re: Searing Steaks on an outdoor grill

I have tried and like the "cold grate" method, where I reverse sear the steak, but when it comes to the sear stage, I put the steak over the hot coals for 60 seconds. I then flip the steak and move it to a cooler section of the grate and rotate the grate so it is over the coals and leave it for another 60 seconds. I repeat that once more for another 60 seconds on each side.

1.) Sear for 60 seconds on side one. Flip and rotate grate.
2.) Sear for 60 seconds on side two. Flip and rotate grate.
Repeat steps 1 and 2.

This gives the steak a good sear from the coals, which will be smoking hot, and the grill grate is still relatively cool, so it doesn't burn the steak.

Obviously, you need a kettle to "rotate the grill grate, but a kettle will also be one of your cheapest and most versatile options if you go with charcoal. You can smoke, sear, and cook low and slow on it. You can keep your gasser for quick cooks on weeknights and use the charcoal grill for smoking, searing, and experimenting.