Why name my cookouts?

Naming your cookout adds to the fun, and helps to make a cookout truly your own. Since your cookout name displays on your cookout printout, it can also be a helpful reminder of all that went into the planning of your event.

Why is the grill time temperature important?

There are many factors that can effect grilling time, and one of the most important is the outside temperature at grilling time. If you're not sure of the outside temperature, you can use the Check Weather popup link to find weather information for your area. Then simply enter the outside temperature at grilling time in the field provided.

What do the Grill Info options do?

The Grill Info options provide settings that are used to calculate grilling times, and add helpful reminders to your grilling timeline, such as when to start the grill.

Name/Type/Covered - These settings adjust grilling time based on the options selected. For example, charcoal grills cook slightly differently than gas grills which effects grilling time, as does a covered versus an uncovered grill.

Fire - It is generally recommended that items such as steaks and chops be grilled directly over the heat source (what many cookbooks and grill manufacturers refer to as a Direct-High, Direct-Medium or Direct-Low fire). These settings adjust grilling time based on the option selected. A description of these options is available by clicking the information icon next to the Fire menu.

Prep - This is the time it takes to prepare your grill for grilling (start the fire and reach grilling temperature). If you select an option other than "Ready to Grill" a reminder to start the grill will be added to your grilling timeline at the time you've designated.

What do the Cookout Time controls do?

The Cookout Time controls help you plan and coordinate your cookout so that everything can turn out right, right on schedule.

Date/Calendar Control - It's easy to plan a cookout for today, or for any date in the future. Simply leave the date at today's date, or click the calendar to select the date of your choice.

Time - To indicate the time of your choice, simply select the hours and minutes from the menus provided.

Start the Grill/Eat- If you've selected "Start the Grill," your grilling timeline will calculate the time to eat, taking into consideration factors such as your grill prep time. If you've selected "Eat," your grilling timeline will calculate the time at which you should start the grill or begin grilling (depending on the Grill Prep option selected) in order to eat at the desired time.

How do I use the virtual grill?

You can use the virtual grill to arrange and keep track of grilling items throughout the planning and grilling process.

Simply click and drag the items to the desired grilling positions, and arrange the callouts accordingly.

(To remove an item from the virtual grill, select it from your grilling list and click Remove.)

You can rearrange the items on the virtual grill at any time, such as just prior to printing your cookout.

TIP - It's helpful to arrange the grilling items in a similar pattern on your cutting board or platter before and after grilling.

What is the Fridge Reminder and how do I use it?

Many recipes recommend allowing steaks and chops to stand at room temperature 20-30 minutes before grilling. Steaks and chops that go directly from the fridge to the grill require additional grilling time to achieve the desired doneness.

Whenever a steak or chop is added to the grilling list, the Fridge Reminder is activated with the following menu options:

No Reminder - Select this option if you will remind yourself to let items stand at room temperature prior to grilling.

20 Minutes - A reminder to remove items from the fridge 20 minutes prior to grilling will be added to the grilling timeline.

30 Minutes - A reminder to remove items from the fridge 30 minutes prior to grilling will be added to the grilling timeline.

Fridge to Grill - Select this option if steaks and chops will go directly from the fridge to the grill. Additional grilling time will be factored into the grilling calculation.

TIP - A description of these options is available by clicking the information icon next to the Fridge Reminder menu.

What if I need instructions for using the Cookout Calculator?

You'll always find instructions and reminders for the task you're performing at the time in this box. In addition, tips and other information that's good to know will display in the left column of the screen from time to time.

How do I use the controls on the What's Grilling tab?

The controls on the What's Grilling tab provide the workspace where you can add, modify and remove items from your grilling list and virtual grill. As you create your cookout, the controls conveniently adapt to the task at hand.

For example, the Let's Grill menu determines the options available in the Cut of Meat menu. Similarly, the cut of meat you select determines the options available in the Thickness and Doneness menus. And, if you select a doneness lower than that recommended by the USDA, the USDA recommended minimum doneness for the cut of meat will display.

Qty - If you enter a quantity greater than 1, those grilling items will be added to the grilling list and grilling timeline as a single entry, and each individual grilling item will display on the virtual grill, sharing a single callout.

Name/Description - You can enter a name or description for grilling items (such as "Joes' Steak" or "Mild" versus "Spicy"), which displays on the virtual grill, grilling list, grilling timeline and Notes area of your cookout printout. (If no name is entered, the cut of meat is used instead.)

If the grilling list already contains an item with the same name or description, a Name/Description such as "#2 Spicy" or "#2 NY Strip" will automatically be created.

Preferences/Notes - If Joe likes his chicken breast seasoned with Durn Good rub, you can note it here. Or, note the cookbook and page numbers for your "Mild" and "Spicy" seasoning recipes. The information you enter will appear in the Notes area of your cookout printout.

Removing or Modifying an Item - To remove an item, simply select it on the grilling list. This will activate the Remove button. Click the Remove button and the item will be removed from the grilling list and virtual grill.

To modify an item, select it on the grilling list, make the desired changes and then click the Update List button. If you decide not to remove or update the selected grilling item, simply click the Cancel button.

TIP - If you'd like to grill a type or cut of meat that you don't see listed, consult your favorite grilling cookbooks or ask your grocer for suggestions (such as "Should I grill it like you would a rib-eye?"). Or, drop us a note at feedback@charcoalbob.com and we'll see what we can do to add it to our list.

How do I use the Copy a Cookout feature?

The Copy a Cookout feature allows Members to recreate entire cookouts quickly from their previously stored Favorite Cookouts list. All cookout details, including the grill settings, time to eat and all grilling items are recreated with a single click.

The list of cookouts previously stored in My Favorites is displayed. The list can be sorted alphabetically by cookout name, or by the cookout date by clicking the respective link. Clicking the Detail icon reveals the items contained on the grilling list for the selected cookout. The selected cookout is then recreated with a single click of the Copy Cookout button.

TIP - Cookouts can be easily deleted from the Favorites lists on the My Grilling tab. See the FAQ topic My Grilling for details.

How do I use the Select from Favorites feature?

With the Select from Favorites feature, Members can create cookouts quickly by adding grilling items from one or more of their previously stored Favorite cookout and grilling item lists.

The Cookouts tab displays the list of cookouts previously stored in My Favorites. As with the Copy a Cookout window, this list can be sorted alphabetically by cookout name, or by the cookout date by clicking the respective link. Clicking the Detail icon reveals the items contained on the grilling list for the selected cookout. The grilling items for the checked cookout (or cookouts) are then added when the Add to Cookout button is clicked.

The Grilling Items tab displays the list of grilling items previously stored in My Favorites. This list can be also be sorted alphabetically by the clicking the Grilling Item Name/Description link, and the Detail icon can be clicked to see everything for the selected grilling item. The checked grilling items are then added when the Add to Cookout button is clicked.

TIP - Cookouts and grilling items can be easily deleted from the Favorites lists on the My Grilling tab. See the FAQ topic My Grilling for details.

How do I work with my Grilling List?

The Grilling List displays the details for your grilling items. To modify or remove a grilling item, simply click on it. The selected grilling item will once again display in the grilling workspace, where you can perform the desired task. While you are working with the selected grilling item, it will remain highlighted in your Grilling List.

How do I remove all grilling items from my cookout?

Simply click the Clear List button. All grilling items will be removed from your grilling list, and your virtual grill.

How do I create my Grilling Timeline?

There are two easy ways to create your grilling timeline. When your grilling list is complete, simply click the Create Timeline button. Or, you can click the Grilling Timeline tab.

TIP - When using the grilling timeline, you can easily return to your grilling list simply by clicking the What's Grilling tab.

Can I plan my cookout ahead?

Yes. Members can name their cookouts, plan the dates and times, add items to the grilling lists, set Fridge Reminders and all, then click the Save Cookout in Progress button.

Cookouts Saved In Progress will then appear on the Member home page, as well as on the My Grilling tab. Members can click the link for the desired Cookout In Progress, and continue planning their cookout right where they left off.

How do I store my cookout in My Favorites?

Members simply check the box to Store the Cookout in Favorites. When the Store & Create Timeline button is clicked, the cookout will be stored in the Favorites list of cookouts, using the cookout name provided.

How do the Grilling Timeline timers work?

Approx. Time - The approximate time is calculated, based on whether you have selected the time to start the grill or eat. In the example shown, the desired time to eat is 4:00 PM. (A 20 minute Fridge Reminder and the setting to allow 15 minutes to prepare the grill have also been selected.)

Elapsed Grill Time - When you start grilling, the Elapsed Grill Time indicates the times at which you will put, turn and take items off of the grill, just as if you are using a conventional stop watch.

Event - The Event column provides instructions for when to put on and turn the specific items on your grilling list, and includes reference to each by the name/description, cut of meat and thickness.

Countdown to Next Event - As you put on and turn the items on your grilling list, this timer indicates how long you have until the next event. So, in the example shown, after putting on Mom's 1" Rib-Eye there may be time (3:30 minutes) to visit with guests or perform another simple task. However, when you turn the two burgers for the kids, you'll want to stay close since you will be turning Mom's Rib-Eye about 30 seconds later.

Time Remaining - This timer is the countdown timer for the entire cookout. It can come in handy for always knowing the answer to the perpetual grilling question "How much time until we eat?" It is also very helpful when you get a request to "Let me know when there are 10 minutes left so I can start the corn" (which in our example above is also right after you put on Mom's 1" Rib-Eye).

How can I use the cookout printout?

The cookout printout is useful in several ways. Before printing, you can use it to rearrange grilling items on the virtual grill.

Once printed, you can take it with you to plan your cookout, create your shopping lists and the like with all of the details right at hand.

At grilling time, you'll have everything you need to take the guesswork out of grilling. You'll have cookout notes for every item on your grilling list. Reminders for when to take steaks and chops out of the fridge and when to start the grill.

Plus, detailed guidelines and instructions that help to ensure that every item you put on the grill comes off the grill right on schedule, and grilled to your specifications.

After your event, the Cookout Reference number (at the upper right of the cookout printout) can be used for feedback and support, should you need it.

Please send an email, including the Cookout Reference number, to feedback@charcoalbob.com.

Why not just file a printout and use it for another cookout?

You certainly could, but as you can see there are a lot of factors that can effect your grilling results, especially things like the true thickness of each grilling item. Often we find that the critical timing element for many a cookout isn't the meat itself, but rather how long it will take for something else, like twice-baked potatoes in the oven.

Once we know when the potatoes will be done, the Cookout Calculator makes it easy to know precisely when to start the grill.

When do I use the My Grilling features?

The My Grilling features are always available by clicking the My Grilling tab. This is where Members come to view or delete their favorite cookouts and grilling items stored in My Favorites, and to add, modify or reset their grills.

From here Members can also select a Cookout in Progress to continue planning a cookout right where the planner left off or delete it from the list. Members can also add grilling items to their list of Favorites before a cookout. They can also quickly change their preferred grill (the grill to be listed first on their Cookout Calculator).

How do I delete a cookout from My Favorites list?

1. From the My Grilling tab, click My Cookouts under the My Grilling tab (or the View link from My Favorite Cookouts).

2. Check the box for the cookout(s) you would like to delete, then click the Delete button.

TIPS - To view the detail for a cookout, click the Detail icon.

You can sort the list by date or cookout name by clicking the respective link.

To delete all cookouts, click Select All, then click the Delete button.

How do I delete a grilling item from my Favorites List?

1. From the My Grilling tab, click My Grilling Items under the My Grilling tab (or the View link from My Favorite Grilling Items).

2. Check the box for the grilling item(s) you would like to delete, then click the Delete button.

TIPS-To view the detail for a grilling item, click the Detail icon.

You can sort the list by Name/Descripton by clicking the link.

To delete all grilling items, click Select All, then click the Delete button.

How do I add grilling items before a cookout?

1. From the My Grilling tab, click the Add Grilling Items button under the My Favorites Grilling Item (or when viewing your list of grilling items, click the link Add new Grilling Item to Favorites List).

2. Enter the information for the grilling item, just as you would on the Cookout Calculator and click Add to Favorites List.

How do I add or modify my virtual grills?

1. From the My Grilling tab, click My Grills under the My Grilling tab (or the View link from My Grills).

2. Select the tab for the virtual grill of your choice (Grill 1, Grill 2 or Grill 3).

3. Enter or modify the information for your grill. Keep in mind that the information and settings you select here will be reflected on your Cookout Calculator.

4. When you are ready, click the Add Grill/Update Grill button.

What is the Tip Jar?

Charcoal Bob is supported by the generosity of our Guests, and by the services we provide to our Members.

You can make a donation with the credit or debit of your choice, or from your PayPal account (a PayPal account is not required).

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