Grill Temperature Chart

What do “low”, “medium” and “high” mean on a grill? Temperature ranges, the hand test and the right heat for each food.

Grill heat levels

Heat	Temperature	Hand test*	Good for
Low	225–300 °F (107–149 °C)	10–12 s	Smoking, ribs, indirect cooking
Medium-low	300–350 °F (149–177 °C)	8–10 s	Chicken pieces, sausages
Medium	350–400 °F (177–204 °C)	6–7 s	Burgers, pork chops, vegetables
Medium-high	400–450 °F (204–232 °C)	4–5 s	Chicken breasts, fish
High	450–550 °F (232–288 °C)	2–3 s	Steaks, searing

Notes

*Hand test: hold your palm about 5 inches above the grate and count how long you can keep it there comfortably. A lid thermometer measures the air under the hood, which is cooler than the grate itself — an infrared thermometer gives a more accurate grate temperature. Set up two zones (hot and cool) so you can sear, then finish cooking gently.

Frequently asked questions

What temperature is medium-high on a grill?

About 400–450 °F (205–230 °C).

What temperature should I grill steak?

High heat, 450–550 °F, then finish over lower heat if thick.

What temperature for grilling chicken?

Medium, 350–400 °F, until 165 °F inside.

How do I know grill temperature without a thermometer?

Use the hand test above the grate.

How long to preheat a grill?

About 10–15 minutes for gas and 20–30 minutes for charcoal, until the grates are hot.