Fueling the Fire, Flavor, and Tradition
Last time, we discussed how different grills pair with different types of Harder Charcoal. Now, let’s talk about something just as important: how to light it.
Lighting your charcoal the right way sets the tone for your entire cook. Whether you're firing up a quick weeknight grill or prepping for a long low-and-slow session, the way you ignite matters.
We’re here to help you do it right—every time.
Lump Charcoal: Light and Wild
Our lump charcoal comes in different sizes to suit your needs. One of the key benefits of our lump charcoal is its minimal ash production, meaning you get more pure heat and less mess to clean up afterward.
Medium Lump Charcoal
Our medium lump charcoal is the quickest to ignite. If you need a fast start, this is your go-to choice. With smaller, quicker-burning pieces, it gets the fire going in no time, ideal for quicker grilling sessions, whether you're cooking meats, vegetables, or even desserts.
XL Lump Charcoal
For those long burns and even heat, XL lump charcoal offers larger, irregular pieces. It takes a little longer to light compared to the medium lump, but once it’s going, it burns with a steady, powerful heat—perfect for longer cooking sessions, no matter what you're grilling.
Recommended methods for both:
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Use a charcoal chimney starter.
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Place a natural firelighter or crumpled paper underneath.
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Fill the chimney with charcoal (medium lump for fast ignitions, XL lump for longer sessions).
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Light the base and wait 10–15 minutes for a glowing red heat with a light ash coating.
🔥 Pro tip: Leave the top pieces a little loose in the chimney to allow airflow—good oxygen means faster, even ignition.
Briquets: Steady and Reliable
Our briquets are designed for a consistent, long-lasting burn—ideal for smokers and flat tops. They take a bit longer to get going, but the payoff is rock-solid heat. Plus, like our lump charcoal, they also feature minimal ash production, which makes cleanup a breeze.
Recommended method:
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Use a charcoal chimney as well (yes, it works great here too!).
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Fill the chimney to the top for longer cooks.
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Let it burn 20–25 minutes until it has reached its optimal burn level before spreading.
🔥 Pro tip: Once lit, briquets hold heat evenly. Avoid adding unlit briquets mid-cook unless you’re banking the fire on one side.
What to Avoid
🚫 Lighter fluid – We don’t recommend it. It affects flavor, leaves residue, and defeats the purpose of cooking with real charcoal.
🚫 Rushing the process – Let your fire develop fully before adding your ingredients. Whether you're grilling meats, vegetables, or even desserts, cooking over half-lit coals can lead to uneven heat and off flavors.
When Is It Ready?
Your charcoal is ready when:
✅ You see a light gray ash forming on the surface.
✅ The heat feels strong when you place your hand 5 inches above the grill for 3–4 seconds.
✅ There are no visible flames—just glowing, consistent coals.
Final Thoughts
Starting your fire is part of the experience—it’s the quiet moment before the sizzle. Whether you prefer medium lump for quick lighting or XL lump for a long, steady burn, giving your charcoal the right start makes all the difference.
At Harder Charcoal, we want to make sure you feel confident every step of the way—from choosing your product to lighting it up. Simple tools, natural fire, and good technique are all you need.
Stay tuned for our next blog, where we'll dive into the key differences between lump charcoal and briquets and help you choose the perfect fuel for your cooking style.
Happy grilling,
The Harder Charcoal Team