First BBQ

[MaxFects]

So throwing first and very small bbq with girlfriend. She borrowed a small 21 inch grill from her dad. I need some help on the whole process. If we're expecting max of 12 people, how much coal would I need to cook enough for everyone. Im saving for summer vacation so can't spend too much, just thinking burgers, dogs, and chicken. Any pointers to help prep?

[penguinz]

Go to costco and pick up some lump charcoal. 4 bags would be more than enough and would be less than $30.

[sedated]

that's not technically a "BBQ".

its a "cookout".

[penguinz]

Originally Posted by sedated

that's not technically a "BBQ".

its a "cookout".

If you have a bottle of KC Masterpiece it then becomes a BBQ!

[Donger]

Don't make anyone sick.

[sedated]

Originally Posted by penguinz

If you have a bottle of KC Masterpiece it then becomes a BBQ!

no, then it becomes dessert

[Demonpenz]

Sounds like a good bbq

[Fire Me Boy!]

Originally Posted by sedated

that's not technically a "BBQ".

its a "cookout".

x2.

[Dartgod]

You've never cooked over a fire before?

Hand over your man card pronto.

[wutamess]

This doesn't sound like it's going to turn out well if you're asking how much coal you need.

Ever thought about catering?

[wutamess]

Futhermore, $30 should get you everything you need for charcoal & food.

[StcChief]

depending on what your cooking be cautioned about the amount of Charcoal.. Get metal chimney to heat up charcoal.

[Fire Me Boy!]

Originally Posted by wutamess

This doesn't sound like it's going to turn out well if you're asking how much coal you need.

Ever thought about catering?

x2.

[Pablo]

Just get yourself an $8 bag of Kingsford charcoal and call it good.

I don't know how much they weigh, but I'm sure 25 lbs. or so of charcoal will definitely suit your needs. And I'm not advising you use the whole bag. But you'll definitely have more than enough for quite a few cookouts. Just use enough briquets that they actually cover the bottom and you can distribute even heat. You don't need to pile it on to the hilt. There are metal tube like devices you can dump a pre-determined amount of charcoal in to heat it up.

I advise you buy a few 30 packs as well, so if your food sucks nobody will care because they're buzzed.

As for the chicken, chicken breasts are expensive. Buy drumsticks and thighs, more flavor anyhow and loads cheaper. If for some reason you must have white meat, get those frozen chicken breast packages. The WalMart variety that has like 10 "breasts" in the frozen section for like $7.

[wutamess]

To answer your question: 1 big bag of charcoal will be more than enough.
Don't get the coals too close to the grilling part. if you keep the spouts open on the top or bottom of the grill more air will get through increasing heat and possibly keeping flames.

If you get flames... try to avoid throwing water on them. if you can... put the lid on and the flames should go out. Othrwise, you could water down your coals and put out the heat.