The most difficult task one could experience in starting a barbecue is lighting the heat source, especially if you will be using charcoals. But one can be thankful for the invention of chimney barbecue starters that can now easily start the fire of the barbecue grill and make the work easier without a sweat! A chimney charcoal starter is a long metal cylinder with air vents and a large insulated handle. It also has a shelf-like part inside that holds the charcoal or brisquette in place. Chimney charcoal starters can easily fire up your coals in a fastest and non-toxic way. Here are few guides on how to light charcoal with a chimney starter.
Light Charcoal with a Chimney Starter
Tip 1: Consider the Location.
Look for a good location where you can set up and light you charcoal chimney starter. Be sure it is away from any flammable materials. If the grill is big enough to hold the size of the chimney, you can set it up directly on the grate of the grill.
Tip 2: Place the starter in the right position.
Position the chimney starter upside down and get some old newspaper sheets and form a donut shape at the bottom of the chimney. This is to allow some air in the middle. Another way to do it is to crumple 2 to 3 newspaper sheets (depending on the size of your chimney starter) and push them down at the bottom of the chimney. Remember, fire needs air so don’t pack them too tightly because doing so will restrict the air that gets to your paper thus making it hard to ignite the sheets.
Tip 3: Place the charcoal in the chimney.
Put the chimney starters with charcoal and ignite the papers using long-handled matches through the openings at the bottom of the chimney. If you are so conscious about the toxic derivatives, you can use 100 percent natural charcoals available in the market today like the Wicked Good.
Tip 4: Wait for the coals to light.
As the newspapers are lighted, wait until warm air rises and flame will become a blazing furnace that will light up the coals. Wait until gray ash will appear on the coals. That is the hint that coals are now ready for the grill.
Tip 5: Transfer the coals into the grill.
Transfer the coals into the grill using a long-handled tong or if the chimney is already set on the grill, remove the grates from the grill, pour it over and spread the hot coals into the grill. Use barbecue mitts in doing this. Place the grill grate back into the grill and close the lid to give time for the grill to heat up before you start cooking.
All charcoal chimney starters basically have the same configuration, they only differ in size. You can find charcoal chimney starters anywhere from specialty grill stores to barbecue shops. These are safer and healthy to use because you don’t need to use a lighter liquid or any chemicals to light it up.
Chimney barbecue starters are also reusable and will not cost you too much, and for as long as you know how to take care of it, it will last a long time. Don’t let barbecuing give you a hard time. With a chimney starter on hand and the easy guides above, your barbecue day with family and friends will always be a fun event that you can all anticipate.
