If you’re in the market for a new grill I highly recommend finding one with a built in thermometer on the front (usually a little round dial-type works nice — right in front above the handle). You can even buy them for cheap and install them even easier. Usually one little drill hole is all it takes. However, there is a good stand by if you’re roughing it without the thermometer.
Need to guess the campfire’s temperature? The answer is in the palm of your hand!
Here’s How: Hold your hand – palm side down – about five or six inches above the coals. Just over where the meat will be. How long can you hold it there? Don’t get crazy… but.. in general, the about of time you can stand it will tell the tale. If you can hold out about six seconds you’re probably at a good smoking temperature. 240 Degrees or so. If you can stand the heat on your palm for only three and a half seconds you can call it medium heat. About 375 Degrees. If you’re jumping back at just one or two seconds you’re at HIGH HEAT over 500 degrees.