How to Light Charcoal | Tips & Tricks for Lighting Your Charcoal BBQ Quickly and Easily

Charcoal Chimney Starter

Using this accessory is the fastest and easiest way to guarantee lit charcoal. It works when an ignition source is lit, then, just like a chimney in a fireplace, an updraft is created through the coals in the main chamber. The heat from the ignition source is pulled up and once the bottom coals are lit, the radiant heat lights the subsequent coals above. Learn more about how to use a chimney starter.

Shop Now

Image

LIGHTING A CHARCOAL CHIMNEY STARTER

1. Fill the bottom of the chimney starter with kindling like crumpled paper, paper towel, or paper egg cartons, you can also use natural wood shaving or paraffin wax starter as well.
2. Place the starter, right side up, and fill it with an appropriate amount of charcoal for the cook you are doing.
3. Ignite the kindling and allow the charcoal to ignite.
4. After 15 to 20 minutes, the charcoal should have become an ashy white and started glowing, use heat-resistant gloves to lift the chimney and pour the coals into the basket.
5. Rake the hot coals into a pile or spread them out depending on the manner of cooking you are planning. Do not forget to adjust the airflow at the bottom of the grill.

Lighting Charcoal Directly

The airflow management in Napoleon’s Charcoal Kettle Grills allows you to easily light charcoal without the use of a chimney or lighter fluid.

LIGHTING CHARCOAL DIRECTLY

1. Make a pile of charcoal, if you are using briquettes, a pyramid shape is ideal.
2. Open the vents in the bottom of the grill all the way.
3. Add one to two natural fiber kindling or paraffin cubes, or place your kindling of choice - crumpled paper, paper towel, or paper egg cartons – near the bottom of the pile.
4. Ignite the kindling and leave the lid open, allowing the charcoal to ignite.
5. After 15 to 20 minutes, the charcoal should be ashy and white as well as glowing. Use tongs or a charcoal rake to move the lit charcoal into the formation you need to cook.
6. Replace the cooking grids.

Image

Using Lighter Fluid

Lighting charcoal can be tricky if you don’t have kindling like the natural fiber or paraffin cubes. Some resort to using lighter fluid to ignite their charcoal. Lighter fluid can leave a taste when used. You must be wary of leaks and mess when using lighter fluid for charcoal ignition.

LIGHTING CHARCOAL WITH LIGHTER FLUID

1. Make a pyramid-shaped pile of charcoal.
2. Fully open the bottom vents of the BBQ.
3. Carefully spray the charcoal pile with fluid. Ignite the charcoal immediately using a match – just drop the lit match on the pile where the fluid was sprayed, don’t forget to leave the lid open.
4. Allow 15 to 20 minutes for the charcoal to ash over, then move it to the correct position for your cooking method.

Image

PRO TIP:
Never spray fluid onto already lit coals. This is can lead to flareups and other dangerous situations.

Using an Electric Charcoal Lighter

Electric charcoal lighters are easy to use and ready to go right from the box. All that you need is a nearby power source. They are reusable and do not have any chemical additives that can leave residue or flavor food.

LIGHTING CHARCOAL WITH AN ELECTRIC CHARCOAL STARTER

1. Remove the cooking grids and arrange the charcoal into a pyramid-like shape.
2. Place the tip of the starter directly into the coal pile and turn it on.
3. As the coals begin to light, pull the electric starter out a little and continue to heat the coals. Continue to direct the heat at the coals until they are sufficiently lit.
4. Arrange the coals into the configuration that you need for your cook.
5. Replace the cooking grids to a good height setting and ensure that your air vents are open to the appropriate amount for your cook.

People Also Wondered:

HOW MUCH CHARCOAL DO YOU NEED?

The amount of charcoal needed for any cook depends on how many you are feeding and what type of cook you are going to be doing. Follow the quick guide chart below or learn more in our article How To Set Up Your Charcoal Grill.

DO YOU NEED THE LID ON OR OFF WHILE CHARCOAL IS HEATING?

When you are first igniting coals, and especially when using the direct grilling method, the lid should be open. This provides an abundance of oxygen to stoke the fire you are building to create grilled deliciousness.

WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO LIGHT CHARCOAL?

Using a chimney starter is the fastest and easiest way to light charcoal for any given cook. It uses no chemicals, and the results are consistent. You don’t need any fancy equipment or starters, other than the chimney itself. Just load the bottom with paper towel, newspaper, or paper egg cartons, then fill the main chamber with coals. Light the paper in the bottom and you will be ready to grill in no time.

Image

Can I Light Charcoal Without Lighter Fluid?

YES! The most effective way is with a chimney starter. If you don’t have a chimney starter, you can make a pile of unlit charcoal. Add some newspaper, paper towel, or paper egg crate to a couple of places around the bottom of the pile and light them. Alternatively, you can use ignition cubes like natural fiber ones or paraffin to light your charcoal without lighter fluid.

Do You Leave the Grill Open When Starting Charcoal?

Yes. It is best to leave the lid open when you are starting your charcoal kettle grill. This ensures that you have the best airflow to provide fuel for your fire and get you grilling as fast as possible.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE CHARCOAL TO LIGHT?

Depending on the weather, it usually takes between 15 and 20 minutes to ignite charcoal to the point where it is ready to be cooked on. It should be an ashy white color and glowing when you look into the depths of your charcoal pile. Then all you must do is rake them into the appropriate configuration for your cook.

Get Ready to Ignite your Passion for Grilling

Master the art of lighting charcoal with this article on how to light charcoal. With these tips and tricks, you will be lighting your charcoal grill quickly and easily in no time. Have you tried any of these methods yet? Tell us about charcoal grilling by sharing your stories, charcoal recipes, and photos on our social pages like Facebook and Tiktok using the hashtag #NapoleonEats and #NapoleonGrills.

View Charcoal Series

Image

Show us what you are grilling

Join the #NapoleonEats Community on Social

#NapoleonEats

@NapoleonProducts