CHARCOAL

What’s the difference between lump charcoal and charcoal briquettes?

Lump charcoals burn slower, contain no additives, and leave less ash than briquettes. Briquettes are made with binders, fillers, and accelerants that can often bake a chemical taste into your grill or smoker.

How much charcoal do I need to use?

This will depend on a few factors: temperature, grill type, and time. But, a general rule is more charcoal equals more heat. Always keep extra fuel on hand. As you monitor temperature, airflow, and fuel, you may find that you need to add more.

How do you control the temperature on a charcoal grill?

You can adjust the amount of fuel you use or adjust the airflow through the air damper system. The wider the vents, the greater the airflow (which is fuel in itself).

How should I store charcoal?

You should keep your charcoal dry and sealed. It’s important to avoid moisture. Lumps become harder to light and burn while briquettes can unbind and get gunky. Most charcoal has an indefinite lifespan, but the accelerants in briquettes can evaporate over time if exposed to air (such as a container left open or a torn bag).

How often should I clean my charcoal grill?

After each use, you should remove any leftover charcoal and ashes.