Grilling With the Guru of Good Life

Light Your Fire

Here are some recommended grills. And for any die-hard gas grill fans, try making the transition with one of the gas-charcoal combo models.

A few classic charcoal grills are the Weber Smokey Joe Gold ($39.99) and the Weber Performer Charcoal Grill ($349). If you're not quite ready to make the leap to charcoal, check out the Weber Performer Charcoal/Gas Grill ($299).

And what to use for lighting your flame? Well, there is a difference between charcoal, charcoal briquettes and wood.

Charcoal is a desirable fuel because it produces a hot, long-lasting, virtually smokeless fire. It burns longer and more steadily than whole wood, but it is much lighter (one-fifth to one-third of its original weight). It is usually marked with the type of wood it is made from, such as hickory or mesquite.

When buying, look for lump coal, which can usually be found near the regular brands of charcoal at a Wal-Mart or grocery store. This is carbonized wood that has no additives, which can help keep unwanted flavors out of your meat and vegetables. Lump charcoal will last indefinitely, so you can buy in bulk and store it if necessary.

Charcoal briquettes are made of two primary ingredients, and several minor ones.

One of the primary ingredients, known as char, is basically traditional charcoal. It is responsible for the briquette's ability to light easily and to produce the desired wood-smoke flavor.

The most desirable raw material for this component is hardwood such as beech, birch, hard maple, hickory, or oak. Some manufacturers also use softwood like pine, or other organic materials such as fruit pits and nut shells.

Some charcoal needs lighter fluid to be lit and some do not; check the packaging for details. I don't like to use lighter fluid, so I seek out for organic charcoal briquettes whenever possible (Whole Foods sells them).

Photo: Henry Leutwyler

Grilling over charcoal is generally considered healthier for humans than grilling over wood. I love gathering some wood from the yard and supplementing the charcoal with just a bit of this added flavor. Premade wood chips are great for this, too.

So what are you waiting for? Light up those grills, and grab the good life!

For more info on Rocco DiSpirito, please visit roccodispirito.com or click here to find his cookbooks.


Note: Rocco is shooting his new TV show, and he's looking for people with a dramatic situation in their lives involving food. Worried about that engagement dinner with your picky mother-in-law? Trying to win back that ex-girlfriend who's still mad at you for cheating on her? Trying to bury the hatchet with that outcast uncle at your family reunion cookout? Rocco wants to help you! Please email with your problem and we will contact you!

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