Charcoal BBQs

4 products

There is nothing quite like the flavour that charcoal grilling adds to food. The smokiness, the char marks and the intense heat create results that gas and electric BBQs simply cannot replicate. At Bing Lee we stock a range of charcoal BBQs including kettle BBQs and charcoal grills for backyards, camping and outdoor entertaining. Our FAQs below cover everything you need to know.

FAQs

1. How does a charcoal BBQ work?

A charcoal BBQ burns charcoal or wood briquettes as its fuel source to generate heat and smoke for cooking. The lit charcoal sits in a lower chamber and the heat rises to the cooking grate above. Many charcoal BBQs include a lid that can be closed to turn the BBQ into an oven for indirect cooking, smoking and roasting. Vents at the top and bottom of the unit control airflow to manage the temperature - more airflow means a hotter fire, less airflow slows the burn.

2. What is the difference between lump charcoal and briquettes?

Lump charcoal is made from natural wood that has been charred, with no additives. It lights faster, burns hotter and produces less ash than briquettes, but it also burns out more quickly. Briquettes are compressed charcoal made from sawdust and other materials with a binder, and they provide a more consistent, longer-lasting burn at a more steady temperature. Lump charcoal is preferred for high-heat searing, while briquettes are better for longer cooks like smoking and slow roasting.

3. How do I choose the best charcoal BBQ for my outdoor space?

Think about how you plan to use it. For a classic backyard setup with grilling and some indirect cooking, a standard kettle BBQ is the most versatile and popular choice. If you are interested in low-and-slow smoking, a dedicated smoker design or a kamado (egg-shaped ceramic BBQ) gives you better temperature control for long cooks. Size matters too , measure your outdoor space and think about how many people you will regularly be cooking for before deciding on a model size.

4. How long does it take a charcoal BBQ to reach cooking temperature?

It typically takes around 20-30 minutes from lighting the charcoal to having the BBQ at a proper cooking temperature. This is significantly longer than a gas BBQ, which heats up in five to ten minutes. The longer preparation time is part of the charcoal experience, but it does require more planning ahead. Using a chimney starter speeds up the process considerably compared to lighting charcoal directly in the bowl with newspaper.

5. How do I clean a charcoal BBQ?

Allow the BBQ to cool completely before cleaning. Empty the ash from the ash catcher or bowl once it is cold - ash left in a wet BBQ can corrode the metal. Scrub the cooking grate with a wire brush after cooking while it is still warm. Once a year, give the inside of the bowl a good clean with a damp cloth and mild detergent. Oil the cooking grate occasionally to reduce sticking and protect the metal from rust.