How to Light Charcoal

Save yourself time by learning how to properly light charcoal. There are other grilling options such as propane and wood-fired grills, but charcoal is a tried-and-true method that offers a flavorful, smoky taste. Here are three ways to quickly light your briquets.

Before You Start:

1. Empty old ash from the bottom of the grill.
2. Clean the grates with a wire brush.

How to Light Charcoal

Method 1: Light coals with a chimney starter

To speed up the process of getting your charcoal going, the preferred method is to use a product called a chimney starter.

A chimney starter is a cylinder that is used to easily light coals. Typically, paper is used to light the coals that sit above the flames.

Steps:

1. Add newspaper or lighter cubes to the base of the chimney starter.
2. Fill the remaining cylinder with charcoal.
3. Light the newspaper or lighter cubes on the bottom. Eventually, you’ll see the edges of the charcoal turn gray.
4. Once you see flames on top, pour out the charcoal. Wait until the coals are gray and covered in ash, then spread them out along the grill.

Method 2: Use easy-to-light charcoal

Instead of using a chimney starter, you can light this special charcoal directly with a match. The briquets contain a small amount of lighter fluid that helps with ignition.

Steps:

1. Pile coals into a pyramid shape. Coals arranged in this manner provide optimal contact and potential for lighting.
2. Light coals with a match. With a short or long match, light the edge of a few briquets until the fire spreads to the rest.
3. Coals are ready when the edges are gray and covered in ash.

Method 3: Light Charcoal with Lighter Fluid

This method is effective, but not recommended unless a chimney starter or self-lighting charcoal isn’t available. Lighter fluid can change the way your food tastes. Smoke from the burning lighter fluid will travel up and become embedded in your food.

Steps:

1. Pile coals into a pyramid shape. Coals arranged in this manner provide optimal contact and potential for lighting.
2. Squirt lighter fluid on the top and sides of the charcoal.
3. Carefully light the charcoal with a long match or lighter to avoid burning your hand.
4. Coals are ready when the edges are gray and covered in ash.

Kingsford has an awesome video that shows you how to light charcoal.

How to Light Charcoal

Now that you can light your grill, it’s time to throw on a juicy, tender steak. Here are the most tender cuts of steak explained.

If you want a smoky taste on a grill that lights more quickly, try a wood pellet grill.

Bonus Tip: Don’t do this. You’ll burn off your eyebrows, and your food will taste like shit.

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About The Author

Tommy Murata Edit profile

As Founder of Handbook of Man, Tommy Murata helps men of all ages and backgrounds reach their full potential. A self-proclaimed renaissance man, he enjoys golfing, skiing, DIY projects, and learning new skills. When he’s not playing outdoors, Tommy enjoys learning web design and playing music.

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