Burning charcoal can produce temperatures above 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit. With a grill, the type of charcoal and grill used determines the optimal burning temperature. A kettle grill fully loaded with red-hot charcoal can produce up to 700 degrees Fahrenheit. Others can produce temperatures as low as 200 degrees Fahrenheit.
Temperature control is key to correct usage of charcoal grills. Using a lid traps heat to ensure it all goes into cooking. An intake dumper controls temperature by restricting or permitting flow of oxygen, a vital component in combustion of charcoal. Also, lowering the charcoal takes heat away from the food being cooked.
