Charcoal Lighting Tips

[pbandrb]

Propane Torch does the trick

[Phenom]

That's pretty slick.

I just use a chimney. I put a page or three from a newspaper in the bottom and coals on top. Light the paper and it's a done deal. Then after grilling I pour the left over hot coals in the fire pit and layer my smaller wood over it. My campfire pretty much lights itself.

[Wobbles]

Originally Posted by pbandrb

Propane Torch does the trick

So, you are in a hurry and you are cooking with charcoal?

I carry that torch but not for cooking...

[pbandrb]

Originally Posted by Phenom

That's pretty slick.

I just use a chimney. I put a page or three from a newspaper in the bottom and coals on top. Light the paper and it's a done deal. Then after grilling I pour the left over hot coals in the fire pit and layer my smaller wood over it. My campfire pretty much lights itself.

Chimney works as well but i did not have one with us

[pbandrb]

Originally Posted by Wobbles

So, you are in a hurry and you are cooking with charcoal?

I carry that torch but not for cooking...

the no lighter fluid taste is better, but don't tell DW in a hurry, she asked me is that SAFE

[PamJohnZephyr]

What's a newspaper?

[Jmkjr72]

Put a small propane burner under your chimney and it will get going even faster. I did a lot of cooking at large events and we always had burners running under the chimneys to keep us going with hot coals for what ever we needed dutch ovens or grills

[aceinspp]

I use a chimney and then use two cubes of Weber starter. Works great . No more using Charcoal lighter fluid. Later RJD

[SailorSam20500]

I've often started camp fires the same way..

A favorite story about a buddy of mine:

Before I start, let me say that the main character has been an active scout leader for years. All three of his boys made Eagle. So, they SHOULD have lit a camp fire or two over the years...

Anyway, the oldest son decided to have a big party with several other guys that he was renting a house with. They are out in the country - so little worry about ticking off the neighbors. This is early fall, so it was getting a bit cool in the evening. The day before, they piled up a big pile of wood for what was to be a bon-fire. That night and the next day, it rained...
So, when they go to light the fire, it doesn't. Then my buddy takes control (under the watchful eye of his 3 Eagle scouts). Dumps a quart or so of gasoline onto the pile of wood. Puts the gas can down well away from the pile of wood then walks back and tosses a match into the woodpile.

WHOOOSHHHH!!! The fumes from the gas had spread out around the file to a distance of about 10 feet! Flames singed his ankles!
His wife about had a heart attack!

Needless to say, I will never let him live it down!

[OLDNAVY]

Originally Posted by pbandrb

Propane Torch does the trick

I use a chimney with 2-3 Fritos or Doritos. Can also use toilet paper core with oiled cotton balls, or dryer lint

[tuckerdog1]

I put vegetable oil on a couple paper towels. Put them in the BBQ ( leave a bit exposed so you can get a match to it ). Pile on the charcoal & light the paper towels.

Tuckerdog1

[Kenz]

I use an electric charcoal starter. Basically an electric element that you pile charcoal on it, plug it in, 5 minutes later the charcoal is lit.

[Sewgratefulquilts]

I pour rubbing alcohol over cotton balls at home. Seal them up and then at when needing to light the charcoal, tuck a few under the charcoal. Gives a long enough burn for the charcoal to light.

[pbandrb]

Originally Posted by Sewgratefulquilts

I pour rubbing alcohol over cotton balls at home. Seal them up and then at when needing to light the charcoal, tuck a few under the charcoal. Gives a long enough burn for the charcoal to light.

That is a good idea