Raising and Lowering a Barbecue Grill

Whenever possible, adjust the grill height before adding charcoal and lighting the fire.

Barbecue grills for burning hardwood or charcoal are typically equipped with an adjustable fire pan that raises and lowers to at least three different levels. This lets the outdoor chef control the intensity of the heat to suit the foods on the grill. For example, barbecued chicken takes longer to cook than hot dogs, so lowering the grill prevents the heat from scorching or burning the food. It is best to adjust the grill before starting the fire, although the grill can still be raised or lowered with proper safety precautions.

Things You'll Need

• Charcoal or hardwood
• Lighter fluid
• Matches
• Hot mitts

Instructions

1. Raise the grill lid to remove the cooking grate.

2. Grab the handle or handles on the front or sides of the firebox. Note the adjustment points next to the handles. These different levels may be serrated metal teeth or supports set at different heights, depending on your grill.

3. Raise or lower the firebox to the desired height. For foods that require longer grilling times, lower the firebox to the bottom position. For fast grilling, such as for steaks and hotdogs, set the firebox to the highest position.

4. Fill the firebox with charcoal or hardwood and douse with lighter fluid. Light the grill with a match.

5. Place the cooking grate on the coals when they glow orange with a layer of white ash.

6. Adjust the grill height, if necessary, once the fire is burning by wearing hot mitts to grip the handle or handles. Wait for the coals to burn down to orange, rather than attempt to adjust the height while the flames are active in the early stage of lighting the grill.

References

• Cooks Illustrated: Charcoal Grills
• Kingsford: Getting Ready to Grill