How Do You Keep Charcoal Lit?

In this article, we will guide you on lighting up charcoal in the absence of a chimney. In addition to guides for using an electric fire starter and other methods, you also get a helpful tip with each of them. 

● If added directly to the burning coals, it might lead to a fire

● The smoke produced might be too difficult to handle

● If more coal is kept nearby, fire is inevitable

● Inexpensive variants might take a lot of time to light charcoal

● Lighter fluid drips under the charcoal grate as well

● Keeping it safe after usage is a risky task

● It adds a chemical taste to the food

● Unsuitable if you have to grill immediately

● Though no chemicals are added, the original taste is not maintained

● Vegetable oil might diminish the fire

● Chimney starters are not reliable

● Charcoal does not burn for long (30-40mins), as compared to lighter fluids

Burn some paraffin wax and compressed cardboard for this technique. Once it catches fire, transfer it near the coal. Cartons or old newspaper sheets can also be used. It is also known as the firelighter method.

Pros: You can use it repetitively as it is an inexpensive method.

Cons: It is useful only in a closed room or kitchen, and adds a chemical taste to cooked food.

Using this method, you can blow in air and light a fire at the same time. It has a comfortable long handle for easily lighting the deepest coal chips near the base as well. Do not forget to turn off the lighter after you are done setting up a fire.

Pros: Fast enough to burn all briquettes in a short span of time, takes negligible time to start a fire, and is quite reliable.

Cons: No inexpensive variants are available, a regular supply of electricity is needed and you need to be cautious as it might sear your hands.

You need to create a paper chimney before lighting the coal pile. Alternate briquettes, sheets, wood sticks, and coal chips on top of each other. Light them using match sticks.

Pros: No use of harmful chemicals, thus no chemical taste. Inexpensive method. Residue can be cleaned easily.

Cons: Not too eco-friendly, produces a lot of smoke and a lot of skills are required. It cannot be done if the surroundings are wet. Moreover, since it is a two-step process, a lot of time goes wasted in lighting the coals.

No hassle or prior setup is required when the electric starter is at your service. It can provide instant flames in no time. Do not push it a lot after you see a small fire.

Pros: The coals stay lit for a longer duration, there is no chemical taste added to the grilled food,  ash production is reduced and fluid can be saved.

Cons: Electricity is required and it is unsuitable for outdoor grilling. It can stop working in the middle of cooking time and is also a bit costly.

As per the preferred method, you will need the following -

● A handful of coal briquettes

● Lighting fluid or non-toxic fuel

● An old newspaper, and few recycled sheets

● Match sticks

● Ash tray to collect gray ash

● Some dry sticks to pile up the coal chips

● Fire lighters

● Some wood chips to sustain the fire in the charcoal pile

All these essential items are available easily in multiple variants. Make sure you buy the best rated ones so that lighting charcoal becomes much easier. Do not bank on an electric charcoal starter only.