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Master the Grill
Show the grill who's boss. We've got tips for perfectly flavored foods.
Gas Grilling
Charcoal Grilling
Cooking Charts
Smart Grilling
Product Pairings
Heat Temperature Where to Place Food on Charcoal Grill Appearance of Charcoal Grill when Ready
High 450 - 650 F Directly over center of bright red-orange glow

Coals glow bright red-orange (hand 4

inches above grate for 2-3 seconds)

Medium-High 400 F On edge of red-orange glowing center

Coals glow orange while starting to ash

over (hand 4 inches above grate for 4-5 seconds)

Medium 325-350 F

In the 1-2 inch-wide ring surrounding

red-orange glowing center

Coals will be lightly ashed over but still

glowing orange (hand 4 inches above grate for 6-8 seconds)

Medium-Low 300 F

In the 3-4 inch-wide ring surrounding

red-orange glowing center

Coals will be ashed over and have a faint

orange glow (hand 4 inches above grate for

9-10 seconds)

Low 225-250 F

In the 5-6 inch-wide ring surrounding

red-orange glowing center

Coals will be thickly ashed over (hand 4

inches above grate for 11-14 seconds)

  • Prior to start, check for adequate fuel. An average fire uses 3-4 pounds of charcoal.
  • The charcoal is ready for cooking when about 80% of the coals appear gray with ash. (At night, these coals appear glowing red)
  • To lower the temperature spread the coals.
  • To intensify the heat, consolidate the coals closer together.
  • The vents, usually found in the lid, may also be used for temperature control.
Temperature Minutes from Lighting Appearance
High (450 F - 650 F) 5-10

Glowing bright orange

Medium-High (400 F) 10-15

Glowing bright orange with a faint layer of ash

Medium (300 F)

15-25

Glowing orange with a light layer of ash

Medium-Low (300 F)

25-30

Pale orange with a medium layer of ash

Low (225 F - 250 F)

30-40

Faint orange with a thick layer of ash