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?

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?

"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.

You have aready learned he most important concept! Excellent R.!

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

You have to buy a Can/Chimney coal starter. About $10 at most stores that
sell grills. 2 sheets of newspaper goes underneath and Kingsford goes in
top, light newspaper and coals are ready to go after 15-20 minutes, I don't
wait for "ash over" to occur. When I see ash around coals half way down and
flames coming through the top, I'll dump in the coals. Waiting for coals to
ash over is only to be considered when using starter fluid,which by the way,
is the worst way to start coals.

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

You must use fresh Kingsford as if they get the slightest bit damp, they are
un-usable, store in a dry location!

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?


Grilled chicken should taken 1-1/2 hours to cook. On a Kettle type
cooker/grill. (lidded)


--
Mike Willsey (Piedmont)
The Practical Bar B Q'r at,
http://groups.msn.com/ThePracticalBarBQr/_whatsnew.msnw

Roquelaure wrote:

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?


Get a starter chimney. Dump your charcoal in, put two sheets
of wadded up newspaper underneath and light. In ten minutes you should
be ready to go.


--

When I shake my killfile, I can hear them buzzing!

Cheerful Charlie

wcb wrote:
Roquelaure wrote:

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?


Get a starter chimney. Dump your charcoal in, put two sheets
of wadded up newspaper underneath and light. In ten minutes you should
be ready to go.


Nothing wrong with the chimney, but I'd also encourage the OP to try
lump charcoal. It lights easily, burns hot, and a pile will get going
pretty fast with just a small parafin fire starter cube in the middle.
Wallmart has Royal Oak lump in my area and it's all I use in my GD. I
use a chimney for lump too if I want to sear a steak or something and
need to get a lot going all at once.

- bc