Pro Tips for Charcoal Grilling Like a Backyard Pro

Mastering Charcoal Grilling

When it comes to backyard grilling, nothing beats the bold flavor and serious heat you get from cooking over real charcoal. Whether you're a seasoned griller or just getting started, here's what you need to know to master the fire.

To get the most out of every cook, it's all about starting with the right tools, timing, and a little know-how.

Start with the right charcoal

Quality matters. Char-Griller Lump Charcoal delivers a clean, pure burn with no fillers or chemicals—just a natural blend of hardwoods for that unbeatable smoky flavor. Lump charcoal lights faster, burns hotter, and lasts longer than standard briquettes, giving you better control over your cook every time you fire up the grill. Learn more about how to choose charcoal.

Light It Right with a Charcoal Chimney

Skip the lighter fluid and light your fire the smarter way. A Char-Griller Charcoal Chimney is the easiest, fastest way to fire up your charcoal safely and evenly. Just fill the chimney with lump charcoal, add a fire starter underneath, and in about 15–20 minutes, you'll have hot coals that are ready to go—with no chemical taste or flare-ups. Learn more about choosing the right equipment and tools.

Just started using the charcoal chimney just over a year ago and will never go back to lighter fluid. We noticed a chemical taste to our grilled steaks and burgers. Now that we switched to the Chimney our food tastes great. - actual reviewer

Stabilize Before You Grill

Here's the pro move: let the grill stabilize before you add your food. Once your coals are fully lit and glowing, pour them carefully into your grill and spread them out as needed for direct or indirect cooking. Close the lid, open your vents to manage airflow, and give your grill about 5–10 minutes to settle at your target cooking temperature. A steady grill means even cooking, better char, and juicier results.

I realized that making quality BBQ takes time, effort, and patience. Once I grasped this concept, everything started to make sense, and it reflected in both my food and content! - James Llorens

Grilling with charcoal isn't just about lighting a fire—it's about building the perfect foundation for bold, smoky, and unforgettable flavor. With Char-Griller Seriously Hardworking Lump Charcoal and a Char-Griller Charcoal Chimney Starter by your side, you'll be ready to tackle every cookout with confidence and serious heat.

Ready to fire it up? Explore more Char-Griller grills, charcoal, accessories or learn more about the BBQ 101 Series.