Are you finding that your charcoal won’t stay lit, no matter what you do? You’re not alone. Many buyers of charcoal are experiencing this same problem – but the good news is there are some simple tips and tricks to get your charcoal lighting up quickly and staying lit for longer. In this blog post, we’ll look at why your charcoal isn’t behaving as it should be, so you can take steps to prevent the issue in future. Let’s jump right in!
What is Charcoal?
Charcoal is a black, porous substance made from carbon-rich materials such as wood, coconut shells, or peat that has been burned in the absence of air. It has been used for thousands of years for various purposes such as cooking, heating, and even art. Charcoal is commonly used in barbecuing and grilling as it provides a smoky flavor to the food. It is also used in water filtration systems to remove impurities.
The process of making charcoal involves heating the carbon-rich material to a high temperature without allowing any oxygen to enter the chamber. This causes the material to break down and release volatile gases, leaving behind a blackened residue that is mostly carbon. The resulting charcoal is then cooled and packaged for use.
One of the advantages of using charcoal as a fuel source is that it burns hotter and longer than wood. It also produces less smoke and ash, making it an ideal choice for cooking and heating. Additionally, charcoal is considered a more sustainable option than wood as it can be made from waste materials such as coconut shells or agricultural waste.
Why Charcoal Won’t Stay Lit?
There are a few reasons why charcoal won’t stay lit. The most common issue is that the charcoal has not been properly prepared before lighting. If it is not preheated, moistened, or treated with a starter fluid, then it will be difficult to get the charcoal burning and it will likely die out quickly. Additionally, if the air flow is blocked or restricted, the charcoal won’t get enough oxygen to maintain a steady burn.
Another issue is that some types of charcoal can be difficult to light in the first place. Charcoal briquettes are designed for long-term burning and may be harder to ignite than lump charcoal or wood chips. Additionally, if you’re using a charcoal chimney, it may not be getting hot enough to ignite the charcoal.
Finally, some users may experience difficulty in keeping their charcoal burning even after successfully lighting it. This is often due to problems with air flow, as the charcoal needs oxygen to maintain a steady burn. If air vents or chimneys are blocked, then the charcoal will not be able to get enough oxygen and it will die out quickly.
Common Reasons Why Charcoal Won’t Stay Lit?
1. Poor quality charcoal:
Poor quality charcoal can be difficult to light and maintain a steady burn. Be sure to use high-quality, 100% natural charcoal for the best results.
2. Not enough air flow:
Charcoal needs oxygen in order to stay lit. Make sure that your fire has plenty of air vents or chimneys to allow the necessary airflow.
3. Not preheating the charcoal:
Charcoal should always be preheated before adding it to the fire. This will help ensure that the charcoal lights quickly and stays lit for longer.
4. Not using a starter fluid:
If you’re having difficulty getting your charcoal lit, try using a starter fluid such as lighter fluid or charcoal fluid. This will help get the charcoal burning quickly and evenly.
5. Not using a chimney starter:
A chimney starter is a great way to light your charcoal without having to use lighter fluid or other chemicals. It uses heat from burning newspaper and kindling to preheat the charcoal, making it easier to ignite and maintain a steady.
6. Moisture content in the charcoal:
Moisture in the charcoal can make it difficult to stay lit. Make sure your charcoal is completely dry before you attempt to light it.
7. Clogged air vents in the grill:
Make sure that the air vents in your grill are not blocked or clogged with ash. This can cause a lack of airflow and make it difficult for the charcoal to stay lit.
8. Not using enough charcoal:
If you’re having difficulty getting the charcoal to stay lit, try adding more. The thicker layer of charcoal will help maintain an even burn.
How to Avoid These Issues And Keep Your Charcoal Burning?
1. Use high-quality, 100% natural charcoal: High-quality charcoal is easier to light and is more likely to stay lit for longer periods of time.
2. Preheat the charcoal before adding it to the fire: Preheating your charcoal will help ensure that it lights quickly and stays lit for longer.
3. Make sure there are plenty of air vents or chimneys: Charcoal needs oxygen in order to stay lit and burn evenly. Be sure that your fire has enough air vents or chimneys to allow the necessary airflow.
4. Use a starter fluid if necessary: If you’re having trouble getting your charcoal lit, try using a starter fluid such as lighter fluid or charcoal fluid. This will help get the charcoal burning quickly and evenly.
5. Use a chimney starter: A chimney starter is a great way to light your charcoal without having to use lighter fluid or other chemicals. It uses heat from burning newspaper and kindling to preheat the charcoal, making it easier to ignite and maintain a steady burn.
6. Make sure the charcoal is completely dry: Moisture in the charcoal can make it difficult to stay lit. Be sure that your charcoal is completely dry before you attempt to light it.
7. Check for clogged air vents in the grill: Make sure that the air vents in your grill are not blocked or clogged with ash. This can cause a lack of airflow and make it difficult for the charcoal to stay lit.
8. Use enough charcoal: If you’re having difficulty getting the charcoal to stay lit, try adding more. The thicker layer of charcoal will help maintain an even burn.
Tips for Maintaining a Charcoal Fire
1. Monitor the flames: Monitor your fire to make sure it is burning steadily. Adjust the size of the flame or add more charcoal as needed.
2. Add fuel regularly: Make sure to add fuel regularly in order to maintain an even, steady burn.
3. Control air flow: Proper air flow is essential for maintaining a charcoal fire. Keep the air vents or chimneys clear and adjust them as needed to control the size of the flame.
4. Don’t leave the grill unattended: Never leave your charcoal grill unattended while it is burning. Make sure to monitor it closely and extinguish any flames before leaving.
5. Be careful when extinguishing: When you are ready to extinguish your charcoal fire, make sure to do so safely and responsibly. Use water or sand to smother the fire and never pour gasoline or other flammable liquids on it!
Conclusion
To conclude, there are a few main causes that can stop a charcoal fire from lighting and staying lit. The size of the charcoals, wind or rain, flammable items surrounding the grill, and incorrect stove placement all can lead to an unsuccessful fire. Now that you know the reasons why charcoal fires might not stay lit, you can be better prepared for your next cookout. Get ready to enjoy those summer barbecues worry-free and full of delicious food.
Grilling with charcoal is one of the best ways to make sure your food comes out just right — so don’t let small problems ruin the fun! And remember: always take your time when setting up your grill and adding coals. With proper setup and execution, you’ll enjoy plenty of tasty meals over a hot charcoal flame.
Happy Grilling! 🙂
References:
Randolph Castillo is the owner of a restaurant barbecue and pub. He also has his own cooking blog, where he specializes in baked goods. Randolph is an experienced chef and loves to review different grills and kitchen tools. He is always looking for ways to improve his cooking skills.