When you cook various things on the grill, do you cook with the lid open or closed?

I used to keep it closed ALL the time, but have recently been cooking certain meats with the top open (and making notes re:cook times, etc.).

I recently cooked some burgers and was able to get a much better sear on the outside without overcooking by cooking with the lid open.

Burgers
1/2in thick
3 min each side over high, open top for medium


Also with Filets
Filet
3in thick
4 min each side over high for medium rare

 

I just enjoyed a tasty burger hot off the grill

and it makes sense, fire needs oxygen!

 

I'm not sure if I'm correct but I close it to get things cooked all the way through like chicken. I will sear it with the lid open then close.

 

...depends on the grill.

Coal, gas and pellet are very different.

 

Usually closed, then it gets too crispy, Ill put the meat on the upper lip surface so it can cook through without burning on the outside.

 

For Chx breasts, I definitely do top down, 10 minutes/side over low heat, but for beef, I am going top open.

 

"Secret Soviet Grill" Created by Lance Greathouse

 

Really depends on the grill, the new ones have so much airflow that it doesn't make much difference, but yes if you're searing or going for medium rare, leaving the lid open makes more sense. I pretty much always keep the lid down, but if I'm doing 5 mins a side it gets opened often