You might pull the grate, lay your unlit on the back half of the grate, dump your lot over that and put the grate back on. All heat in one area makes it easier to keep up with things. Have the front part of grate be your indirect zone.
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I kind of wondered about this. I have seen people go either half or split. Having one zone does seem a little easier. The only plus I could see to split would be a more even temp throughout the kettle. Since I haven't really used it before I will try your method.
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Lots of different ways to set the ranch up, and most of them aren't "wrong". Rather, a matter of personal preference.
My setup changes depending on what I'm cooking. Lots of burgers and dogs? That could potentially be a lot to deal with. Having coals right and left gives you two direct heat cooking areas to keep track of and manage. I've found it to be easier to have it all in one place.
If feeling really froggy, you could actually set up 3 zones. Same basic setup to start with. But when it comes time to dump the lit coals, lay them heavier at the rear and lighter towards the front of the setup
Burgers in back over higher heat. Dogs in front still over direct heat but not as hot. Warming are in the front.
Also, when half the charcoal grate is loaded with lit coals, when you close the lid, the front is goint to get hot stupidly quick.
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