Comments on: How to Prepare Coals for a Barbecue

on 11/22/2005 Take a piece of newspaper, wad it up and place on grill. Build a
pyre of dry twigs top of the paper. Place coals around the
paper and build up until they cover the twigs.
Light the paper. The coals catch fast as the twigs burn.
No lighter fluid.

on 11/22/2005 The funny smell we are all used to, chemically-sicky, is not required, nor is the lighter fluid itself. A charcoal chimney using one full sheet of newspaper for fuel and a match works quicker and is more safe and healthy for all concerned.

on 11/22/2005 When I moved into my new home, the previous owners had left behind a brand new electric starter for starting BBQ coals.I thought something like that would never compare to The tried & true fluid! I tried using it and now it's the best thing in BBQ ever!!!

on 11/22/2005 Use a coffee can with bottom removed ... place wadded
newspaper, some kindling and briquettes in can on the
grill. Light newspaper. Remove can after coals are
hot. No lighter fluid required or very small amount
on bottom few briquets.

on 11/22/2005 Instead of using charcoal lighter, build a base of kindling
(twigs up to 1/2", saved from tree pruning)in a
cross-hatch fashion on top of wadded newspaper. Place briquettes on top of this and light newspaper.

on 11/22/2005 The best way to start and manage charcoal is to use a charcoal-starter cylinder. These items are sold commercially. In addition to easy starts, it allows for extra charcoal to be added to the grill after the charcoal is started.

on 11/22/2005 Spray grill with 409. Leave out side on the grass over night and the dew will loosen the food. Next morning, spray with water hose, then wash as usual.

on 11/22/2005 I use a 2- or 3-lb. coffee can, open both ends, punch about 20 holes around lower end. Use 2-3" of charcoal, wet with starter, fill can and light from lower edge of can. Upper coals are ignited from below. When all are going, remove can and spread coals.

on 11/22/2005 Use a charcoal chimney (about $10)& a few pages of newspaper to light the charcoals. The charcoals will light faster and without the chemical taste and pollutants that charcoal lighter gives off. The chimney can be used over & over for years.