The cermanic cookers like the Grill Dome all require you to use Lump Charcoal. It is available at Lowes. I will typically grill things like steaks, chicken or chops and burgers. The following is my start-up procedure:
1. Open lower vent and vent at the very top of the grill (100%).
2. Remove grate (most times) and stir the coals remaining in the grill from the previous cook with an ash tool (you will need to purchase one from the grill mfg.).
3. Using a paper plate or some disposable container I will typically rake some ash from the bottom of the grill through the lower vent. It takes all of 15 seconds and is not messy or a big deal.
4. Decide if I need to add any new lump charcoal for the cook. Usually add new lump approximately every 3rd grilling unless you have a very lenghtly grill outing.
5. Folks use different methods but I have found the quickest, easiest and cheapest way to light the Grill Dome is to use a propane torch. Just light the torch and point it down through the grate onto the lump charcoal for 15 to 20 seconds.
6. Shut the lid and leave the two vents 100% open.
7. Fifteen minutes later (less than a beer) you will have achieved 500 degrees in the Grill Dome.
8. Do not open the lid without closing the bottom vent to a crack.
9. You are ready to grill and by controlling the top and bottom vents you can easily adjust and hold the desired temperature.
10. In addition to standard high temperature grilling you can also do very low and slow smoke style cooking. I have cooked hams, turkeys and Boston Butts on mine for times up to 24 hours at 225 degrees without touching the grill.
Cermanic Grills are amazing and as I previously reported once you buy you will be done with grill purchases. Conduct your own survey and try to find many unhappy Grill Dome Owners. What you will find is that all of us have been through many grills before owning a Grill Dome and are now happy grillers! They are not messy like standard charcoal grills ( there is very little ash to deal with) and bags of lump last a long time. I grill an average of 3 times per week all year! Oh, lump charcoal is available from different manufacturers and will have different smoke flavor. My wife and I like Cowboy lump charcoal as it does not have a heavy smoke flavor, just enough to know it came off of a real wood type fire.
Send me a PM if you want more information.
Ken
PS. I just reread my post and I sound like a dealer. I have no affliation with Grill Dome other than being a happy user.
