Common Dish Temperature Guide

Dish	Temp	10" Coals (Baking)	12" Coals (Baking)
Chili / Beans	300°F	23 (17 top / 6 bot)	27 (20 top / 7 bot)
Stew / Pot Roast	325°F	24 (16 top / 8 bot)	28 (19 top / 9 bot)
Cake / Cornbread	350°F	25 (19 top / 6 bot)	29 (22 top / 7 bot)
Biscuits / Rolls	375°F	26 (20 top / 6 bot)	30 (22 top / 8 bot)
Casserole	400°F	27 (20 top / 7 bot)	31 (23 top / 8 bot)

Place coals in a ring — never pile them in the center. Top coals go in a ring on the lid. Bottom coals form a ring under the oven.
Rotate lid and pot 90° every 15 minutes for even heat distribution.
Wind and cold: Add 2–3 extra coals on cold or windy days.
Pre-heat the oven with all bottom coals for 5 minutes before adding food.
Kingsford briquettes last approximately 45 minutes. Plan a refresh for long cooks.

🍲 Dutch Oven Charcoal Calculator