Both HCAs and PAHs are believed to increase your risk of developing cancer—and it’s not just some fringe research. Open-flame gas grills are similarly toxic, thought not quite as bad; in addition to HCAs and PAHs, the charcoal itself also produces nitrogen-PAHs (NPAHs), so you’re exposing yourself to three carcinogens.

On the most basic level, the smoky flavor and the char that you get from a well-grilled steak is not particularly good for you. When fat from the cooking meat drips down on the hot coals, the smoke that forms contains stuff called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH).

Both smoke and high-temperature cooking of certain meats are known to be carcinogenic. Of course, charcoal isn’t the only way to cook food at high temperatures. In fact, some types of charcoal grilling are considered very safe. However, cooking with charcoal can create carcinogens in some foods.

Q: Is it healthier to grill with propane or charcoal? A: Props go to propane. In one study by scientists, charcoal-grilled meats contained more carcinogens called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) than meat heated with propane. Soaking meat in vinegar or lemon juice reduces HCAs by 90 percent.

The grilling and smoking processes that give meats that charred appearance and smoky flavor generate some potentially cancer-causing compounds in the food. Charred, blackened areas of the meat – particularly well-done cuts – contain heterocyclic aromatic amines.

Grilling over high heat releases fat from cooking meat. That’s why grilled meats are typically lower in calories than the same meat fried and dripping with grease.

Bottom Line: Grilling is a popular form of cooking that can produce toxic by-products known as PAHs. Both grilling and broiling promote the formation of AGEs, which may increase disease risk.

Here is the best grilling charcoal in 2021

• Best charcoal overall: Royal Oak Ridge Briquettes.
• Best all-natural charcoal: Weber Natural Hardwood Briquettes.
• Best lump charcoal: Fogo All Natural Premium Hardwood Lump Charcoal.
• Best charcoal for ceramic grills: Kamado Joe Natural Lump Charcoal.

• Best overall lump charcoal: Rockwood. Rockwood All-Natural Hardwood Lump Charcoal.
• Best affordable lump charcoal: Royal Oak. Royal Oak Lump Charcoal.
• Best high-end lump charcoal: Jealous Devil. Jealous Devil All Natural Hardwood Lump Charcoal.
• Best overall charcoal briquettes: Kingsford.
• Best high-end briquettes: Royal Oak.

Best charcoal grills for 2021

• Best charcoal grill overall. Weber Original Kettle Charcoal Grill 22-inch. See at Lowe’s.
• Best cart-style. Nexgrill Cart-Style Charcoal Grill (2021 model) $119 at Home Depot.
• Best splurge. Napoleon Pro Charcoal Grill. $319 at Lowe’s.

Best Overall: Jealous Devil All Natural Hardwood Lump Charcoal. One of the top-selling points for this charcoal is the re-designed bag that protects the charcoal better in shipping, so there are more larger pieces and less dust and residue.

Lump charcoal can burn hotter and can be made with specific woods that impart desirable flavors on food. Lump charcoal can burn hotter (handy if you’re searing meat) and can be made with specific woods that leave a trace of their essence on the food.

Charcoal is made by burning wood in the absence of oxygen, and lump charcoal is the product of that. Since lump is charcoal in its most natural form, it’s no wonder purists will almost always prefer it.

When working with charcoal, the basic rule is the more coal you use, the hotter your fire. A good rule of thumb is about 30 briquettes for smaller or portable grills and 50 to 75 briquettes for larger barrel and Kettleman grills. You’ll need more charcoal on cold, windy or rainy days.

Open lid means searing When you cook with the grill open, you’ll more effectively get a crispy, perfect-Maillard-reaction caramelization on the outside of the meat without overcooking the center. Foods thicker than ¾ of an inch, though, literally have more middle to cook.

If your grill is full of ashes from previous grilling sessions it can impede the proper flow of air inside of the kettle, which makes the coals burn cooler. If enough ash builds up it can make it next to impossible to get the coals to stay lit. Keep your grill clean so it works better and lasts longer!