Few things ruin a good cookout faster than that stingy, eye-watering smoke that always seems to follow you around the grill. One minute you’re flipping burgers or checking your skewers, and the next, you’re blinking through a cloud that makes it hard to see anything at all. Whether you’re using a traditional brick bbq, a stylish Argentinian BBQ, or even a simple diy bbq kit, the smoke issue can happen to anyone. The good news is that with a few simple adjustments, you can easily reduce or redirect the smoke so you can actually enjoy cooking outdoors again.

Let’s dive into what causes BBQ smoke to get in your eyes, and the clever ways to stop it from ruining your grilling experience.

Why Smoke Gets in Your Eyes

Before tackling the fix, it’s important to know what’s actually happening. BBQ smoke is mostly made up of water vapour, carbon dioxide, and fine particles of soot from burning wood or charcoal. When these particles hit your eyes, they cause irritation, redness, and that burning sensation we all know too well.

But the question remains: why does the smoke always seem to follow you?

It’s not magic, it’s actually science. Warm air from your bbq rises and carries smoke with it. The air around you can be slightly cooler, which creates tiny pockets of low pressure. As the smoke rises, it gets pulled toward cooler air (and that’s often around where you’re standing). So, wherever you move, the smoke tends to follow the path of least resistance, which could easily mean right into your face.

Step 1: Start With the Right Setup

Your BBQ setup makes a huge difference in how smoke behaves. If you’re using a diy bbq, it’s worth paying attention to how you position it in your backyard. The direction of the wind, the surrounding structures, and even trees or fences can all affect airflow.

Find the wind direction – Before lighting up your grill, take a second to check which way the wind is blowing. Position your BBQ so that the wind naturally carries smoke away from you and your guests. If you’re using a brick bbq, make sure it’s built or placed in a spot that allows proper ventilation rather than a corner where smoke can get trapped.

Add a chimney effect – Some diy bbq kits or brick bbq designs come with an opening or vent that helps direct smoke upwards. This chimney effect not only helps control smoke but also improves heat consistency. If you’re building your own bbq using a diy bbq kit, plan for at least one vent near the top to allow smoke to escape efficiently.

Avoid enclosed spaces – Setting up your grill in a garage, under a gazebo, or right next to walls can cause smoke to circulate and linger. Even outdoor kitchens with partial coverings should have open sides to let air flow naturally.

Step 2: Choose the Right Fuel

The type of charcoal or wood you use plays a big role in how smoky your fire becomes.

Avoid damp fuel – Moist charcoal or firewood releases a lot of steam and white smoke when burned. Store your fuel in a dry place, ideally in an airtight container or shed.

Go for natural lump charcoal – Compared to briquettes, natural lump charcoal produces less smoke because it doesn’t contain fillers or chemicals. It also lights faster and burns hotter, making it a favourite for many diy bbq enthusiasts.

Use clean wood for flavour – If you love adding wood chunks or chips for that smoky touch—especially when cooking on an Argentinian BBQ—pick hardwoods like oak, hickory, or applewood. Avoid softwoods like pine, which release heavy resin smoke that stings your eyes.

Let your fire settle – When you first light your charcoal, it produces the most smoke. Wait until the coals are glowing red with a light grey ash coating before you start cooking. This is when they’re burning cleanly and evenly.

Step 3: Control Airflow

One of the easiest ways to stop BBQ smoke from billowing into your eyes is to manage the air intake and exhaust.

Keep vents open – Every good grill or brick bbq design has some form of airflow control. Open vents at the bottom feed oxygen to the fire, and vents at the top release the smoke. The more oxygen your fire gets, the cleaner it burns.

Avoid overloading the grill – Cramming too much food onto the grate can trap heat and block airflow, causing smoke to build up. Leave some space between items so air can circulate properly.

Don’t close the lid too soon – Especially on a diy bbq, closing the lid too early can choke the fire and create thick, trapped smoke. Keep it open until the flames have calmed and the smoke looks thin and blue rather than heavy and white.

Step 4: Keep Your Grill Clean

A dirty grill produces more smoke than a clean one—simple as that.

Old grease, burnt food bits, and ash buildup are prime culprits for creating unnecessary smoke. Make it a habit to:

• Scrape the grates after each cook. A grill brush or a ball of aluminium foil can easily remove leftover bits.
• Empty the ash catcher regularly. Excess ash restricts airflow, leading to smoky fires.
• Deep clean once a month if you use your bbq often. Warm water and mild detergent usually do the trick.

Keeping your bbq clean not only reduces smoke but also improves the flavour of your food. No one wants yesterday’s burnt sausage taste on today’s chicken skewers.

Step 5: Use the “Right” Oils and Marinades

Believe it or not, your cooking style also plays a role. Excess oil dripping onto hot coals is one of the main reasons you get sudden bursts of smoke.

When using marinades, pat your meat dry before grilling. You still get the flavour without the extra grease flare-ups. Use oils with high smoke points like avocado or peanut oil, especially when grilling over high heat on an Argentinian BBQ.

If you’re cooking fattier cuts like sausages or lamb, use a drip tray to catch melting fat before it hits the coals. This keeps your fire burning cleaner and saves you from those unpredictable puffs of eye-watering smoke.

Step 6: Position Yourself Smartly

Even when everything is set up perfectly, a gust of wind can still send smoke your way. So learn to position yourself strategically.

• Stand upwind of the bbq, so smoke moves away from you.
• If you’re cooking for a long time, switch sides occasionally. This keeps you from being in one smoky spot for too long.
• Consider using safety glasses if you’re particularly sensitive to smoke. It might sound funny, but many pro grillers do it!

Step 7: Consider an Upgrade

If smoke is a constant issue, it might be time to upgrade your setup. A well-designed brick bbq kit offers excellent airflow, making it easier to maintain clean, steady heat without all the irritation.

These kits are designed with the right balance of open space, ventilation, and height to help smoke rise naturally rather than hover around your face. Likewise, a diy bbq kit allows you to customise your design, adding vents, chimneys, or adjustable grates to control smoke direction more effectively.

For something a bit more specialised, an Argentinian BBQ setup might be just the thing. These feature adjustable grates (called parrillas) that let you control how close your food gets to the flame. That means you can cook perfectly while keeping smoke minimal.

Step 8: Bonus Tips for Smoke-Free Cooking

Here are a few extra hacks from seasoned outdoor cooks:

• Use a small fan – Point it slightly above your grill to blow smoke upward and away.
• Cook in batches – Instead of crowding the grill, cook a few items at a time to keep the air flowing.
• Add wood gradually – Don’t dump too many wood chips at once. A few pieces at a time give you flavour without overwhelming smoke.
• Maintain steady heat – Avoid constant temperature changes. A consistent burn means less incomplete combustion and cleaner air.

Wrapping It Up

BBQ smoke in your eyes isn’t just annoying, it’s preventable. With the right combination of setup, fuel, airflow, and cleanliness, you can enjoy your cookouts without the sting and tears.

Whether you’re firing up a brick bbq in your garden, experimenting with a diy bbq kit, or mastering the art of an Argentinian BBQ, the trick lies in balance, between fire and air, heat and fuel.

Next time the smoke starts to rise, don’t run away. Just remember: a few smart adjustments are all it takes to keep your eyes clear and your focus where it should be, on grilling something truly delicious.