Grilling - Testing the Temperature

To test the temperature of the grill, carefully place the palm of your hand above the coals at about cooking height, then count the number of seconds you can hold it there before the heat becomes too hot. Most people can hold their hand over a red-hot fire for only about two seconds. Steaks, chops, burgers, and boneless chicken are best cooked over such high heat.

Most other grillable foods, including vegetables, cook best over a medium-hot fire, with coals that are covered with a light-gray ash. You can generally hold your hand over a medium-hot fire for roughly four seconds. Coals covered entirely with a gray ash characterize a medium fire; you can hold your hand above one for around six seconds.