How to Start a Charcoal Grill with Lighter Fluid | Kingsford® (2024)

How to Arrange the Charcoal

• Pile the charcoal into a neat mound or pyramid to increase contact and help the fire grow faster. Use less charcoal for small cooks and more for large cooks.

How to Add the Lighter Fluid

• Carefully squirt the lighter fluid on the top and sides of the charcoal mound. Usually you need about a 10-second squirt for a chimney’s worth of charcoal to get proper coverage. To make sure you’re using the right amount, follow your lighter fluid’s directions.
• Light immediately after applying the fluid. Never squirt lighter fluid onto flaming or hot coals.

How to Add the Lighter Fluid

How to Tell When the Coals Are Ready

• After the fluid burns off, the edges of the coals will turn gray with ash. When the coals are mostly covered in ash they’re ready to use.
• Grab your tongs or use a long-handled, metal spatula to spread out the coals.
• Now you’re ready to cook!

• How to Gauge Grill Heat Without a Thermometer

  Carefully hold your hand about 5” to 6” above the grate, and refer to the temperature settings below:

  
  

  • High Heat (450° to 550°F):
  2 to 4 seconds
  •Medium Heat (350° to 450°F):
  5 to 6 seconds
  •Low Heat (250° to 350°F):
  8 to 10 seconds

  
  

  Make sure your clothing doesn’t touch the grate, and always move your hand away from the heat before you feel discomfort.

  
  

  When you’re at temp, put cooking oil on a folded paper towel. Grab the oiled paper towel with long-handled tongs and oil the grate thoroughly.

  

How to Tell When the Coals Are Ready

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