How To Keep Flame On Charcoal Grill

For many people, grilling is a summertime activity. Whether you are cooking for a small group or a large crowd, there is nothing like firing up the grill and enjoying a delicious meal outdoors.  

But if you are new to grilling, or just need a refresher, it is important to know how to keep the flame on your charcoal grill lit. Otherwise, you will be left with cold food and disappointed guests. Here are some tips to help you master the art of grilling. With just a little practice, you will be a pro in no time! 

Types of charcoal grills 

There are many different types of charcoal grills on the market, from small tabletop grills to large offset smokers. Here is a breakdown of the most popular types of charcoal grills: 

1. The kettle grill is one of the most popular types of charcoal grills. It has a round bowl-shaped body with a hinged cooking grate that can be opened to add charcoal or wood briquettes. Kettle grills are generally portable and easy to set up and use. 
2. The bullet smoker is a type of charcoal grill that has a cylindrical body with a domed lid. It is like a Weber Smokey Mountain smoker but is smaller and less expensive. Bullet smokers are popular for smoking meat, poultry, and fish. 
3. The offset smoker is a type of charcoal grill that has a large barrel-shaped body with two cooking grates: one on the bottom and one on the top. The bottom grate is for cooking food directly over the coals, while the top grate is for smoking food. Offset smokers are popular for smoking meat, poultry, and fish. 
4. The Kamado grill is a type of charcoal grill that has a round, egg-shaped body made from ceramic or cast iron. Kamado grills are popular for smoking meat, poultry, and fish, as well as baking pizza and bread. 
5. The portable charcoal grill is a small grill that is perfect for picnics and camping. It has a round body with a hinged cooking grate that can be opened to add charcoal or wood briquettes. Portable charcoal grills are generally small and lightweight, making them easy to transport. 
6. The tabletop charcoal grill is a small grill that is perfect for small gatherings or RVs. It has a rectangular body with a fixed cooking grate that cannot be opened. Tabletop charcoal grills typically have a lid that can be closed while the food is cooking. 
7. The barrel grill is a type of charcoal grill that has a large cylindrical body with two cooking grates: one on the bottom and one on the top. The bottom grate is for cooking food directly over the coals, while the top grate is for smoking food. Barrel grills are popular for smoking meat, poultry, and fish. 
8. The ceramic grill is a type of charcoal grill that has a round, egg-shaped body made from ceramic or cast iron. Ceramic grills are popular for smoking meat, poultry, and fish, as well as baking pizza and bread. 
9. The hibachi grill is a type of charcoal grill that has a small, flat body with a cooking grate that can be opened to add charcoal or wood briquettes. Hibachi grills are popular for cooking steak, chicken, and vegetables. 
10. The teppanyaki grill is a type of charcoal grill that has a large, flat body with a cooking grate that can be opened to add charcoal or wood briquettes. Teppanyaki grills are popular for cooking steak, chicken, and vegetables. 
11. The Weber Smokey Mountain smoker is a type of charcoal grill that has a large, cylindrical body with two cooking grates: one on the bottom and one on the top. The bottom grate is for cooking food directly over the coals, while the top grate is for smoking food. Weber Smokey Mountain smokers are popular for smoking meat, poultry, and fish. 
12. The ceramic Kamado grill is a type of charcoal grill that has a round, egg-shaped body made from ceramic or cast iron. Ceramic Kamado grills are popular for smoking meat, poultry, and fish, as well as baking pizza and bread. 
13. The Big Green Egg is a type of charcoal grill that has a round, egg-shaped body made from ceramic or cast iron. Big Green Eggs are popular for smoking meat, poultry, and fish, as well as baking pizza and bread. 
14. The pellet grill is a type of charcoal grill that uses wood pellets as fuel. Pellet grills are popular for smoking meat, poultry, and fish, as well as baking pizza and bread. 

The best way to start a charcoal grill 

It’s easy to start a charcoal grill; here’s the best way to do it: 

1. Start by building a fire in the grill, using newspaper and kindling. 
2. Once the fire is going, add some charcoal briquettes. 
3. Let the briquettes heat up for about 15 minutes before starting to cook. 
4. Place the food on the grill and cook it according to your recipe. 
5. Use a charcoal chimney starter to light the briquettes if you need to—this is a great way to get them going without any fuss. 
6. When you have finished cooking, let the coals cool completely before disposing of them properly. 

That is how to start a charcoal grill—it is easy once you know how! Follow these steps and you will be cooking up a storm in no time. 

How to keep the flame on charcoal grill 

If you have ever used a charcoal grill, you know that getting the fire going can be a bit of a challenge. Here are a few tips to help keep the flame on your charcoal grill going: 

• Start by arranging the charcoals in a pyramid formation. This will help them heat up more evenly. 
• If your grill has a lid, close it while the charcoal is lit. This will help create an oxygen-starved environment and will speed up the lighting process. 
• Once the coals have started to glow, use a long-handled shovel or tongs to spread them out evenly over the grill grate. 
• If the flames start to die down, add some fresh charcoal to the grill. 
• Keep a spray bottle of water handy in case of any flare-ups. 

Following these tips should help you keep your charcoal grill burning evenly and reliably all through your cookout! 

Things to avoid while using a charcoal grill 

When using a charcoal grill, it is important to be aware of the things that can lead to a less than enjoyable experience. Here are some of the top things to avoid while using a charcoal grill: 

• Do not overfill the grill with charcoal. This will make it difficult to cook evenly and could lead to an accidental fire. 
• Do not use too much lighter fluid. This can create an unpleasant taste in your food. 
• Do not start cooking until the coals have completely burned down to a light gray color. Trying to cook on hot coal will not produce satisfactory results. 
• Do not leave the grill unattended. A stray spark could easily turn into a full-blown fire. 
• Do not cook food that is too thick. The heat will not be able to penetrate the food properly and it will not cook evenly. 
• Do not cook food that is too wet. The moisture will create steam which will prevent the food from searing properly. 
• Do not attempt to grill delicate foods like fish or shrimp. These foods are best cooked over indirect heat. 
• Do not forget to clean the grill after use. This will help keep it in good condition and make it easier to use the next time around. 

By following these simple tips, you can help ensure that your next charcoal grill experience is a successful one. Happy grilling! 

Food Recipes For A Charcoal Grill 

Learning to cook on a charcoal grill can be a fun and rewarding experience. It can also be a great way to save money on your food budget. Here are some recipes that will help you get the most out of your charcoal grill. 

Grilled Cheese Sandwich: This is a classic grilled cheese sandwich recipe that everyone will love. 

Ingredients: 

• 4 slices of bread 
• 4 tablespoons of butter, softened 
• 8 slices of American cheese 

Directions: 

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. 
2. Spread 1 tablespoon of butter on each slice of bread. 
3. Place 4 slices of cheese on 2 slices of bread. 
4. Top with the other 2 slices of bread, butter-side out. 
5. Grill for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted. 
6. Serve immediately. 

Grilled Vegetables: Vegetables are a great way to add some healthy and delicious options to your grilled menu. 

Ingredients: 

• 1 zucchini, sliced 
• 1 summer squash, sliced 
• 1 red pepper, cut into strips 
• 1 onion, sliced 
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil 
• Salt and pepper, to taste 

Directions: 

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. 
2. In a large bowl, mix together the zucchini, summer squash, red pepper, onion, olive oil, salt and pepper. 
3. Grill for 8-10 minutes per side, or until the vegetables are cooked through. 
4. Serve immediately. 

Grilled Chicken: Grilled chicken is a great way to get some protein in your diet. 

Ingredients: 

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts 
• 1 bottle of barbeque sauce 

Directions: 

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. 
2. Grill the chicken breasts for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through. 
3. Brush with barbeque sauce and serve immediately. 

Grilled salmon is a delicious and healthy option for your grilled menu. 

Ingredients: 

• 4 salmon fillets 
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil 
• Salt and pepper, to taste 
• Lemon wedges, for garnish 

Directions: 

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.  
2. In a large bowl, mix together the salmon fillets, olive oil, salt, and pepper. 
3. Grill for 8-10 minutes per side, or until the salmon is cooked through.  
4. Garnish with lemon wedges and serve immediately. 

With these recipes in your repertoire, you will be able to grill up a delicious and healthy meal any time you want. So, get out there and start cooking!