How to light a charcoal barbecue?

Often decried, the barbecue at coal of drink nonetheless the star of outdoor cooking equipment. Easy to use and maintain, its main drawback for many people is the ignition of the fire. A step that can be done in different ways and in complete safety.

Lighting a charcoal barbecue with dry wood

The simplest and most economical method, it only requires old newspapers and very dry kindling:

• crumple and place two or three sheets of paper newspaper on the fire pit of the barbecue;
• arrange a mattress dry kindling (twigs) on the newspaper and some charcoal;
• set fire to the newspaper;
• wait for embers to form before adding charcoal;
• place the cooking grate.

For this method, use only newspaper. Do not use catalog or other sheets whose combustion is harmful. You can replace the small dry wood by pine cones provided they are very dry. However, if this method does not suit you, you can use a “chimney starter”.

Using a Chimney Starter to Light a Charcoal Grill

This practical accessory makes it possible to obtain beautiful embers of charcoal in complete safety. Cylindrical, an ignition chimney is equipped in the lower part with a ventilation and a grid and receives a handle. Proceed as follows:

• fill the starter chimney with charcoal or briquettes;
• place newspaper and dry wood on the fire grate on a surface corresponding to the diameter of the chimney starter;
• light the newspaper using a matches ;
• wait until the charcoal or briquettes are very red;
• pour the embers onto the barbecue grate;
• position the cooking grate.

Lighting a charcoal barbecue with fire starter cubes

If for one reason or another, one of these two lighting methods is not suitable for you, you can replace the newspaper and the dry kindling with so-called “firelighters” products available in the form liquid Where solid. Offered by many brands, before opting for one of these products, know that they come in two main families: chemical and natural. The first based on kerosene or paraffin give off during their combustion hydrocarbons or even of VOC. Even if these products meet the requirements of standard NF En 1860-3, they are still harmful to health. Another disadvantage is their smell, even those displaying on their packaging “odorless”. Understand by this “without unpleasant odor”. In fact, prefer natural firelighters. These consist of compressed wood, recycled paper, wood wool and wax… Thus:

• arrange the cubes or sticks on the hearth grate;
• cover with charcoal;
• light the cubes/sticks with a match;
• wait until the cubes are completely burnt before cooking the food.

If you are using a chimney starter, simply place the cubes or sticks under it.

Use liquid fire starter

The easy solution par excellence! Available in liquid form or in freeze, again, favor products labeled “natural” designed, among other things, based on vegetable oil. However, they turn out to be more dangerous than the previous solution and require attention and compliance with numerous precautions and should be avoided. For this solution:

• place the charcoal on the grate;
• water the charcoal moderately;
• let the charcoal soak according to the manufacturer’s instructions;
• light the charcoal with a matches.

Along with commercial products, there are many recipes on the web to make your firelighters using a cork stopper, vegetable oil, etc.

Steps to take to light a charcoal barbecue

It may seem obvious, but many precautions must be taken to fully enjoy a charcoal barbecue with friends. Small reminders to avoid the risks ofaccidents and of burns.

• Always use a charcoal barbecue outdoors.
• Avoid barbecuing during peak periods wind.
• Install the charcoal barbecue on a stable and clear surface.
• Keep children away from the cooking zone.
• Never move a barbecue while it is in use.
• Do not rekindle the embers with oil or any other flammable product.