There are many types of charcoal grills to choose from, each with its own perks. As it can get difficult to pick one, before we head into how to light them, let’s dive into the different types of GRLLR charcoal grills.
What Charcoal Grill do I need?
If you are looking for a charcoal grill that can manage big gatherings, the GRLLR Ember Pro is the best option. It is ideal for slow cooking and achieving that smoky flavour. You can cook anything on it, including pizzas! To make the best pizza use the GRLLR Pizza Stone, specially designed for the Ember Pro.
Looking for a charcoal grill for smaller family gatherings? The GRLLR Shichirins are your best bet. These table grills are perfect for those with a limited outdoor space as they are compact and easy to transport. Shichirins are great at grilling small pieces of food and kids will love them! Do make sure to follow some basic steps to involve your kids safely into grilling on the shichirin.
If you need an accessible, lower priced charcoal grill, then opt for GRLLR Dome Kettle. Its versatility is on par with a Kamado and you can still grill your favourite recipes. It is more mobile and easier to transport than a Kamado due to its lightweight. Cleaning is also less of a hassle due to the GrillFlow Design incorporated in our Dome Kettles. If you are keen on the Dome Kettle but want more space, the Dome Cart Pro version keeps the same mobility, with more room for storing your favourite barbecue tools.
How to light charcoal
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced griller, getting the charcoal right is key to achieving that perfect sear, flavour, and cooking temperature. Here’s how:
1.Use a Chimney Starter
A chimney starter is the easiest and most efficient way to light charcoal. It eliminates the need for lighter fluid, which can give a chemical taste to your food.
How to use:
- Fill the chimney starter with charcoal.
- Place crumpled newspaper or a few lighter cubes under the chimney.
- Light the newspaper or cubes and place the chimney on the grill grates.
- After 10-15 minutes, the coals should be ashed over and ready to use.
2.Use Lighter Fluid
For those looking for a quick and straightforward method, lighter fluid is a classic option. While it requires some caution, it can be a fast way to get your charcoal going.
How to use:
- Arrange the charcoal in a pyramid shape.
- Sprinkle lighter fluid evenly over the charcoal.
- Wait a minute for the fluid to soak in, then light the charcoal using a long match or lighter.
- Wait until the coals are covered in white ash before spreading them out.
3.Use an Electric Starter
For a more modern approach, an electric charcoal starter is a handy tool that requires no lighter fluid or paper. It’s a great option if you prefer a clean, easy, and repeatable way to start your grill.
How to use:
- Place the electric starter in a pile of charcoal.
- Plug in the starter and turn it on.
- Leave it in place for about 8-10 minutes until the coals begin to glow.
- Once the coals are ignited, remove the starter and spread the coals as needed.
General tips to consider
Use the Right Amount of Charcoal
If you fill up your Kamado too much and fire it up too quickly, it can cause cracks. Kamados need to heat up gradually over time. Furthermore, too much charcoal can cause flare-ups and burning, while too little might not provide enough heat. Adjust the quantity based on what you’re cooking.
Preheat the Grill
Once the coals are ready, let your grill preheat with the lid on for about 5 minutes before adding food. This ensures even cooking.
Be Patient
Avoid the temptation to start cooking before the coals are fully ready. Waiting until they’re properly ashed over will give you better results. Slow cooking takes time, always make use of a thermometer to determine if meat is ready.
Use Wood Chips for Flavour
For an added smoky flavour, toss in some wood chips (soaked in water) directly on the coals.
Each starting approach has its benefits. The key is to find the method that suits your grilling style and gives you the best results.
