Lighting briquettes for your barbecue is straightforward when you use a briquette starter, also known as a chimney starter. This method helps get your coals hot quickly and evenly without the need for lighter fluid.
Here's how to light your briquettes using this effective tool, based on common practice and the steps provided:
Step-by-Step Guide to Lighting Briquettes
Using a briquette starter is a simple process that directs heat upwards, getting your coals ready for grilling efficiently. Follow these steps carefully:
- Fill the Starter: Begin by preparing your briquette starter. You should fill the briquette starter three-quarters full with briquettes or charcoal. This amount is typically sufficient for most standard grilling sessions.
- Prepare the Base: In your barbecue, you'll need a heat source to ignite the coals in the starter. Place a few lighter cubes in the barbecue and light them. These cubes will provide the initial flame needed. You could also use crumpled newspaper or other suitable firestarters.
- Position the Starter: Once the lighter cubes are lit, place the briquette starter on the blocks. The reference implies placing the starter directly over the lit firestarters, often on the grill grate or a designated support within the barbecue, allowing the flames to reach the bottom of the starter.
- Wait for Readiness: Now, it's a matter of patience. Wait until the coals or briquettes are red-hot. You'll see flames rising through the top of the starter, and the briquettes at the top should start to look grey and ashy, indicating they are fully lit. This usually takes 15-20 minutes.
- Transfer the Coals: Once the briquettes are ready and glowing red, it's time to transfer them. Ladle them into the barbecue. This means carefully pouring the hot, lit coals from the starter into the base of your barbecue or onto the charcoal grate. Distribute them as needed for direct or indirect grilling.
Following these steps ensures you have a perfectly lit batch of coals ready for cooking.
Tips for Success
- Full Ignition: Ensure most of the briquettes, especially those at the top, are covered in grey ash before transferring. This means they are fully lit and will maintain heat longer.
- Heat Resistant Gloves: Always use heat-resistant gloves when handling a hot briquette starter.
- Stable Surface: Place the starter on a stable, non-combustible surface while it's heating up.
- Distribution: Once transferred, use tongs to arrange the coals for your desired cooking method (e.g., a single layer for direct heat, or piled to one side for indirect heat).
Safety Considerations
Handling hot coals and a chimney starter requires caution:
- Keep children and pets away from the grill area.
- Never use lighter fluid on coals that are already in the starter or lit.
- Ensure the barbecue is on a stable, level surface away from flammable materials.
- Have a fire extinguisher or water source nearby in case of flare-ups.
- Dispose of spent coals safely once they are completely cool.
Using a briquette starter is a safe and efficient way to prepare your barbecue coals, leading to better cooking results.
