4 Tricks to Light Coal Faster

Preparing a barbecue is considered a ritual that requires time and patience. This implies choosing and seasoning different types of meats, vegetables, and accompaniments, as well as starting a fire and cleaning the grill. However, one of the most important tasks, which for some requires a lot of effort, is lighting coal. 5-Minute Crafts wants to share a few tricks with you on how to light coal quickly, naturally, and without using liquid fuel. We think they’ll come in handy next time you want to host a barbecue party.

Trick 1: Nachos

What you’ll need

• 1/2 bag of nachos

Instructions

1. Place dry charcoal inside your grill. Add the nachos.
2. Spread them evenly throughout the grill.
3. With the help of a lighter, light a nacho.
4. Put it in the center, along with the others. The fire will start quickly.

Trick 2: Cardboard packaging

What you’ll need

• Cardboard packaging

Instructions

1. In a cardboard package, place 6 pieces of dry charcoal.
2. Put the package in the middle of the charcoal in your grill.
3. Push it down so that it is surrounded by all of the charcoal. Light it with a lighter.
4. The package will burn quickly until consumed, lighting the other pieces of charcoal.

Trick 3: Hairdryer

What you’ll need

• Hairdryer

Instructions

1. Light 2 or 3 pieces of charcoal and put them in the center with the rest. Take the hairdryer, put it on high, and point it toward them.
2. You’ll notice that the flames will grow and the fire will ignite quickly. Hold the dryer at the level of the lit charcoal, at a distance of approximately 30 centimeters.
3. Once you get the desired fire, stop using the dryer.

Trick 4: Paper and water

What you’ll need

• Water
• Newsprint

Instructions

1. Cut small pieces of newsprint. Put them in a container and add a glass of water.
2. With your hands or with the help of an electric mixer, mix them until the paper completely absorbs the water.
3. Place some of the mixture in a kitchen syringe.
4. Squeeze the excess liquid from the paper until you get a compact mass.
5. Let it dry. Repeat the procedure until you have 4 or 5 tablets.
6. Place them on the charcoal and light them.

• If you don’t have a kitchen syringe to do the trick, you can take some of the mixture between your hands and compress the paper until the excess water is wrung out.

Bonus: How to control the intensity of the flames

What you’ll need

• 1 large potato, cut into slices

Instructions

1. Cut a potato into thick slices.
2. Put them directly onto the lit charcoal.
3. This way, you can control the intensity of the flames. Place the grate on the grill and begin to roast your food.