Start a Barbecue Fire the Easy Way for Better Grilling

Easy Function Apr 14, 2025
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Table of Contents
  1. Understanding Your Fuel Options
  2. Tools You’ll Need
  3. Step-by-Step: Best Way to Start a Barbecue Fire
    1. Clean the Grill Grate
    2. Clear Out Old Ash
    3. Set Up the Charcoal
    4. Light the Fire
    5. Spread the Coals
  4. Common Mistakes to Avoid
  5. Pro Tips for Long-Lasting Fires
  6. Product Spotlight: Easy Function Favorites
  7. Conclusion

We’ve all been there—spending too much time just trying to get the fire started while everyone else waits for the food.


Starting a barbecue fire can feel like a struggle, especially if it’s your first cookout of the season.


But don’t worry—this guide will walk you through the best way to start a barbecue fire in a way that’s simple, safe, and gets the job done every time.


Starting your grill right means more than just lighting some coals.


A good start gives you even heat, better flavor, and a stress-free cooking session.


Whether you’re using a kettle grill, an offset smoker, or a classic barrel-style BBQ, the secret is in the prep—and we’re here to show you how.



Understanding Your Fuel Options


The fuel you use changes how you start your fire and how your food tastes. 


Here's a quick rundown:


  • Charcoal briquettes are easy to find and burn longer. They’re great for long cooks.


  • Lump charcoal is natural hardwood burned down to chunks. It lights faster and burns hotter.


  • Hardwood chunks or chips are often added for smoky flavor. These are common in offset smokers or for people who love that deep, rich BBQ taste.


Each type of grill—whether kettle, offset, or barrel—may work better with one fuel type over another. 


For example, offset smokers work great with wood chunks, while kettle grills love lump charcoal.


So before lighting up, take a second to think about what fuel fits your grill and your food goals.


Learn More: Learn How to Whip Up Your Own Grill Cleaning Solution


Tools You’ll Need


Starting a fire isn’t just about matches. 


Here’s what really helps:


  • Chimney starter – This metal tube helps light coals fast, without lighter fluid.


  • Fire starters – Try natural cubes, wax sticks, or just crumpled newspaper.


  • Heat-resistant gloves – Trust us, your hands will thank you.


  • Long matches or a grill-safe lighter – Avoid burning your fingers.


  • Grill cleaning tools – Cleaning before lighting helps the fire burn better. A wood grill scraper like the one from Easy Function works great. It’s made from eco-friendly pine wood, and over time it forms grooves to match your grill grates perfectly.



Having these tools nearby will make everything easier and safer.


Step-by-Step: Best Way to Start a Barbecue Fire


Here’s the best way to start a BBQ fire from start to finish.


Clean the Grill Grate


Before you light anything, take a few minutes to clean the grates.


Old grease or food can mess with your fire and flavor.


Use a wood grill scraper to quickly and safely scrape off buildup.


Easy Function’s scraper is a great pick here—it’s easy on your grill, good for the planet, and doesn’t leave behind metal bristles.



You can also use a bristle-free brush if you prefer.



They’re strong, rust-free, and safe for all types of grates.


Clear Out Old Ash


Leftover ash from the last cook can block air flow. 


Use a small scoop or brush to remove it from the firebox or grill bottom.


Set Up the Charcoal


Pile your charcoal into a mound or pyramid shape. 


This helps heat travel evenly and makes it easier to light.


If you’re using a chimney starter (and you should), fill it with charcoal. 


Then, put your fire starter—like newspaper or a wax cube—under the chimney.


Discover More: Clean Your Grill Sans Brush: Easy Methods for Sparkling Grates


Light the Fire


Light the fire starter from the bottom. 


The flames will rise up through the chimney, lighting the coals without the need for lighter fluid.


Wait about 15–20 minutes. 


When the top coals turn gray and are glowing, they’re ready.


Spread the Coals


Dump the hot coals into the grill. 


Spread them out based on how you’re cooking:


  • All spread out for direct cooking


  • Piled to one side for indirect cooking


Close the lid and let the grill preheat for 10–15 minutes. 


This gets the grate hot and ready.


Optional: Dip a paper towel in oil, grab it with tongs, and wipe the grates. This helps keep food from sticking.


Common Mistakes to Avoid


Starting a fire seems easy, but here are some things to watch out for:


  • Don’t use lighter fluid – It can ruin the flavor of your food and is dangerous.


  • Don’t skip the wait – Let coals ash over fully before cooking.


  • Don’t cook on dirty grates – It’s unsafe and adds bad flavors.


  • Don’t forget to prep – Make sure your tools, coals, and setup are ready before lighting.


Avoiding these will save you headaches later.


Pro Tips for Long-Lasting Fires


Want your fire to last longer? 


Try these:


  • Add more coals little by little as you go.


  • Adjust the vents on your grill to control heat and airflow.


  • Keep a spray bottle or extinguisher nearby—just in case.


Also, our bristle brush with eZclean™ technology is great for deep post-fire cleanups. 


It even has a built-in stainless steel scraper. 


And don’t worry about safety—it’s designed after serious research to be safer than typical bristle brushes.


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Product Spotlight: Easy Function Favorites


We mentioned a few tools above, but if you’re setting up your grilling game, these are worth checking out:


  • The Easy Function wood grill scraper is perfect for fast and safe grate cleaning before you light the fire. It shapes to your grill, and it's eco-friendly too.


  • For a safer clean, Easy Function's bristle-free brush gets in between grates and has a long, comfy handle. Great for avoiding stray wires on your food.



And like these tools, all of our products are built to last and make grilling easier. 


Conclusion


The best way to start a barbecue fire really comes down to three things: prep, patience, and the right tools.


When you understand your fuel, have the right setup, and follow a safe method like the chimney starter trick, everything just clicks.


From using a wood grill scraper to setting up your charcoal in a chimney starter, these steps make the best way to start a BBQ fire simple and stress-free.


So next time you fire up the grill, skip the struggle.


Use these tips, avoid common mistakes, and enjoy even heat and better flavor from the start.


Got a tip of your own or a fire-starting trick you swear by? 


Share it with us—or snap a pic of your lit-up grill and tag us!


Table of Contents
  1. Understanding Your Fuel Options
  2. Tools You’ll Need
  3. Step-by-Step: Best Way to Start a Barbecue Fire
    1. Clean the Grill Grate
    2. Clear Out Old Ash
    3. Set Up the Charcoal
    4. Light the Fire
    5. Spread the Coals
  4. Common Mistakes to Avoid
  5. Pro Tips for Long-Lasting Fires
  6. Product Spotlight: Easy Function Favorites
  7. Conclusion