How to Control Heat On a Charcoal Grill

Giving you a whole new experience, cooking on a charcoal grill is completely different from common stoves. For a newbie, charcoal grilling might be challenging, from the time to prep the grill to actually grilling something.

One of the most common problems is getting your food burnt because of the heat. In fact, cooking on a charcoal grill needs technique and expertise. Here are tips on how to control heat on a charcoal grill.

Use a Food Guard

The food guard functions as a shield for your food so it doesn’t get burnt easily. Since your food isn’t directly in contact with the flames, the cooking process will slow down and avoid burning.

You can do this by taking a piece of aluminum foil and folding it into three layers. Then, put it on the grill and put your food on top of the foil.

Organize the Charcoal in Sections

If you run out of aluminum foil, you can also layer the charcoal in areas. Basically, you divide the grill into different areas to distribute the heat evenly.

For example, divide the grill into three sections. Don’t put any charcoal on the first section to make a heat-free zone. In the two other sections, add an even layer of coal. Then, put more coal in one section, so they are twice as thick as the other section.

Therefore, you can prepare your food in the first section and cook it on low heat in the second section. If you need to cook in strong heat, then put your food in the third section.

Use the Grates

Grates allow you to take control of the heat. The lower the grates, the closer it is to the heat providing a higher temperature. To use this technique, you should know what kind of food you’re cooking.

For example, chicken needs to cook longer at a lower temperature, whereas steak needs high heat and a shorter time.

You can utilize this technique by lowering or raising the grill plate into different grates since you need higher and lower temperatures respectively.

Use the Vents

Vents allow you to take control of the airflow. The more air in the vents, the hotter it will be and vice versa. Most grills have vents on the bottom to control airflow. If you want a hotter fire, open the vents fully to get more air in and partially close it for a lower fire.

Conclusion

Usually, charcoal grills are used during barbeques or any other outdoor events. It gives a deliciously smoky taste to the food allowing it to taste different from stove-cooked food. Make sure to study those tips so that your party doesn’t come to a flop because of burnt food.

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