Controlling The Flame On A Charcoal Grill

So you’ve just picked up a shiny new charcoal grill. Or maybe you inherited one that was passed down from the grill master before you. Maybe, you’ve had one for ages, but haven’t quite mastered the art of temperature control. Whatever the case, we’re glad to have you as part of our Grillaholics community!

Now, you’re probably wondering… “how do I control the heat on this thing”, right? Well we’ve got you covered. Charcoal grills are our favorite type of grill (Disclaimer: we don’t discriminate against gas or wood grills - we’re just addicted to the smoky flavor you get from a charcoal grill!) and while they aren’t as user-friendly as gas grills, you can’t beat the flavor they impart.

So, here we go. Once you’ve got your grill in a safe spot, and you’ve followed all of the necessary pre-grilling safety steps (you can find those here) - You’re going to want to learn how to control the temperature of your grill to get the best results.

That’s where we come in.

Check out this handy how-to guide for controlling the heat on your charcoal grill, and, as always -- Happy Grilling!

Tip #1: Control the Airflow

Assuming Your Grill lid is open, the fire is lit and the flame is roaring - the first thing you’ll want to do is control the airflow into your grill. Most charcoal grills are equipped with vents - either on the side, bottom or top. With these vents, more air = more fuel. In essence, so the more open your vents are, the hotter the flame will get. Partially close the vents and you’ll get a much cooler fire.

Tip #2: Build Your Fire in Zones

Another method of controlling your heat on a charcoal grill is to build your fire in zones by raking your coals into varying thicknesses. For a three-zone fire, you’ll be building one area (approximately a third of your grill space) where the coals are raked double-high. This is going to be your high-heat searing area. The second ⅓ of your grill will be raked to a single layer of coals. This will be your moderate heat cooking zone. The remaining ⅓ of your grill space will be left empty. This is your cooking-free/safety zone for indirect cooking or cooling. By moving the food from the hot to the medium to the cool zone and back, you can effectively control the heat over which the food is grilling.

Tip #3: Adjust Your Grate Height

By adjusting the height of your grates over the coals, you are more able to control how much heat you are applying to your foods. Adjusting the grates closer to the coals will allow for higher heat searing, while moving the grates up and away from the coals will allow for less heat penetration and a cooler cooking temperature.

Tip #4: Make a Shield

To do this, take a piece of aluminum foil and fold it into thirds, then place it underneath the food you are cooking. Another method of shielding is to use a non-stick grill mat that protects your food from flare-ups and creates a barrier between your food and the flame. Doing this will allow you to have more control over the heat that is applied to your foods.

By following these 4 tips, you can be sure that you’re able to master the heat of your charcoal grill and created perfect, deliciously grilled meals every time.

Welcome to the club, grillmaster.