Cooking bacon on a charcoal grill can add a smoky flavor to this already delicious breakfast staple. Although grilling bacon requires some attention and caution, it can be a rewarding and flavorful experience. Here's how you can do it:
- Prepare your grill: Start by setting up your charcoal grill for indirect grilling. This means that you will only have lit coals on one side of the grill, while leaving the other side empty. This setup helps prevent flare-ups and allows for even cooking.
- Light the charcoal: Light your charcoal using either a chimney starter or lighter fluid. Once the coals are hot and have turned ashy, spread them out on one side of the grill, leaving the other side empty. Make sure to keep a safe distance from the lit coals.
- Prepare the bacon: While the charcoal is heating, take out your bacon slices and prepare them for grilling. You can either drizzle a small amount of oil on the bacon or brush it with melted butter to prevent sticking. Alternatively, you can use a grilling mat or foil to cook the bacon on.
- Control the heat: Adjust the position of your grill grates to control the heat intensity. Placing them farther from the coals will result in slower cooking, while positioning them closer will result in faster cooking. Keep in mind that bacon fat can cause flare-ups, so maintaining a moderate heat is essential.
- Grill the bacon: Lay the bacon strips directly on the grill grates on the side opposite the lit coals. Close the lid to allow the smoky flavor to infuse into the bacon. Check the bacon periodically and turn it over using tongs, ensuring that it cooks evenly. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the bacon and your desired level of crispiness.
- Remove and drain: Once the bacon is cooked to your liking, carefully remove it from the grill using tongs or a spatula. Place the grilled bacon on a paper towel-lined plate or tray to drain excess grease.
- Serve and enjoy: Allow the bacon to cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish it with your favorite seasonings or serve it alongside your preferred breakfast items such as eggs, toast, or pancakes. Enjoy your smoky and delicious grilled bacon!
Remember to exercise caution when grilling bacon on a charcoal grill, as the grease can cause flare-ups and potential burns. Always keep a close eye on the bacon while it's cooking and follow standard safety practices when handling hot grills.
Best Charcoal Grills of June 2024
1
Rating is 5 out of 5
Royal Gourmet CC1830SC Charcoal Grill Offset Smoker with Cover, 811 Square Inches, Black, Outdoor Camping
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811 Square Inches: Includes 443 sq. in. porcelain-enameled steel wire cooking grates, 184 sq. in. chrome-plated warming rack and 184 sq. in. offset smoker.
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Tasty Smoke Flavors: The offset smoker is firmly attached to grill to ensure good circulation of heat and smoke. Easy to open side door to add charcoal and remove ashes; air vent stokes fire instantly.
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Adjustable Pan: 2-level height-adjustable charcoal pan creates better heat control and holds up to 4.4 lbs. of coal.
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Temperature Monitor: Lid-mounted thermometer gauge helps check and monitor the cooking temperature and you can cook with great confidence.
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Grill Cover Included: Made of heavy-duty fabric, the cover protects your grill from elements and withstands the harshest weather.
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Ample Space: Front and side tables offer workspace for seasonings and grilling tools. The bottom shelf provides extra storage space and holds up to only 20 lb. accessories when they are evenly distributed.
2
Rating is 4.9 out of 5
Weber Original Kettle 22-Inch Charcoal Grill
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Stay true to the modern version of the kettle that started it all—the Original Kettle, invented by Weber’s founder, and loved around the world. Its ultra-durable, porcelain-enameled lid and bowl retain heat, while the damperseasily adjust for precise temperature control. With a One-Touch cleaning system for easy cleanup after a long day of grilling, the Original Kettle will always be the grill built for everyone
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Holds up to 13 burgers made with a Weber burger press
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One-Touch cleaning system provides hassle-free ash cleanup.Removable, aluminum ash catcher
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Porcelain-enameled lid and bowl Retain heat, and won’t rust or peel
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Use the lid hook to avoid placing the lid on the ground while grilling
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Dampers allow you to easily control the temperature inside your grill
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3D interactive assembly instructions for this product are available through the free BILT app.
3
Rating is 4.8 out of 5
Char-Griller E1515 Patio Pro Charcoal Grill, Black
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CHARCOAL GRILL - Barrel style BBQ Grill with heavy duty steel construction and powder coating finish, the perfect grilling solution for small decks, backyards, and patios
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LARGE COOKING AREA - 250 square inch total cooking area delivers exceptional taste and charcoal flavor
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BARBECUE GRILL FEATURES - Thick Cast Iron Cooking Grates, Bottom Storage Rack, Heavy-Duty Steel Construction, Side Air Vent, Stay Cool Wood Handle, Wheels for Easy Mobility, and Side Shelf Workstation with Barbecue Tool Storage Hooks
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EASY TO ASSEMBLE & CLEAN - Assembles easily and quickly cleans up after use with the Easy Dump Ash Pan
4
Rating is 4.7 out of 5
Royal Gourmet CC1830 30 Barrel Charcoal Grill with Side Table, 627 Square Inches, Outdoor Backyard, Patio and Parties, Black
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627 Smoking Space: 443 sq. in. porcelain-enameled steel wire cooking grates with 184 sq. in. chrome-plated steel wire warming rack offer enough space to cook.
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Heat Control: Close the side air vent completely that cuts off the oxygen flow to help extinguish coals and adjust the smoke stack for extra heat control.
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Adjustable Fire Grates: 2-level height-adjustable fire pan ensures more controlled cooking and holds up to 6 lbs. of coal.
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Temperature Monitor: Lid-mounted thermometer gauge helps check heat fluctuations for confident grilling.
5
Rating is 4.6 out of 5
Royal Gourmet CD1824M 24-Inch Charcoal Grill, BBQ Smoker with Handle and Folding Table, Perfect for Outdoor Patio, Garden and Backyard Grilling, Black, Medium
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Spacious Cooking Area: 384 sq. in. porcelain-enameled steel wire cooking grates and 106 sq. in. stainless steel warming rack provide a total of 490 sq. in. cooking space respectively, serving up to 10 people.
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Height-adjustable Charcoal Pan: The crank handle controls the distance between the charcoal pan and food for fine-tuning temperature and regulating heat. The charcoal pan holds charcoal up to 4.5 lb. for each use.
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Convenient Access Door: Front charcoal access door with heat-resistant spring handle provides more convenience for adding charcoal and controls heat loss to a minimum during cooking.
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Built-in Thermometer Gauge: The lid-mounted thermometer indicates the temperature changes precisely in real-time.
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Air Flow: Two adjustable air vents control air circulation to enhance sufficient burning of charcoal for efficient smoking.
6
Rating is 4.5 out of 5
Royal Gourmet Barrel Charcoal Grill with Front Storage Basket, Backyard BBQ Party and Outdoor Cooking Grill on Clearance Prime with Wheels, Black, CC1830T
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Additional Cooking Options: The charcoal grill can meet your versatile cooking demands by slow smoking or grilling ribs, veggies, lobster tails, or other preferred ingredients.
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Ample Cooking Area: To accommodate 23 hamburgers at once, there are 443 sq. in. porcelain-enameled steel wire cooking grates and a 184 sq. in. chrome-plated steel wire warming rack as a secondary heating area.
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Impressive Storage: Store seasonings in the front basket, hang some cooking utensils on the integrated hooks, place plates and other food on the side tables, and meanwhile put your charcoal on the bottom storage shelf.
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Adjustable Charcoal Pan: Easily control the distance between food and fire with the lifting handle to regulate cooking temperature, which also saves fuel in the meantime.
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Heat Control: Customize your desired temperature by twisting the air damper and smoke stack, thus getting the best cooking results.
7
Rating is 4.4 out of 5
Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill, 22-Inch, Black
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Holds up to 13 burgers made with a Weber burger press; Built-in lid thermometer. Rust-resistant aluminum dampers
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One-Touch cleaning system with high-capacity ash catcher provides hassle-free ash cleanup
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Porcelain-enameled lid and bowl retain heat, and won’t rust or peel
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Use the lid hook to avoid placing the lid on the ground while grilling
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Cooking grate is hinged for easily adding charcoal while grilling
8
Rating is 4.3 out of 5
Royal Gourmet CC1830S 30" BBQ Charcoal Grill and Offset Smoker | 811 Square Inch cooking surface, Outdoor for Camping | Black
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811 Square Inches: Includes 443 sq. in. porcelain-enameled steel wire cooking grates, 184 sq. in. chrome-plated warming rack and 184 sq. in. offset smoker.
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Tasty Smoke Flavors: The offset smoker is firmly attached to grill to ensure good circulation of heat and smoke. Easy to open side door to add charcoal and remove ashes; air vent stokes fire instantly.
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Adjustable Pan: 2-level height-adjustable charcoal pan creates better heat control and holds up to 4.4 lbs. of coal.
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Temperature Monitor: Lid-mounted thermometer gauge helps check and monitor the cooking temperature and you can cook with great confidence.
9
Rating is 4.2 out of 5
Dyna-Glo DGN576SNC-D X-Large Premium Dual Chamber Charcoal Grill
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Removable firebox divider for single or dual cooking zone
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Primary cooking area is 576 square inches
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Secondary cooking area is 240 square inches
10
Rating is 4.1 out of 5
Royal Gourmet CC1830W 30 Barrel Charcoal Grill with Side Table, 627 Square Inches, Outdoor Backyard, Patio and Parties, Black
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Spacious Cooking Area: Includes 443 sq. in. porcelain-enameled steel wire cooking grates, 184 sq. in. chrome-plated steel wire warming rack, and 184 sq. in. offset smoker.
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Offset Smoker: Use the side fire box to get tasty and authentic smoky flavors in the main chamber. Smoking, grilling, or searing all will be your choices.
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Adjustable Charcoal Pan: 2-level height-adjustable charcoal pan ensures better heat control and holds up to 4.4 lb. of coal.
How do I maintain a consistent temperature on a charcoal grill while cooking bacon?
Maintaining a consistent temperature on a charcoal grill while cooking bacon can be a challenge due to the high fat content of bacon, which can cause flare-ups and temperature fluctuations. However, here are some tips to help you achieve a more consistent temperature:
- Use a two-zone grilling setup: Light the charcoal on one side of the grill and leave the other side empty. This way, you can have a direct heat zone for initially crisping the bacon and an indirect heat zone for finishing it without excessive flare-ups.
- Preheat the grill: Make sure to preheat the grill before adding the bacon. This helps to stabilize the temperature and prevent sudden changes when the bacon is added.
- Control the airflow: Adjust the vents on your charcoal grill to regulate the airflow. Opening the vents will increase the temperature, while closing them partially will reduce the heat. This will help you maintain a consistent temperature throughout the cooking process.
- Use a drip pan: Place a drip pan filled with water under the bacon to catch the dripping fat. This will help reduce flare-ups and prevent temperature spikes caused by the fat igniting.
- Batch cooking: Instead of cooking all the bacon at once, consider cooking in smaller batches. This allows you to manage the heat better and maintain consistent temperature control.
- Adjust cooking time: Keep an eye on the bacon and be ready to adjust the cooking time. If you notice the temperature getting too hot or flare-ups occurring, you can temporarily remove the bacon from direct heat until the temperature stabilizes.
- Monitor and flip the bacon: Regularly monitor the bacon while it cooks, flipping it often to ensure even cooking and prevent excessive charring. This will also help to manage the temperature by moving the bacon around the grill if needed.
Remember, bacon can vary in thickness and fat content, so adjust your cooking technique accordingly. With practice and attention to these tips, you can maintain a more consistent temperature on your charcoal grill while cooking bacon.
Should I use direct or indirect heat when cooking bacon on a charcoal grill?
It is generally recommended to use indirect heat when cooking bacon on a charcoal grill. Direct heat can cause the bacon to burn or become too crispy too quickly, while indirect heat allows for a more even and controlled cooking process. To use indirect heat, arrange the charcoal on one side of the grill and place the bacon on the other side, away from the direct flames. This will allow the bacon to cook slowly and render its fat, resulting in a deliciously crispy and evenly cooked bacon.
How long should I let the charcoal burn before putting the bacon on the grill?
It is recommended to let the charcoal burn for about 20-30 minutes before adding the bacon to the grill. This ensures that the coals are fully ignited, and the grill has reached the desired temperature for cooking.
Can I cook bacon on a charcoal grill without a grill grate?
Yes, it is possible to cook bacon on a charcoal grill without using a grill grate. One method is to coil the bacon strips on a sheet of aluminum foil, ensuring they are spread out evenly. Then, place the foil with the bacon directly on the charcoal. This will allow the bacon to cook over the heat while also preventing it from falling through the grates. Keep a close eye on the bacon to prevent it from burning and adjust the distance from the charcoal as needed.
