| Basically there are two types of charcoal grills, the | | | | To judge the heat level of the coals, hold your hand |
| ones that require lighter fluid and the 'chimney top' | | | | about five inches directly above the grill. If you can |
| ones. The advantage of the chimney top charcoal grill | | | | hold it there for a second, it's very hot; for two |
| is that it eliminates the need for lighter fluid and it | | | | seconds, it's hot; for three to four, it's medium; for |
| allows for the charcoal to burn more evenly. It is | | | | five, it's medium-low and for six, it's low. |
| important to let the fluid burn before placing food on | | | | Indirect heat cooking is more similar to baking and it |
| the grill in order to prevent your food from tasting | | | | requires that the grill have a hot and a cool side. To |
| like it. However, in my opinion, nothing tastes better | | | | make this possible one would have to heat only half |
| than food grilled right on top of smoldering coals! | | | | of one's grill and then place the food one wishes to |
| You will find that you can use your grill to cook by | | | | grill indirectly on the unheated side and close the lid. |
| two different methods, direct and indirect heat. | | | | Convection and radiant heat will then cook the food. |
| Direct heat grilling is cooking food directly over the | | | | Since the food is not being exposed to direct heat |
| heat source, usually a hot fire, throughout the entire | | | | from the burners it will cook more evenly and be less |
| cooking process. This is the way ribs were cooked | | | | likely to burn on the exposed side. Of course this also |
| when I grew up. The end result was an almost crispy | | | | means that it will cook more slowly. This is ideal for |
| rib but the meat was tough. In fact, this is how ribs | | | | meaty ribs, as it will make them tender. |
| are still grilled in Bolivia. It might not sound appealing | | | | Charcoal grills work just as well as gas. With a |
| to eat tough meat but these ribs usually are so | | | | charcoal grill you simply build the fire on one side of |
| packed with taste one is very forgiving of the extra | | | | the grill and cook on the other. When using a charcoal |
| chewing! | | | | grill to cook indirectly it is best to build the fire like |
| For direct heat grilling spread the coals evenly | | | | you always would and then pile the hot coals to one |
| throughout your cooking area. | | | | side with a small metal tool. |