Many outdoor cooks lack patience in waiting for charcoal to start, especially when family members are whining for dinner. Briquettes generally take 25 to 30 minutes to reach the desired temperature. Start grilling only when a light gray ash covers the coals. A common mistake outdoor chefs make is constantly lifting the barbecue lid to check the food while it's cooking.
Heat escapes every time the lid is removed, increasing cooking time and the chances of flare-ups.
Determine the recommended cooking time, watch the clock, and check only when adding coals or turning food. Yankee Publishing Inc. All rights reserved.