British BBQ Society Forums

Hi Guys,

I have been using a weber chimney starter and a large bucket bbq (about 30-40cm diameter).

Normally for groups of 4 people I fill the entire chimney with coal. I will soon be going camping with my wife – I’ve never done barbecue for 2 people. Please can you advise how much coal I should be using per meal.

I’ll give you an idea of the amount of meat I plan to use for a meal:

1) 15 chicken wings, cereal bowls size of vegetables, 2 corn on cob, 2 burgers.
2) 4 portions of salmon, maybe 20 king prawns with stir fry vegetables
3) 14 lamb chops, corn on the cob, cereal bowls worth of vegetables, 20 king prawns
4) 2 lamb or beef steaks with some corn and vegetables

My wife doesn’t eat too much so I don’t want to make the meals massive. At the same time I don’t want to waste coal or the food to go uncooked!

Jeeze if she doesn't eat much who puts away the 14 lamb chops?

For the price of charcoal is it worth the worry? Buy a smaller BBQ for travelling and "it" will determine the amount used for direct grilling me thinks

I choke the fire on my weber by closing all vents. Saves some. Maybe a go anywhere or joe will do the same

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Like Kiska I just choke the fire and just sort of minion method the leftover coals for the next cook.


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Educated trial and error is the best way. Really it's more about the time it will take. If you tend to cook more quick things for more people then maybe try half. Things like chops will take a fair while so you may find you need a fair bit still. suck it and see.


If you use lump you can choke it out and reuse easily.