Best way to light charcoal!

How to Light a Charcoal Chimney by James Lindley

Here is a great how-to article from a previous guest writer James Lindley. It's his take on how to light charcoal and he hits it dead on! Charcoal should be started from a charcoal chimney. I added the photo's following his tips.

James Lindley:The best method for lighting charcoal or wood for grilling or smoke is to use a chimney. I recommend getting one of the heavier models such as the one pictured because the heat guard between the chimney and handle will protect your hand more, and it will not wear out quickly. And yes, the more cheaply made ones do wear out.

This one also has a bail to assist carrying and pouring. I use old newspapers and advertisements printed on newsprint (the thin non-shiny paper) dampened with a little vegetable oil. The oil makes the paper act as a wick, burning slower than by itself so that the wood or charcoal catches fire before the paper is burned.

I place this in the cavity in the bottom of the chimney, place the chimney on a grate or other fireproof surface, then light.

I used the same method of lighting the wood that I used for charcoal. When using charcoal, place the amount of coals you will be using in the chimney. When using wood, place kindling, which for those of you who haven't built campfires is small pieces of wood that will catch fire easily, into the chimney.

In the case of wood, you can pour it CAREFULLY into the firebox once it is about half burned. This will ensure it will get the rest of your wood burning. In the case of charcoal, wait until all the coals are white before pouring into your grill.