Get Your Charcoal BBQ Going the Right Way with These Tips

Easy Function Apr 13, 2025
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Table of Contents
  1. Gather Your Tools and Supplies
    1. Lump Charcoal vs. Briquettes
    2. Tools to Grab
  2. The Best Way to Get a Charcoal BBQ Going (Step-by-Step)
    1. Step 1: Prep Your Grill
    2. Step 2: Set Up the Chimney Starter
    3. Step 3: Light and Wait
    4. Step 4: Pour and Arrange the Coals
  3. Common Mistakes to Avoid
  4. Tips for Maintaining an Even Burn
  5. What to Do When Things Go Wrong
  6. Bonus: Quick Clean-Up Tips Post-BBQ
  7. Conclusion

There’s something special about charcoal grilling.


That smoky flavor.


The sizzling sounds.


The backyard smells.


It all brings back memories of long summer evenings and family fun.


But let’s be real—getting a charcoal BBQ going can be a bit tricky, especially if you're just getting started.


Light it wrong, and you’ll be dealing with uneven heat, burned burgers, or worse—cold coals.


Yikes.


In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best way to get a charcoal BBQ started step-by-step.


You’ll learn what tools to gather, how to light charcoal the safe and easy way, and how to avoid those common grilling mistakes.


Let’s fire it up!



Gather Your Tools and Supplies


Before you light up the grill, gather what you’ll need. 


Trust us, having everything ready makes the process smooth and stress-free.


Learn More: Discover the Best BBQ Cleaner for Easy Grill Cleanup


Lump Charcoal vs. Briquettes


You’ve got two main choices:


  • Lump charcoal: Burns hotter and faster. Made from natural hardwood.


  • Briquettes: Burn longer and more steadily. Great for low-and-slow cooks.


Pick what works best for your style of grilling. 


Lump is perfect for quick steaks; briquettes are better for long cook times.


Tools to Grab


  • A chimney starter is your secret weapon for lighting charcoal the smart way.


  • Matches or lighter


  • Lighter cubes or crumpled newspaper


  • Tongs and heat-resistant gloves


  • Easy Function wood grill scraper: Perfect for cleaning the grates before you even light the fire. It’s made from pine wood, eco-friendly, and it shapes to your grill over time. This tool makes the clean-up routine simple and safe—no metal or bristles involved.



The Best Way to Get a Charcoal BBQ Going (Step-by-Step)


Here’s the moment you’ve been waiting for. 


Follow these steps to light your charcoal like a pro.


Step 1: Prep Your Grill


Before adding any charcoal, clean your grates.


Old ash and leftover grease can block airflow and mess with your heat.


Use a wood grill scraper to gently remove debris.


It keeps your grill in good shape and helps prevent food from sticking later.



Step 2: Set Up the Chimney Starter


Grab your chimney starter. 


This tool helps light charcoal without lighter fluid, so your food won’t taste like chemicals.


  • Fill the top section with the right amount of charcoal (usually about halfway for small cooks or full for big ones).


  • Place a firestarter or some crumpled newspaper under the chimney.


Step 3: Light and Wait


Use a lighter or match to light the newspaper from the bottom vents. 


The flames will move up through the charcoal.

Wait about 10 to 15 minutes, or until the top coals start turning grayish white. 


That means they’re hot and ready.


Step 4: Pour and Arrange the Coals

Carefully pour the lit coals into your grill. 


Use long-handled tongs or wear gloves—it gets hot!


  • For direct heat, spread the coals evenly across the base.


  • For indirect heat, push coals to one side or around the edges, leaving space in the middle.


Adjust your setup based on what you're cooking. 


Steaks? Go direct. 


Ribs or chicken? Go indirect.


Related Read: Effortless Grilling Clean-Up with Citrusafe BBQ Grill Cleaner


Common Mistakes to Avoid


Lighting a charcoal grill isn’t rocket science, but these common mistakes can mess things up:


  • Using too much lighter fluid: It’s dangerous and can affect the taste of your food. Go chimney-style instead.


  • Starting with dirty grates: Old grease and burnt food can flare up and add unwanted flavors.


  • Rushing the preheat: Wait for the coals to gray over. Patience gives you better heat control.


  • Forgetting about airflow: If vents are closed, your fire will die fast. Keep them open at first.



Tips for Maintaining an Even Burn


Once your coals are going, here’s how to keep the heat steady:


  • Use the vents: Open for more heat, close slightly to cool things down.


  • Add more charcoal: For long cooks, add fresh coals (pre-lit in the chimney) as needed.


  • Use a grill brush mid-cook: If grates start getting sticky mid-barbeque, grab a bristle-free brush like Easy Function’s coiled bristle-free brush. It’s safe, rust-free, and works between the grates for a smooth clean without any risk of loose wires.



What to Do When Things Go Wrong


Even if you do everything right, sometimes things don’t go as planned. 


Here's how to fix it fast:


  • Coals won’t light? Check your chimney airflow. You may need to relight the bottom or try dry paper.


  • Fire goes out fast? Make sure vents are open and there’s enough charcoal.


  • Uneven heat? Rearrange the coals with your tongs or shift food around to cook evenly.


Bonus: Quick Clean-Up Tips Post-BBQ


The BBQ might be over, but your job isn’t. 


A quick clean-up saves you trouble next time.


  • Use a bristle-free grill brush to remove grease and gunk after cooking. Bristle-free brushes are safer and less likely to leave behind metal pieces.



  • Wait until coals are fully cool (we’re talking hours) before you dispose of ash.


  • Clean your grates one more time with the wood scraper, then cover your grill for next time.


Want a little cleanup hack? 


Keep Easy Function’s bristle-free brush on standby. 


It’s safe for all grills and gets deep between the grates without scratching.



Conclusion


There you have it—the best way to get a charcoal BBQ going starts with the right prep, the right tools, and a little patience.


Start with a clean grill, use a chimney starter, and give those coals time to heat up properly.


Avoid lighter fluid, manage your airflow, and keep your tools nearby.


Tools like the Easy Function wood grill scraper and bristle-free brush make the whole experience smoother and safer.


Whether you’re a weekend griller or just starting out, these simple steps will help you get it right every time.


And don’t forget—if you're serious about grilling, the right tools make all the difference.


You can explore the full range of Easy Function products on Amazon USA and Canada.


(Click on the image below to check them out.)



Happy grilling! 🍔🔥

Table of Contents
  1. Gather Your Tools and Supplies
    1. Lump Charcoal vs. Briquettes
    2. Tools to Grab
  2. The Best Way to Get a Charcoal BBQ Going (Step-by-Step)
    1. Step 1: Prep Your Grill
    2. Step 2: Set Up the Chimney Starter
    3. Step 3: Light and Wait
    4. Step 4: Pour and Arrange the Coals
  3. Common Mistakes to Avoid
  4. Tips for Maintaining an Even Burn
  5. What to Do When Things Go Wrong
  6. Bonus: Quick Clean-Up Tips Post-BBQ
  7. Conclusion