How to control temperature of a charcoal bbq
If my charcoal bbq is too hot and the chicken is turning stiff on the surface, can I close the top vents to cool down the barbecue?
What is the best way of cooling I down? Once cooled, what is the best way of making I hot again?
Best Answer
The temperature of a charcoal cooker is controlled by how much oxygen you allow to get to the fuel. I don't know what kind of grill you have, but typically there are one or more vents at the bottom, and one or more at the top. The bottom vents regulate oxygen supply to the fuel, while the top vents regulate air flow.
If you close down all the vents, the coals will eventually extinguish. If they are still holding enough heat, opening them back up will cause them to reignite. To regulate your temperature, open/close your supply vents (bottom ones) to varying degrees.
Also, consider setting up a zone on your grill surface where there is no charcoal underneath, to where you can move any food in danger of being overcooked.
Pictures about "How to control temperature of a charcoal bbq"
How do I keep my BBQ at constant temperature?
How to Keep Charcoal Grill at 225\xb0FHow do you keep 250 degrees on a charcoal grill?
Direct Cooking: Usually around five lit coals will get you up to 225-250\xb0F. Spread unlit coals evenly on one side of the coal grate. Place the lit coals evenly amongst the unlit coals. Place your food above the coals and put on the lid.What temperature should a charcoal BBQ be?
How to manage the temperature of your charcoal barbecue for different foodsHigh heat230-290 \xb0CFully openMedium heat175-230 \xb0C\xbd openLow heat120-175 \xb0C\xbc openLow and slow/smoke zone95-150 \xb0C\xbc - \u215b openOffN/AFully closed7 TIPS to help you control the TEMPERATURE of your BBQ - BBQ Know How
More answers regarding how to control temperature of a charcoal bbq
Answer 2
There are temperature regulators you can get for charcoal grills that control the amount of air getting into the grill to maintain a consistent temperature.
Alton Brown used one in the Good Eats episode "Right on Que"; it looks like this is the model he used: http://www.amazon.com/IQ110-Temperature-Regulator-Standard-Adapter/dp/B00A7F1B60, but I am sure there are others.
Lacking something like this; your best bet is to set up multiple grilling zones. Organize the coals into multiple areas (one with lots of coals that is hot, and one with a lesser amount that is cooler) so that you can move the food between hotter and cooler zones as needed.
Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Images: Lachlan Ross, Skitterphoto, Milan, Milan