lighting charcoal (for bbq)

[AUMM]

im new to bbqing, whats the fastest way to get the coals ready for grilling?? i didnt get the self-lighting ones (chould have), i have the plain ole coals and a bottle of lighter fluid, getting them lit is a pain. any tips????

 

[N8Magic]

Tip: Buy self-igniting charcoal next time.

But seriously, you should be able to get it lit no problem with that lighter fluid. You do realize it takes time to heat up...?

 

[vi edit]

Best thing to do is to allign the charcoal into a cone. Spray on a decent amount of lighter fluid. Now cover the charcoal up and let it sit for a couple minutes to allow the fluid to soak into the charcoal. In a few minutes, come back, take off the lid, spray on a little bit more fluid, stand back, and toss in a match.

WHOOSH!

Should fire right up.

 

[Jzero]

what N8Magic said. Ready-to-light charcoal rules.

Any, just douse them with the lighter fluid and toss in a match or two. It's not safe to squirt more lighter fluid in the grill once it's burning, and I don't recommend it.

Also, realize that the charcoal isn't going to appear as a towering inferno of fire like you might expect. they really don't flame much at all once all the lighter fluid burns off. In bright light it's hard to tell they're lit at all, but they probably are.

When they turn white, start cookin.

 

[JC]

Get a charcoal starter, and you can use any kind of charcoal. It's a vertical can-type gadget, with holes in it...and a handle. You fill it with charcoal, they get goin real fast. When they're ready,
you grab the handle and dump 'em in the 'cue. You can buy these at the local home-fixit place of your choice. (I know Weber makes one)

 

[Hossenfeffer]

Just saw one of those starter cylinder's at the grocery store yesterday.

Can also get the chemical cubes that you stick in with the charcoal. The things, once lit, burn like crazy.

 

[Kelvrick]

Haven't you ever watched simpsons?

Empty lighter fluid into charcoil, empty another bottle of lighter fluid, turn face away and throw in a match.

 

[Jzero]

Notes from survival school:
Cotton balls dipped in Vaseline make decent starters

 

[Cyberian]

<< It's not safe to squirt more lighter fluid in the grill once it's burning, and I don't recommend it. >>

Friend of a friend killed himself this way! Be careful.

 

[heartsurgeon]

i think the record for lighting charcoal and having it ready to cook on is under three seconds -
charcoal's ready!!

you can read about how to do it
here
(scroll down about half way on the page)

great movies of it as well - enjoy!