Charcoal grilling is an art that combines conviviality, authentic flavors and the pleasure of outdoor cooking . However, for a successful experience, it is not enough to throw coal in the fire and place a few pieces of meat on it.
Mastering the fire, selecting the right ingredients and ensuring optimal cooking are essential elements to transform a simple meal into a true gastronomic feast.
Discover our 6 essential tips for a perfectly mastered charcoal barbecue , based on expert best practices.
Buy the charcoal barbecue of your dreams online
Choosing the right charcoal barbecue is the essential step to ensuring successful grilling and fully enjoying the pleasure of a wood fire. At My Barbecue , we offer a wide selection of charcoal barbecues suitable for all styles and needs.
Are you more of a rustic BBQ person?
Looking for an authentic barbecue with timeless charm? Discover our range of rustic barbecues , designed for lovers of traditional style and robust materials. Made from stone and firebricks, these models offer excellent heat retention capacity and exceptional durability . Their design is reminiscent of the barbecues of yesteryear, perfect for a friendly and warm atmosphere outdoors.
Or modern barbecue?
Do you prefer a charcoal barbecue with a modern and sleek design? Our modern stone and brick barbecues combine contemporary aesthetics with optimal performance . Elegant and functional, they blend perfectly into designer terraces or gardens and offer excellent heat management for even cooking. Their refractory material structure guarantees rapid temperature rise and high resistance to bad weather.
Our catalog of modern barbecues
Order online now and turn your meals into real wood-fired feasts!
1. Choose quality fuels
The success of a barbecue begins with the choice of charcoal . A good fuel guarantees an even combustion , a constant heat and a unique flavor.
Which fuels should be favored?
Clean charcoal : produces little smoke and provides stable heat.
Compressed briquettes : ideal for long cooking times, they burn slowly and ensure good heat distribution.
Avoid chemical firelighters (methylated spirits, gasoline), which can give your food an unpleasant taste.
Prefer natural solutions to light the fire :
- Wood wool or wax cubes
- Crumpled newspaper
- Small pieces of dry wood in the shape of a teepee for optimal ventilation
2. Master lighting the barbecue
Proper lighting guarantees a stress-free barbecue without excessive smoke.
Mastering the art of lighting a charcoal barbecue is essential for even cooking and authentic flavors. Here's the most effective method for lighting your barbecue easily and safely.
Preparation of the hearth :
Place crumpled newspaper at the bottom of the tank, then add dry kindling to facilitate ignition. If using charcoal and wood, start with the wood, which will burn faster.
Ignition :
Using a match or gas lighter, light the paper in several places. Let the fire spread naturally , blowing gently to encourage combustion.
Formation of embers :
Wait until the flames go out and the embers are nice and red, covered with a thin layer of whitish ash , a sign that the temperature is ideal for cooking.
Distribution of embers :
Spread them evenly for even heat, or create cooking zones with more coals on one side for searing meats and a softer area for vegetables and fish.
Installing the grid :
Place it about 10 cm above the embers and wait a few moments for it to heat up slightly before placing your food on it.
The My Barbecue tip :
If flames reappear during cooking, add a pinch of salt to calm the fire without altering the cooking process.
3. Control the temperature and organize the cooking zones
The secret to controlled cooking lies in managing the embers and the heat.
Create temperature zones on the grid:
- Intense cooking zone (>200°C) : ideal for searing meats and grilling.
- Intermediate zone (150-200°C) : for gentle cooking of vegetables and kebabs.
- Cold zone : to keep food warm without cooking it further.
My Barbecue tips for controlling temperature:
Gather more embers under the hot zone and spread them out for the warm zone.
Use the air vents to modulate oxygenation and adjust the intensity of the fire.
4. Prepare and cook food to perfection
A good barbecue depends as much on the quality of the ingredients as on their preparation .
Meat selection
- Beef : rib-eye steak, prime rib, thick steak (3-5 min per side depending on cooking).
- Pork : ribs, ribs, breast (15-20 min over medium heat).
- Chicken : drumsticks, skewers (10-12 min).
- Sausages and merguez : essential for barbecues.
The perfect grilled vegetables
- Courgettes, peppers, eggplants: brushed with olive oil and spices.
- Stuffed mushrooms: tasty and delicious.
- Grilled corn: crispy and slightly sweet.
Our tips for cooking your vegetables properly!
Maximize flavors with marinades and smokes
Marinades : Marinate your meats for 12 hours in advance for maximum taste and tenderness.
Add fruit wood chips (cherry, walnut) to the coals to flavor the grills.
5. Prioritize safety and optimize cooking space
Safety first! A barbecue must be properly installed to avoid any accidents.
Observe essential precautions
Place the barbecue at least 3 meters from buildings and vegetation.
Check the wind direction to avoid annoying smoke.
Always have on hand:
- heat-resistant gloves
- a fire extinguisher or bucket of water
- long tongs for handling food
Organize the cooking space
- Two grills : one hot for searing, one further away to finish cooking.
- Ideal height of food : 10 cm maximum from the embers for even cooking.
- Preheat vegetables and potatoes by steaming to save time.
6. Clean and maintain your barbecue for long-lasting use
A well-maintained barbecue guarantees healthy cooking and optimal performance .
Find out here how much meat (per person) you need for a barbecue so you don't waste anything and satisfy all your guests.
Best practices after each barbecue :
Clean the still hot grill with a wire brush.
Empty the ashes once cooled.
Wash the inside of the barbecue with white vinegar and hot water.
The My Barbecue tip :
To remove stubborn residue, scrub the grill with lemon and baking soda .
So, ready to light the coals for your next barbecue?
Find our best charcoal barbecues and accessories on My Barbecue !