How to Light Charcoal in an Outdoor BBQ Grill
Knowing how to light charcoal in your outdoor BBQ grill does not require a lot of practice or knowledge. There are, however, some techniques to make the whole process much quicker and error-proof. Whether this is your first time working with a charcoal grill or you are an experienced user, knowing how to approach the process can help you enjoy your BBQ even more. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Make sure the charcoal you are planning to use in your outdoor BBQ grill is 100 percent dry. Wet charcoal will produce smoke, increase the risk of fires and make the cooking and lighting process much more difficult.
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Place the charcoal on your BBQ grill. Make sure you have enough to cover the full base of the grill or to create two even piles (if you are cooking with indirect heat). If you are cooking a large quantity of meat or several types of food (corn, veggies and meat, for example), light enough charcoal so you can distribute it into different piles later on.
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Start by creating a small pile of charcoal in the center of the grill. Try to make sure all the charcoal is piled up together, or you run the risk of missing some coals, which can result in uneven cooking and heat.
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Pour lighter fluid over the coals and wait a few seconds for it to be absorbed. This will allow for more even heating and prevent flare-ups later on.
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Light the charcoal and let it burn for at least 20 minutes before placing the food on the grill. Depending on the amount of charcoal, the weather and the size of your grill, it may take up to an hour for the charcoal to become white/ashy enough to be ready for cooking.
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Tips & Warnings
Keep children and pets away from the grill when you are lighting the charcoal. Flares and spills may happen, no matter how careful you are.
Some areas restrict the use of outdoor charcoal grills, so make sure you are legally allowed to make a fire before you plan a BBQ.
Use only a moderate amount of lighter fluid. Too much of it can cause flares. If you are unsure of the quantity, check instructions on the bottle or your grill manual.
Clean your grill before lighting charcoal to prevent smoke and fumes.
Never add extra lighter fluid after the coals are already burning.
