Q: How much Charcoal do I need to
achieve maximum temperature?
A: To achieve maximum temperature, TOPQ grill Kamados require no more
than four quarts of lump charcoal. This is equivalent to filling your fire bowl
approximately one inch above the air holes that are located in the bottom third
of the fire bowl. A common error is adding too much charcoal. Lump size will
affect how long the charcoal burns, so you'll need to experiment and become
familiar with the amount of charcoal needed if you're grilling for one hour
versus smoking for eight hours.
Q:
What type of Charcoal is best?
A: To achieve the best results, it is recommended to use lump charcoal
for lighting ease, longer/hotter burning, and reuse. We recommend using TOPQ
grill 100% natural lump charcoal. WARNING: DO NOT USE LIGHTER FLUID TO IGNITE
CHARCOAL. Ceramic grills will absorb lighter fluid and retain the smell and flavour.
Charcoal is the foundation to
achieving grilling perfection and the charcoal you select will directly affect
fire quality, temperature control and flavour profile. Briquettes are
essentially saw dust compounded with additives, binders and chemicals to
promote lighting. Lump charcoal is produced from chunks of hardwood, the purest
form of charcoal.
To create lump charcoal, chunks of
hardwood are charred through in an oxygen free environment to eliminate the
need for chemical additives which often cause flavour transfer. Lump charcoal
burns 3-4 times hotter than briquettes and un-burned lump charcoal can be
re-ignited for future use. Lump charcoal delivers superior temperature control
and the ability to create unique flavour profiles with the availability in
different wood types including hickory, oak, mesquite, apple, and others. While
lump charcoal can cost up to 30% more than briquettes it is important to know
that less lump charcoal is required to achieve the same temperature as
briquettes. Since lump charcoal extinguishes on shut down, opposed to
briquettes that fully burn during each grilling session, you will realise
50%-65% more burn time from lump compared to briquettes.
Q:
Can Charcoal be reused?
A: Only lump charcoal may be reused. After shutting down your Kamado,
the remaining lump charcoal can be restarted. As a result you will use less
lump charcoal compared to briquettes. TOPQ grill 100% natural lump charcoal
contains no chemicals. After all draft vents are closed, the charcoal burn will
starve of oxygen and become extinguished.
Q:
How do I start my TOPQ Grill?
A: Please watch our video here for step by step instructions on lighting your TOPQ
Grill.
The TOPQ Grill Professional Series
patent pending ProZone is equipped with an integrated electric starter port for
quick lighting and even burn. Simply fill the interior fire bowl ½ way with
your preferred lump charcoal, slide the heating element into the starter port
and plug in. Igniting from the bottom of the lump charcoal load will promote
quicker, even, ignition (fire burns up) and superior temperature control.
While the TOPQ grill B-Series Classic
is not designed with the integrated ProZone, the same lighting efficiency and
precision temperature control can be achieved with a few tips. Like the TOPQ
grill Professional Series, the key to enjoying quick charcoal ignition and an
even fire is to ignite as close to the bottom of the charcoal load as possible.
Igniting the bottom of the charcoal load on the TOPQ grill B-Series Classic can
be accomplished in several ways.
- An angled electric heating element, which is designed to be placed
at the bottom of the charcoal load, plugged in and ignition should occur within
8-10 minutes.
- A second option is to use a hand held torch with automatic ignition
that can be purchased at most major home improvement retailers. Simply
create a crater in the centre of the charcoal load with a small shovel or
other tool, point the flame at several pieces of charcoal until embering
and fold the perimeter charcoal on top of the ignited pieces.
- Create a crater in the centre of the charcoal load, place lighter
blocks (available at most major home improvement retailers) in the centre
and ignite.
Q:
Can I use lighter fluid to light charcoal?
A: DO NOT USE LIGHTER FLUID to ignite charcoal for use in a TOPQ grill
Kamado. The ceramic construction promotes heat and moisture retention and will
absorb lighter fluid, causing unsavoury flavour and odours.
Q:
Can I use cut wood in my TOPQ grill Kamado?
A: Cut wood is an excellent fuel source for a TOPQ Grill. While lump
charcoal will deliver the highest performance, quickest ignition and
temperature control flexibility, cut wood can be used as a fuel source. It is
important to use wood that has dried and cured sufficiently and NOT require any
accelerants (lighter fluid) to ignite. Lighter fluid or any other liquid
accelerant should NEVER be used in a TOPQ Grill since the ceramic may absorb
these liquids resulting in undesirable odors and flavors.