Benefit of using the charcoal grate

[andyajo]

Hi

Im new to these forums and am looking for a little advice.

We rarely BBQ, but whenever we have and using our kettle BBQ we have never used the charcoal grate. I have only just recently realised what the smaller grate provided with our BBQ must be for.

We had always just placed the coals directly at the base of the BBQ with the vents open. Everything has always cooked well, but should I now change to placing the coals on the grate. What are the benefits, have I been doing anything wrong, what will change, and will I have to get used to doing it this way now?

Thanks for the help!

[RobinC]

The grate creates a space between the vents and the coals allowing air to get to the coals. If you are cooking with the lid off then probably doesn't make a difference.

[Verminskti]

Allows the air to circulate and the dust to fall off the coals so they're not sitting in the dust!

[andyajo]

Thanks for your responses.

Will the extra air flow make the coals last longer?

Im a little worried of trying something new, and am concerned that the food will now be too close to the coals.

[RobinC]

No idea about whether your coals would last longer or not. If you are worried about the food being too close to the coals you could always use less coals. Also you could cook indirectly ie bank the coals to one side of the bbq and position the food on the other side so it is not directly over the coals - you would need to cook with the lid on the kettle for this.

[Verminskti]

The air flow should make them burn quicker not longer. They'll burn hotter though. My Q doesn't have a charcoal grill just a metal plate and the ash often makes it loose heat but can be used to keep the charcoal warm overnight to light newspaper the next morning!

I would however suggest using it, try piling coal to both sides and cooking in the middle maybe.

[cattytown]

In an open barbecue, higher airflow will mean more heat but the coals will burn more evenly, and probably fewer unburnt lumps. If closed and using vents, the more even burn will still apply, and will also be more consistent.

You will also keep the most intense heat away from the body of the barbie.

Paul.