An American Story

The history of grilling at Kingsford is a classic American story. It all started in 1919 when Edward G. Kingsford helped Henry Ford procure a stretch of timberland to supply wood for his auto plants.

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Kingsford® Preserve the Pit

Kingsford remains committed to celebrating Black barbecue culture by launching the second year of Preserve the Pit and doubling the investment in aspiring barbecue professionals.

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American Pride

An American-made company founded over 100 years ago, Kingsford has a lot to be proud of. Our employees have been continuing the family tradition in backyards across the nation.

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Learn

How to Light Charcoal with a Chimney

This simple device uses paper — most commonly newspaper — to light the charcoal. The charcoal is held within the chimney above the flames, so the edges light quickly and help ignite the neighboring charcoal. It’s an easy and effective way to get your charcoal burning.

What You’ll Need

To make the process flow smoothly, be sure to gather everything on the list below before you get started.

Fuel and Tools
  • Kingsford® Original Charcoal Briquets
  • Heat-Resistant Grilling Gloves
  • Kindling: Old Newspaper, Used Paper Bags or Purpose-Made Chimney Starters
  • Cooking Oil (Optional)
  • Charcoal Grill
  • Long-Handled Tongs or a Long-Handled Metal Spatula
  • Matches or Lighter

Fill the Chimney with Charcoal

Fill the Chimney with Charcoal

Add Kindling and Light

  • Add old newspaper, used paper bags or your choice of purpose-made chimney starters.
  • To light with newspaper, loosely crinkle one or two sheets so that they’ll fill the bottom of the chimney. Place the newspaper on the grill grate and fully cover with the chimney. Light the newspaper in several spots.
  • As the newspaper burns in the chamber below, the flames will light the edges of the charcoal above.
  • Peek through the chimney vents to see if the coals have started, and if the edges of the coals have turned gray.

Add Kindling and Light

When All the Coals Are Ashed Over, Pour Out the Chimney

  • After about 15 to 20 minutes, you’ll see the coals starting to glow through the vents and flames starting to flicker over the top layer.
  • When all the coals in the chimney are ashed over, pour out the coals. We recommend using a pair of heat-resistant gloves — the chimney will be hot.
  • Grab your tongs or use a metal spatula if you need to spread the coals out further.
  • Now it’s time to get grilling!

When All the Coals Are Ashed Over, Pour Out the Chimney