When can you add the food to a charcoal barbecue?

Question

My husband insists he can throw the meat on the grill as soon as the fire dies down a little after lighting the briquettes. I insist he wait until the charcoal turns gray. Which is correct?

Answer 1

I think it really depends on what you're cooking.  If what it is requires high heat, to cook quickly, then the sooner the better, but if it's something like chicken, that needs to be cooked evenly, and that takes time, then you don't want a high heat, you should wait till the charcoal turns more of that gray color.  

Answer 2

Cosigning on waiting until they turn gray.  Mmmmm,,,,,,,,,than the grilling can start!!!  Enjoy:---)

Answer 3

You're correct. Wait until the charcoal has a layer of grey ash. The charcoal hasn't really gotten to a good burning point until then and can still go out on you when the coals are scattered out and the juices drip down.

Answer 4

Wait until the charcoal turns gray, that is the only time you should start cooking ESPECIALLY if you use pre-soaked charcoal, and most charcoal has chemicals added to the outside to help it form, so let the chemicals burn off and the charcoal turn gray