Starting charcoal has always been a pain and one of the biggest reasons people turn to gas as opposed to charcoal grills. Using lighter fluid, paraffin wax cubes, presoaked charcoal briquettes and other methods which impart their foul flavor into the charcoal is unnecessary.

In my opinion the simplest and cleanest method to light them coals is to use a chimney starter (cost under $15).

How to Use a Chimney Charcoal Starter:

• Place old newspaper in the bottom compartment. TIP: I use pieces of the charcoal bag, tear a small piece from the top of the bag, then separate the layers. (see pictures below)
• Place on the grill for other safe area away from combustibles.
• Fill chimney with you favorite brand charcoal lump or briquettes.
• Ignite the paper underneath with a match or lighter. TIP: I use a Bernzomatic Auto Torch as a convenient alternative to a lighter. Its has been my favorite time saving products and I am still using the first bottle of propane.
• Wait 10-15 minutes until the top layer of charcoal begins to turn white.
• Pour in the grill or the smoker and enjoy the flavor of real wood.

I hope that helps.

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