We’ve all been there. The grill’s ready, the food’s prepped, and then—boom—you realize you’re out of lighter fluid. No chimney starter either. That was us last summer.
But I figured it out using things we already had at home. And you can too.
Step 1: Clear the Grill, Stack the Coals
First, you give the grill a quick clean. Any leftover ash or old charcoal pieces can mess with the airflow. Once the base is cleared out, you pile up fresh charcoal into a small hill.
It’s kind of like a kid’s sandcastle with a hollow spot underneath for the firestarter. Then, leave little gaps in the pile so air can move through. That’s what helps the fire grow.
Step 2: Make a Simple Firestarter
Next, I grabbed some newspaper and an old paper bag from the pantry. I crumpled a couple of pieces and drizzled just a little bit of cooking oil on them, maybe a teaspoon. The oil helps the paper burn more slowly and hotter.
I tucked that under the charcoal pile, just enough to get the flame going but not so much that it chokes off air. Someone even tossed in a bit of dryer lint (don’t laugh, it works).
Step 3: Light It Up Gently
Now, you need to light the paper in a few spots using a long BBQ lighter. You want to avoid lighting just one corner. Rather, spread the flame around so it climbs evenly.
If it fizzles out too soon, just relight or add a bit more paper underneath. In this case, I used a folded-up plate to fan the base a little, and that really helped the flame spread through the coals.
Step 4: Give It Air
One thing I noticed was that if the charcoal sat too tightly packed, it struggled to stay lit. So I used a pair of tongs to shift a few pieces and open up some space.
If you want a quick hack, use a metal coffee can or wrap some foil into a tube. Punch holes in the bottom, toss in your firestarter, and pile charcoal on top. I tried this too and called it the “budget chimney.”
Step 5: Watch for the Glow
After about 15 minutes, most of the coals will turn that classic white-gray color with glowing red underneath. That’s your sign, they’re ready.
Spread them out for even heat, let the cooking grate warm up, give it a good scrape, and brush it with a bit of oil.
Read More:
Can You Light Charcoal Without Lighter Fluid? 4 Different Ways
Over the past year, I’ve tested a bunch of ways to light charcoal cleanly and quickly. Some methods need a power outlet, some just need a match and a little airflow.
1. Electric Starter
This one’s plug-and-play. You place the electric coil right into the middle of the charcoal pile, plug it in, and walk away. Ten minutes later, you’ll see the coals are glowing.
Pro tip from experience: That coil holds heat forever. One time, I set it aside on a plastic chair. Yeah… don’t do that. Lesson learned! Keep it on stone or metal, and always handle it with tongs or gloves.
2. Fire Starters
Though I can’t remember when, I used those FOGO fire starters a few times. Just drop one (or two if you’re feeling fancy) at the base of your coals. Light it. Let it burn.
You can build a charcoal tepee around it, or not — either way, the flame spreads fast. It’s a low-effort, low-drama method.
3. Blazaball
This is a cool gadget you can try for slow grilling on our kamado. You just pop two fire starters inside the Blazaball, light it, and either place it at the bottom of your grill or on top of your coal pile.
In fact, I built a mini charcoal mountain around it, and the airflow took care of the rest. It burned hotter and cleaner than I expected, especially in a setup where air movement really matters.
4. Propane Grill Torch
It almost feels like a shortcut, but a helpful one. The torch easily screws onto a propane bottle, and with a simple click, you get a direct flame that’s perfect for lighting charcoal.
In less than a minute, you’ll have glowing coals. It’s great when you’re short on time or just want to get things going without waiting around.
I usually grab it when I’m grilling on a weeknight and everyone’s already hungry. you can follow How to Clean a Propane Grill?
Final Words
How to light charcoal grill without lighter fluid is easier than most people think. And honestly I believe it makes for better food and fewer fumes.
So, if you’re just getting started, using a chimney with newspaper or oiled paper towels is a solid choice. For a quick setup without a chimney, stacking coals around a simple firestarter works great. If speed is what you’re after, an electric starter or propane torch gets the job done fast.
More traditional setups like the Blazaball are perfect for longer cooks. However you do it, lighting a charcoal grill without lighter fluid is safer, cleaner, and more rewarding.
FAQs
What can you use instead of lighter fluid for charcoal?
You can use oiled paper towels, crumpled newspaper, dryer lint, or fire starters. Just tuck one into a charcoal pyramid and light it. It’s safer, cleaner, and uses things you likely already have at home.
Is it safe to use gasoline to light a charcoal grill?
No, it’s not safe to use gasoline to light a charcoal grill. Gasoline is highly flammable and unpredictable, making it dangerous for open-flame cooking. Always use grill-safe fire starters or charcoal lighter fluid made specifically for BBQ use.
What is a good substitute for charcoal lighter fluid?
A great substitute for charcoal lighter fluid is a paper towel soaked in cooking oil. Twist or wad it up, place it under your charcoal, and light it. It’s safe, clean, and uses everyday items you likely already have in your kitchen.