Why Is My Charcoal Grill Not Getting Hot Enough?

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  • Опубліковано 28 тра 2024
  • In this video, I'll talk about the two main reasons why your charcoal grill is not getting hot enough and what you could do about it. I'll use my thermal imaging camera to show you the correct way to light charcoal and what fully lit coals should look like making sure your next BBQ is a total hit!
    Chapters:
    00:00 - Intro
    00:38 - Don’t Be Discouraged
    01:21 - Charcoal is Not Fully Lit
    02:10 - Use a Proper Igniter
    03:43 - Do The Hand Test
    04:14 - What If I Prematurely Dumped My Coals?
    05:13 - Marinated Foods Are Killing My Heat?
    09:47 - Thermal Imaging Paints A Picture
    12:51 - Was This Video Helpful?
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    @GrillwithWeber
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 102

  • @nodurquack
    @nodurquack 2 місяці тому +36

    How in the hell is this video only 14k views after 9 months. A whole ass human could be created in that time! This is literally the most informative video on this topic I’ve ever seen by far. And beyond that, the quality of scripting, presenting, lighting, and camera work is on point. I look forward to seeing more videos from this channel.

    • @tomwadek
      @tomwadek  2 місяці тому +2

      Thank you for the kind words. I’m glad you’re enjoying the channel. Cheers!

    • @ango586
      @ango586 13 днів тому +2

      UA-cam algorithm

  • @DocLaw172
    @DocLaw172 5 днів тому +6

    Years ago when I started grilling, I could get a roaring hot grill with charcoal with a Weber 22 inch grill. A few years back I added a thermometer to the lid. Recently, I have had little success in getting the grill as hot as I wanted it for sears or general cooking. Today, I learned that I had become impatient in my older age. I am not letting the briquettes get hot or fully ignited in the charcoal chimney. You can teach an old dog new tricks. I will see if I have learned patience this evening.
    Damn, I hope it doesn't take long to learn patience.

  • @mrgilboa
    @mrgilboa Місяць тому +12

    UA-cam is a crazy platform! 14k view??? This guy deserved a medal!!!

    • @tomwadek
      @tomwadek  Місяць тому

      Haha. Thank you.

  • @-locdog.
    @-locdog. 17 днів тому +5

    Dude honestly this is the best video ive ever watched about lightning bbqs , the information you provided is priceless thank you 👌

    • @tomwadek
      @tomwadek  17 днів тому +1

      Glad you enjoyed it!

  • @jdglock9114
    @jdglock9114 День тому +1

    Great instructions for lighting charcoal.

  • @cindykee3719
    @cindykee3719 10 місяців тому +6

    I'd like to see videos on "after you dump your chimney". Like how long should it take to heat up the grill and get to a stable temperature. With a special shout-out to Weber Kamado owners. 😊

    • @tomwadek
      @tomwadek  10 місяців тому +2

      I’m jealous lol

  • @ChocolateTampon
    @ChocolateTampon 7 місяців тому +6

    I use a heat gum to light my charcoal when grilling anything that does not rely on the closing the lid, e.g. steaks, it takes less than 2 minutes and you can blast the lit coals with hot air and get all the coals ripping hot with a fierce glow and you're ready to cook in no time. If it cools down during the cook you can blast more hot air with the heat gun from a distance to heat things up again. Do it from a distance so you don't blow ash all over your food. This way you can use less fuel and reduce waste. (charcoal is expensive in the UK compared to the US). Maybe an idea for a future video? :)

    • @tomwadek
      @tomwadek  7 місяців тому +2

      Thanks for the suggestions. I usually use my propane torch to do the same. Great way to start leftover coals too

    • @jmabs5096
      @jmabs5096 2 місяці тому +2

      Heat gun is a great idea! Issue with my first few was choosing a cheap briquette. They only lasted about 20 mintues at a searing temp, switched over to jealous devil and boy worth every penny! Last about 40 mintues and very consistent high temps

  • @musicalfreestyles
    @musicalfreestyles 3 дні тому +1

    Yep, that was my question after inaugurating my baby SnS Kettle Grill. I waited long enough before transferring from the chimney starter BUT thinking it’s such a small size, just didn’t use enough charcoal for a proper sear. Thanks for doing this video!❤

  • @jmabs5096
    @jmabs5096 2 місяці тому +6

    This is the best video yet.... Think my main issue was premature ignition and not using enough of it! I wish you would also address if you can reuse charcoal and how to incorporate them in your next grill to get a little more life. I would assume choke the grill and if you only using them for 10-20 mintues you could just give them a good shake and relight with chimney again

    • @tomwadek
      @tomwadek  2 місяці тому

      I’m glad you enjoyed the video. I did a video on reusing charcoal. Check it out and our other content. Cheers.
      Can You Reuse and Grill With Old Charcoal | TESTED
      ua-cam.com/video/4hZL1JKcfd8/v-deo.html

  • @holdenc3082
    @holdenc3082 4 дні тому +1

    I’ve always used Kingsford blue bag and had good results until recently. My Weber kettle always burned at 450 with both vents open and would sometimes peg the thermometer at 500. Something has changed and I believe it’s the charcoal itself. For the last year or so I’ve struggled to get the coals to even burn at 350, and they burn out very fast as in one round of food and that’s it. I’m reading Kingsford has cheapened their charcoal by adding more filler. I don’t know this for sure but it’s what I believe. Again I’ve been charcoal grilling for over 20 years now, and it’s only recently I started having this problem. This just happened again last night and it was a brand new bag.

  • @jeremywilliams5272
    @jeremywilliams5272 5 місяців тому +7

    Cheers brother, super helpful, especially for my first charcoal brisket

    • @tomwadek
      @tomwadek  5 місяців тому +2

      Glad it helped

  • @pj.pavadore
    @pj.pavadore 11 місяців тому +3

    Charcoal requires patience. But good things come to those who wait. The way I've learned to manage the time is to light my chimney. I use the weber Rapid Fire and 2 RO Tumbleweeds. While the chimney is igniting the coals, that gives me a good 25 minutes to prep my food. Often I go in the house while the grill is billowing smoke and prep a salad, season my protein and get my food ready to be cooked. The rule "A watched pot never boils..." applies to a chimney getting charcoal ready. When I see the smoke stop, I add about 5 more minutes, and I dump my coals as soon as the top layer starts turning gray. Then I put the grate on, close the lid and let the grill heat up to 500. If I bank my coals to one side, which I often do and use a pure hardwood charcoal, I've exceeded the max on the dome thermometer. My guess is at the grate, I was probably around 800

    • @tomwadek
      @tomwadek  11 місяців тому

      That’s exactly what I do but often times than not, it’s doing the dishes while the chimney is igniting so my wife doesn’t kill me 🤣. I love what you said, “ A watched pot never boils” I absolutely love that. Mind if I use it? Thanks for watching!

    • @pj.pavadore
      @pj.pavadore 11 місяців тому +1

      @@tomwadek you're free to use that! A watched pot never boils. Watched charcoal never ignites

    • @tomwadek
      @tomwadek  11 місяців тому

      @@pj.pavadore thank you.

  • @cobaltandsalt
    @cobaltandsalt 11 місяців тому +4

    I litterally watched 30 other videos and this one is the only that addresses everything in a cohesive and comprehensive way! Thank you so much! This was very helpful ! Especially for a beginner! « Charcoal does not like to be alone » I mean what a game changer ? Litterally NO other video explains that it needs to be layered and why! Also loved the thermal imaging… such a great way to understand what’s going on! Great job!

    • @tomwadek
      @tomwadek  11 місяців тому +1

      You made my week! That’s my goal, to be as informative as possible while being fun to watch. I’m glad you’re enjoying the channel. Happy grilling!

  • @ChrisBranleh
    @ChrisBranleh 5 місяців тому +3

    Excellent video. This should be the first video that comes up when searching for grilling with coals for beginner

    • @tomwadek
      @tomwadek  5 місяців тому

      Glad it was helpful!

  • @peterhong526
    @peterhong526 11 місяців тому +4

    As always, excellent advice and recommendations. I still do not know why you do not have a million+ subscribers already.

    • @tomwadek
      @tomwadek  11 місяців тому +1

      I still have a lot to learn and grow but thank you so much for the nice words. Happy Father’s Day to you and your loved ones.

  • @Southjerseysmokin
    @Southjerseysmokin 11 місяців тому +2

    Having a chimney is an absolute must. But I really, REALLY like the Fogo Blaza ball. That thing is really awesome

    • @tomwadek
      @tomwadek  11 місяців тому +1

      Oh cool, I never used them. I’m a huge fan of FOGO so I have to check them out

    • @Southjerseysmokin
      @Southjerseysmokin 11 місяців тому +1

      @@tomwadek yeah it’s pretty neat for lighting especially lump. It’s ripping hot in 10-15 minutes

  • @christopherg465
    @christopherg465 7 днів тому +2

    Thank you Sir.
    Your a great communicator.

    • @tomwadek
      @tomwadek  7 днів тому

      Glad you enjoyed the video, cheers!

  • @deanlockamy2087
    @deanlockamy2087 3 місяці тому +2

    My kettle grill only has three vents on the top, that's not enough air to keep charcoal burning so I put the top on leaving a gap for extra air. Full open on the bottom, full open on top and offset the top works every time. Happy cooking.

  • @dbkfrogkaty1
    @dbkfrogkaty1 8 місяців тому +3

    Excellent video! I have the Weber Performer charcoal grille with the propane ignition system. I use a chimney starter with it and the combination works great. I have gotten impatient at times and dumped the charcoal too soon. Thanks for the tips.

    • @tomwadek
      @tomwadek  8 місяців тому

      You’re welcome! Glad you enjoyed the video. Thanks for the support.

  • @DWbodhi
    @DWbodhi 16 днів тому +1

    Great and informative video. I might have just added that one should make sure to keep any bottom vents wide open to allow the coals to continue to breathe after they are dumped in the kettle. If you have the vents closed, or worse, you put on the lid and its vent is also closed, you are choking out your heat source!

    • @tomwadek
      @tomwadek  16 днів тому

      Thank you, I also made a video on the vents if you’re interested ua-cam.com/video/pDk47LL455U/v-deo.htmlsi=JKW7ZllsQ5wla040

  • @justinocanovasmorton9193
    @justinocanovasmorton9193 7 місяців тому +2

    Best top tips video for charcoal kettle grills. Well done

    • @tomwadek
      @tomwadek  7 місяців тому

      Thanks. Glad you enjoyed the video

  • @phatdpc
    @phatdpc Місяць тому +1

    Great info, thanks!

  • @TheArmadalatina
    @TheArmadalatina 16 днів тому +2

    Beautiful back yard! and thanks for the info!

  • @dunes7
    @dunes7 14 днів тому +2

    Thx for the video, it's helped me learn how to BBQ better.

    • @tomwadek
      @tomwadek  14 днів тому

      Glad I could help

  • @dgblac0
    @dgblac0 10 місяців тому +2

    Great video, i enjoyed watching it.

    • @tomwadek
      @tomwadek  10 місяців тому

      Awesome. Glad you enjoyed it

  • @Mr.MustardCooks-zm8qx
    @Mr.MustardCooks-zm8qx 7 місяців тому +1

    Great tips!

    • @tomwadek
      @tomwadek  7 місяців тому +1

      Glad it was helpful!

  • @idellasheart
    @idellasheart Місяць тому +1

    Thank you for this 100% informative video helping me understand my charcoal cooking. 👍👍🌟

    • @tomwadek
      @tomwadek  Місяць тому

      Glad it was helpful!

  • @mikeberndt181
    @mikeberndt181 13 днів тому

    For all you beginners, you’ll figure it out in time. I’ve done this since I was 16, practice makes perfect

  • @Hank_E
    @Hank_E 10 місяців тому +2

    Thanks for a nerdy explanation 😃. My kind of stuff so new subscriber here.

    • @tomwadek
      @tomwadek  10 місяців тому

      Welcome aboard!

  • @kingpatty6452
    @kingpatty6452 10 місяців тому +2

    Happy 4th! I think i made that mistake today by filling my chimney to the top. It took forever to burn. Prob because not enough airflow

    • @tomwadek
      @tomwadek  10 місяців тому

      Happy 4th. Yeah can definitely fill the entire chimney up and it should light just fine. Did you use a fire starter like the Weber cube? You may need 2 cubes and allow it to burn for at least 20-25 mins

  • @yurilysak2877
    @yurilysak2877 8 місяців тому +3

    Thanks man. You made my day.

    • @tomwadek
      @tomwadek  8 місяців тому +1

      Awesome! Thanks for watching.

  • @xrevenentx
    @xrevenentx 3 місяці тому +2

    Solid vid my guy.

  • @chrisf5475
    @chrisf5475 7 днів тому +1

    The not enough coal / coverage thing is exactly the mistake I was making. Not sure why I’ve picked up the idea from various videos that I should only add a single layer of briquettes, even lay them out… next time I’m just gonna pile them in! 😂

  • @ItsTanyaBeauty_
    @ItsTanyaBeauty_ 9 місяців тому +2

    You’re awesome, thank you

    • @tomwadek
      @tomwadek  9 місяців тому

      Glad you liked the video, cheers!

  • @marcwinner567
    @marcwinner567 11 місяців тому +2

    Great video! I was impatient the other day when I was Grilling. I had too few coals and dumped em too early.
    The food was still good but it must have taken 30 minutes longer to get it done that it usually takes.
    Sometimes being impatient actually slows you down I guess 😂

    • @tomwadek
      @tomwadek  11 місяців тому +1

      I know the feeling. I use to do it all the time. I’m naturally an impatient person and sometimes I get in my own way lol

  • @mateicristi2524
    @mateicristi2524 11 днів тому +1

    Man, you should get more likes. You have my like and subscription!

  • @innailkiv2324
    @innailkiv2324 21 день тому +1

    Thank you very much

  • @jdanielcramer
    @jdanielcramer 10 місяців тому +3

    Yup, that’s me 👍 thanks!

  • @AntonioDal.
    @AntonioDal. 11 місяців тому +3

    8:00 Excellent tips. I was often noticing the moisture of foods extinguishing the top part of the lonely coals and not reigniting as easily. When the coals are touching each other then they help each other in staying lit.

    • @tomwadek
      @tomwadek  11 місяців тому

      Thank you. I’m glad you enjoyed the video.

  • @taraiza878
    @taraiza878 29 днів тому +1

    Thanks

  • @Tysongwang
    @Tysongwang 11 місяців тому +2

    Really helpful. I just used my Weber grill for the first time and I had the mistake of thinking the coal was ready in the chimney when it wasn’t. Do you have a video on what we should do once we’re done grilling? Do you typically just leave the coals in and wait to toss it or just put new coals over the old ones and wait till its ash.

    • @tomwadek
      @tomwadek  11 місяців тому +4

      Great quesiton, I dont have a video on it but if I know i'll use the coals within 2 weeks and weather permits, I leave them in the grill and the next time I want to cook something, I dump new fully lit charcoal ontop of them. The only time I dump them is if it was too humid or raining out and they were left in the grill for a month or more. Hope this helps

  • @422bignasty
    @422bignasty 9 місяців тому +1

    Examples ty

  • @redcoat192
    @redcoat192 11 місяців тому +2

    I bought a new 22 inch weber a month or so ago. It's maiden voyage was a disappointment as the grill didn't get particularly hot! And I couldn't work it out when the principal is so simple! 😂 question- when using a weber 22 like yours, should the vents be fully open underneath to get the coals going? (And should you keep them open!?) Thanks in advance!

    • @tomwadek
      @tomwadek  11 місяців тому

      Keep at it and you’ll get the hang of it. Yes, the bottom vent if your main oxygen source and will make drastic changes to the temperatures. For example, the first notch from closed is used for smoking (low and slow). The top vent is for fine tuning. Hope this helps. I’m thinking of doing a video on fine tuning

    • @redcoat192
      @redcoat192 11 місяців тому +1

      @@tomwadek great stuff 👍🏻 appreciate you taking the time to reply and keep the excellent videos coming for us coal grilling noobs! 🤣

    • @tomwadek
      @tomwadek  11 місяців тому

      @@redcoat192 no problem! I’m glad to help

  • @basilbarbouttis9139
    @basilbarbouttis9139 11 місяців тому +1

    How much fuel do I need to cook a 3kg lamb in the kettle using two baskets (full)? If the temperature drops after one hour, what should I do, as I have this problem all the time.

    • @tomwadek
      @tomwadek  11 місяців тому

      One full chimney starter for a 22 in kettle should be enough. I don’t know the specifics of what you are using or what your trying to do ( low and slow, high temp, indirect). If you follow the video, you should get great heat for 1.5 hrs and low and slow heat for 4 hrs plus.

  • @Domo-yo4pz
    @Domo-yo4pz 19 днів тому +1

    Preach...💯👍🎉🎉🎉new sub

    • @tomwadek
      @tomwadek  17 днів тому

      Thanks for the sub, cheers!

  • @Blackdog4818
    @Blackdog4818 17 днів тому

    I just got a new grill, and decided to just run it once to get the grill "seasoned". I had a bunch of coals from a pile of ash wood from a tree I cut down and put 7 charcoal briquets in the hot coals, let them go 15 minutes, dropped them in the grill. Not even getting to 200. Do I open the vents to get air through? Or just wait for the charcoal to get completely gray? (I feel stupid, but I'm 66 and this is my first grill).

    • @tomwadek
      @tomwadek  17 днів тому

      Was the fuel you used wet? I would get a chimney and some kingsford. Fill it up, use a lighter cube, wait 20 minutes and dump them. Temps should be 400+

    • @Blackdog4818
      @Blackdog4818 17 днів тому

      @@tomwadek No brand new grill, brand new briquets. I put aluminum foil over the briquet tray...could that be the problem? No air flow? Vents are wide open now. (Oh it's a charcoal grill, not gas.)

    • @tomwadek
      @tomwadek  17 днів тому

      Don’t use the tray

    • @Blackdog4818
      @Blackdog4818 17 днів тому

      No choice. It's the bottom of the grill. Expert Grill. Think I need more than 7-8 pieces of charcoal and some hot wood. The wood seems to be already exhausted and charcoal isn't enough to create real heat. Lesson learned. Thanks.

  • @Kevin-xb8ex
    @Kevin-xb8ex 11 місяців тому +4

    Hey bro, blur out the street signs & house numbers.

    • @tomwadek
      @tomwadek  11 місяців тому +1

      Thanks man, that’s a good idea.

  • @jvh136
    @jvh136 11 місяців тому +3

    My best advice is don't used Kingsford charcoal. It is not hardwood but crappy pine and cornstarch. It likes to go out if not getting a great amount of air.
    The bit about deep layers of charcoal is true. If you have 3+ inches of glowing charcoal under fatty food it is very hard to keep the flame down with a squirt bottle. I used over a pint trying to tamp down a flare up.

    • @tomwadek
      @tomwadek  11 місяців тому

      LOL! i've done that before, dont ask me why! thanks for watching

  • @deanvoss7098
    @deanvoss7098 11 днів тому

    More are equals hotter charcoal if it's too hot then give it less air😂

  • @CensoredByYouTube965
    @CensoredByYouTube965 Місяць тому

    Because I live at 8,400 feet 😢

  • @1Scital1
    @1Scital1 23 дні тому

    If your grill is that deep and isn’t getting hot just stop. It’s the thin grills where you can’t stack the charcoal where folks would have this problem.
    Chimney starter idea I like though.