How to Light Charcoal in an Outdoor BBQ Grill

Make sure the charcoal you are planning to use in your outdoor BBQ grill is 100 percent dry. Wet charcoal will produce smoke, increase the risk of fires and make the cooking and lighting process much more difficult.

Place the charcoal on your BBQ grill. Make sure you have enough to cover the full base of the grill or to create two even piles (if you are cooking with indirect heat). If you are cooking a large quantity of meat or several types of food (corn, veggies and meat, for example), light enough charcoal so you can distribute it into different piles later on.

Start by creating a small pile of charcoal in the center of the grill. Try to make sure all the charcoal is piled up together, or you run the risk of missing some coals, which can result in uneven cooking and heat.

Pour lighter fluid over the coals and wait a few seconds for it to be absorbed. This will allow for more even heating and prevent flare-ups later on.

Light the charcoal and let it burn for at least 20 minutes before placing the food on the grill. Depending on the amount of charcoal, the weather and the size of your grill, it may take up to an hour for the charcoal to become white/ashy enough to be ready for cooking.