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How to Light a Barbecue Grill: See 5 Techniques

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Learning how to light a barbecue It is essential for everyone who wants to have a successful barbecue, and fortunately, there are different techniques for carrying out this procedure.

Nothing compares to the joy of a barbecue with friends and family on a sunny day. However, before enjoying that juicy steak or delicious sausage, you need to fire up the grill.

Lighting a grill may seem like a simple task, but it requires a few techniques and tricks to ensure you get the perfect fire for grilling. In this article, we'll explore five effective techniques for lighting your grill easily and safely.

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Toilet paper

This is one of the main ways of how to light a barbecue, being quite simple and efficient. See below how to proceed:

  • Place the charcoal on the grill evenly;
  • Open a space between the charcoal in the center of the grill;
  • Take a generous amount of toilet paper and place it in the open space between the charcoal;
  • Pour some common oil over the paper and set it on fire;
  • As soon as the fire increases, place charcoal around it gently so as not to put it out;
  • Ready! Now just wait a few minutes for the fire to act on the charcoal.

Use of charcoal and charcoal lighter

One of the most traditional techniques for how to light a barbecue is the use of charcoal and a charcoal lighter. Follow the steps below to successfully light your grill:

  • Prepare the charcoal: place the charcoal on the barbecue grate and form a pile in the center. Make sure you leave enough space for air to circulate;
  • Use a charcoal lighter: Place the charcoal lighter in the middle of the pile of charcoal and light it. The charcoal lighter is a safe device for quickly lighting charcoal;
  • Wait for the flame: let the charcoal lighter burn until the charcoal is covered with a layer of white ash. This indicates that the coal is hot and ready to be used;
  • Spread the charcoal: Carefully spread the charcoal evenly over the grill grate and place the cooking grate on top. Wait a few minutes for the grill to heat up before beginning to grill.

Coal cone method

The coal cone method is another effective way to how to light a barbecue. It involves creating a cone-shaped pile of coal to allow for optimal ventilation. Follow the steps below:

  • Make a cone: Place a pile of charcoal in the center of the grill grate, stacking it in a cone shape. Leave the top of the cone open;
  • Use lighter or paper: add a charcoal lighter or crumpled paper to the center of the charcoal cone;
  • Light the lighter or paper: Light the lighter or paper in the center of the cone. The fire will spread from bottom to top, heating all the coal;
  • Wait for the ash: Just like the previous technique, wait until the charcoal is covered with a layer of white ash before spreading it out and starting to grill.
how-to-light-grill
how-to-light-grill

Coal chimney

The coal chimney is a practical tool that helps in the process of how to light a barbecue quickly and evenly. Follow these steps to use a charcoal chimney:

  • Fill the chimney: put the coal in the chimney, filling it to the top;
  • Light the charcoal: Place a crumpled piece of paper at the bottom of the chimney and light it. The fire will rise through the coal, heating it quickly;
  • Pour in the charcoal: When the charcoal is covered with white ash, pour it onto the grill grate and place the cooking grate on top.

The charcoal chimney is an effective tool that saves time and helps ensure an even fire on your grill.

How to light a barbecue using firewood

If you prefer a smoky flavor in your meats, using wood in the cooking process how to light a barbecue It's an excellent technique. Follow these steps:

  • Prepare the firewood: divide the firewood into small pieces and place it on the barbecue grill;
  • Light the firewood: use a lighter or paper to light up firewood. As the wood burns, it will produce embers that can be used for grilling;
  • Wait for the coals: Wait until the coals are hot and ready to grill. This may take a little longer than charcoal techniques, but the smoky flavor will make up for it.

In short, how to light the barbecue It can be a simple task when you know the right techniques. You can choose between using charcoal, firewood, a charcoal chimney, or even opt for a gas or electric grill, depending on your preferences and needs. 

See also our tips for how to clean silver!