Two Zones, Two Jobs
The cool side cooks the inside through without bursting the skin. The hot side adds colour and snap in a couple of minutes at the end. Done the other way round, you get burnt skins and raw middles.
Leave the Skins Alone
Pricking sausages lets the fat and juices run out and causes flare-ups. Gentle heat stops them splitting on its own.
Fresh vs Pre-Cooked
Fresh sausages (bratwurst, Italian, Toulouse) are raw and must reach a safe internal temperature. Pre-cooked sausages and hot dogs just need heating through until steaming hot.
Plan Your Sausages
Answer a few quick questions and get a full step-by-step plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do sausages take on the BBQ?
Fresh sausages take about 15–20 minutes on the cool side plus 2–3 minutes over direct heat. Pre-cooked sausages need 6–8 minutes over medium heat.
What temperature are sausages done?
Pork and beef sausages at 71°C (160°F); chicken and turkey sausages at 74°C (165°F).
Should you boil bratwurst before grilling?
You don't need to. Cooking them gently on the cool side of the grill does the same job and keeps the flavour in the sausage.
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