How to Start and Maintain a Fire on Your Asado Grill

One of the joys of cooking on a Flamery Asado grill is embracing the rhythm of live-fire cooking. The control you have over your embers, heat zones, and flame is what sets this style apart from a standard barbecue. But if you’re new to asado, the idea of managing a fire for hours can feel daunting. The good news? It’s simpler than you might think.

This guide breaks down how to start and maintain your fire step by step, using your Flamery Asado grill’s features – from the adjustable v-groove grates to the side firebox – to make the process smooth and satisfying.

Step 1: Start with the Right Fuel

The foundation of any good asado cook is quality hardwood. Use split hardwood logs that are well-seasoned with a moisture content ideally under 10%. Woods like oak, ash, or beech burn hot and clean, giving you a steady supply of glowing embers and a pleasant smoke profile. Avoid softwoods or resinous woods (like pine) as they burn too fast and can impart harsh flavours.

For a little extra convenience, you can supplement your fire under the cooking grates with a small amount of good quality lumpwood charcoal. This isn’t essential, but it can help maintain a steady burn and reduce the need for constant wood management – particularly useful during longer cooks.

Tip: There’s no need to add charcoal to the firebox. The firebox’s role is to burn logs and create a continuous supply of embers.

Step 2: Build Your Starter Fires

Begin by deciding how much of your grill you’ll use. For a small family meal, one side may be enough; for larger gatherings, light fires under both cooking areas.

• Under the area(s) you intend to cook on, build a small starter fire.

• Place kindling and a natural firelighter at the base, then stack a few small split logs on top in a loose arrangement to allow airflow.

• In your firebox, repeat the process – kindling, firelighter, and a few split logs.

Light both fires and let them catch properly before adding more wood.

Step 3: Burn Down to Embers

The key to Asado cooking is cooking over embers, not active flames. Let your starter fires burn down until you have a generous bed of glowing embers under your cooking grates. Resist the temptation to rush – the slow build is part of the process and helps you avoid fluctuating heat later on.

In the firebox, continue to feed split logs as needed. As the wood burns, embers will fall through the bottom of the firebox onto the refractory bricks below. Use your asado rake to gather these embers and redistribute them under your cooking areas as needed.

Tip: Create at least two zones – one with a thick bed of embers for high-heat searing, and one with fewer embers for slower cooking or resting meat.

Step 4: Maintain and Manage

As your cook progresses, top up the firebox with new logs to keep a steady flow of embers. Periodically rake fresh embers into your cooking zones to replenish heat. The more embers, the higher the temperature.

To moderate airflow and slow the burn rate, close the front door of your Asado grill. This restricts oxygen, helping you achieve a steadier cook for longer periods.

Step 5: Embrace the Asado Pace

Remember, Asado is not about rushing. It’s a slower, more intentional style of cooking where the fire and embers dictate the rhythm. Adjust your grill height to bring food closer or farther from the heat and use the dual-zone setup to your advantage – sear over high heat, then move to the cooler side to finish cooking or rest.

This is where the beauty of live-fire control shines. You’re not tied to one static temperature – you’re the asador, managing your fire like a conductor leading an orchestra.

Why It Works: Flamery Design Meets Asado Tradition

Flamery’s Asado grills are designed to make fire management intuitive. The firebox keeps a constant ember supply without disrupting your cook. The v-groove grills channel drippings away from the flames to avoid flare-ups. And the height-adjustable grates give you fine control over heat without needing to move embers too often.

With practice, tending your fire becomes second nature – and part of the joy of cooking with live flame.

Ready to Master Your Fire?

Whether you’re grilling for a quick midweek meal or hosting an all-afternoon feast, understanding how to start and maintain your Asado fire sets the stage for incredible flavour and theatre.

Explore the Flamery Asado collection and see how our grills bring Argentina’s live-fire tradition into the heart of your outdoor kitchen.