A chimney starter, also known as a “charcoal chimney,” is an upright cylindrical device that’s usually made of metal or aluminum. It has a removable bowl at the bottom where you put the charcoal, and there’s also an area in the middle where you can place some newspaper or kindling to help start burning the coals.
As soon as you light up the newspaper or kindling, it will create hot gases that go down into the chimney. These will then ignite the charcoal, allowing you to start cooking.
A chimney starter works better than lighter fluid because it allows air to circulate through the coals as they burn and enhances their smoky flavor. If you don’t have a chimney starter at home, you can also use a metal bucket filled with sand or water. Place your charcoals in the bucket and light them up using a match on the ground before transferring them to your grill.
To summarize, you should let your charcoals burn for about 40 minutes so they have enough time to turn into embers. If you’re cooking something on the grill, however, it’s best to start with hot coals. This also applies if you want to use instant grilling techniques like flash grilling or lamp grilling.
When cooking on the grill, you should place your charcoals in a chimney starter before lighting them up. It will then be ready when you need to start cooking. If you have charcoals left over after your meal, let them cool down before disposing of them in a metal container with a lid.
Finally, never use lighter fluid to start your charcoal grill; this is because the oil in the fluid can drip down into your food and contaminate it. You should also apply starter fluid to the charcoals instead of directly on the grill.
Now that you know how to start a charcoal grill, you can now take the first step in becoming an outdoor chef. The best way to enhance your grilling experience is by enlisting the help of family and friends. Share your food with them as you sit around the table or backyard BBQ pit and enjoy some good conversation while chowing down on delicious grilled dishes.
How long does a chimney starter take?
It takes about 20-30 minutes for a chimney starter to be ready. On average, you can place 12 kg of charcoals in a chimney starter.
How to clean a chimney starter?
Cleaning a chimney starter is easy. Just remove all the charcoals, ashes, and other residues from the product before scrubbing it clean with a brush. Make sure to allow the chimney starter to dry well before storing it in a cool and dry place.
How do you use a chimney starter?
Using a chimney starter is simple. Put the charcoals in the chimney starter and use a lighter or matchstick to light it up from the bottom of the chimney. When all the coals are lit, transfer them into your grill using tongs.
How long does a chimney starter last?
A chimney starter will last for a long time and can be reused many times. The product has a total lifespan of 2-5 years depending on the frequency of use and how well it’s maintained. This means you don’t have to buy another starter for a long time.
What can I use if I don’t have a chimney starter?
If you don’t have a chimney starter, you can use a metal bucket filled with sand or water. Place your charcoals in the bucket and light them up using a match on the ground before transferring them to your grill.
