Charcoal grilling: It’s all a question of organization and choice of materials

This article is aimed especially at all new readers of FIRE&FOOOD. It describes the basics of producing and handling charcoal embers.

I hear this again and again: “I don’t have the time for charcoal grilling, I prefer to work on a device with a rotary knob.” To prevent this argument from working for you, simply follow the tips below and become a pacesetter on the charcoal ball:

Phase 1 (5 minutes) - The decision: charcoal or charcoal briquettes? Charcoal burns faster, but the embers don't last as long (up to 1/2 hour), ideal for quick, direct grilling. If the grilling time is to last longer, briquettes are a good choice. Both types are best lit in a chimney starter. Important: I like to use wood wool lighters to light the fire. They smell pleasant and are a reliable starting aid.

Phase 2 (10 minutes) – Preparing the food for the grill: Use the time while the coals are glowing in the chimney starter to prepare the food for the grill.

Phase 3 (5 minutes) – Heat the grill grate: Empty the glowing coals into the previously aligned coal baskets (positioned for direct or indirect grilling), place the grill grate on top and give it some time to heat up. The sizzling can begin!

1. Place the grill lighter on the charcoal grate and light it, then place the filled chimney starter on top. You have the next few minutes to prepare the food for the grill.

2. After a short time (10-15 minutes) the briquettes are glowing through, charcoal is even faster.

3. Indirect grilling or BBQ method: The two-part charcoal basket is pushed apart, a tray with liquid catches dripping fat and keeps the cooking chamber a little more moist.

4. Direct grilling: A hotspot that is ideal for quickly branding flat-cut grilled food.

5. Wood chunks provide additional smoke in the first third of the cooking phase. The chunks do not need to be watered if the air supply is greatly reduced during the smoking phase.


Do you fancy some suitable recipes from the charcoal grill?