Fire in the Hole! 5 Effective Ways to Build a Charcoal Fire

The aroma, the heat, and the smoke. It’s hard to beat a charcoal fire for outdoor cooking. Whether grilling or smoking, it’s the real deal when compared to the oven, stove, or even gas grill.

While many already prefer charcoal, some folks find it difficult, frustrating, and, in some cases, embarrassing. You know when you have company waiting on your latest grilled masterpiece and you discover the fire you started 30 minutes ago has gone out? Nobody likes to be that guy or gal.

The reasons to put a charcoal fire to work come in many flavors (pun intended). From the happy-go-lucky Sunday dinner and the barbeque with friends to the more daunting backwoods situations many hikers, campers, and hunters find themselves in. For the latter, a good charcoal fire can soothe the tired and hungry outdoorsman through both warm meals and, well, the warmth itself.

Luckily, there are several effective ways to start a charcoal fire. They all work well if executed properly.

Regardless of the method, gather the materials you need to avoid chaos at the time of ignition. Also, allow enough time to properly put your approach to work. So, if you’re on a timetable, expect your coals to be ready for cooking 15–30 minutes after lighting.

Chimney

Charcoal chimneys work well off to the side, as well as in the cooking chamber

A portable chimney with a handle—what a gift for starting charcoal. This cylindrical chamber holds the charcoal vertically. With kindling like newspaper placed at the vented bottom below the charcoal, there is air circulation needed to maintain the initial burn. Light the kindling, wait a few minutes, and you’re ready to pour the coals into your pit or fire ring. My favorite benefit from chimney fire starters is the ability to subsequently make more hot coals off to the side when needed.

Max Wax?

Wax-based fire starters are a good, controlled method for establishing a charcoal fire. The optimal way to use them is to hold a flame against the wax starter until it starts. Therefore, propane torches and butane lighters are ideal ignition sources. You’ll want to use 2 or 3 of them, evenly spaced among the unlit charcoal. I like this method, as it creates heat and flame in a controlled way. No pyrotechnics here.

Using a Propane Torch

This approach lacks much need for finesse. Like lighter fluid, however, it’s perfect for the closet pyromaniac. The burst of controlled flame gives one a sense of power. It’s fast too, but watch where you aim! Simply apply the flame to your charcoal pile and, in a few minutes, you’ll have coals ripe for both grilling and smoking. In addition to speed, this method also warms the actual grill or offset chamber faster. On the other hand, a torch may not be the answer for hiking or backcountry hunting, as it’s large in size and weight. It’s no doubt a hit at the hunting camp, on the camping trip, or even in the back yard.

Propane torches come in a variety of sizes and are very effective at lighting charcoal. They’re also good for directly charring and searing meat.

Embrace the Putty

Putty-like fire-starting substances, like Pyro Putty are my favorite means of lighting charcoal. Why? They shine in all situations, from the casual to the life-threatening.  Pyro Putty, for example, comes in a small, lightweight tin or foil pack, so it’s lightweight and portable. It takes up practically no space in your bug-out bag, kitchen drawer, grill cabinet, or backpack. A small pinch about the size of a nickel makes for the ultimate kindling, burning for up to 15 minutes—plenty of time to adequately catch charcoal. Like with wax wafers, this is a safe, controlled, and dependable means of establishing a charcoal fire.

It’s hard to beat Pyro Putty’s fire-starting blends for a effective lighting of charcoal

Lighter Fluid

Like with torches, lighter fluid, if used correctly, is a very turnkey solution for lighting briquettes. Place your briquettes in a pyramid shape and apply fluid evenly. Wait 5 minutes for it to absorb and light with a match, grill lighter, or any other controlled way. Never add lighter fluid to an already hot fire, as it can flash or even travel up the stream of the canister and ruin your day.

Charcoal fires supercharge all kinds of food with the gift of smoke. Consider all factors when deciding which lighting method you use. Whatever means you choose, stay on task and don’t cut corners. Your tailgate, backyard, or backcountry crew will thank you.