Grilling 101 | How To Start A Charcoal Grill

Today in this series of grilling 101 we talk about starting the fire on a charcoal grill. Last week I shared the BBQ rub well now let’s get the grill started. 

I usually use a charcoal grill. I do not use a gas grill. And I also like a good smoker. I’m in the process of purchasing a new grill And smoker (another story for another day). But I have a medium sized grill that gets the job done. I also have a Lodge cast iron grill that I have reviewed. Anyway let’s talk starting the fire.

Starting the fire when you start to grill was something I kind of struggled with when I first started. I just couldn’t figure it out. When were the coals ready? When should I put the meat on? Why am I waiting? Is the grill getting hot? What’s happening with the coals? Is it getting hot enough? Those among many were some of the the questions I had (every. Single. Time)! I just couldn’t make it make sense. And no one broke it down in a way that I could understand.

For starters- My husband would always say you have to pyramid the coals. “Pyramid the coals Drea.” And I was like….”Huh?”Then he would say, when you pyramid the Coals they cook out better. Me…Ok. Blank stare.  

Sometimes I would get it right and other times I wouldn’t. Lol But I eventually figured out that I needed some kind of help to get this whole ‘pyramid the coals’ concept right.

As you all know, I’m a (frugal!) product junky. I started to watch these grilling videos and almost everyone had a chimney starter. The price point is fairly consistent. Was this something I needed to get too? Apparently so. After I got one I understood why most grillers have one.

Now, not to launch into a full review of this product (I can review it on another blog) but I love it because 1. I was easily able to start the coals and 2. when the coals come out of the chimney starter- they are already in a pyramid formation. Win win. 

Starting the chimney starter is fairly simple. I pour my coals in the chimney starter. Then I soak it with lighter fluid. I allow it to set for about 5-7 min while the lighter fluid soaks into the coals. I then light with a lighter at the top as well as the bottom. Boom- you have fire.

Once you start your chimney starter you’ll allow the coals to burn in there until they’re white. The reason why is because once the coals are white —  they are at the maximum temperature. 

Once the coals are white- pour your coals into the grill. Now this part can be a little daunting so I also purchased grilling gloves (not mandatory but I like having protection from the heat And fire). 

And now your grill is started.

Check out the video below that shows me starting the chimney starter and pouring the coals on the grill. And for your prep work, make sure to check out my custom rub.

Comment below what you have struggled with in grilling and let me know what you want to learn with grilling.