How to Start & Preheat Charcoal Grill

What you'll need

To make the process flow smoothly, be sure to gather everything on the list below before you get started. And as always, use Kingsford™ Original Charcoal Briquets for a great grilling experience.

FUELS AND TOOLS

Kingsford™ Original Charcoal Briquets
Kingsford™ Charcoal Lighter Fluid
Charcoal grill
Tongs
Long-handled metal spatula
Heat-safe gloves
Long matches or grill lighter
Grill grate

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Tips for lighting a charcoal grill

Choose the right charcoal: The right charcoal ensures the right heat and smoky flavor, learn more here.
Vent control is key: Open bottom and top vents fully when starting to give coals maximum airflow, learn more here.
Wait for the coals to gray: Begin cooking when charcoal is covered in light ash, meaning it's ready.
Bank coals for temperature zones: Push coals to one side for two-zone cooking — hot sear area + cooler indirect area, learn more here.
Lighter fluid alternatives: One of the easiest ways to light coals evenly without lighter fluid is to use a chimney starter. Learn more here.

Safety Precautions when using lighter fluid

WARNING: CARBON MONOXIDE HAZARD Burning charcoal inside can kill you. It gives off carbon monoxide, which has no odor. NEVER burn charcoal inside homes, vehicles or tents.
DANGER: KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN & PETS. HARMFUL OR FATAL IF SWALLOWED. COMBUSTIBLE. CONTAINS PETROLEUM DISTILLATES.
Do not ingest.
Avoid breathing vapors.
Use in a well-ventilated area.
FIRST AID: IF SWALLOWED - DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. Call a doctor or poison control center immediately.
INHALATION - Move person to fresh air. If irritation or breathing problems develop, call a doctor.
Storage: Store away from direct sunlight, heat, sparks and open flames.
Only use charcoal lighter fluid (never gasoline or other accelerants).
Keep the bottle capped and away from flames.
Never spray lighter fluid onto burning or hot coals.
Make sure vents are fully open to allow airflow.
Set your grill on a stable, fire-safe surface.
Only add lighter fluid to unlit coals — never to coals that are already lit or warm.
Keep vents clear of ash to prevent flare-ups or sudden temperature spikes.

How to Light Charcoal Grill with Lighter Fluid

To open lighter fluid, place bottle on flat surface. Hold the neck of the bottle in one hand and flip the cap open with the other hand. A tool (like a screwdriver) may be used to CAREFULLY pry open the cap.
Squirt liquid over piled charcoal. Use 1.6 fluid ounces per pound of charcoal. Close cap, pressing firmly until it snaps and locks. NEVER ADD TO HOT COALS OR FIRE.
Light pile immediately. Begin cooking when coals are covered in gray ash.

Next step: How to control heat once the charcoal grill is lit

For more control once your charcoal is burning, learning how to manage heat is just as important as getting the grill lit. Mastering vent adjustments, coal placement, and temperature zones can help you cook more evenly and avoid flare-ups. Check out our complete guide to controlling charcoal grill temperature for step-by-step tips.

Related How-To Guides

Frequently Asked Questions

To put out a charcoal grill, close the grill lid and shut all the vents to cut off the oxygen supply. Allow the coals to cool completely before disposing of the ashes. Never use water on hot charcoal unless necessary, as it can create steam and damage some grills.

A charcoal grill typically takes 15 minutes to be ready after lighting with lighter fluid. Wait until the coals are mostly covered with a light gray ash before spreading them out and beginning to cook.

If you prefer not to use lighter fluid, you can light charcoal with a charcoal chimney starter, electric charcoal starter, natural fire starters, or paraffin wax cubes. These methods help ignite charcoal without lighter fluid. For step-by-step instructions, see our guide on how to light charcoal without lighter fluid.

How do you put out a fire in a charcoal grill?

How long does it take to light a charcoal grill with lighter fluid?

What can I use instead of lighter fluid?

What is charcoal lighter fluid made of?

Charcoal lighter fluid is typically made from refined petroleum distillates that are designed to ignite charcoal safely and burn away before cooking begins. Always use lighter fluid specifically labeled for charcoal grills and follow the manufacturer's instructions for safe use.

What should charcoal look like when it's ready?

Charcoal is ready for cooking when most of the briquets are covered with a light gray or white ash. At this stage, the coals are hot and ready to cook on.

Should you close the lid on your BBQ when lighting charcoal?

No, never close the grill lid when lighting. Leave the grill lid open while lighting charcoal with lighter fluid to allow proper airflow and prevent lighter fluid fumes from building up. Once the coals are fully lit and arranged for cooking, you can close the lid to begin grilling.

Can you relight charcoal?

Yes! If the charcoal has gone out but hasn't been fully reduced to ash, you can relight it by opening the vents to increase airflow and using a chimney starter or another safe ignition method. Previously used charcoal can often be mixed with fresh briquettes for your next cook.

How long should you let lighter fluid sit on charcoal?

After applying lighter fluid, let it soak into the charcoal for about 30 seconds before lighting. This allows the fluid to absorb into the briquets. Never add additional lighter fluid to charcoal that is already lit or hot.