill

Rating is 4.9 out of 5

Weber Original Kettle 22-Inch Charcoal Grill

  • Stay true to the modern version of the kettle that started it all—the Original Kettle, invented by Weber’s founder, and loved around the world. Its ultra-durable, porcelain-enameled lid and bowl retain heat, while the damperseasily adjust for precise temperature control. With a One-Touch cleaning system for easy cleanup after a long day of grilling, the Original Kettle will always be the grill built for everyone
  • Holds up to 13 burgers made with a Weber burger press
  • One-Touch cleaning system provides hassle-free ash cleanup.Removable, aluminum ash catcher
  • Porcelain-enameled lid and bowl Retain heat, and won’t rust or peel
  • Use the lid hook to avoid placing the lid on the ground while grilling
  • Dampers allow you to easily control the temperature inside your grill
  • 3D interactive assembly instructions for this product are available through the free BILT app.
3
Char-Griller E1515 Patio Pro Charcoal Grill, Black

Rating is 4.8 out of 5

Char-Griller E1515 Patio Pro Charcoal Grill, Black

  • CHARCOAL GRILL - Barrel style BBQ Grill with heavy duty steel construction and powder coating finish, the perfect grilling solution for small decks, backyards, and patios
  • LARGE COOKING AREA - 250 square inch total cooking area delivers exceptional taste and charcoal flavor
  • BARBECUE GRILL FEATURES - Thick Cast Iron Cooking Grates, Bottom Storage Rack, Heavy-Duty Steel Construction, Side Air Vent, Stay Cool Wood Handle, Wheels for Easy Mobility, and Side Shelf Workstation with Barbecue Tool Storage Hooks
  • EASY TO ASSEMBLE & CLEAN - Assembles easily and quickly cleans up after use with the Easy Dump Ash Pan
4
Royal Gourmet CC1830 30 Barrel Charcoal Grill with Side Table, 627 Square Inches, Outdoor Backyard, Patio and Parties, Black

Rating is 4.7 out of 5

Royal Gourmet CC1830 30 Barrel Charcoal Grill with Side Table, 627 Square Inches, Outdoor Backyard, Patio and Parties, Black

  • 627 Smoking Space: 443 sq. in. porcelain-enameled steel wire cooking grates with 184 sq. in. chrome-plated steel wire warming rack offer enough space to cook.
  • Heat Control: Close the side air vent completely that cuts off the oxygen flow to help extinguish coals and adjust the smoke stack for extra heat control.
  • Adjustable Fire Grates: 2-level height-adjustable fire pan ensures more controlled cooking and holds up to 6 lbs. of coal.
  • Temperature Monitor: Lid-mounted thermometer gauge helps check heat fluctuations for confident grilling.
5
Royal Gourmet CD1824M 24-Inch Charcoal Grill, BBQ Smoker with Handle and Folding Table, Perfect for Outdoor Patio, Garden and Backyard Grilling, Black, Medium

Rating is 4.6 out of 5

Royal Gourmet CD1824M 24-Inch Charcoal Grill, BBQ Smoker with Handle and Folding Table, Perfect for Outdoor Patio, Garden and Backyard Grilling, Black, Medium

  • Spacious Cooking Area: 384 sq. in. porcelain-enameled steel wire cooking grates and 106 sq. in. stainless steel warming rack provide a total of 490 sq. in. cooking space respectively, serving up to 10 people.
  • Height-adjustable Charcoal Pan: The crank handle controls the distance between the charcoal pan and food for fine-tuning temperature and regulating heat. The charcoal pan holds charcoal up to 4.5 lb. for each use.
  • Convenient Access Door: Front charcoal access door with heat-resistant spring handle provides more convenience for adding charcoal and controls heat loss to a minimum during cooking.
  • Built-in Thermometer Gauge: The lid-mounted thermometer indicates the temperature changes precisely in real-time.
  • Air Flow: Two adjustable air vents control air circulation to enhance sufficient burning of charcoal for efficient smoking.
6
Royal Gourmet Barrel Charcoal Grill with Front Storage Basket, Backyard BBQ Party and Outdoor Cooking Grill on Clearance Prime with Wheels, Black, CC1830T

Rating is 4.5 out of 5

Royal Gourmet Barrel Charcoal Grill with Front Storage Basket, Backyard BBQ Party and Outdoor Cooking Grill on Clearance Prime with Wheels, Black, CC1830T

  • Additional Cooking Options: The charcoal grill can meet your versatile cooking demands by slow smoking or grilling ribs, veggies, lobster tails, or other preferred ingredients.
  • Ample Cooking Area: To accommodate 23 hamburgers at once, there are 443 sq. in. porcelain-enameled steel wire cooking grates and a 184 sq. in. chrome-plated steel wire warming rack as a secondary heating area.
  • Impressive Storage: Store seasonings in the front basket, hang some cooking utensils on the integrated hooks, place plates and other food on the side tables, and meanwhile put your charcoal on the bottom storage shelf.
  • Adjustable Charcoal Pan: Easily control the distance between food and fire with the lifting handle to regulate cooking temperature, which also saves fuel in the meantime.
  • Heat Control: Customize your desired temperature by twisting the air damper and smoke stack, thus getting the best cooking results.
7
Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill, 22-Inch, Black

Rating is 4.4 out of 5

Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill, 22-Inch, Black

  • Holds up to 13 burgers made with a Weber burger press; Built-in lid thermometer. Rust-resistant aluminum dampers
  • One-Touch cleaning system with high-capacity ash catcher provides hassle-free ash cleanup
  • Porcelain-enameled lid and bowl retain heat, and won’t rust or peel
  • Use the lid hook to avoid placing the lid on the ground while grilling
  • Cooking grate is hinged for easily adding charcoal while grilling
8
Royal Gourmet CC1830S 30" BBQ Charcoal Grill and Offset Smoker | 811 Square Inch cooking surface, Outdoor for Camping | Black

Rating is 4.3 out of 5

Royal Gourmet CC1830S 30" BBQ Charcoal Grill and Offset Smoker | 811 Square Inch cooking surface, Outdoor for Camping | Black

  • 811 Square Inches: Includes 443 sq. in. porcelain-enameled steel wire cooking grates, 184 sq. in. chrome-plated warming rack and 184 sq. in. offset smoker.
  • Tasty Smoke Flavors: The offset smoker is firmly attached to grill to ensure good circulation of heat and smoke. Easy to open side door to add charcoal and remove ashes; air vent stokes fire instantly.
  • Adjustable Pan: 2-level height-adjustable charcoal pan creates better heat control and holds up to 4.4 lbs. of coal.
  • Temperature Monitor: Lid-mounted thermometer gauge helps check and monitor the cooking temperature and you can cook with great confidence.
9
Dyna-Glo DGN576SNC-D X-Large Premium Dual Chamber Charcoal Grill

Rating is 4.2 out of 5

Dyna-Glo DGN576SNC-D X-Large Premium Dual Chamber Charcoal Grill

  • Removable firebox divider for single or dual cooking zone
  • Primary cooking area is 576 square inches
  • Secondary cooking area is 240 square inches
10
Royal Gourmet CC1830W 30 Barrel Charcoal Grill with Side Table, 627 Square Inches, Outdoor Backyard, Patio and Parties, Black

Rating is 4.1 out of 5

Royal Gourmet CC1830W 30 Barrel Charcoal Grill with Side Table, 627 Square Inches, Outdoor Backyard, Patio and Parties, Black

  • Spacious Cooking Area: Includes 443 sq. in. porcelain-enameled steel wire cooking grates, 184 sq. in. chrome-plated steel wire warming rack, and 184 sq. in. offset smoker.
  • Offset Smoker: Use the side fire box to get tasty and authentic smoky flavors in the main chamber. Smoking, grilling, or searing all will be your choices.
  • Adjustable Charcoal Pan: 2-level height-adjustable charcoal pan ensures better heat control and holds up to 4.4 lb. of coal.


How can I prevent flare-ups while grilling with charcoal?

To prevent flare-ups while grilling with charcoal, you can follow these tips:

  1. Keep the grill clean: Remove any leftover grease or food residue from the grill grates before cooking. Flare-ups often occur due to the drippings falling onto hot coals.
  2. Use a two-zone cooking method: Create two different heat zones on the grill by stacking the charcoal on one side and leaving the other side empty. This way, you can move the food away from the direct heat if flare-ups occur.
  3. Manage airflow: Adjust the vents on your charcoal grill to control the airflow. Excessive oxygen can cause the coals to flare up. If flare-ups happen, close the vents partially to reduce the airflow.
  4. Limit fatty foods: Fatty meats and marinated foods can drip excessive fat onto the coals, leading to flare-ups. Trim excess fat from the meat and avoid using excessive marinades to reduce flare-ups.
  5. Use a drip pan: Place a disposable aluminum drip pan underneath the food on the grill grates to catch any drippings. This prevents the drippings from directly hitting the hot coals and causing flare-ups.
  6. Preheat the grill properly: Allow the coals to burn until they are covered with a light layer of white ash before placing the food on the grates. This ensures a more consistent and controlled heat, minimizing flare-ups.
  7. Use a spray bottle of water: Keep a spray bottle filled with water nearby to quickly extinguish any flare-ups that may occur. However, remember to be cautious when using water near hot coals.
  8. Don't overcrowd the grill: Leave enough space between the food items to allow air circulation and reduce the risk of flare-ups.
  9. Control flare-ups with the lid: If flare-ups occur, close the grill lid to starve the fire of oxygen and reduce the intensity of the flames. This can help prevent further incidents.
  10. Stay attentive: Flare-ups can happen quickly, so always stay near the grill to keep an eye on the cooking process and take action promptly if needed.


By following these tips, you can minimize flare-ups and enjoy safer and more controlled charcoal grilling.


Can I add wood chips or other smoking materials to enhance the flavor of the food?

Yes, adding wood chips or other smoking materials can definitely enhance the flavor of your food when grilling or smoking. Wood chips are commonly used with charcoal or gas grills to add a smoky flavor. Soaking the wood chips in water for about 30 minutes before using them can help them to smolder and produce smoke rather than flame. Different types of wood chips, such as hickory, mesquite, apple, or cherry, can impart distinct flavors to your food. Additionally, other smoking materials like wood chunks, smoking pellets, or even herbs and spices can be added to further enhance the flavor. It's important to follow the manufacturer's instructions and guidelines for using smoking materials safely with your specific grill or smoker.


Are there any specific cooking techniques that work better on a charcoal grill?

Yes, there are several cooking techniques that work exceptionally well on a charcoal grill due to the unique flavors and heat distribution it offers. Here are a few techniques:

  1. Direct Grilling: This technique involves cooking food directly over the hot charcoal. It works best for smaller, thinner cuts, such as steaks, burgers, kebabs, or fish fillets. The intense, high heat of a charcoal grill sears the food quickly and creates a crust, while imparting a delicious smoky flavor.
  2. Indirect Grilling: This method involves creating two-zone heat on the charcoal grill, where the charcoal is piled on one side while leaving the other side empty. This allows for cooking larger cuts of meat like whole chickens, roasts, or ribs indirectly, without direct exposure to the flames. The food is placed on the cooler side of the grill and cooked using the indirect heat radiating from the charcoal.
  3. Smoking: Charcoal grills are excellent for smoking food, as they can generate low and slow heat for prolonged durations. By adding wood chips or chunks to the charcoal, you can create smoke that infuses rich flavors into the food. This technique is perfect for smoking meats like brisket, ribs, pork shoulder, or even vegetables.
  4. Searing: The intense heat of charcoal grills excels at achieving a perfect sear on meats. Searing gives a caramelized crust to steaks, chops, or seafood while sealing in the juices. Start by cooking the meat directly over the hot charcoal to create those beautiful grill marks, then finish it with indirect heat to achieve the desired internal temperature.
  5. Wood Plank Grilling: This technique involves placing food, like salmon or vegetables, directly onto a soaked wooden plank. The plank is then placed on a charcoal grill, allowing the smoldering wood to infuse flavors into the food, creating a unique and delicious taste.


Overall, the charcoal grill's ability to provide high heat, indirect heat, and generate smoke makes it an ideal choice for various cooking techniques that enhance the flavors of your food.


What should I do if I accidentally extinguish the charcoal fire with water?

If you accidentally extinguish a charcoal fire with water, here's what you should do:

  1. Stay calm and do not panic.
  2. Do not attempt to reignite the fire immediately as water can make it even harder to relight.
  3. Assess the situation: Check if there are any remaining hot coals or embers.
  4. Remove the wet charcoal and dispose of it properly in a safe place away from flammable materials.
  5. Allow the remaining charcoal and ashes to dry out completely before attempting to reignite the fire. This may take some time, so be patient.
  6. Once the charcoal is completely dry, carefully remove any wet ashes from the grill.
  7. Properly prepare and arrange new charcoal, making sure to follow the recommended guidelines and safety measures.
  8. Use a chimney starter or lighter fluid to light the charcoal and create a new fire.
  9. Monitor the fire closely as it restarts to ensure it is burning safely and properly.
  10. Learn from the mistake and take extra precautions in the future to prevent accidental extinguishing, such as using a fire extinguisher specifically designed for charcoal fires instead of water or avoiding situations where accidental extinguishing is more likely to occur.


Remember, safety should always be the top priority when dealing with fires.

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