These tips will help you achieve your perfect gas or charcoal grill temperature and cook your meat just right.

When warmer weather arrives, it’s time to fire up the grill.

But how hot does a grill get, anyway?

using electric starting to light charcoal grill

Credit: Jason Donnelly

And what temperature does it need to be for optimal grilling flavor?

We have answers to these questions.

Many barbecue buffs swear by air probes that monitor the heat inside the pit of your grill.

Using the hand method to test grill temperature over a charcoal grill

Credit: Jason Donnelly

How Hot Does a Grill Get?

Use the Hand Method to Find Out

Nothermometer nearby?

Hold your hand above the grill grate, about the height of a soda can.

Grill vent of black charcoal grill partially open

Credit: Jason Donnelly

See how long you’re able to keep it there comfortably.

For safety, immediately pull your hand away when it feels too hot!

This will determine the grill’s temperature from low to high.

Then cook the food on the side that’s off.

Most gas grill temperatures max out around 550F.