How to Keep A Charcoal Grill Going For Hours?

20 minutes read

To keep a charcoal grill going for hours, it is important to properly manage the charcoal, airflow, and heat. Here are some tips:

  1. Start with the right amount of charcoal: Depending on the size of your grill and cooking needs, start by arranging a double layer of charcoal briquettes or lump charcoal on the charcoal grate. Use a charcoal chimney starter to ignite the charcoal evenly.
  2. Control the airflow: Adjust the vents on the bottom and top of your grill to regulate the airflow. More oxygen will increase the heat, while less oxygen will reduce it. Open the vents for a higher temperature or close them partially for a lower temperature.
  3. Use the two-zone fire method: Divide the grill into two zones, one with direct heat and the other with indirect heat. This allows you to move food around to control the cooking temperature. Keep the charcoal on one side of the grill and leave the other side empty.
  4. Add charcoal as needed: Over time, the charcoal will burn out, so it's important to add more as needed. Before adding fresh charcoal, make sure it's ignited or glowing red in a separate chimney starter. Place it on top of the existing charcoal and spread it evenly.
  5. Avoid excessive opening of the lid: Keeping the lid closed as much as possible retains heat inside the grill. Opening it frequently will cause a drop in temperature, requiring more time to get the grill back up to the desired heat.
  6. Make adjustments as necessary: Pay attention to the temperature throughout the grilling process. If the heat is too high, partially close the vents. If it's too low, open them slightly more. Adjustments may be needed periodically to maintain the desired temperature.
  7. Consider using wood chips: Adding soaked wood chips or chunks to the charcoal can enhance the flavor of the food. Place them directly on the charcoal, which will gradually release smoke.


Following these tips will help you maintain a charcoal grill for extended periods, allowing you to enjoy long cooking sessions without constantly needing to restart the fire.

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.


Should I keep the lid open or closed while grilling for hours?

When grilling for hours, it is generally recommended to keep the lid closed as much as possible. This helps maintain a consistent cooking temperature, allows the heat to circulate evenly, and prevents flare-ups. Opening the lid frequently can lead to temperature fluctuations and prolong the overall cooking time. However, it is important to periodically check and rotate the food to ensure even cooking.


How long should I let the charcoal burn before adding food to the grill?

The recommended time to let charcoal burn before adding food to the grill varies depending on the type of charcoal and grill you are using. In general, you should wait until the charcoal is fully lit and covered with a layer of white ash. This usually takes around 20-30 minutes, but can be longer for larger grills or if you are using dense lump charcoal. It's important to wait for the charcoal to be properly heated to ensure even cooking and to avoid any off-flavors from incomplete ignition.


Can I mix charcoal with briquettes for a longer cooking session?

Yes, you can mix charcoal with briquettes for a longer cooking session. Charcoal tends to burn hotter and faster, while briquettes burn at a more even and controlled pace. By mixing them together, you can achieve a balance of heat and burn time for extended cooking sessions. The charcoal will provide quick heat, while the briquettes will sustain the burn for a longer period.


Are there any specific temperature control techniques for a charcoal grill?

Yes, there are several temperature control techniques for a charcoal grill. Here are some common ones:

  1. Adjusting the vents: Charcoal grills usually have adjustable vents at the bottom and top. By partially opening the bottom vents, you can allow more oxygen to reach the charcoal, increasing the temperature. Conversely, closing the vents restricts airflow and lowers the temperature. The top vents can be adjusted to control the amount of smoke and heat that exits the grill.
  2. Using the coal placement: Placing the charcoal in specific arrangements can help control temperature. For higher heat, use a chimney starter to preheat the coals and then distribute them evenly across the bottom of the grill. For lower heat, create a two-zone fire by piling the coals on one side of the grill and leaving the other side empty. This provides direct and indirect heat zones, allowing more control over the cooking temperature.
  3. Adding or removing charcoal: Depending on the desired temperature, you can add more charcoal to increase the heat or remove some to lower it. This technique is useful if you want to maintain a specific temperature over a longer cooking period.
  4. Using water pans: Placing a water pan inside the grill, either above or below the charcoal, can help regulate temperature. The water absorbs heat and helps moderate the temperature inside the grill, preventing it from getting too hot. It also keeps the meat moist during cooking.
  5. Closing the lid: Keeping the grill lid closed helps retain heat and control the temperature. Opening the lid frequently can let out too much heat and prolong cooking time. However, it's essential to open the lid periodically when grilling for ventilation and to avoid flare-ups.


By combining and adjusting these techniques, you can achieve precise temperature control when grilling on a charcoal grill.


How should I arrange the charcoal for an extended grilling session?

For an extended grilling session, it is important to arrange the charcoal properly to ensure even heating and a consistent cooking experience. Here are some steps to consider:

  1. Start with good quality charcoal: Begin by choosing high-quality charcoal briquettes or lump charcoal. They should be properly lit and ashed over before arranging them.
  2. Use a two-zone fire: Divide the grill into two zones, a direct heat zone and an indirect heat zone. This setup allows you to have areas of intense heat for searing and areas of lower heat for slow cooking, giving you more versatility.
  3. Arrange the charcoal in a pyramid shape: If using charcoal briquettes, arrange them in a pyramid shape in the center of the grill. This shape helps promote better airflow, allowing the charcoal to burn more efficiently.
  4. Ensure proper spacing: Leave enough space between the charcoal pieces to allow the air to circulate, as adequate airflow is essential for generating heat.
  5. Light the charcoal: Use a chimney starter, electric starter, or charcoal lighter fluid to ignite the charcoal. Ensure all the charcoal is fully lit and covered with a thin layer of ash before spreading it out.
  6. Distribute the charcoal to create zones: Once the charcoal is fully lit, use long-handled tongs to spread it out across one side of the grill, creating a hot, direct heat zone. Leave the other side empty for indirect heat.
  7. Adjust the vents: Make use of the grill vents to regulate the temperature. Adjusting the vents allows you to control the heat intensity. Opening the vents increases the heat, while closing them reduces it. Keep an eye on the grill thermometer to maintain the desired temperature.
  8. Rotate the charcoal as needed: If the grilling session is particularly long, you may need to add more charcoal over time to maintain the heat. Rotate the used and unburned charcoal to ensure an even distribution of heat.


Remember, extended grilling sessions may require periodic charcoal replenishment and adjustment to maintain the desired heat levels. Additionally, always follow the manufacturer's instructions and prioritize safety when handling and disposing of hot charcoal.


How often should I check and adjust the airflow in the grill to maintain consistent heat?

It is generally recommended to check and adjust the airflow in the grill every 15-30 minutes while cooking to maintain consistent heat. However, this can vary depending on the type of grill, cooking method, weather conditions, and personal preference. It is important to monitor the temperature and make necessary adjustments to ensure consistent heat throughout the cooking process.

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