THERMAL CONSUMPTION & AIRFLOW MATH
BBQ Charcoal & Propane Estimator
Never run out of fuel halfway through a 14-hour brisket smoke. Calculate exact charcoal chimneys, snake method briquette counts, or propane tank percentage based on target cooking temperature.
1. CHOOSE GRILL & TEMPERATURE PROFILE:
6 HOURS
1 hr (Burgers / Steaks)4 hrs (Ribs)8 hrs (Pork Butt)14+ hrs (Brisket)
TOTAL FUEL CONSUMPTION
4.8 LBS
BRIQUETTES
CHIMNEY STARTERS
1.1 Chimneys
Full Weber chimney starters
HEAT OPERATING ZONE
225°F
Low & Slow
IGNITION & SETUP PROTOCOL:
10 lit briquettes placed at head of 2x2 C-shaped charcoal snake.
DAMPER & AIRFLOW REGULATION:
Bottom vent 1/8 open, Top vent 1/3 open.
INDEXED GRILL HARDWARE & FUEL CONSUMPTION BENCHMARKS
| Grill Type | Fuel Type | Temp Category | Burn Rate / Hr | Vent Setting |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22" Kettle (Snake Method) | briquettes | Low & Slow (225°F) | 0.8 lbs/hr | Bottom vent 1/8 open, Top vent 1/3 open. |
| 22" Kettle (Direct Direct Sear) | briquettes | High Sear (500°F+) | 3.5 lbs/hr | Top and bottom vents 100% wide open. |
| Kamado / Big Green Egg | lump-charcoal | Low & Slow (225°F) | 0.35 lbs/hr | Bottom vent hairline (1mm), top daisy wheel pinhole. |
| 3-Burner Gas Grill (20 lb Propane Tank) | propane-20lb | Roasting (350°F) | 1.1 lbs/hr | Two outer burners on Medium, middle burner OFF for indirect heat. |
| 3-Burner Gas Grill (All Burners MAX) | propane-20lb | High Sear (500°F+) | 2.2 lbs/hr | All knobs High. |