Few things beat the flavor of food cooked over charcoal, but figuring out how to light a charcoal grill can be confusing if you've never done it before. There are several ways to get those coals burning, and some methods are quicker, cleaner, or more beginner-friendly than others.
In this guide, we'll break down five solid techniques, from chimney starters to fire starter cubes, so you can choose what works best for your setup and comfort level. We'll explain each method step-by-step, share tips to help you avoid common mistakes, and make sure you're set up for a smooth grilling experience right from the start.
Top 5 Ways to Light a Charcoal Grill
When deciding between a gas vs charcoal grill, charcoal is often a top choice because of the flavor it provides. But, lighting a charcoal grill takes a little bit more effort than knowing how to turn on a gas grill. Here are the top five methods we recommend:
Method 1: Charcoal Chimney Starter (Our Go‑To Choice)
This is one of the fastest and most reliable methods we use and recommend when learning how to start a charcoal grill. It's clean, quick, and keeps chemical flavors out of your food.
Start by clearing out any old ash or leftover charcoal from the bottom of your grill. This helps improve airflow and makes lighting easier.
Grab a charcoal chimney starter and stuff a couple of loosely crumpled butcher paper sheets into the bottom chamber. If you have fire starter cubes or tumbleweed starters, those work great too. They're more consistent than paper and burn a little longer.
Next, fill the top section of the chimney with your charcoal. Briquettes work well for steady, even heat. If you prefer hotter and more natural burning, go with lump charcoal.
Set the chimney directly on your charcoal grate. Then light the paper or cube through the holes near the bottom. As the flames rise, they'll ignite the coals from the bottom up, giving you a nice, even burn.
Wait about 10 to 20 minutes. You'll know the coals are ready when the top layer is covered in gray ash and glowing underneath.
Using heat-resistant BBQ gloves, carefully pour the hot coals onto your grill's charcoal grate. Spread them depending on your cooking setup, then place the cooking grate back on. Close the lid and give it 5 to 10 minutes to preheat.
This method is easy to control, doesn't involve chemicals, and delivers steady heat. Once you get the hang of it, it's hard to go back to anything else.
Method 2: Butcher Paper (No Chimney Option)
If you don't have a chimney starter, no problem. This method uses nothing but charcoal, butcher paper, and a little patience.
Start by cleaning out the bottom grate of your grill. Good airflow is important here.
Next, build a small pyramid of charcoal in the center of your charcoal grate. Leave a bit of space in the middle of the mound to help the fire spread more easily.
Now crumple up some butcher paper and tuck it into the gaps near the base of the pyramid. Make sure it's dry. Some folks add a little cooking oil to the paper, which helps it burn longer and catch the charcoal more effectively.
Light the paper in a few different spots and keep the grill lid open. Airflow will help the flames grow and reach the surrounding coals.
This method can take a bit longer, usually about 20 to 30 minutes. If the flames go out before the coals catch, just add more paper and try again. You might need to fan it gently to give the fire a little boost.
Once the coals are glowing and have a thin layer of gray ash, you're good to go.
It's slower and messier than using a chimney, but if you're working with just the basics, it still gets the job done.
Method 3: Lighter Fluid (Use With Caution)
This method is familiar to a lot of people, and it works, but it comes with a few important warnings. If you decide to use lighter fluid, do it safely and sparingly. NOTE: We do not recommend using this option to light charcoal.
Start by stacking your charcoal into a pyramid shape. This helps the fire climb and catch evenly.
Carefully pour about 1/4 cup of lighter fluid over the coals. You want light, even coverage. Don't go overboard. Let the fluid soak into the charcoal for about 30 seconds.
Then light it right away using a long-handled lighter or a match. Always light it from the side and step back to avoid flare-ups.
Keep the lid open and let the flames burn until the coals are covered in gray ash. This usually takes about 10 to 15 minutes.
Now here's the most important part. Never, under any circumstance, add more lighter fluid to coals that are already lit. The flame can travel up the stream and cause serious injury.
We don't use this method much ourselves because the fluid can leave a chemical taste, and it's not the safest option. But if it's all you've got, it will get the coals going, as long as you use it properly and let the fluid burn off before you start cooking.
Method 4: Natural Fire Starter Cubes or Sticks
This method is great if you want a clean burn without any lighter fluid or mess. Fire starter cubes or sticks are small, reliable, and easy to store with your grilling gear. Most are made from paraffin, compressed wood fiber, or natural wax. They're odorless, fast-burning, and won't mess with the flavor of your food.
To start, clear out old ash and make sure your grill has proper airflow. Then place one or two fire starter cubes directly on the charcoal grate. If you're using sticks, break them in half if needed and position them so they're evenly spaced under the charcoal.
Next, stack your charcoal in a mound or pyramid over and around the fire starters. Don't smother them. Leave a little breathing room so the flame can spread.
Light the cubes or sticks with a long match or grill lighter. Keep the lid open while the fire starters do their thing. You'll see the flames gradually move up into the charcoal. It typically takes about 10 to 15 minutes for the coals to ash over and glow red.
One of the best parts about this method is how consistent it is. The starters burn hot enough to light the charcoal without needing paper or fluid, and they're safer than open flames since there's no flare-up risk.
It's an excellent option for beginners or anyone who just wants a no-fuss way to get their grill ready. Plus, it works just as well in a fire pit or campfire, so it's a handy item to keep in your BBQ supply stash.
Method 5: Electric Charcoal Starter
If you want a plug-and-play method with zero flames or chemicals, an electric charcoal starter is a smart choice. It's especially useful if you grill often and want to skip matches, paper, or fuel.
Start by piling your charcoal into a mound on the grill's charcoal grate. Make sure there's good contact between the coals and the heating element.
Now insert the electric starter into the center of the pile. Most models have a looped metal heating element that you simply wedge into the coals. Plug it into a grounded outdoor outlet, flip the switch if it has one, and let it sit for about 8 to 10 minutes.
You'll start to see the coals near the element glowing red. That's your cue to unplug it and carefully remove the starter using heat-resistant gloves. Set it aside on a fireproof surface to cool down.
At this point, leave the lid open and let the surrounding coals catch. Give them another 10 minutes or so to fully ash over. Once they're glowing and ashed, spread them out, and you're ready to cook.
Electric starters are a solid option if you want consistency and don't want to deal with lighter fluid or messy paper. The only downside is that you need access to an outlet, so this method works best for backyard grilling rather than portable setups.
It's clean, efficient, and once you've used it a few times, you'll appreciate how simple it makes the whole process.
Conclusion
Now that you've got a clear handle on how to light a charcoal grill, the rest is all about picking the method that suits your setup and comfort level. Chimney starters are fast and chemical-free, butcher paper works in a pinch, lighter fluid gets the job done with caution, and both fire starter cubes and electric starters offer clean, consistent results.
No matter which approach you go with, proper airflow, patience, and knowing when your coals are ready make all the difference. Ready to gear up? Grab your chimney starter, fire cubes, or electric igniter from DDR BBQ Supply and light your grill with confidence.
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