How To Start Your Charcoal Grill Easily And Safely

It's getting warmer now, and it's time to bring out your charcoal grill and start cooking outdoors once again. Although we all love the taste of meats and vegetables when they have been cooked over charcoal, for many of us it can be very difficult to get our grills lit. If lighting a charcoal grill was much easier, it is likely that many of us would want to use our grills even more often than we do during the summer months.

For most of us, lighting a charcoal grill involves stacking some charcoal briquettes in a pile, dousing it with a lot of lighter fluid, and then praying that after the initial burst of flames the briquettes will stay lit. However, often it doesn't stay lit, and we have to try to start it again and again.

One huge disadvantage of this method is that the lighter fluid is strong smelling and can even affect the taste and quality of your food. Using lighter fluid the wrong way is very hazardous as well.

You may want to consider using an electric charcoal starter instead. They will allow you to light your charcoal briquettes without relying on any dangerous fuels, but unfortunately you will need to be near an electrical outlet in order to use one.

Yet another great charcoal lighting option that you may want to consider trying out this year are firestarters made from woods like cedar. Not only will you not have to deal with dangerous fuels to start your fire, but firestarters often have a very pleasant aroma and make lighting your charcoal grill a pleasant and easy experience.

To use a firestarter, simply put it directly on your grill and then cover it with charcoal briquettes or wood. Then all you have to do is light it. Your grill will be ready to cook on in no time, as the firestarter will quickly and easily light the charcoal and wood on top of it.

Most firestarters are made from a combination of sawdust and wax, and during use they won't emit any dangerous chemicals or residue. Because a firestarter will usually stay lit for up to thirty minutes, your charcoal is certain to remain lit after using just one match. As with other charcoal lighting methods, you will know that it's time to put your meat on the grill once all the charcoal briquettes have turned ash gray.

Firestarters are really the best choice when it comes to starting your charcoal grill, as they don't rely on dangerous fuels to get your fire lit, nor are they dependent on being near an electrical outlet. When using a firestarter, you will find that starting your grill is such an ease that you will likely want to use it every day. In addition, they have a wonderful scent and they will allow you to know that your grilled foods are safe to eat and don't have any dangeous chemicals influencing their taste.

You could be light charcoal grill or zip fire starter, remember that what is used can impact the results.