Alright everyone, I've cum to the realization I have no clue how to grill. Anyone have any tips/suggestions how to make some good steak/burgers/chicken/anything else?
Couple of pointers:
1) The grill you use for basic grilling isn't THAT important.. it becomes important for
BBQ.
2) BTW, BBQ and grilling are two different concepts.. different techniques.. remember that!
3) I stopped using lighter fluid years ago, would recommend using other means of getting your coals going.
4) Try learning to add a bit of smoke to your food with a bit of wood. DON'T overpower your food, and if you're not sure what kind of wood to use (it depends on the dish), then use Google for a pairing.
6) Make sure the grill is HOT before you put anything on it that you don't want to stick.
7) If the food doesn't come up from the grill, (it's not releasing), then it's likely not ready.
8) Use high-temp oil like grapeseed oil for high-temp grilling; don't use pure olive oil and definitely don't extra virgin olive oil.
9) You see those flare-ups and that fire? Yea, if you do then you're fucking up and it'll impart a bitter flavor on most foods since that's burning fat. Try to avoid massive flames if/when possible unless you're going for a particular flavor.
10) Learn to use the dampers on your cooker, it'll help you out a shit ton by actually knowing how these work.
11) USE A GRILL THERMOMETER -- opening your grill and waving your hand over it is silly.
12) USE A MEAT THERMOMETER ... it's one of the only ways to know.
@Maximus has some good advice about starting out... Once you're more comfortable, start looking at doing some longer cooks; some real barbecue .. Also, when you're ready, consider getting a smoker.. If you've got room, buy a good traditional smoker; but if you don't the Masterbuilt 30" smoker is fucking fantastic!
Also, when you get better and more into longer cooks, that's when you'll wanna invest in better grills.. My personal faves are the BGE and the RecTec, and as I said before, if space is an issue, the Masterbuilt 30" smoker is a good compromise...