If you want perfect steak on a charcoal grill, mastering the reverse sear method is one of the most reliable techniques in BBQ. Reverse searing allows you to cook thick steaks evenly using indirect heat before finishing them over high heat for a deep, flavorful crust.
On the Spider Grills Huntsman, the reverse sear process becomes even easier thanks to the Next Level Cooking System, which lets you create multiple cooking zones inside the grill. By raising food above the direct heat, the Next Level system allows you to gently bring steaks up to temperature before moving them down for an intense charcoal sear.
If you’re serious about charcoal grilling, BBQ, and getting steakhouse-quality results at home, this method is a must learn.
What is Reverse Searing?
Reverse searing is a two-step cooking method commonly used in BBQ and charcoal grilling for thick steaks.
Instead of searing the steak first, you:
- Slowly cook the steak using indirect heat
- Finish with a high-heat sear over charcoal
This method works especially well on a charcoal BBQ grill because charcoal produces the high radiant heat needed to create a restaurant-quality crust.
Reverse searing also gives you better temperature control, reducing the risk of overcooking.
Why the Next Level Cooking System is Perfect for Reverse Searing
The Next Level Cooking System adds a raised cooking tier inside the Huntsman. This allows you to cook food further away from the fire, creating an ideal indirect heat zone for charcoal grilling.
When reverse searing on the Huntsman, the system works like this:
• Upper level – gentle indirect heat for slowly bringing the steak to temperature
• Lower grate – direct charcoal heat for the final sear
This setup makes it easy to cook steaks evenly before finishing them with the signature crust that only a charcoal BBQ grill can deliver.
What You’ll Need
Ingredients
- 1–2 thick-cut steaks (ribeye, NY strip, or filet)
- Kosher salt
- Fresh cracked black pepper
- Optional: garlic powder or steak seasoning
- Butter (optional for finishing)
Equipment
- Spider Grills Huntsman charcoal grill
- Next Level Cooking System
- Lump charcoal
- Instant-read thermometer
- Grill tongs
Step 1: Prepare the Steak
Start with a thick steak, ideally between 1.5–2 inches thick. Thicker steaks benefit the most from the reverse sear technique.
Season generously with:
- Kosher salt
- Black pepper
- Optional steak seasoning
Let the steak rest at room temperature for 20–30 minutes before grilling.
Step 2: Set Up Your Charcoal Grill
Fill the Huntsman charcoal basket with lump charcoal and light a chimney.
Once the charcoal is fully lit:
- Pour the coals into the firebox.
- Install the Next Level Cooking System.
- Place the steak on the upper cooking level.
Stabilize the grill around:
250–275°F
This lower temperature allows the steak to cook evenly during the first phase of the reverse sear.
Step 3: Slow Cook the Steak
Place the steak on the upper tier of the Next Level system.
Close the lid and cook until the internal temperature reaches:
- 115°F for medium rare
- 120°F for medium
This usually takes 20–30 minutes depending on steak thickness.
Cooking the steak slowly during this phase ensures even doneness from edge to center.
Step 4: Prepare for the Charcoal Sear
Once the steak reaches the target temperature, remove it temporarily.
Open the vents on the Huntsman to increase airflow and let the charcoal fire intensify.
You want the grill to reach high heat (500–650°F) for the searing stage.
This high heat is what creates the deep crust that makes charcoal BBQ steak so delicious.
Step 5: Sear Over Direct Heat
Move the steak to the lower cooking grate directly over the charcoal.
Sear for:
45–90 seconds per side
Flip frequently for even crust development.
If desired, add a small pat of butter during the final sear for additional flavor.
You’ll know the steak is ready when a dark, caramelized crust forms.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Remove the steak from the grill and allow it to rest for 5–10 minutes.
Resting allows juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite stays tender and flavorful.
Slice and serve immediately.
Target Internal Temperatures
Use a thermometer for the most reliable BBQ grilling results.
| Doneness | Remove From Indirect Heat | Final Temp |
|---|---|---|
| Rare | 110°F | 120°F |
| Medium Rare | 115°F | 130°F |
| Medium | 120°F | 135°F |
| Medium Well | 125°F | 145°F |
Reverse Searing Tips for Charcoal Grilling
🔥 Use lump charcoal
Lump charcoal burns hotter and produces better flavor for BBQ grilling.
🔥 Start slow
The first phase should always use indirect heat.
🔥 Finish hot
The hotter the charcoal during the sear, the better the crust.
🔥 Use a thermometer
Reverse searing is extremely precise when you monitor internal temperature.
Why the Huntsman Excels at Reverse Searing
The Spider Grills Huntsman charcoal BBQ grill combines the versatility of a kettle with the heat retention of a kamado-style cooker.
When paired with the Next Level Cooking System, it becomes a powerful tool for advanced charcoal grilling techniques like reverse searing.
You gain:
• Multi-zone cooking capability
• Excellent airflow control
• Powerful high-heat searing
• Precise temperature management
The result is steak that’s evenly cooked, incredibly juicy, and finished with the bold flavor that only charcoal BBQ grilling can produce.
Master Charcoal Grilling with the Huntsman
Reverse searing is just one of the many techniques you can unlock with the Next Level Cooking System.
From low-and-slow BBQ to high-heat searing, the Huntsman gives backyard cooks the versatility to explore everything charcoal grilling has to offer.
Once you try reverse searing on charcoal, it may become the only way you cook steak again.
