I need a FoolProof way to BBQ...start briquets. They keep going out.?

Question

I have charcoal without the extra lighter fluid....and have tried both ways.
I cannot get them hot! I have tried several times.
First I've seen friends use the fluid in a large prorortion. I never watched and took notes.
First I soak them. (maybe let det to absorb?)
2) light them and wait for fire to go out
3) close the lid
4) they should be hot.....but not mine.

I have tried different combinations.
I have the barrel type of BBQ'r The air vent on the top left and bottom right.
I have tried with the vents.
WHEN IT GETS HOT ....ONLY THE LEFT SIDE with the vent on the bottom that is open.
Ther rightside I have tried with the vent open and closed to a crack.
Couple friends tried and still together we don't have luck.
Easy way? I'll try it today if I can get some great tips! Thank you.

Answer 1

Chimney starter and time is the best way and easiest to start briquettes.

Charcoal briquettes take time to actually come up to temperature taking about 15 minutes. You know when they're ready when the briquettes are ashy-white.

I pour a load of bruquettes into a chimney starter, place a couple sheets of paper under the bottom and light. After 15 minutes, the coals will be white and I dump them into my grill.

You can cheat a little by placing in the bottom of the starter, a few lumps of the Match Light (pre-soaked) briquettes. Those will get started by the paper and will supply the fire for the rest of the briquettes.

Without a Chimney Starter -
From your description on your method, you shouldn't close the lid. The charcoal needs oxygen (lots) to start.

Pile the briquettes into a pyramid shaped pile.
Coat with lighter fluid and light.
Leave the lid off and the bottom vents fully open so you have air circulation.
If you see the edges turn white, that's a good sign.
When the edges turn white, the flame usually has burned out, but the coals are still heating up. You can speed up the process by actually fanning the coals until they ignite again.
When you fan the coals, you'll see them start to glow. Keep fanning and they will ignite again. Then wait about 15 minutes for the coals to turn white.

Also, Kingsford is probably the most consistent and longest lasting I've used. I've tried different brands and keep going back to Kingsford.

Answer 2

I found, long ago, that starting fluid is not the way to go. I went to a home center and bought something called a charcoal stack.It is simply is a steel tube, open at both ends, with a grate about 3/4 the way down and a few vent holes.
Simply put something like loosely wadded newspaperbelow the grate, then fill with regular charcoal with no lighter fluid, light the paper underneath and leave it alone for a little while. When the coals on top have turned white pour them in the grill.
Oh, when using, do not put the stack on anything that will burn, I still have a hole in my deck.

Good luck

Answer 3

You need to pile the charcoal up on itself, adn light it. Keep it in a pile until it has turned ash-white (about 20 min), THEN spread them out. They will die out if you dont' let them get a good start first.

You may also try a Charcoal Chimney. Just follow label directions.
pic: http://www.rvsupplywarehouse.com/product/detail.cfm/pid/1500

Answer 4

I read this story...!
I have no idea why your fire would it go out.
Maybe before you put the lid on.
Did they glow red and start to turn white??
Actually your BBQ sounds like a smoker...
The vents may not be allowing enough air when covered.
G.L.