You don’t necessarily need a charcoal grill to get that same flavour. You just need a charcoal tray! If you’ve snagged a fancy new charcoal tray for your grill, but aren’t sure where to begin, we’ve got you covered! This guide will walk you through how to use the Napoleon Charcoal Tray!
Step-by-Step: How to Use the Napoleon Charcoal Tray
Step 1: Prep
Start by prepping the area for your tray. Remove the existing cooking grates and any sear plates, making way for the tray. Carefully place your charcoal tray on the burners.
Step 3: Fuel the Fire
Now it’s time to add the fuel. Fill the charcoal tray with a layer of the charcoal you’ve chosen. Once your charcoal is in place, put the cooking grates back on the grill.
Step 4: Light It Up
Here’s where your trusty gas burners come in. Turn them on high heat, acting as lighters for your charcoal brigade. Let the gas burners ignite the charcoal until they’re glowing red embers.
Step 5: Bring It to Temperature
Once your charcoal is lit, it’s time for a little patience. Turn off the gas burners and close the lid on your grill. Allow your charcoal to fully ash over, (about 10-30 minutes), just like you would with a traditional charcoal setup.
Step 6: Grill Time
When your charcoal is ready, it’s time for the best part: the grilling! Use your grill just as you would with the gas burners, but with the added smoky goodness of charcoal. Sizzle up your favourite foods and prepare to impress your guests with your newfound charcoal expertise.
Step 7: Clean Up
Cleanup is part of the process! Once you’ve finished grilling and your culinary conquest is complete, remove your food and clean the cooking grates as usual. Close the lid and let the remaining charcoal burn itself out completely. Remember, safety first!
With the charcoal burnt out and the tray completely cool, put on your heat-resistant gloves for safety. Remove the cooking grates, then carefully take out the tray and the spent charcoal. Dispose of the used charcoal in a metal ash bucket with a lid, storing it away from any flammable objects.
Extra Tips for Using Your Charcoal Tray
- Craving smoky goodness? Add wood chips to your charcoal tray! Once the coals are lit and ready for action, toss them directly on top.
- Ditch the briquettes and embrace the power of lump charcoal! These beauties burn cleaner and hotter, offering superior results for your grilling adventures.
- While your charcoal tray gets fiery hot (it’s designed that way!), using two would be overkill for your Napoleon grill. One tray is enough, providing the perfect two-zone heat setup for both direct and indirect grilling.
- Always store your charcoal in a cool, dry place away from moisture. When the charcoal is used up, store it in a metal bin with a lid, keeping it far from your house in a sheltered area.
- Let the charcoal completely extinguish or burn itself out before moving it.
Head to Harding for Your Napoleon Grills & All Your Grilling Accessories
From charcoal to grills and pizza ovens and everything in between, head to Harding! We have it all! The first step in having a successful grill session is ensuring you’re properly stocked and set up with all the supplies you need.
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