Barbecuing with charcoal allows you to achieve that quintessential smoky, grilled flavor. But before you can start grilling up those burgers and steaks, you need to light the charcoal properly. Here’s an in-depth guide on how to light charcoal for BBQ to help ensure perfectly cooked food infused with that signature charcoal flavor.
Choose Your Charcoal
There are a few types of charcoal you can use for your BBQ:
- Lump charcoal – Made from pieces of natural wood charred into charcoal chunks. Burns hotter and faster than briquettes.
- Briquettes – Made by compressing ground charcoal with binders to form uniform blocks. Burns longer and more evenly than lump charcoal.
- Instant light briquettes – Briquettes with lighter fluid already infused so they light quickly with a match. Convenient but can impart chemical taste.
Lump charcoal and regular briquettes are best for flavor and temperature control. For beginners, briquettes may be easier to arrange and light.
Arrange the Charcoal
Stack your charcoal either into a pyramid or evenly spread out into the grill.
For direct grilling, make a pyramid in the center of the grill so the food cooks directly over the coals.
For indirect grilling or smoking, spread the coals evenly across one side of the grill so the food sits off to the side of the fire.
Aim for around 40-60 briquettes or a few large handfuls of lump charcoal per person. You can always add more coals later.
Use a Chimney Starter
A chimney starter is the best way to light charcoal without lighter fluid. Place crumpled newspaper or paraffin fire starter cubes in the bottom section and fill the top with charcoal. Light the paper/cubes through the holes at the bottom.
Let the coals burn until covered with a light ash, about 15-25 minutes. Carefully pour them onto the grill and spread into your desired setup.
Use an Electric Starter
Electric starters, either loop or wand style, heat the coals faster than matches or lighters. Place it amongst the coals for 15-20 minutes until ashed over.
Take caution when handling a hot electric starter. Avoid excessive power levels to prevent damaging the heating element.
Use Lighter Fluid
If using instant light briquettes, simply light with a match. For regular briquettes or lump, lightly coat with lighter fluid. Let it soak in for a minute before lighting.
Be conservative with the fluid – too much can impart strong chemical tastes. Only use lighter fluid recommended for cooking.
Light with a Lighter or Matches
Light your starter paper/cubes placed within the coals. Let the fire grow and spread naturally before blowing lightly to help it along.
Don’t constantly blow air or the coals won’t light evenly. Don’t ever use gasoline as starter fluid.
Know When They’re Ready
Charcoal takes 15-30 minutes to light fully and be ready for grilling. They should be mostly ash-covered with some red hot spots visible.
If the coals flame and smoke heavily, let them burn a few more minutes. They’re ready once the flames die down and the smoke lightens.
Maintain the Heat
Add around 10-15 new briquettes or a handful of lump charcoal every hour to maintain consistent grilling temperatures.
Use grill vents to control airflow and temperatures. Open vents increase air and heat, closed vents decrease it.
FAQs
How long does charcoal take to light?
It usually takes 15-30 minutes for charcoal to light fully with a chimney starter or electric starter. Instant light briquettes take 5-10 minutes to light with matches.
What is the best way to light charcoal?
A chimney starter is the best and safest way to light charcoal without lighter fluid. Electric starters also work well.
Is it safe to use lighter fluid with charcoal?
Yes, but use sparingly and let it soak in before lighting. Too much can make your food taste like chemicals.
Should you soak regular charcoal in lighter fluid?
It’s not necessary, but lightly coating and letting soak helps the coals light faster and more evenly without having to over-douse.
How do you keep charcoal hot for grilling?
Add 10-15 fresh briquettes or a handful of new lump charcoal every hour. Keep vents open to allow maximum airflow and oxygen to maintain high temperatures.
What does white ash on charcoal mean?
White ash means the charcoals have lit fully and are ready for grilling. Red hot spots are fine, but avoid black smoke as that means the coals need more time.
Conclusion
Properly lighting charcoal is the first key step to delicious BBQ. By using a chimney starter or electric starter, you can avoid chemical-laden lighter fluids. Stacking or spreading the coals based on your desired direct or indirect grilling setup also ensures you achieve the right temperatures. Maintaining the coals by adding fresh ones and controlling vents prevents flaming out. In no time, you’ll be an ace at lighting charcoal and serving up perfectly grilled food all summer long. Happy barbecuing!