Use a chimney starter
One of the easiest and most effective methods to light a charcoal BBQ without lighter fluid is by using a chimney starter. This cylindrical metal container has a place to pour the charcoal on top and a handle to hold while lighting the bottom. Place crumpled newspaper at the bottom of the chimney starter, light it up, and wait until the charcoal is fully lit. Once it’s ready, pour it over the grate and start cooking. This method not only avoids the use of lighter fluid but also ensures an even burn and temperature.
Opt for natural fire starters
If you prefer something more natural than newspaper, you can use organic fire starters such as woodchips, twigs, or kindling. Place them in a pyramid shape, add a few briquettes in the center, and light them up. Once the charcoal is fully lit, spread it out and cook your food. This method requires some patience, but it lessens the chance of chemical odors and taste that lighter fluid may leave.
Use an electric starter
If you don’t want to use fire starters, you can use an electric starter. It’s a metal coil that you place on top of the charcoal, plug into an outlet, and wait for the sparks to ignite the coals. Wait until the charcoal is fully lit and start cooking. This technique is useful when you don’t have a lot of space or don’t want to create too much smoke or ash.
Invest in a propane torch
Another option is to use a propane torch, which is a handheld gas tool that produces a high-intensity flame. Point the flame at the charcoal and wait until it ignites. Once the charcoal is all lit, turn off the torch, and you’re ready to cook. Note that this method may cause some flare-ups or uneven burns, so you need to be careful and use the torch at a distance.
Precook the coals
Lastly, you can precook the coals in a fire pit, stockpot, or stovetop before transferring them to the BBQ. Place the charcoal in a heat-resistant container, light them up, and wait until they are fully lit. Once they are hot, carefully transfer them to the grill and start cooking. This method is time-consuming and requires more preparation, but it ensures a clean burn and fewer chances of flare-ups or uneven temperature.
