There are a number of factors that could be causing this problem.

Problem: Insufficient quantities of fuel being used to create the desired cooking temperature.
Solution: See our temperature guide for recommended fuel quantities depending on the cooking method used and the type of fire required for your recipe – hot, normal or low. Add the extra quantities of Heat Beads^® BBQ Briquettes required and leave the lid off the BBQ until all the coals are ashed over, then recommence cooking.

Problem: Fire has not been properly established.
Solution: Briquettes are only ready for cooking when they are covered in a light-coloured ash (‘ashed over’). Remove the lid from the BBQ and allow all the Heat Beads^® BBQ Briquettes to ash-over before recommencing cooking.

Problem: BBQ has lost heat over a period of time, meaning the vegetables are not cooked but the meat is. (Occurs when cooking large joints of meat such as pork or turkey.)
Solution: Remove the partially-cooked vegetables, and finish cooking them in microwave or electric frypan. While doing so, the roast can be removed from the BBQ and left to stand. (Provided it has not been carved, it will retain its heat until the vegetables are ready.)

In future, consider that the temperature inside the BBQ will naturally decrease over time. To compensate, when cooking large roasts which take more than two hours to cook, allow up to twice as much time as normal for the vegetables to cook.

And remember, choose Heat Beads^® BBQ Briquettes, which have a longer burn time than other charcoal fuels. In a covered kettle under normal cooking conditions, usable cooking heat (i.e. greater than 150°C) is available for more than four hours. This means that there’s no need to top up with extra fuel when cooking roasts.

Problem: One or more vents are not properly opened, or are blocked.
Solution: Check ventilation. Carefully clear any blockages (which may be caused by ash or briquettes), and remove the BBQ lid until the fire is burning freely and all the Heat Beads^® BBQ Briquettes are ashed over before recommencing cooking.

Problem: Windy conditions are causing lower cooking temperatures.
Solution: Carefully move the BBQ to a sheltered position and recommence cooking.