View Poll Results: How do you start your charcoals?
Chimney




17
54.84%
Lighter Fluid




4
12.90%
Match Light




4
12.90%
Electric Starter




0
0%
I'm lazy I use a propane grill




6
19.35%
Voters: 31. You may not vote on this poll
How do you start your coals for grilling?
#1
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How do you start your coals for grilling?
I used to be a propane grill guy (and still am if it is just for me, so much quicker). But if cooking for more than me and want it good I'll go the charcoal route. It really isn't that much harder. However the grills I use (common grills in the courtyard of our condo building) do not have a removable grate, it only goes up and down. I have always used a chimney, but can't pour it directly into the grill since the grate can't be removed. Instead I pour the coals onto my broiling pan bottom and use oven mits to slide that into the grill, works perfectly fine. However someone told me there is electric grill starters that you stack the coals on, plug in, and it heats up and lights the coals.
Match light and lighter fluid I think influence the taste so I don't use. What about you?
Match light and lighter fluid I think influence the taste so I don't use. What about you?
#3
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Originally Posted by Nazgul
When I was a coal guy, it was an electric starter. Now, since I have a smoker, grilling is done with propane. 

Hint: Respect the maximum "on" time the directions say. They can burn up if plugged in too long.
#4
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Originally Posted by OldDude
What he said. The electric starter works well, and leaves no taste.
Hint: Respect the maximum "on" time the directions say. They can burn up if plugged in too long.
Hint: Respect the maximum "on" time the directions say. They can burn up if plugged in too long.
#9
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I'm a lazy propane griller, but when I used to use the kettle grill, I started it with old brown paper grocery bags and kindling. I, too, find the taste of lighter fluid offensive on my steak.
#11
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Originally Posted by OldDude
What he said. The electric starter works well, and leaves no taste.
Hint: Respect the maximum "on" time the directions say. They can burn up if plugged in too long.
Hint: Respect the maximum "on" time the directions say. They can burn up if plugged in too long.
#12
DVD Talk Limited Edition
Regarding lighter fluid and matchlight, if you can taste it in your food, you put the food on the grill way too early. The coals should be white embers with an orange underglow before you throw them on.
Our house has a natural gas line to our grill which I love and is so convenient, but I still prefer the taste of charcoal cooked food so we have a charcoal grill left over from the apartment life set next to our gas grill. Whenever I'm cooking for just me and my wife I use the gas, but when there's company over it's charcoal time.
Our house has a natural gas line to our grill which I love and is so convenient, but I still prefer the taste of charcoal cooked food so we have a charcoal grill left over from the apartment life set next to our gas grill. Whenever I'm cooking for just me and my wife I use the gas, but when there's company over it's charcoal time.
#15
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Originally Posted by rabbit77
Regarding lighter fluid and matchlight, if you can taste it in your food, you put the food on the grill way too early.
Personally, I taste propane more than I do my charcoal with lighter fluid.
That being said, I wouldn't mind propane because cooking for two with charcoal is kind of a pain in the ass. But I do it. Usually I'll just do a little extra. Leftover grilled pork steaks turned into fajitas two days later is tons better than another night of "hamburger helper"...
#17
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Originally Posted by rabbit77
Our house has a natural gas line to our grill which I love and is so convenient
#18
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Originally Posted by rabbit77
Our house has a natural gas line to our grill which I love and is so convenient.

#21
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Originally Posted by 12thmonkey
How to get it started:
Weber grill - charcoal with lighter fluid
Me - two beers while I watch the pretty flames
Weber grill - charcoal with lighter fluid
Me - two beers while I watch the pretty flames