Get a chimeny style starter. Wad some newspaper in the bottom, charcoal on
top, and light the newspaper. That works TONS better than lighter fluid,
and is quicker too. Keep you charcoal dry also, don't let it get soaked in
the rain.


"Roquelaure" > wrote in message
lkaboutcooking.com...
> I'm not familar with coal burning grills, as my mother always used gas.
> But, since I've been out on my own for a number of years, I've wanted a
> grill of my own, and finally got around to getting one. Gas is fine, but
> I never really liked the taste as well compaired to the coal.
> Now, my problem is that I can't get them to heat up properly. The other
> day it took me 3 tries on my grill just to get them lit, and when I
> finally DID get them lit, it took over an hour just to START ashing. I
> finally gave up waiting (since all the instructions between the fluid and
> the coals say it should be ready in a half hour) and threw the chicken on.
> After ANOTHER hour of baking them, I finally gave up and stuck them in
> the oven. 2 hours after that the coals were still burning, but just
> barely, and STILL hadn't gotten up enough heat (I could actually touch the
> grill with my whole hand the entire time I was grilling). I think this is
> rediculous. I tried opening it up to get it more air, but it just goes
> out, and I tried little air, but it just smolders. Anything in between
> and I just end up cooking the food faster with my own body heat!
> Any suggestions before I go out and get a gas grill that I don't want and
> can't afford?
>
>