How to Use a Chimney Starter
Do you love barbecuing, but you hate the process of starting the fire? I hate the taste left on grilled meat when you use lighter fluid to light your grill, which has forced me to find an alternative quick and hassle-free method of lighting charcoal. And since I started using a chimney starter for bbq, barbecuing has become my favorite way of cooking my summer dinners.
Starting a Charcoal Bbq With a Chimney Starter
What You Need
- Kindling agent
- Lighter cubes (optional)
- Good Quality Charcoal
- Chimney starter
- Matches or lighter
Place the lighter cubes or kindling agent on your grill and light them. Then place your chimney starter over the fire source and fill it with charcoal. Then wait for the fire to get started. Once the coals are red hot, pick up the Bbq chimney flue and pour the burning coal on your grill as you wish.
Then add charcoal on top of the hot coals is you need a bigger fire. You can place the kindling agent in the chimney starter directly beneath the charcoal instead of on the grill if you wish. Either method will work just fine.
If you do not have a chimney starter, you can use a metal piece with air holes that have been rolled in a cylindrical shape. But most chimney starter coast less than $20. So getting one is worth it.
How Long Does A Chimney Starter Take To Light Charcoal?
On average, it takes roughly 15-20 minutes to get a fire going with a chimney starter. This is dependent on the wind conditions, type of charcoal being used, and the kind of kindling agent used.
If you are impatient and would like to hasten the process, you can use lighter fluid and whether you used lighter fluid to expedite the process. In essence, a chimney starter is meant to replace the use of lighter fluid as a fast way to start a charcoal grill.
How Do I Know If My Chimney Starter Is Ready?
The charcoal will begin to burn and turn ashy. A flame will also start going, and the area surrounding the chimney starter will feel warm. It would be best if you did not touch the chimney once the fire is lit.
Do You Need Lighter Fluid With A Chimney Starter?
No. all you need is a fire kindling agent such as dry grass or newspapers beneath the charcoal, and you are good to go. This is not to say that you cannot use lighter fluid. But it is not a necessity.
Check this too: How To Light a Charcoal Grill Without Lighter Fluid
If you aim to avoid the risk of messing up the flavor of your grilled meat and vegetables, you would be better off avoiding lighter fluid. A chimney started can get you fire started just as fast as lighter fluid.
In summary, you need to invest in a good chimney starter. This will go a long way in ensuring you can get your charcoal grill started without using lighter fluid. You can also use fatwood chips, or an electric fire started together with the kindling agent to hasten the process. It will also reduce the risk of the fire dying out, but it would be overkill.