Everyone becomes cheerful when it comes to grilling. From lighting up the grill to eating delicious food: we all try to make it perfect.
No doubt, sauces and seasonings add flavor to your food. But there is another way to enhance the flavor of your meal – by using wood chips on a charcoal grill.
Over 75% of U.S. homes own a grill. A gas grill is the most utilized; however, the charcoal grill remains supreme. For a barbeque, people prefer a charcoal grill over a gas and electric one.
Most BBQ reviews and experts consider a charcoal grill better than any other. The best thing about using wood chips on a charcoal grill is they impart a smokey flavor to the food.
Using wood chips on a charcoal grill is more comfortable than using a gas grill. You can add them directly to the burning charcoal or separately in a smoker box.
If you do not have a grill yet and can not afford an expensive grill, then you can many options are many grills available to choose from.
Charcoal Grill And Wood Chips
You might be thinking, why charcoal? You can add wood chips to any other grill, but we recommend charcoal. The charcoal grills are easy to use in any event, plus it is user-friendly.
Adding wood chips to burning charcoal will take the smoky flavor to the next level with just a little effort.
There are two types of charcoal grills – one with a smoker box and the other without it. The grill with the smoker box holds the chips and directs the smoke to the cooking chamber.
If you have the other one, you can place the wood chips directly on the charcoal. Both give a similar result.
Besides these, all charcoal grills reach a higher temperature than a gas grill which helps to achieve a nice sear on the meat. Higher heat is the key to getting a delicious smokey taste.
A charcoal grill will be more lenient on your pocket as charcoal grills are less costly than gas grills. After using your grill, it is very important to clean the grill properly so that you do not get bad flavors when you use the grill next time.
Different Types Of Wood Chips
Wood chips are small to medium-sized pieces of wood shaped by cutting the large branches of wood. The larger size is called wood chunks. They are natural heat insulators.
However, to get the best smoky flavor, one needs to select the best wood chips. Choosing the perfect type of wood means a big step towards a successful party.
You must be thinking, why not grab some wood chunks from the backyard and use them but here is a hidden truth. Not every wood is suitable for smoking. Some selected types will suggest you get a good smoke.
Let’s start with the applewood chips. They create a mellow flavor and are usually best while grilling seafood. Beef is best grilled with Oakwood. It gives a smoky taste.
To add the fruity flavor, go with Cherrywood. Are you looking for a powerful smoky flavor? Go with Mesquite wood. Hickory wood is used to add a Savoury, bacon-like taste.
Tip: Don’t try to experience unknown wood because it could be tainted with poison; secondly, it may not give the smoke you are looking for. We suggest purchasing it from a dedicated shop. Fortunately, you can order them online as well.
Soaking Wood Chips
Some people prefer to soak the wood before adding it to the grill, while others don’t. Should you soak the wood chips or not? Let’s look at some facts about it.
First of all, it doesn’t provide any change. If you want to feel any variation, it needs extended hours of soaking because the wood has to absorb water far enough to make any difference.
Secondly, it will take longer to get smoke with the wet chips. Even if your wood has not absorbed enough water, it will cool off your burning charcoal and produce steam rather than smoke.
Tip: If you want to use your charcoal and wood for a long time, try using foil. The foil will act as a layer between wood and charcoal, letting them burn more slowly, imparting an intense smoke flavor.
Getting Maximum Flavor Out of Wood
Charcoal grill already gives a good flavor, but what else makes it even better? Using wood chips will do that. No doubt, wood chips on a charcoal grill adds a smoky flavor, but how can we maximize it?
You can get maximum flavor by adding some beer, wine, or juice to it. When the liquid evaporates, the wood chips will start giving an additional smoke flavor.
How Much Wood Will You Need?
To maintain the best smoky flavor, you need to add chips every half hour. It may also depend on the quantity you are grilling. A handful of chips will be required if you serve two to three people.
How To Use Wood Chips On A Charcoal Grill
1. Light The Fire
Before everything, you will need to light up your charcoal. You can use either a chimney starter or lighter fluid. Some people use match-light briquettes, but we don’t recommend them.
This is because the chemical used in their composition gets mixed with your meat during cooking.
Roll some old newspapers in a tight ring shape to light up your coals with a chimney starter.
Fill the chimney with charcoal, light up the paper’s bottom with a stick lighter, and wait for them to pass over on coals. This act will light up your charcoals, and you can easily go into the cooking area using heat-proof gloves.
Light up your charcoal with the lighter fluid. Add all your charcoal into the cooking chamber, pour some liquid over it, and light it up with the help of a stick lighter. Be careful while doing this because it may raise a high flame.
2. Making Of The Foil Packets
This step is optional, but famous chefs recommend it. To make a foil packet, wrap a handful of wood chips in a double layer of aluminum foil. Take a pointed skewer, make several holes into the pack, and then set it aside with coals.
3. Charcoal Grill With A Smoker Box
A charcoal grill with a smoker box makes your process even faster. It is commonly used with a gas grill to smoke; however, it can also be used with a charcoal grill just the same.
Using a smoker box is simple; add the wood chips to the box and place them on the burning coals. Wait for the smoke to pour out, and then you are ready to cook.
4. Charcoal Grill Without A Smoker Box
A grill without a smoker box requires some different methods. You can directly place the wood chips on the coal. For this, you probably have to replace them more often.
Another method is to make a foil packet—the foil packet acts as a barrier between wood and coal. The aluminum foil restricts the oxygen, which turns the wood into charcoal while releasing the full smoke. Place the packet on the fire and enjoy grilling.
5. Happy Grilling
You are set to place your meat on the lid, but don’t forget to close it as much as possible to allow the smoke to reach the cooking chamber. Never light a charcoal grill indoors. Raising smoke may cause you harm. Don’t forget to take safety precautions.
The Things You Must Know
Let’s view some minor points that will contribute towards bringing the best taste. You need to use minimum charcoal and burn it until the charcoal is white, then add your wood chips. Wait until wood chips develop smoke, then add your meat.
Remember to keep adding a handful of wood chips into the grill to maintain the level of smoke. Ensuring proper airflow is essential; otherwise, the wood will burn too fast, the meat will taste bitter, and the thick white smoke is the signal for it.
Conclusion
Grilling is like sports. The more you practice, the better the results. If you are a Barbeque lover, I know you can’t wait to fire up the grill.
Let’s try something different this year. You only need a charcoal grill, best-sized wood chips, aluminum foil, and meat. Let’s impress your guests by offering them a smoky flavor barbeque party.
Charcoal is preferred best for BBQ parties because of its smoky flavor. The dry heat from charcoal and smoke from wood quickly sears the meat.
Till now, you must be clear about the charcoal grill and wood chips. If you follow all the above advice, you should grill delicious food using wood chips on a charcoal grill.
All your friends and guests would love to eat tasty food and wait to be invited again. Happy Grilling.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the two types of charcoal grills?
There are two types of charcoal grills – one with a smoker box and the other without it. The grill with the smoker box holds the chips and directs the smoke to the cooking chamber.
How much wood will you need in a charcoal grill?
To maintain the best smoky flavor, you need to add chips every half hour. It may also depend on the quantity you are grilling. A handful of chips will be required if you serve two to three people.
What are the things you need to know when it comes to charcoal grill?
Grilling is like sports. The more you practice, the better the results. If you are a Barbeque lover, I know you can’t wait to fire up the grill. Let’s try something different this year. You only need a charcoal grill, best-sized wood chips, aluminum foil, and meat.
