How to Light Charcoal Without Lighter Fluid

BBQ Experts Share Secrets of Charcoal Lighting Without Any Lighter Fluid

As the sun sets in summer, grilling aficionados embrace the tantalizing aroma of charcoal-fired cooking. However, the initial challenge of lighting charcoal, particularly in the absence of lighter fluid, can be a hurdle. Mastering the craft of igniting charcoal without lighter fluid not only enhances your grilling prowess but also enriches the flavors of your culinary creations. But fret not! Seasoned BBQ experts have shared here a range of techniques to solve the problem.

Newspaper Method

Newspaper Method

Placing your charcoal briquettes in a pyramid shape atop crumpled newspaper can expedite the ignition process. The pyramid structure enables heat to ascend from the base coals, effectively distributing heat and kindling the fire. Once the charcoal is blanketed in a layer of white ash, spread it evenly and place the grill grate atop to complete your BBQ cooking endeavors.

Newspaper and Cooking Oil Fusion

Elevate the newspaper method by infusing cooking oil into the equation. A few drops of cooking oil on a balled-up newspaper create a powerful fire starter for your BBQ. Nestle the oil-soaked paper amidst the charcoal, ignite, and let the flammable oil work its magic, offering a swift ignition alternative without the need for any lighter fluid.

Egg Carton

Egg Carton

Introducing an empty egg carton into the BBQ grill can revolutionize the ignition process. Place your charcoal within the egg compartments and light the carton. The controlled burn of the carton acts as a catalyst, ensuring uniform ignition of the briquettes.

Nature’s Fire Starters

Whether grilling at home or embarking on a BBQ camping adventure, natural fire starters such as dry twigs, leaves, and coconut husks can be your allies. Crafting a small nest of these materials within the charcoal pile and igniting them creates a spark that will cascade through the coals, setting them ablaze in no time, depending on the wind.

Charcoal Chimney

Charcoal Chimney

A BBQ charcoal chimney is a cost-effective tool for rapid charcoal ignition. Fill the chimney with charcoal, introduce a natural fire starter at the base, and light it up. Within a matter of minutes, your charcoal will be ready to infuse that smoky goodness into your culinary creations.

Tumbleweed

For a unique twist, consider tumbleweeds, readily available at supermarkets, to light the fire. Placing these wooden and paraffin wax bundles at the base of your BBQ chimney or within your charcoal pyramid guarantees swift ignition. The combination of materials ensures a surprisingly rapid transition from spark to full blaze.

Tips to Stay Warm at Home Without Splurging on Home-Heating

As winter is setting in, chances are that your home is gradually getting chillier. But heating your entire home and having it all day long isn’t exactly an affordable option! Here are a few easy tips to solve the problem and keep yourself warm and cozy while working from home in winter.

Proper Clothing

The best way to be warm in colder months is to maintain our core body temperature or raise it whenever necessary. To do so, you can heat the whole house, or you can heat yourself! You know which one is cheaper, right? So, while staying at home, wrap yourself up in proper clothing. Woolen leggings and jumpers trap millions of tiny air pockets providing insulation. Thermals are great, of course, but layering your ordinary clothing will get the job done too. While sitting, a duvet or blanket covering the legs and waist will help. If needed, add a warm water bottle underneath. You can also snuggle in a wearable electric blanket.

Focusing on Key Areas

Your palms and feet are the key areas of your body, as the temperature of these areas dominates the entire perception of thermal comfort or discomfort. Think of fingerless gloves, insulation socks, and slippers to cover up your feet and palms. When not typing, place your palms in your armpits from time to time to keep them warm. If you got enough to splurge, take the luxury route and pick a pair of heated slippers and gloves each.

Capturing the Losing Heat

Expert mountaineers always suggest keeping the head warm to get warmer hands. The blood vessels on the scalp don’t constrict in the cold as much as other body parts. That means the heat can get easily lost through the head. So, keeping a woolen hat ready on the desk comes in handy. Your body can also lose heat when it rises from underneath the clothing but escapes at the open neck area. So, a scarf or stole, and a buff or polo neck make a great difference here.

Exercising

This one practice can be a real lifestyle hack for so many problems! While exercising, almost three-quarters of the used energy gets transferred into heat. So, just stepping up and down the staircase with a bit of speed can generate about 100 watts of heating in your body, raising the overall body temperature just within a few minutes. A short span of exercising now and then will literally warm up your body, making a big difference to your general thermal comfort. There’s no denying that it’s great for your overall health too!