Lid open or closed when grilling?
Quick answer
Grill with the lid closed for most foods — it speeds cooking, evens heat, and improves flavor from smoke circulating inside. Keep the lid open only for quick sears, very thin items, or when you need to watch flare-ups constantly.
Lid closed
Best for chicken, roasts, whole vegetables, and anything needing internal doneness. Acts like an oven with grill marks.
Lid open
Use for thin smash burgers, shrimp that cook in minutes, or when recovering from a grease flare-up.