Setting up your Weber Q barbecue for Direct Cooking

The direct method is used for grilling or searing food on your barbecue. Food is cooked directly above a heat source and, normally, directly on the cooking grill. Direct cooking is recommended for foods that will cook through to completion in under 20 minutes, and that will be turned, at least once, during cooking.

Grilling:

Light your barbecue, and pre-heat on high according to the instructions in the Quick Start Guide. 

Once pre-heated, turn your Q burner control dial to the recommended cook setting appropriate to the cooking method and temperature range you’re aiming for. These are detailed in the Quick Start Guide for your barbecue. 

Place your food directly onto the cooking grill, close the lid, and cook for ½ the cooking time. Turn / flip your food at the halfway mark, then close the lid and cook for the remaining cooking time.  

Tip: For some foods, such as corn on the cob, you will need to turn your food 3 times, to cook on 4 sides, rather than 2 sides. 

High Heat Searing (only applicable to + models):

Light your Q burner and then your + burner, and pre-heat on high according to the instructions in the Quick Start Guide. 

Once pre-heated, place your food directly onto the cooking grill, close the lid, and cook for ½ the cooking time. Turn / flip your food at the hallway mark, then close the lid for the remaining cooking time.  

Tip: Remember that searing is conducted over a very high direct heat, which will result in very fast caramelisation of your food. It is not recommended for food with high fat content, due to the intense heat causing flare ups.  

Hotplate cooking:

Depending on the type of hotplate you’re using, there are different ways to set up your barbecue. A Breakfast Plate sits on top of the existing cooking grill, a Half Hotplate replaces half of the cooking grill and a Full Hotplate replaces both halves of the cooking grill.  

Once your hotplate is fitted, light your barbecue and pre-heat according to the instructions in the Quick Start Guide. Once pre-heated, turn your burner control dial(s) to the recommended cook setting appropriate to the cooking method and temperature range you’re aiming for. These are detailed in the Quick Start Guide for your barbecue. 

Place your food directly onto the hotplate, close the lid (see note), and cook for ½ the cooking time. Turn / flip your food at the halfway mark, then close the lid and cook for the remaining cooking time. 

Note: When using the full hotplate accessory, great results can be achieved with either the lid down or open.  You’ll find that food cooks a little more quickly with the lid down. 

Using the Weber Q Half Hotplate or the Weber Q Full Hotplate