Picture this: It’s a sunny day in summer, and you’ve asked your pals over for a backyard cookout. You’ve readied the burgers, chopped up the veggies, and got cold drinks waiting. But, uh-oh, as you step out to start the grill, you realize you’re fresh out of lighter fluid.
Panic creeps in – how will you get the charcoal burning without it? Don’t worry! Here’s the tips for you:
- Load the charcoal chimney with charcoal,
- light it up using newspaper or lighter cubes,
- let it heat up for about 15 minutes,
- then pour the hot coals into the grill and start cooking!
Today, we’ll show you how to use a charcoal chimney to light up your grill and save your barbecue plans.
What is a Charcoal Chimney?
Think of a metal cylinder with a grate at the bottom. That’s your charcoal chimney! Fill the top with charcoal, light a fire underneath the grate, and the “chimney effect” helps the heat rise, lighting all the coals evenly.
No more messy lighter fluid, and no more waiting for the coals to catch fire!
Check Out the Whole Process of Using a Charcoal Chimney
Before getting into the details of how to use a charcoal chimney, first, gather the required tool, which is a Chimney starter.
Now, carefully observe the process in the below section.
Get Your Hands on a Chimney Starter
First things first, you’ll need a charcoal chimney starter. It’s a metal tube with a grate at the bottom to hold the charcoal. You can buy one from your local hardware store, or if you’re feeling crafty, you can even make one yourself.
Just make sure it’s the right size for the amount of charcoal you’ll be using.
Load Up the Charcoal
Once you have your charcoal chimney, it’s time to load it up with charcoal briquettes. Fill it to the top, but don’t worry about overdoing it. The grate at the bottom will keep the charcoal in place.
Know that —
- The grate or mesh in the chimney keeps the charcoal from falling out. It bends upward, forming a small pile of charcoal inside.
- You don’t have to fill the chimney all the way. Just use the amount of charcoal you usually use for grilling. How much briquettes you use depends on how hot you want your grill.
- Fill it up for high heat, halfway for medium heat, and a quarter for low and slow cooking.
- Also, make sure the grate is not loose or weak by checking it carefully.
Choose Your Combustible
Some folks like to use special lightercubes or other ready-to-burn things. You put these in the middle of your grill and light them. (Regular candles won’t work because they’re not strong enough.)
Others like to crumple up newspaper and put it in the bottom of the chimney. They light the edges of the newspaper. It’s a cheaper way, but you need to practice so you don’t put too much and block the air.
- Don’t pack it in too tight – it’s important to let air move through. Keep a few strips hanging outside the grate to make it easier to light.
Let It Heat Up
Put your chimney starter in the middle of the grill with the fire starter lit. Keep an eye on it at the start to make sure it stays lit.
After a few minutes, you’ll see the charcoal catching fire and getting warm. If it’s raining, cover the top to protect it, but make sure smoke can still get out.
It takes around 15 to 20 minutes for the coals to be completely lit. You’ll see a gray ash covering most of them when they’re ready.
- Don’t ever use lighter fluid with a chimney starter. Instead, use a long lighter to light the hanging newspaper strips from the bottom. This makes a safe flame that moves up and lights the charcoal nicely.
Transfer the Coals to the Grill
Once your charcoal is glowing red and ready to go, lift the chimney by the handle and put it over the grill’s charcoal grate. Pour the coals slowly to spread them out evenly.
Wear grilling gloves and watch for sparks. You can also use a heat-resistant mat under the chimney to protect your patio.
Once all the coals are in the grill, close the lid and let it heat up for another 10 minutes or so.
Start Grilling
Congratulations! You’ve successfully lit your charcoal using a chimney starter. Now it’s time to get cooking. Adjust the grill as needed, place your food on the grate, and let the delicious aromas fill the air.
Besides, you can check out a video guide on how to use a chimney starter to light charcoal.
Extra Tips for the Peak Performance
Check out these helpful tips for better grilling:
- Weather Conditions: Windy weather can change how long it takes to light the coals. If it’s breezy, you might need to protect the chimney to make sure the coals burn evenly.
- Choose the Right Size: Pick a chimney that fits your grill well. Using a small one for a big grill means you might have to light more batches, which takes longer.
- Keep it Clean: After using the chimney, make sure to empty any ash left inside. This stops it from building up and keeps the airflow good for your next grilling session.
Besides, do you know what kills mold spores in the air? Give our informative blog a thorough read to learn.
Wrapping Up
Using a charcoal chimney makes grilling easy. Now, impress your loved ones with your new skills. You’re all set to become a pro at How to Use a Charcoal Chimney. Enjoy grilling!
Oh, if your chimney smells like smoke or you’re having trouble with your fireplace, it’s time for professional chimney cleaning. With Steam Express, you’ll get expert service to remove soot, blockages, and fire hazards, ensuring a safe and cozy fireplace experience. Schedule now for 24 years of reliable chimney care in Houston, TX!
FAQs
How to use a charcoal chimney starter?
Put charcoal in the chimney and light crumpled newspaper under it. Wait for 15-20 mins for gray coals, then grill.
Can I use lighter cubes instead of newspaper in a charcoal chimney?
While lighter cubes are technically an option, it’s generally not recommended. They can impart a chemical flavor to your food, and some may not light as consistently as newspapers. Stick to the natural approach for the best results.
Is there a faster way to light the coals in a chimney?
While the 15-20 minute wait might seem long, using a chimney starter is already a much faster method than traditional lighter fluid approaches. However, for a slight time boost, you can preheat your grill on low while the coals are lighting in the chimney.
What if some coals aren’t fully lit after 20 minutes?
It’s normal for a few coals on the edges to take slightly longer. Simply transfer the mostly lit coals to the grill and arrange them so the unlit ones are exposed to the heat. They’ll quickly catch up.
Can I reuse leftover coals from the chimney for the next grilling session?
Yes, you can! You can store unlit coals in an airtight container for later use. However, discard any fully extinguished coals or ash, as they won’t reignite easily.
What type of charcoal is best for a chimney starter?
Most charcoal briquettes work well in a chimney. But bigger lumps might take longer to light because they’re uneven. If you like, use a chimney starter made for lump charcoal.
How do I clean a charcoal chimney?
After each use, let the chimney cool completely. Then, empty the leftover ash and any unlit coals. You can wipe down the inside with a damp cloth if necessary. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners.
