Grillfest Barrel Charcoal Grill, 738 sq. in., Black

A: 1. Clean the grates: Before your first cook, wash the cast-iron cooking grates with warm soapy water, rinse thoroughly, and towel dry. 2. Season the iron: Coat the grates lightly with a high-smoke-point oil (like vegetable oil or Crisco). Heat the grill to medium-high for about 30 minutes to bond the oil to the iron and prevent rust. 3. Charcoal limit: Do not overload the grill. The maximum recommended weight is 6 to 7.5 pounds of charcoal at one time. 4. Use a chimney starter: Avoid using lighter fluid whenever possible. Fill a Charcoal Chimney Starter with briquettes or lump charcoal, ignite paper or fire starters underneath, and wait 15-20 minutes until the coals are covered in gray ash. 5. Adjust heat: Pour the hot coals onto the height-adjustable charcoal pan. Use the crank handle to raise the coals closer to the food for searing, or lower them for gentle, slow cooking. 6. Air dampers: Oxygen fuels the fire. Leave the side air vents and the lid smoke stack fully open for a hot fire. Close them partially to restrict airflow, which lowers the temperature. 7. Monitor the lid: Keep the hood closed and track your internal cooking environment using the built-in thermometer.

A: Grill Total Cooking Area Range 601 - 800 sq in Cooking Area Width - Side to Side 26.38'' W Cooking Area Depth - Front to Back 19.7" D