Charcoal is the most common type of fuel used in charcoal grills. Available in both lump and briquette form, it burns hot to sear the exterior of meats. Because of its popularity, some pitmasters assume that they must use charcoal in their grill. This is just a myth, however, as its perfectly fine to use firewood instead. In fact using wood or firewood for cooking even offers several unique benefits that arent available when using charcoal. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=luqVsyW8qls&t=2s&ab_channel=CuttingEdgeFirewood
Because charcoal is so popular, some barbecue masters believe they must only use charcoal in their grill. This is a myth, as it is perfectly acceptable to use firewood instead.
Step # Choose the Right Firewood
The first step to grilling with firewood is choosing the right type of firewood. You shouldnt use just any firewood in your grill. If it has a high moisture content, it will burn efficiently. Rather, it will produce lots of thick black smoke and only a small amount of heat. All firewood has some moisture in it. But firewood with an excessive amount of moisture — typically defined as a moisture content of 30% or higher — doesnt burn efficiently. https://youtu.be/b73biPXxXTo
The secret to grilling delicious foods with firewood is to use a flavorful variety of kiln dried firewood. Unlike air-seasoned firewood, kiln dried firewood isnt just left outdoors to dry. Its actually processed in a drying kiln that extracts moisture vapor from its pores. With its exceptionally dry properties, kiln dried firewood burns hotter and cleaner than other types of firewood, making it the ideal choice for grilling.
Step # Add Food Once the Firewood Has Burned Down to Coals
A common mistake pitmasters make when grilling with firewood is adding their food too soon. If the fire isnt hot enough, it wont offer a true grilling experience. So, how do you know when your grill is ready exactly?
Dont add food to your grill while the firewood is still burning with a large, visible flame. Instead, wait until your firewood has burned down to coals. The coals should be a glowing red-orange color, which indicates they are hot enough for grilling. Once your firewood has burned down to glowing red-orange coals, add your food to the cooking grate. If youre worried that your food will stick to the grate, carefully brush a layer of high-heat oil over the grate first.
If you cant get your firewood to turn to coals, consider the following tips to heat it up:
- Gently blow into the center of the firewood to provide it with more oxygen.
- Poke the firewood with a long metal utensil.
- Add more firewood logs to it.
- Place your grill in an open area.
- Make sure you are using kiln dried firewood and not fresh, green or air-dried firewood.
How to grill with Wood Chunks?
FAQ
Is it OK to grill with wood?
Can you grill with wood chunks instead of charcoal?
Can you BBQ on all wood?
Can you smoke meat with just wood?
Is wood good for grilling?
Wood for grilling comes in three types and none of them are fresh cut, because freshly cut wood still has moisture content in it. You don’t want water in your wood. The type you use depends on how long you intend to grill your foods for. Wood chips burn the fastest so are only really good for grilling foods that take under 20 minutes.
Can you put water in a wood grill?
You don’t want water in your wood. The type you use depends on how long you intend to grill your foods for. Wood chips burn the fastest so are only really good for grilling foods that take under 20 minutes. The more you need to open the lid on your grill, the more fuel you’ll burn through.
Can you use firewood instead of charcoal for grilling?
You can read the science here if you like but the gist is that using firewood for grilling instead of charcoal is just about setting the wood on fire, letting the flames fan down then using the coal embers from the wood to smoke and cook your foods on a grill grate, but… controlling the flames so they’re contained beneath the grates.
How do you cook wood on a gas grill?
Simply add your wood to the grill, light on fire (you can use all natural firestarters, newspaper, or Cedar kindling, for example). Once the wood is on fire and it starts turning grey, restrict air flow to force the fire to die down, so your wood coals are smoldering instead of on fire. Once ready, just add your food and cook as desired!