How to Keep a Charcoal Grill Lit (Reasons and Solutions)

Get ready to level up your charcoal grilling game with this comprehensive guide.

We’ve blended the best tips and tricks from our bbq experts to bring you an engaging and informative piece on keeping your charcoal grill lit.

So, whether you’re a grilling novice or a seasoned pro, we’ve got your back with invaluable advice to ensure your grilling sessions are nothing short of amazing.

Why The Charcoal Doesn’t Stay Lit?

Struggling to keep your charcoal grill lit can be frustrating, but don’t worry!

There are several factors that could be causing the issue, and we’ve gathered tips and tricks from various bbq experts to help you get that perfect fire going.

Let’s dive into the main factors that might be affecting your charcoal grill:

Dry Charcoal:

Ensure that your charcoal is completely dry, as moisture can make it difficult to light and maintain a flame. If your charcoal has been exposed to moisture, try drying it out in the sun for a few hours.

Ventilation:

Fire needs oxygen to burn, so make sure your grill’s vents are open and unblocked. This allows air to circulate and feed the fire. When cooking, adjust the vents to control the temperature inside the grill.

Grill Cleanliness:

A clean grill promotes better airflow and reduces the risk of obstruction. Make it a habit to clean your grill before and after each use, and periodically if it’s not in use for extended periods.

Lid Timing:

If your grill has a lid, avoid closing it too early in the process. Closing the lid before the charcoal is burning evenly can cause the temperature to drop and potentially extinguish the fire.

Quality Charcoal:

Don’t skimp on charcoal quality. Higher-quality charcoal with a higher carbon content will be easier to light and maintain. Consider using natural hardwood charcoal briquettes or lump charcoal for better results.

Charcoal Arrangement:

Properly stacking and arranging your charcoal can make a significant difference in keeping it lit. Create a mound or pyramid shape, allowing for better airflow and more even burning.

Weather Conditions:

Sometimes, factors like humidity can affect your grilling experience. If the weather isn’t cooperating, you might face challenges in maintaining your charcoal grill’s fire.

Keep these factors in mind next time you fire up your charcoal grill, and you’ll be on your way to a successful grilling session.

How to Keep a Charcoal Grill Lit?

Keeping your charcoal grill lit is crucial for a successful grilling session. It’s all about having the right materials, proper lighting techniques, and just a little bit of patience.

Follow these easy steps and tips to maintain those flames and make grilling a breeze.

1. Crumple some newspaper balls (at least five) and place them at the bottom of your grill.
2. Add dry pine needles or wood chips on top of the newspaper.
3. Arrange five charcoal briquettes in a single layer on top of the newspaper and wood chips.
4. Light the paper balls, ensuring that the grill vents are open to allow airflow.
5. Once the initial charcoals have been lit and a decent flame is going, gradually add more charcoals to the grill. Stack them carefully to maintain proper airflow.
6. When you have a nice flame, put your food on the grill and close the lid.

Related >> How to Control Heat on a Charcoal Grill (4 Easy Methods)

Tips for Keeping Your Charcoal Grill Lit:

1. Choose the right charcoal: In humid conditions, use lump charcoal instead of briquettes, as it is less likely to absorb moisture.
2. Use dry wood chips: Soaked wood chips can dampen your charcoal, making it difficult to keep the grill lit. Stick to dry wood chips for consistent heat.
3. Regular cleaning: Ensure the air vents are not clogged by cleaning your grill regularly. Remove ash after each grilling session to maintain proper airflow.
4. Patience is key: Don’t rush to put your food on the grill before the charcoal is ready. Let the charcoals build up a strong flame before starting to cook.

Alternative Fire Starter Methods:

If you’re struggling to keep your grill lit using traditional methods, consider investing in an electric lighter like the Looft lighter.

This handy device uses hot air to light charcoal in just sixty seconds, making it a quick and efficient alternative to traditional fire starters.

Keeping a charcoal grill lit is all about starting with the right materials, maintaining proper airflow, and having a little patience.

You can also watch a video about “How To Light a Grill the Right Way“ below:

Charcoal Grilling FAQs: Your Burning Questions Answered

1. Can I Add More Charcoal While Cooking?

Absolutely! In fact, it’s recommended to add small amounts of charcoal during grilling to maintain a steady temperature.

As coals disintegrate over time, replenishing them in intervals can help you maintain the perfect heat.

2. Should I Pour Water on My Charcoal Grill?

Never pour water directly on hot charcoal, as it can cause the grill to crack and create a hazardous steam cloud.

Cleaning up the ash and water mixture afterward can also be a messy task. Instead, let the coals cool down naturally before disposing of them.

3. Does Closing the Grill Make It Hotter?

Contrary to popular belief, closing the grill doesn’t make it hotter. It actually cools the coals down and lowers the temperature.

This is due to the vents underneath the grill, which provide oxygen to the coals when the lid is open.

Closing the lid slows down the burning process and is perfect for smoking your food at a steady, low temperature.

4. Why Does My Fire Keep Going Out on My Grill?

Insufficient air ventilation is likely the culprit if your fire keeps going out.

Make sure the vents underneath your grill are open and avoid using damp coals or wood. Both of these factors can contribute to a dying fire.

5. How Can I Save Unused Charcoal?

To save unused charcoal, dunk it in a metal basket filled with cold water for 60 seconds using heat-proof gloves and metal tongs.

Allow the charcoal to dry in the sun, and when completely dry, store it in an airtight container for future use.

6. Is It Better to Leave the Grill Open or Closed?

The decision to leave the grill open or closed depends on the type of meat you’re cooking. For thin cuts, keep the lid open for quick, high-temperature grilling.

For larger cuts like brisket or ribs, close the lid to maintain a steady, low temperature for even cooking.

Related >> How To Get Your Charcoal Grill Hotter (8 Tips)

Final Thoughts

Remember, the key elements to grilling success are proper ventilation, patience, and using the right charcoal.

As you continue to practice and experiment, you’ll become a true grill master in no time.

>> Visit our extensive BBQ guides page for more articles that are similar to this one.