Good meat needs good flavor and that’s why barbecue was meant to be done over charcoal. That uniquely American style of cooking has been around for centuries, but gas grills only a few decades, so there’s no better way to get an authentic flavor than a charcoal grill. And, while charcoal can be a little tricky to light, we have the tips to illuminate the process for you.
There are two ways to light a charcoal grill: one way uses lighter fluid, the other does not.
Lighting a Outdoor Charcoal Grill without Lighter Fluid
What You Need:
Newspaper
Chimney Starter
1. Place newspaper into the bottom compartment of the chimney starter and charcoals in the top. Set the chimney starter down on the grill.
2. Ignite the newspaper using a stick lighter. The newspaper will start the charcoals from beneath.
3. Once the charcoals are coated in gray ash and glowing, pour them out of the starter and spread them out.
4. Cook your heart out!
Lighting a Charcoal Grill with Lighter Fluid
1. Put the charcoals into a mound or pyramid and douse well in lighter fluid. Take care not to get any on your hands.
2. Before the fluid dries, light with a stick lighter.
3. When coals are coated in gray ash, spread across the grill.
4. You’re ready to cook!
Some brands of charcoal will come coated in lighter fluid. In this case, just put them in a mound and light. Afterwards, follow the instructions from the previous section.
Are you preparing for a cookout? Wow your guests with a bit of creative landscaping from one of the many trusted professionals at TalkLocal. Our free search system will find you the perfect pro before those coals turn gray.
