How To Start A Charcoal Grill Without Lighter Fluid- 4 Ultimate Methods

Lighter fluid is a flammable liquid that is used to light charcoal or wood in grills, fire pits, and other outdoor cooking appliances.

People use lighter fluid when grilling because it is a quick and easy way to light charcoal. It is also widely available and relatively inexpensive. However, using lighter fluid has several drawbacks, including the risk of a chemical taste in the food and the potential for flare-ups and unpredictable fires. 

As a result, many people are looking for alternatives to lighter fluid for a healthier and safer grilling experience.

WHY SHOULDN’T YOU USE LIGHTER FLUID

One drawback of charcoal grilling  is the time it takes to heat up, which can be up to 30 minutes before you can start cooking.

I was stoked to try my new charcoal grill on a sunny day. I hastily doused the coals in lighter fluid and struck a match. It lit up easily, but later my food tasted off, smelling like chemicals.

I realized lighter fluid was a bad choice for taste, health and the planet.

In general, lighter fluid is less eco-friendly and can be a health concern because of the hydrocarbons and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) it contains. 

Lighter fluid is ideal for a roaring, intense fire for a short period of time (So, when lighting a grill using lighter fluid, keep your distance), but I steer clear of it because it alters the food’s flavor.

In kamado grills like the Big Green Egg, lighter fluid can taint the ceramics, making the smell linger. In other charcoal grills, the problem is less severe but still problematic. Because lighter fluid leaves a chemical trail on the grill grates, it ruins the taste and quality of the food you cook.

Now I know better ways to fire up the grill safely, which I’ll share.

HOW TO LIGHT A CHARCOAL GRILL WITHOUT LIGHTER FLUID?

Let’s face it, we all need a boost firing up our grills now and then. The right lighting method is a game-changer. It ramps up the heat, amps up the flavor, and best of all, shaves 30 to 60 minutes off your prep time.

1. A Chimney Starter

And without lighter fluid, the chimney starter comes in! 

A chimney starter is a metal tube with a grate at the bottom and a handle on the side. Just fill it with charcoal, light a fire underneath, and watch the sparks fly.

Here’s a short guide into using a chimney starter: 

1. Chimney Placement: Set the chimney starter on the grill grate.

2. Fire Starter Setup: Insert crumpled newspaper or fire starter at the chimney base. Tip: An empty toilet paper or paper towel roll works too.

3. Add Charcoal: Fill the chimney for up to 70%. This allows room for rearranging coal later.

4. Ignition: Light the newspaper or fire starter with a match or lighter.

5. Transfer Charcoal: Once the charcoal is lit, use protective gloves, lift the chimney and spread the coals on the grill grate.

6. Grill Preparation: Let the grill preheat. Once hot, begin grilling.

Blazing flames don’t always indicate ripe coals. That the coals caught fire and will burn is excellent. Most coals should have some white on them when ready.

Safety Tips: 

• Use the starter on a stable, fireproof surface.
• Ensure children and pets stay away.
• Wear heat-resistant gloves.
• On windy days  , lighting your grill requires extra precautions for a safe and effective start.

Afterwards, light the paper or starter. The charcoal ignites from the bottom up and is ready to go once it’s fully lit. 

You will find that using a chimney starter is like adding turbochargers to your charcoal grill. It’s faster, it’s more efficient, and best of all, there’s no yucky chemical smell to mess with the delicious flavor of your food.

It’s lightning-fast and way more efficient than using lighter fluid. Here is how it works

• Even distribution: The cylinder of a chimney starter helps to evenly distribute the charcoal, so you won’t have to worry about hot spots. All of your coals will heat up at the same rate, helping to speed up the lighting process. Once  you’ve successfully started your grill, knowing how to make your charcoal grill hotter can enhance your cooking results.
• Upward flow of heat: In a chimney starter, heat flows in the upward direction, which makes sure all the charcoal will be evenly lit from the bottom up! This can prevent flare-ups or hot spots, which can occur when the charcoal is not lit evenly.

So for all of the above reasons, it’s your turn to skip the lighter fluid and grab a chimney starter instead!

2. Using an electric starter

If you don’t want to struggle with the burden of lighting with a chimney starter, an electric starter is a great alternative option!

People who prefer a more hands-off approach to lighting charcoal often opt for this choice. To use an electric starter, follow these steps:

1. Arrange Charcoal: Spread charcoal evenly in your grill for consistent heat.
2. Place Starter: Nestle the electric starter’s loop in the charcoal. Make sure it doesn’t touch the grill’s sides or bottom.
3. Plug In: Connect the starter to an electrical outlet. If you’re using an extension cord, make sure it’s outdoor-rated. Keep the cord dry.
4. Wait Up: Give it 8-10 minutes. You’ll see the charcoal glow and maybe even ash a bit at the edges.
5. Unplug & Remove: Once you see that glow, unplug the starter. With heat-resistant gloves or tongs, carefully take out the hot starter and let it cool on a safe surface.

3. Using Commercial/ DIY Fire Starters

Even a bundle of twigs or some wood chips with you because they make great natural fire starters to light your charcoal without using any lighter fluid. These are called fire starters.

Fire starters are the small, flammable things that are put at the bottom of the charcoal layer to help get the charcoal going. They give the fire a push to get it going quickly and well.

There are many fire starters that you can find or DIY at your home or buy at local store. 

Just place these fire starter in the middle of the charcoal pile and ignite it with a match or lighter. Here are some types of fire starter ideas: 

• Newspaper and Oil: Crumple 1-2 sheets, add a splash of cooking oil. It’ll burn longer and more evenly.
• Dryer Lint: Super easy DIY. Lint ignites quick but burns fast. Mix with wax to extend its life.
• Kindling: Small pieces of wood, twigs, or cardboard can ignite fires, but they are less convenient and require a bit more effort.
• Weber Wax Cubes:  These are commercially available fire starters made from paraffin wax. Consistent and clean. Drop one in, and you’re good to go.
• Jelly Cotton Balls: This is a DIY magic. Soak cotton balls in petroleum jelly for a long-lasting burn. 

Each option has its charm. Whether you’re a DIYer or like things ready-made, there’s always a fire starter for you.

After you have the fire starter on hand, simply lay these fire starter pieces all over the bottom of your grill or fire pit. Stack charcoal on top, leaving space for air to circulate around the bricks.

Each type of charcoal grill has its unique characteristics that can affect your choice of lighting method. Sure, it may take a little extra time, but it’s worth it for an eco and sustainable lighting process. 

WHICH IS THE BEST METHOD?

Now that you know how to go about it, you may be thinking which option is best. Here are some of the ways in which you can gain from adopting such methods:

Different Value

Each grilling method has its pros and cons. What’s best for you boils down to what you value most—be it speed, taste, ease, or a DIY vibe.

Different Types and Styles

Also, no one-size-fits-all here! So different grills and grilling styles make some methods shine more than others.

From what we’ve seen, chimney starter is the best way to get a charcoal grill going. They work quickly and well, getting your grill hot in no time.

FINAL THOUGHT

Lighting a charcoal grill without lighter fluid is not only more environmentally friendly but also avoids the potential for unpleasant chemical odors or flavors in your food.

Always remember to follow safety precautions when handling fire, and make sure your grill is in a safe location away from flammable materials.

Additionally, be patient and wait for the charcoal to ash over completely before you start cooking. This ensures that you have a stable and even heat source for grilling.