How to Start a Charcoal BBQ Like a Pro (No Lighter Fluid Needed)

April 12, 2025

There’s nothing quite like the aroma of charcoal grilling. But if you’re still dousing your BBQ in lighter fluid, it’s time to level up. Whether you're firing up a weekend barbie or cooking for a crowd, starting your charcoal BBQ with natural methods ensures better flavour, fewer chemicals, and a cleaner cook.

Here’s your ultimate guide to starting a charcoal BBQ like a pro without using lighter fluid.

Why Skip the Lighter Fluid?

Lighter fluid might seem convenient, but it’s not doing your food (or your health) any favours. When used excessively or improperly, it can leave behind a chemical taste and unpleasant fumes that seep into your food. It’s also easy to overuse, creating flare-ups and hot spots that can lead to uneven cooking.

Natural methods, on the other hand, are better for the environment, your BBQ, and your tastebuds. Plus, they’re just as easy once you know what you’re doing.

What You’ll Need

Charcoal: We recommend premium lump charcoal like our kiln-fired Wattle & Flame range. It lights faster, burns hotter, and adds incredible flavour.
Chimney Starter: A must-have for even heat and reliable ignition.
Natural Firelighters or Kindling: Look for odourless, chemical-free firelighters or use tightly rolled newspaper.
Heatproof Gloves: For safety when handling hot tools.
Tongs or Poker: For arranging and adjusting coals.

Step-by-Step: How to Start Your Charcoal BBQ Naturally

Step 1: Load the Chimney Starter

Fill your chimney starter with lump charcoal. A full chimney is usually enough for medium to large BBQs. If you're only cooking for a couple of people, half a chimney might do the trick.

Step 2: Add Your Fire Starters

Place two or three natural firelighters or a few balls of scrunched-up newspaper at the base of the chimney. Set them on your BBQ’s coal grate or a fire-safe surface.

Step 3: Light It Up

Light your fire starters through the holes at the bottom of the chimney. Within a few minutes, you’ll see smoke rising and hear a subtle crackle as the fire takes hold.

Step 4: Let the Coals Catch

Wait around 15–20 minutes. The charcoal at the top will start to turn greyish-white and glow red underneath that’s your signal that the coals are ready to use. Avoid rushing this step, as you want the charcoal fully ignited for even heat.

Step 5: Pour and Spread

Carefully pour the hot coals into the BBQ. Use tongs or a heatproof tool to arrange them based on your cooking method. For high-heat searing, pile them directly under the grill. For slow cooking, bank them to one side for indirect heat.

Step 6: Get Grilling!

Place your grill grate back on and let it heat for a few minutes. Then you’re ready to cook. Your BBQ is now running clean and hot just how it should be.

Tips for a Better Burn

Use quality lump charcoal for longer, hotter burns with less ash. Wattle & Flame charcoal is sustainably made from Mallee root wood, giving it exceptional burn time and heat retention.
Avoid overloading your BBQ with too much charcoal, start with what you need and add more later if necessary.
Keep your vents open during start up to allow airflow and help your coals catch faster.
Use a BBQ lid for better heat control, especially during longer cooks.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using green wood or damp charcoal: This can smoke excessively and affect flavour.
Adding lighter fluid after ignition: Not only dangerous, it ruins the natural flavour of charcoal cooking.
Starting with poor airflow: Good oxygen flow is essential. Keep bottom vents open until the fire’s fully caught.

Ready to Grill?

There’s a real sense of satisfaction in starting a BBQ the traditional way. No chemicals, no shortcuts just clean heat and great food.

At Wattle & Flame, we craft our charcoal with pride. 100% Australian made, kiln-fired, and naturally pure so you get a better burn every time. Whether you’re searing steaks or slow-smoking lamb, our charcoal helps you do it right.

Try it for yourself, and take your grilling game to the next level.

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