Grilling with the lid on or off is a question I am often asked. It can be confusing or bring doubt even into the most seasoned grill master. I will break it all down in easy terms so the next time you are ready to get something on the grill you will know exactly when to have that grill lid open or closed.
When grilling, knowing when to open or close your lid/cover, may not be easy to remember. I hope you find the information useful, including the food lists below. After reading all that I outline below, your meats should be juicy and flavorful. If you want a more in-depth look at grilling, check out my list of BEST NONFICTION FOOD BOOKS that I love, including "Meathead - The Science of Barbecue and Grilling."
Quick Reference on a Key Items Regarding = Grill Lid Open or Closed
- Preheating the grill always requires the lid to be closed.
- In some cases, you actually need to do both. Cooking with the lid open is how some items start off. Finishing them to cook through then requires that the lid be closed.
- A good rule of thumb also is it depends on the thickness of your food. If it is thicker than ¾ inch, cover the grill by closing the lid.
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Jump to:
- Why Grill with the Lid Open?
- Why Grill with the Lid Closed?
- Quality Meat & Seafood are Great for Grilling
- Grilling to the Correct Internal Temperature
- Foods to Grill with the Lid Open and then Closed
- Foods to Grill with the Lid Open/Up/Off
- Foods to Grill with the Lid Closed/Down/On
- Best Way to Clean Your Grill
- Best Recipes for Grilling
- PIN FOR SAFEKEEPING & SHARING!
Why Grill with the Lid Open?
When grilling on your barbecue, having the lid open makes sure the heat is not too high so that certain foods do not cook too quickly. When grilling with the lid open, think of this as searing. The heat source is coming from the bottom only. This results in the charred or caramelized outer crust that most of us associate with grilling or barbecuing.
Why Grill with the Lid Closed?
When grilling on your barbecue, having the lid closed helps keep the temperature high and even. This helps stop flare-ups most of the time also. When the lid is closed, compare this to how your oven would work. You will have heat coming from both under and above the food.
Quality Meat & Seafood are Great for Grilling
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Grilling to the Correct Internal Temperature
Food safety is an important part of being a grillmaster. Make sure you take the meat off just at the right temperature. You want to make sure your beef, chicken, pork, or seafood is flavorful, juicy, and ready to eat without being overdone.
The best and really only way to be sure your grilled meat is ready is to take a reading of the internal temperature. I love the instant-read thermometer by Chef's Temp. In 1 second you have the most accurate reading.
Foods to Grill with the Lid Open and then Closed
This gives you the best of both worlds, a good char or crust on the outside and perfectly cooked in the middle. Start grilling on your barbecue with the lid open or in the up position. Then finish your cooking process by then grilling with the lid closed or in the down position.
For all of these, sear on each side over direct heat with the lid open. Finish by moving to indirect heat and closing the lid. Try this cooking process for these foods:
- Steaks (thick-cut like rib-eye, NY strip)
- Tri-Tip roasts
- Pork Chops (thick-cut)
- Bone-in or Boneless Skinless Chicken (breasts, drumsticks, and thighs)
- Hamburgers (if over ¾" thick)
RULE BREAKER:
- Sausages, like bratwurst- (not precooked) grill these with the lid closed over indirect heat to cook through. Then to char, move them over direct heat at the end to caramelize the outside. If you cook over direct heat first, the fat drips and starts flare-ups that can burn sausages. The internal juices also heat too quickly and cause the sausages to burst.
Foods to Grill with the Lid Open/Up/Off
Open the lid on your grill throughout the entire cooking process for these foods:
- Steaks (thin cuts like flank steak)
- Pork chops (thin)
- Chicken (thin cutlets / tenders)
- Hamburgers (if less than ¾" thick)
- Hot Dogs
- Sausages (precooked only)
- Shrimp
- Kebabs
- Vegetables
Foods to Grill with the Lid Closed/Down/On
Shut the lid on your grill throughout the entire cooking process for these foods:
- Ribs
- Salmon, other flake fish
- Whole chickens (beer can chicken for example)
- Whole turkeys
- Large roasts/cuts of meat like a leg of lamb, pork roast
- Pizza on a heated baking stone
- Dessert pans (crumbles, cobblers)
Best Way to Clean Your Grill
One of my top tips when it comes to having a delicious meal off of the grill is to make sure you keep the grill clean. Ensuring the plates/racks and the rest of your bbq are clean is the #1 way to maintain your precious grill.
Do not use an abrasive grill brush that will damage, scratch, or even ruin your grill. I recommend a soft brush that works with steam to get everything shiny and like new. The grill brush with scraper by Grill Rescue cannot be beaten.
Leave your grill on for an additional 2-3 minutes after removing the meat. After all the meat needs to rest before cutting into it. While the meat is resting let some of the bits cook off the grill plates. While the grill is heated, dip the Grill Rescue brush in water, and rub/scrape it along the grates to clean it using the steam that comes from the bristle-free pad.
It was invented by a firefighter and every purchase makes a donation. A portion of all proceeds is donated to organizations that support fallen firefighters.
Best Recipes for Grilling
Here are some of my favorite recipes that are done on the grill. Enjoy a delicious meal tonight with one of these ideas. Or grab your favorite cut of meat, add some great rubs and seasoning, and get grilling.
PIN FOR SAFEKEEPING & SHARING!
If you are in the market for a grill and are not sure if you want charcoal or a gas grill, this article is great to break down the pros and cons - GAS VS CHARCOAL GRILLS WHICH ONE IS BETTER?
Product Recommendations for this Recipe:
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Yvette says
I love this! My husband and I have gone around a bit on this topic. This is really useful... I wonder if I can get him to read it? LOL!
Angela says
I love it, Yvette. Glad this helped and hoping your husband will enjoy the read too. I worked on this point with my husband so that made it fun.
Tiffany says
I had no idea the reasons to open or close! And I grill quite a bit! I just assumed it was preference!
Angela says
I admit I am so glad this taught you something. Hopefully, you will remember a few keys things from this post and up your grilling game!
Danielle Ardizzone says
Such useful tips! I didn't realize that certain foods do better with different lid positions. Thanks!
Angela says
I am glad you learned something about how certain foods do well grilling with the lid open or closed!
Douglas Jasper says
Thanks for the very detailed recommendations. It is good information.
Angela says
I am glad it was information you found useful when grilling.
Holly says
Thank you so much for the great tips@ We are in the middle of grilling season.well reall in Arizona we grill all year,so this so helpful!
Angela says
In CA most of the year is grilling season too. I hope all the grilling tips help you 365 days of the year in sunny AZ.
Lisa Manderino says
We love grilling! This is great advice!
Angela says
I am glad the advice about grilling was great and helped.
barbara says
Great tips!
Angela says
Thank you.
Debbie says
Good info. Have never thot about open or shut. Charcoal vs gas would also be interesting!
Angela says
Stay tuned - charcoal vs gas maybe be a future post.
Kirsten says
This is so helpful! We aren't big grillers, but have wanted to do more this summer, and I will definitely be using this post as a guide. Thanks!
Angela says
I hope you do enjoy grilling more this summer and have some great meals.
Leeandra says
Great tips for what to grill with the lid and without the lid.
Angela says
Thank you.
Kendra says
Great tips! I've definitely become the main griller in the house lately!
Angela says
Being the grill master in the house is a fun thing!
Beth Shields says
Perfect seasonal read. Enjoyed going through your lists - didn't know some of that and I love to grill. Always enjoy your posts. Thanks for the information.
Angela says
YOu are so kind Beth, glad you enjoyed it. Happy Summer Grilling time.
Stacey Billingsley says
Great info! I'd never really thought much about it. But then again, my husband is usually using the grill. I'll keep this in mind in case I'm ever out there cooking.
Angela says
I am glad you learned something. Maybe you can surprise him and take over one night!
Alice says
Thanks I need all the help I can get when it comes to grilling.
Angela says
Oh Alice, good luck!
Sandi says
Great grilling advice. Great grilling is an art.
Angela says
It sure is an art. Plus grilling is not always easy but these tips should help others out.
Cathy says
This is really helpful! Thsnks!
Dee | Grammy's Grid says
Thanks so much for linking up with me at my #UnlimitedMonthlyLinkParty 13, open June 1 to 26. All party entries shared if social media buttons installed.
heather J jandrue says
I never knew any of this. I have to admit cooking on the grill intimidates me. I usually leave it to my husband. I will pass along these tips to him.
Angela says
Thanks and I encourage you to give it a try.
Sara says
We love grilling in the summer. Some foods just taste so much better when grilled!
Angela says
I agree!
Heather says
I've never thought much about this, but thank you for the info! I am loving grilling season!
Angela says
You are welcome and enjoy grilling season.
Suzan | It's My Sustainable Life says
Wonderful breakdown & explanation of grilling 101!
Angela says
Thanks!
Eva Keller says
Great tips! I am not confident in my meat cooking abilities, so I usually have my husband cook it. I'm afraid I'll either under-cook or over-cook it. Now I know some better tips!
Angela says
I hope you give it a try Eva.
Cindy says
I’m plant based so looks like it’s lid up for me! I want to try that grilled peach salad, minus the cheese.
Felicia Austin says
This is one of the most informative posts I've read in awhile. We grill a lot here and I never knew why hubby opens the lid sometimes and sometimes leaves it closed lol I never even thought it really made a difference until I read your post. Can you tell hubby is the grill master of the household lol
Angela says
Any house with a grillmaster is a wonderful home. Thank you so much for letting me know you enjoyed the post and learned a lot. It so made my day! I hope you give grilling a try and let your hubby be in awe of your new skills.
Grace says
I used your method to cook chicken breasts tonight and for the first time they were NOT dried out. My family is so happy. I saved this link to try out all your tips. Thank you so much.
Angela says
You are welcome.