Here’s the truth: grilling season doesn’t magically start when the temperature hits 70°. It starts when you decide to fire up charcoal again.
If your Spider charcoal grill or Weber kettle BBQ grill has been sitting under a cover all winter collecting pollen, regret, and maybe a little rust — don’t worry. A quick reset is all it takes to get back to cooking with real fire flavor.
This isn’t about overcomplicating things. It’s about setting up your backyard so charcoal cooking feels simple, empowering, and honestly… way more fun.
Let’s get you ready.
Step 1: Reset Your Backyard Cooking Zone
Before you even touch your grill, look around your space.
Winter tends to turn backyard setups into storage units for random chairs, forgotten planters, and that one extension cord nobody claims. Clearing things out does more than make it look nice — it makes cooking smoother.
Quick backyard reset:
• Sweep away leaves, pollen, and debris
• Wipe down prep surfaces and shelves
• Check your grill cover for moisture buildup
• Move charcoal storage somewhere dry
Think of this like setting up your kitchen before cooking dinner. When everything has a place, grilling feels less like work and more like showing off.
Step 2: Wake Your Grill Up From Its Winter Nap
Even if you covered it, your BBQ grill probably isn’t ready to cook right away — and that’s okay.
Burn It Hot. Really Hot.
Huntsman Kettle Kamado Grill + Smokers can reach temperatures up to 700°F, so start with a high-heat burn to clear out anything left behind from last season.
Load fresh charcoal, open the vents, and let it rip for 20–30 minutes. Old grease and residue will burn off, airflow improves, and your grill gets a clean slate.
Plus, it’s the most satisfying way to start the season.
Clean the Grates Like You Mean It
Once things cool slightly:
• Scrape off buildup with a grill brush
• Coat with the Spider Grills Seasoning Kit for the perfect seasoning treatment
• Knock down any rust spots
Clean grates don’t just look better — they make your food taste better and help you actually want to cook more.
Check the Small Stuff That Matters
Charcoal cooking works best when airflow is predictable.
• Make sure vents move freely
• Dump old ash completely
• Tighten loose hardware
If you run any digital airflow tech or controllers, give them a quick once-over too. Technology should remove barriers, not create new ones.
Step 3: Reload the Fuel — Because Empty Bags Don’t Cook Food
Nothing kills grilling momentum faster than realizing you’re out of charcoal halfway through a sunny Saturday.
Spring is the perfect time to restock before everyone else remembers grilling exists.
Think of it like this:
• Lump charcoal = high heat, big flavor
• Briquettes = long cooks, stable temps
• Smoking chunks = personality
We recommend Jealous Devil Charcoal with your Huntsman Grill + Smoker. Big block charcoal provides MORE airflow, therefore more precise temperature control for your BBQ grill.
Store everything in sealed bins to keep moisture out. Charcoal hates humidity almost as much as it hates being ignored.
Step 4: Upgrade Your Setup Before You Need It
The best time to upgrade your grill setup isn’t when you’re hosting 12 people. It’s now — when you can experiment without pressure.
Ask yourself:
1. Did you run out of space last season? If so, considering upgrading to our 26-inch Giant Huntsman Smart Kettle Kamado Grill in time for grilling season!
2. Wish temperature control felt easier in your Weber Kettle? The Venom Digital Control Panel is an easy solve.
3. Want more versatility without buying another grill? Too easy. The WebCraft™ Versatile Cooking System will be your newest backyard sidekick for your Weber 22-inch Kettle.
Accessories shouldn’t make charcoal cooking more complicated. They should make it feel easier, smarter, and more capable — without losing that live-fire experience.
Small upgrades can turn a grill you use sometimes into a grill you use every week.
Step 5: Plan Your First Cook (Don’t Overthink It)
You don’t need to start the season with a 14-hour brisket.
Your first cook is just about reconnecting with the fire.
Great warm-up cooks:
• Wings with a little char (pro tip: snag a gochujang sauce & add chives + sesame seeds for an effortless elevation!)
• Burgers and veggies
• Skirt steak and peppers (pro tip: use the NextLevel™ Cooking System to dial in temperatures, all within the same grill setup!)
Dial in your heat zones. Remember how airflow behaves. Get comfortable again.
Charcoal isn’t complicated — it just rewards practice.
Why Early Prep Makes You a Better Backyard Cook
Here’s the thing nobody talks about: most grilling frustration comes from skipping the basics.
A clean grill, fresh charcoal, and a thoughtful setup mean:
• Faster start times
• More consistent temperatures
• Better flavor
• Less second-guessing
And that’s really what grilling season should feel like — confidence, not confusion.
The Spider Grilling Season Checklist
Before you fire things up, run through this quick list:
✔ Reset your backyard cooking space
✔ Burn off winter buildup
✔ Clean and oil your grates
✔ Restock charcoal and smoking wood
✔ Add accessories that expand versatility
Simple steps. Real results. More time cooking.
