Kitchen & Cooking Tips, Management & Operation

How to Light a Charcoal Grill

Last updated on Apr 15, 2024
Janine Jones

If barbecuing meats is your specialty, you’ll understand the distinct flavor profile that charcoal provides to your menu. Lighting a charcoal grill is a fundamental skill for any professional chef or foodservice establishment. Whether you're grilling meats and vegetables for your menu or cooking up burgers and hotdogs for an outdoor event, knowing how to properly light a charcoal grill is essential for achieving that distinct smoky flavor and perfect sear. Improve your grilling experience by following the charcoal-lighting tips below.

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Best Way to Light Charcoal

When it comes to lighting a charcoal grill, the best methods are using lighter fluid or a chimney starter. Lighter fluid can be applied directly to the coals to rapidly ignite them, while a chimney starter offers a more efficient and controlled approach. Regardless of the method you choose, remember to always follow safety precautions when handling charcoal. Keep a fire extinguisher or bucket of water nearby in case of emergencies.

How to Start a Charcoal Grill with Lighter Fluid

Charcoal Grill Lighter Fluid

Using lighter fluid is a quick way to get your charcoal grill fired up, especially in cold and windy weather. It is essential to use lighter fluid specifically designed for charcoal grills to ensure safety and optimal performance. Lighter fluid can leave a chemical taste on the food if not burned off completely, so it is crucial to allow the charcoal to burn until the fluid has evaporated. Follow the manufacturer's instructions and safety guidelines listed on the bottle as lighter fuel can be hazardous if not used properly.

To start a charcoal grill using lighter fluid, follow these steps:

  1. Prepare Your Grill: Ensure your commercial charcoal grill is clean and free of any leftover ashes or debris. Place the grill in a well-ventilated outdoor area away from any flammable materials.
  2. Arrange the Charcoal: Place a mound of charcoal briquettes in the center of the grill. You can create a pyramid shape for better airflow and even burning. You’ll want to use 30-40 briquettes for smaller grills and 50-75 briquettes for larger grills. Follow the instructions on the charcoal bag.
  3. Apply the Lighter Fluid: Shake the lighter fluid well before using it. Slowly and evenly drizzle the lighter fluid over the tops and sides of the charcoal briquettes. Most fuel brands will call for 1/4 cup per pound of charcoal. Follow the directions listed on the bottle of the lighter fuel you choose. Be careful not to over-saturate the charcoal, as this can lead to flare-ups.
  4. Let the Fluid Soak In: Allow the lighter fluid to soak into the charcoal for around 30 seconds. This will create an even burn when you light the charcoal. If left to soak for too long, the fuel will begin to evaporate, making it harder to light.
  5. Light the Charcoal: Using a long-handled lighter or match, carefully ignite the charcoal in several spots. Do not stand directly over the grill when lighting the charcoal to avoid injury. Do not add lighter fluid to flaming coals.
  6. Monitor the Flames: Once the charcoal is lit, keep an eye on the flames. Allow the charcoal to burn until it is covered with a light layer of white ash. When they stop smoking, they are ready for cooking. This process takes approximately 15-20 minutes.
  7. Spread the Charcoal: While wearing heat-resistant gloves, use long-handled tongs or a charcoal rake to spread the charcoal evenly across the grill grates. This will help distribute the heat and ensure even cooking. You can also spread the coals on half the grill grate to create a cool zone.
  8. Preheat the Grill: Once the coals are spread out, cover the grill for 5-10 minutes to allow the unit to evenly preheat.
  9. Begin Grilling: Once preheated, you can start cooking your food. Place your grates on the grill and begin grilling as desired.

How to Start a Charcoal Grill with a Chimney

Charcoal grill chimney, charcoal and sparks

Using a chimney starter is an efficient and effective way to light a charcoal grill, making it a popular choice among grill enthusiasts. This tool helps to quickly light charcoal without the need for lighter fluid, ensuring a clean and even burn for your grill. The chimney design of the starter promotes efficient airflow, ensuring that the charcoal lights evenly and quickly without the need for additional chemicals. Charcoal chimney starters are also reusable and durable, making them a cost-effective option for commercial grilling operations.

To start a charcoal grill with a chimney starter, follow the steps below:

  1. Fill the Chimney: Begin by filling the chimney starter with the desired amount of charcoal. It's important to use the right amount of charcoal based on the size of your grill and the grilling temperature you are hoping to achieve. Fill the chimney a quarter of the way for low-heat grilling, halfway for medium heat, and to the top for high-heat cooking.
  2. Use Newspaper or Fire Starters: Place crumpled newspaper or fire starters in the bottom chamber of the chimney starter. This will help ignite the charcoal when lit. You can then place the chimney starter on paver blocks or the charcoal grate level in your grill.
  3. Light the Newspaper: Carefully light the newspaper or fire starters at the bottom of the chimney starter using a long match or a lighter.
  4. Wait for the Charcoal to Heat Up: Allow the charcoal to heat up in the chimney starter until no more white smoke is billowing from the top. You will know it's ready when the top layer of charcoal is ashed over and glowing red. This process typically takes around 15-20 minutes but can vary depending on the amount of charcoal used.
  5. Pour the Charcoal: Once the charcoal is hot and ready, carefully pour it onto the charcoal grate of your grill. Because sparks are likely to fly while pouring, it is important to wear heat-resistant gloves and close-toed shoes when handling a chimney starter to avoid burns.
  6. Spread the Charcoal: Using a coal rake or tongs, spread the hot charcoal evenly across the grill grate using tongs. This will ensure an even distribution of heat for your grilling session.
  7. Allow the Grill to Preheat: Close the grill cover and let your grill preheat for 5-10 minutes before you begin cooking.

Starting a Charcoal Grill FAQs

We answer some of the most frequently asked questions when it comes to lighting a charcoal grill:

How Long Does It Take for Charcoal to Be Ready?

Charcoal grill with grilled chicken being cooked

It usually takes 15-20 minutes for charcoal to fully ignite and achieve a steady burn. Once the charcoal is covered in gray ash and is glowing red, it is ready for cooking. Remember to spread the charcoal evenly for even heat distribution across the grill. Then allow 5-10 minutes for the grill to preheat. The full process will take anywhere from 20-30 minutes before you can begin grilling your food.

How to Know When Charcoal Is Ready

Knowing when charcoal is ready is crucial for achieving the perfect grilling temperature. The charcoal is ready when it is covered with gray ash and you can see small flames peeking through the ash. The charcoal will also release white smoke when it is first lit. Wait until the smoke clears before spreading the coals.

Should Charcoal Be On Fire When Grilling?

When grilling with charcoal, the coals should be smoldering and covered in white ash but not producing flames. Avoid placing food on the grill when the charcoal is still actively flaming, as this can lead to uneven cooking and a burnt exterior. Waiting for the flames to die down and the charcoal to reach a consistent temperature will result in more even and flavorful grilled dishes.

How Long Does Charcoal Burn?

On average, charcoal briquettes can burn for about 1-2 hours at high heat, making them ideal for quick grilling sessions. However, if you need a longer burning time, consider using lump charcoal, which can last up to 4 hours. Factors such as the type of charcoal, grill ventilation, and weather conditions can also affect burning time, so it's essential to monitor your grill throughout the cooking process.

How to Put out Charcoal

To safely put out a charcoal grill, follow these steps. First, close the grill’s lid and all vents to cut off the oxygen supply. This will smother the charcoal and extinguish the flames. Allow the grill to cool completely before attempting to handle or dispose of the charcoal. While it may be your first instinct, remember to never pour water on hot charcoal as it can create steam and cause burns. If there are still large chunks of charcoal remaining, you may use grilling tongs to douse individual pieces of coal in a bucket of water to speed up the cool time. Always use caution when handling hot charcoal to prevent any accidents or injuries.

Mastering the art of lighting charcoal is just as essential as choosing the right outdoor grill for your business. Whether using a chimney starter or lighter fluid, allowing the coals time to ash over before cooking will result in a successful grilling experience. Remember to prioritize safety by keeping a close eye on the grill during the lighting process and always follow manufacturer instructions for your specific grill model.

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