Charcoal grills are notoriously stubborn. Without the right amount of finesse, patience, and skill, your coals won't stay lit and your fire won't burn hot enough to cook anything. With so many components to master, it's good to know tips and tricks that will keep your barbecue burning .
Pay close attention to the charcoal you use, because it could make or break your fire's success. Certain coals come with fire-starting chemicals, while others are made of natural wood that adds a smoky flavor. But the coals won't do their job without the proper setup.
This includes both how you position the charcoal under the grill's grate and how you ventilate the grill — remember fire needs air to breathe. Finally, and perhaps the hardest of all, you'll need to be patient. Give your charcoal grill time to really heat up and you're guaranteed a barbecue that won't sputter out or need to constantly be recharged with lighter fluid.
Setting up your charcoal grill for success There are a few main charcoal types to buy, and each come with pros and cons. The most common types are lump charcoal, which is naturally made from burning hardwood, and charcoal briquettes, which are made from ground charcoal and other additives. Lump charcoal burns hotter and faster than other coals, but the pieces aren't uniform, making the heat inconsistent.
Briquettes are uniform, inexpensive, and long-lasting, but they can give off a chemical taste if used improperly. Another factor to consider is that some briquette.
