Key Takeaways -

• Ensure proper airflow and use high-quality, dry charcoal for consistent grilling.
• Store charcoal in a cool, dry place to prevent moisture absorption.
• Use just enough lighter fluid or a chimney starter for safe and effective lighting.
• Clean grill grates and control airflow to maintain steady heat and optimal cooking conditions.

Do you enjoy grilling with charcoal briquettes? Properly lit briquettes are crucial for a great barbecue, providing consistent heat and better flavour. Many grill enthusiasts face common issues like briquettes that won't stay lit or don't get hot enough.

We will explain why it's important to keep your coals burning well and look at common problems, such as poor airflow and incorrect lighting techniques, that can frustrate grilling.

Whether you're an experienced griller or just starting out, keeping your charcoal briquettes lit is essential for a successful barbecue. Read on to learn simple tips and solutions to keep your charcoal grill going strong.

Reasons Why Charcoal Briquettes Won't Stay Lit

If you're wondering, why do my coals keep going out or why won't my charcoal stay lit?, here are some common reasons that might be the culprit.

Insufficient Airflow

Airflow is crucial for combustion, as charcoal needs oxygen to burn. Without enough airflow, briquettes will struggle to stay lit. Common mistakes include closed or blocked vents and overcrowding the grill with too many briquettes.

To ensure proper airflow, always keep the vents open and arrange the briquettes to allow space between them for air to circulate.

Poor Quality Charcoal

High-quality charcoal burns hotter and lasts longer than low-quality charcoal. Good briquettes are dense, uniform in size, and free from fillers. To identify quality charcoal, look for well-known brands and check for a consistent, smooth surface without cracks or excessive dust (1).

Moisture in Charcoal

Moisture hinders charcoal ignition and burning. Damp briquettes take longer to light and produce less heat. To keep charcoal dry, store it in a cool, dry place, preferably in an airtight container or bag. Avoid leaving the bag open or storing it in humid areas.

Incorrect Lighting Technique

Improper lighting can prevent charcoal from staying lit. Common mistakes include using too much or too little lighter fluid and not allowing enough time for the briquettes to catch fire.

To light charcoal correctly, stack the briquettes in a pyramid shape and apply a small amount of lighter fluid and light from the bottom. Wait until the briquettes are covered in white ash before spreading them out.

10 Easy Tips to Keep Your Charcoal Grill Lit

When lighting charcoal, follow these simple tips to ensure your charcoal grill stay lit.

Tip 1: Ensure Proper Airflow

Check and clean air vents regularly to ensure they are not blocked by ash or debris. Airflow is essential to keep the charcoal lit, so open all vents fully.

Arrange the briquettes with space between them to allow air to circulate, promoting a steady burn and preventing the coals from smothering. If needed, fan the coals with cardboard to increase airflow.

Tip 2: Use Quality Charcoal

Invest in high-quality charcoal from reputable brands like Kingsford or Royal Oak. High-quality coals burn hotter, longer, and more consistently than cheaper alternatives. Look for dense, uniform briquettes with a smooth surface.

You can find them at most hardware stores, online retailers, or specialty barbecue shops. Using quality charcoal can significantly improve your grilling experience.

Tip 3: Store Charcoal Properly

Store charcoal in a cool, dry place to prevent moisture absorption, making lighting difficult. Use airtight containers or heavy-duty bags to keep out humidity and moisture. Avoid storing charcoal in damp areas, such as basements or outdoor sheds, without proper sealing.

Proper storage ensures that your charcoal stays dry and ready to use, smoothing your grilling process.

Tip 4: Use the Right Amount of Lighter Fluid

Use just enough lighter fluid to coat the briquettes lightly. Too much can cause dangerous flare-ups, while too little may not ignite the charcoal properly. Alternatively, consider using natural fire starters or an electric charcoal starter for a cleaner, safer option.

These alternatives can help you achieve a steady, controlled burn without the harsh chemicals found in lighter fluid.

Tip 5: Allow Charcoal to Heat Up

Let the charcoal heat up for at least 15-20 minutes before cooking. The briquettes are ready when they are covered in white ash and glowing red underneath. This waiting period ensures a consistent cooking temperature and prevents food from sticking to the grill.

Patience is key to achieving the best results and enhancing the flavours of your grilled food.

Tip 6: Arrange Charcoal Correctly

Arrange briquettes in a pyramid or a two-zone method for optimal heat distribution. The pyramid helps with initial lighting, providing a central point of ignition. The two-zone method creates areas of direct and indirect heat, perfect for different grilling techniques.

Experiment with these configurations to find what works best for your cooking style and the types of food you grill.

Tip 7: Maintain Clean Grill Grates

Clean grill grates before and after each use to ensure proper airflow and prevent food from sticking. Use a wire brush or grill scraper to remove debris and buildup. Regular cleaning not only improves airflow but also helps achieve better grill marks and enhances the flavour of your food.

A clean grill is essential for maintaining consistent heat and preventing flare-ups.

Tip 8: Control the Weather

Be mindful of weather conditions when grilling. Wind can increase oxygen flow, causing the coals to burn faster, while rain and humidity can dampen the briquettes. Use a grill cover or windbreak to protect the coals and maintain a steady temperature.

Grilling in different weather conditions requires adjustments, but with the right precautions, you can achieve great results regardless of the weather.

Tip 9: Reignite Unlit Briquettes

If some briquettes go out, rearrange them to expose them to more airflow and use a grill fan or blow on them gently to reignite. You can also add new, lit briquettes or use a charcoal chimney to reignite partially burned ones.

Keep a close eye on the grill and adjust to maintain a consistent heat level throughout your cooking process.

Tip 10: Use a Chimney Starter

A chimney starter is an efficient way to light charcoal without requiring lighter fluid. Fill the chimney with briquettes, place crumpled newspaper or a fire starter under it, and light. The chimney's design promotes airflow, quickly getting the charcoal burning.

Once the top briquettes are covered in ash, pour them into the grill. Using a chimney starter ensures a quick and even ignition, making the grilling process easier and more reliable.

How to Prevent Common Issues

Why Is My Charcoal Not Turning Grey?

Charcoal that doesn't turn grey may not be fully lit. Ensure you're using enough lighter fluid or a proper starter, and give it sufficient time to catch fire. Arrange the briquettes in a charcoal pile or pyramid shape to promote better airflow. If the charcoal is damp, it will struggle to ignite properly.

Store your charcoal in a dry place and seal it until ready to use. Waiting until the charcoal is fully ash-covered before cooking ensures consistent heat and better grilling results.

Why Is My Charcoal Burning Too Fast?

Charcoal burning too fast can result from excessive airflow. Make sure the vents on your charcoal grills are not fully open—adjust them to control the oxygen supply. High-quality, dense briquettes tend to burn longer than cheaper, less dense ones.

Arranging the briquettes tightly can help reduce the burn rate. Also, avoid using too much lighter fluid, which can cause a rapid, intense burn. Balancing airflow and using quality charcoal will help maintain a steady, slow burn.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use the Same Tips for Lump Charcoal That Won't Light?

Yes, many of the same tips for lighting briquettes also apply to lump charcoal. Ensure proper airflow, use quality charcoal, and store it in a dry place. Lump charcoal may ignite faster but also burns hotter and faster, so adjust the amount and arrangement accordingly.

What Do I Do If My Gas Grill Doesn't Light Up?

If your gas grill doesn't light up, first check that the gas tank is full and the valve is open. Ensure the burner knobs are turned off, and then carefully inspect the igniter and gas lines for any blockages or damage. If the igniter still doesn't work, try lighting the grill manually using a long match or lighter.

What Types of Food Require More Charcoal Than Others?

Foods that need higher heat or longer cooking times, like thick cuts of meat, whole chicken, or slow-cooked ribs, require more charcoal.

Cooking methods such as smoking or indirect grilling also demand more charcoal to maintain a consistent temperature over extended periods. Adjust the amount of charcoal based on the type and quantity of food being grilled.

Is Using Wet Charcoal Safe?

Using wet charcoal is unsafe as it can produce excessive smoke and be difficult to light. Wet charcoal may also contain moisture, leading to uneven burning and lower cooking temperatures. Always ensure your charcoal is dry before using it for the best and safest grilling results.

Can I Use a Mixture of Lump Charcoal and Briquettes?

Yes, you can use a mixture of lump charcoal and briquettes. Combining both can give you the high heat and quick lighting of lump charcoal with the longer, steady burn of briquettes. This mix can be beneficial for achieving consistent cooking temperatures and better flavour.

Can I Reuse Partially Burned Charcoal?

Yes, you can reuse partially burned charcoal. Simply mix the remaining pieces with fresh charcoal before lighting your grill. Reusing charcoal is a cost-effective and efficient way to maximise your grilling resources.

Conclusion

Properly lighting and maintaining your charcoal briquettes is essential for a successful grilling experience. Understanding common issues like insufficient airflow, poor-quality charcoal, moisture, and incorrect lighting techniques can prevent many common problems.

Applying practical tips such as ensuring proper airflow, using high-quality charcoal, storing it correctly, and using the right amount of lighter fluid will help keep your briquettes lit and your grill ready for cooking.

Experiment with these methods to find what works best for you, ensuring consistently delicious results every time you grill.

Sources -

1. https://www.businessinsider.com/guides/kitchen/how-to-start-a-charcoal-grill