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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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Preserve the Pit

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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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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The Kingsford Difference

Kingsford has been fueling legendary grills since 1920, and we’re still America’s #1 charcoal for good reason. Our briquets light faster, burn longer, and deliver the high heat you need for exceptional results. Whether you’re searing steaks or savoring smoky flavors, one thing’s for certain — nothing beats the original.

Kingsford™

Match Light™ Instant Charcoal Briquets, BBQ Charcoal for Grilling

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Kingsford™ Match Light® Charcoal with a Made in the USA badge and red flame illustration. The words "Match Light" are ghosted in the background.

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Product Highlights

  • No Lighter Fluid Needed
  • Lights Instantly Every Time*
  • Ready in About 10 Minutes
  • Authentic Wood Flavor, Made with Real American Wood
  • Perfect for Tailgating, Camping and On-the-Go Grilling

When the grill calls, Kingsford™ Match Light™ Charcoal answers fast. Kingsford Original Charcoal™ combined with just the right amount of lighter fluid, these briquets light instantly* — no extra prep, no lighter fluid. In about 10 minutes, your coals are ready to cook on, letting you spend less time lighting and more time grilling. Whether you're tailgating, camping, or hosting a backyard bash, Kingsford™ Match Light™ Charcoal makes it easy to fire up flavor wherever you are.

Crafted with real American wood Match Light™ Charcoal delivers the smoky flavor you crave with the convenience you need. Each briquet is designed to light quickly and heat consistently, giving you that authentic BBQ flavor. It’s the ultimate solution for spontaneous grilling moments—because great flavor shouldn’t wait.

* when used as directed

The Kingsford Difference

Match Light

Kingsford has been fueling legendary cookouts since 1920. With Match Light™ Charcoal, we’ve taken our century of expertise and made it even easier to light up the grill.* No lighter fluid. No hassle. Just fast, reliable ignition and the authentic wood-fired flavor you expect from America’s #1 charcoal brand.

Our proprietary briquet design features Sure Fire Grooves™ with more edges for fast lighting. Made in the USA with North American ingredients, Kingsford™ Match Light™ Charcoal is the go-to choice for grillers who want convenience without compromise.

Want to see Match Light in action? Watch our video.

* vs. non-instant-light charcoal
† based on unit sales data

People sitting around a small barbecue grill, a bag of Match Light is in the foreground
Pairs well with this recipe

Grilled Ribeye

Grilling thick cut ribeye steaks to perfection is simple, fast and fit for every occasion.

Get the Recipe
Close-up of sliced grilled ribeye steak with a seared crust and juicy pink center arranged on a white plate, with a blurred salad in the background
Learn

HOW TO ARRANGE CHARCOAL BEFORE GRILLING

Discover the best ways to grill and smoke using Kingsford™ Charcoal Briquets. We’ll show you how much charcoal you should be using to achieve the right grilling temperature, and techniques to use for different types of food. It’s easy — just follow along.

Learn How
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Frequently Asked Questions

Kingsford™ Match Light™ Charcoal is ready to grill in about 10 minutes. Once the flame goes out and the briquets are covered in gray ash, you can spread them out and start cooking.

Do not add lighter fluid Kingsford™ Match Light™ Charcoal comes contains just the right amount. That means you can light the briquets directly with a match or lighter.

Do not add Kingsford™ Match Light™ Charcoal to an already lit fire. Because they contain lighter fluid, adding them mid-cook can cause flare-ups or uneven burning. If you need more fuel during grilling, switch to Kingsford™ Original Briquets.

Kingsford™ Match Light™ Charcoal is designed for speed and simplicity—it lights instantly and doesn’t require lighter fluid*. Both deliver our signature smoky flavor, but Kingsford™ Match Light™ Charcoal is perfect for spontaneous, on-the-go grilling moments, while Kingsford™ Original Briquets offer a more traditional grilling experience.

* when used as directed

Ceramic and kamado grill manufacturers typically advise against using briquets with added lighter fluid. For those types of grills, Kingsford™ Professional Briquets or Kingsford™ Low & Slow Briquets are recommended. Always follow your grill’s manufacturer guidelines for the best results.

Kingsford™ Match Light™ Charcoal is available in several convenient sizes, including 4 lb, 8 lb, 12 lb, 16 lb, and twin 12 lb or 14 lb packs. 4 lb is approximately one grilling session, depending on your grill size and cooking style.

Store Kingsford™ Match Light™ Charcoal in a cool, dry place and reseal the bag tightly after each use to help preserve the ignition properties. Exposure to air can cause the lighter fluid to evaporate, making the briquets harder to light. Avoid damp environments to prevent moisture from affecting the briquets.

Kingsford™ Storage Containers make it easy to store, protect, and dispense your briquets (or wood pellets)!

Absolutely — Kingsford™ Match Light™ Charcoal is made for on-the-go grilling. It lights fast and is ready to cook in about 10 minutes. That makes it ideal for tailgates, camping trips, park cookouts, and more when used as directed.

Kingsford™ Match Light™ Charcoal is perfect for quick-grill favorites like burgers, hot dogs, chicken wings, and skewers. Pair it with Kingsford’s recipe library for endless inspiration.