Weber Charcoal Grill Instructions

Enjoy the benefits of cooking with charcoal in your Weber grill.

Weber is synonymous with grilling. Their charcoal grills have adorned the patios, lawns and driveways of America for more than half a century. Although the grills are available in several different sizes, the techniques for using a Weber Charcoal Grill are always the same -- indirect or direct grilling. Direct grilling is best for food that you want to cook fast and hot, while indirect grilling is best suited for slow cooked grill recipes. Knowing the difference between these two styles will allow you to get the best out of your Weber charcoal grill.

Things You'll Need

• Charcoal
• Lighter fluid
• Matches or lighter
• Shallow pan

Instructions

1. Remove the top grill and make a rough pyramid of charcoal in the center of the lower grill platform. There should be enough charcoal to cover the lower grate when spread out.

2. Douse the charcoal pyramid with lighter fluid. Do not add too much lighter fluid, which may create a dangerous fireball.

3. Light the charcoal with a match or lighter and allow it to burn down until uniformly white in color.

4. Spread the coals out over the lower grill. For direct cooking spread the coals evenly over the entire area. For indirect cooking, position the coals around the outside edge of the lower grill, placing a shallow pan in the center filled with liquid. Use beer, wine, or a simple marinade as the cooking liquid to add flavor to your food.

5. Replace the cooking grill and heat, covering with the grill top, leaving the vents open.

6. Remove grill top and arrange food on heated cooking grill. Keep space in between pieces and the edge of the grill. For indirect cooking, place food over the shallow pan rather than over the coals.

Tips & Warnings

• Use natural charcoal instead of synthetic blends. Natural charcoal imparts a better flavor and provide more heat retention, allowing you to grill longer with more consistent temperatures. Invest in a good grill thermometer which will help you better calculate cooking times.

• It goes without saying that lighter fluid is extremely flammable. Exercise caution when using lighter fluid. Use only moderate amounts and always keep store the lighter fluid away from open flames. Never spray charcoal that is lit, even if the charcoal appears to have gone out.

References

• Weber: Charcoal Grill Owner's Guide and Recipes
• Barbecue Bible: Direct vs. Indirect Grilling

Resources

• Weber