What can I use to light my charcoal?

There’s no better way to light your charcoal. Just put in 2 pieces of bunched-up newspaper (you could even use a piece of the charcoal bag if it’s made from paper), fill the chimney with charcoal, and light the newspaper. Take the top grate of your grill off, set the chimney down in the grill, and let it rip.

Can you just light charcoal?

Pour lighter fluid over the charcoal cone, using more in the center than around the edges. Use about 1/4 cup of fluid for each pound of charcoal. Let the fluid sit on the coals for about 30 seconds. With a long match, light the charcoal from the bottom on at least two sides.

How long before cooking should you light charcoal?

Depending on how much charcoal you’re lighting, make sure to set 15-20 minutes aside to let your charcoal properly heat up before pouring it into the base of your grill.

How do you light charcoal without lighter fluid?

Simply bunch up a couple pieces of newspaper and place them in the middle of the charcoal grate. Then build the coals up around the paper in a pyramid fashion, light the newspaper, and let it go.

Do you need lighter fluid for charcoal?

You don’t actually need lighter fluid to light your charcoal. And there are a couple of really good reasons to skip the lighter fluid. Chief among them are fire hazard and fumes. Lighter fluid fumes can affect the smell and taste of your food.

What can I use instead of lighter fluid?

If you’ve just run out of lighter fluid as you’re about to grill up some grub, or you don’t fancy the chemicals on your coals, you do have other options….6 Substitutes for Charcoal Lighter Fluid

  • Chimney Starter.
  • Electric Metal Lighter.
  • Vegetable Oil or Lard.
  • Alcohol.
  • Sugar.
  • Egg Carton.

How long does it take to light charcoal?

But how long should you let the coals burn? Let the charcoal or briquettes burn until they’re covered with white-gray ash (it takes about 5 to 10 minutes for the coals to get to high heat and 25 to 30 minutes to get to medium heat).