We’ve already covered how to handle those tricky moments when your fire doesn’t cooperate. Now it’s time to talk about something just as important—how long to wait before you start cooking.
Whether you're searing a steak, slow-smoking ribs, or grilling veggies for the weekend crowd, the fire’s timing matters. A little patience at the start can make all the difference in the flavor, texture, and evenness of your food.
But here’s the thing: these are just guidelines. Actual timing can vary depending on your grill, the weather, your setup, and how you like to cook. Think of this as a starting point—you’ll find your own rhythm as you go.
Red Meat (Beef, Steaks, Burgers)
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Medium-Sized Lump: Ready in 15–20 minutes. Great for quick, hot sears.
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XL Lump: Needs about 20–30 minutes, but burns hotter and longer—perfect for thick cuts.
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XL Briquets: Takes 30–40 minutes to hit ideal temp, but once there, gives you steady, even heat.
Pork and Lamb
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Medium-Sized Lump: Versatile for medium heat cooks. Ready in 15–20 minutes.
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XL Lump: Ideal for sustained heat—expect 25–35 minutes.
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XL Briquets: Plan for 30–45 minutes before they’re ready. Reliable for longer cooks like ribs or roasts.
Chicken and Vegetables
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Medium-Sized Lump: Quick to light and easy to control—15–20 minutes to ready.
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XL Lump: For longer, more controlled grilling—20–30 minutes.
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XL Briquets: Gentle, consistent heat—30–40 minutes, but worth the wait for even cooking.
Fish
Fish likes medium, steady heat. Try combining medium-sized lump (for quick lighting) with XL briquets (for stable, gentle heat). Wait 20–30 minutes, depending on your mix.
Smoked or Low & Slow Cooking (Ribs, Pulled Pork)
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XL Briquets: Built for long burns and low temps—ready in 30–45 minutes.
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XL Lump: Adds power when you need to bump the temp.
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Blending the three types gives you flexibility—ignite fast, manage heat, and hold steady for hours.
Using All Three—A Balanced Fire
A great setup uses all three types:
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Medium-sized lump gets your fire started quickly.
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XL lump provides lasting, intense heat.
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XL briquets help keep the temperature steady for the long haul.
One method: layer medium-sized lump in the center, surround it with XL lump, and place XL briquets around the edges. Let the whole bed mature for about 30–40 minutes before cooking.
A Quick Note Before You Fire Up
Every grill master finds their own timing sweet spot. The minutes we’ve shared are real-world examples from our experience, but don’t be afraid to experiment. Your gear, your fuel setup, and your cooking style will shape your own ideal timeline.
Final Thoughts
Timing your fire is less about a stopwatch and more about reading your setup. With the right charcoal mix and a little patience, you’ll unlock better control and better results—every single time.
So next time you fire up the grill, take your time, trust your fuel, and make it your own.
Happy grilling,
The Harder Charcoal Team