The Performer - Too hot! (in the center)

[c clapper]

I left the two charcoal baskets in the center as illustrated. But it cooked too hot in the center of the grill and did not disburse the heat evenly. Did I do something wrong? Thoughts? Thanks!

 

[Chad Anderson]

I have the best success keeping the charcoal (in the baskets or free) along one side of the kettle and leaving the other side open for indirect cooking.
I think maybe the having the coals in the center and in the baskets caused the heat to rise and escape out of the vent with out it ever circulating effectively.
You do have to have the charcoal in baskets in the center sort of when using the gas assist to light them, but then move them to the outside once they are starting to gray.
Hope this helps, and there's always tomorrow to try it again

 

[Chad Anderson]

Also, welcome the forum! Don't forget to introduce yourself in the "Introduce Yourself" section. You find a wealth of knowledge here for great grilling & smoking techniques, recipes, and pretty much anything else Weber grilling and smoking related.

 

[George Curtis]

what were you trying to do ??

 

[c clapper]

I was just doing Memorial Day burgers. Then hotdogs as the second course.

 

[c clapper]

So Chad... Are you thinking moving them from the center to the outside may help?

 

[Bob Correll]

Welcome to TVWB!

The baskets are great for indirect cooks, as stated, one on each side, and maybe some foil or drip pan in the center. This would be for ribs, roasts, chicken, etc.

For burgers & dogs, and even steaks, I would spread the coals from thick to thin, from the edge to the center of the coal grate.
This gives a 3 zone fire from hot, to medium, to low heat.
Need a sear? Hot zone.
Want to slow down the cooking? Medium zone.
Need to hold at temp? Low zone.
Adjust bottom vents if needed, top vent full open at all times. Lid down unless checking/moving the food.

Hope this helps, and please report back with your next cook!

 

[Phil Perrin]

C,I'll second what Bob said. Doing the 3 zone is easier than trying to using the baskets. Just dump out and spread! Let us know how your next cook goes.

 

[c clapper]

Thanks all for your suggestions... I feel much better now about my next grill-out!

 

[Chris E]

How much charcoal do you put in for a 3 zone fire? I lit a whole weber chimney and got slightly more than a 1 layer fire over about 3/4 of the grill in my 22 1/2 kettle.

With the WSM and now the kettle, I'm seeing why folks buy so much charcoal at one time.