How can I get my grill to taste without lighter fluid?

Why does my grilled food taste like lighter fluid?

Lighter fluid (and match-light charcoal, which is charcoal that has lighter fluid added) tends to add a harsh chemical taste to the food you’re grilling, and it’s not our favorite.

Do you need lighter fluid to grill?

You don’t actually need lighter fluid to light your charcoal. … The most you should use is 1/4 cup of fluid per pound of charcoal. Allow the lighter fluid to soak in for 30 seconds before lighting. And NEVER douse a burning fire with lighter fluid.

Is there a substitute for lighter fluid?

Household lighter fluid alternatives:



Pile the coals directly above it and light the paper. Rubbing alcohol*: Be sure to let this burn out completely before cooking over it. Cardboard Egg Crate: Take 1/2 of the bottom of the crate, place coals into it. … Douse the paper towels or cotton balls into the liquid.

Is it safe to eat meat that tastes like lighter fluid?

The short answer to this is ‘yes’, it is bad for you. The hydrocarbons included in lighter fluids and match light charcoal simply do not break down easily, and that means you are ingesting them right along with your food.

Can you really taste lighter fluid?

Truth is, no matter how long you let a fire that was started with lighter fluid burn, you can taste it on your food, and it’s not pleasant. The Fix: What you really need is a chimney starter. … Your coals will be lit in record time with no risk of adding off-flavors to your food.

Can you use too much lighter fluid?

Any lighter fluid is too much. It is bad for the environment, bad for your health, bad for the flavor of your food, and totally unnecessary. Get a charcoal chimney for a few bucks. With one piece of newspaper, they work like a charm and add no toxins to your BBQ.

Is lighter fluid toxic?

Lighter fluid is a flammable liquid found in cigarette lighters and other types of lighters. Lighter fluid poisoning occurs when someone swallows this substance. This article is for information only. DO NOT use it to treat or manage an actual poison exposure.

Is lighter fluid carcinogenic?

Lighter fluid (petroleum-based) produces volatile organic compounds and leaves petroleum residue on food and in your lungs. We say, skip the lighter fluid! … Just know that it produces soot that irritates respiratory conditions like asthma and releases the carcinogenic VOC benzene, so stand away from the smoke!

How long should coals burn before cooking?

DON’T: Forget to preheat the grill before you start cooking.



Once your coals are distributed in your grill, throw the lid on and let it sit for five to 10 minutes before placing any food over the coals, you want to hear a light sizzle when the protein, fruit or vegetables hit the grates.

Can I use gasoline instead of lighter fluid?

Never use gasoline, kerosene, or other highly volatile fluids as a starter. They can explode. As an alternative to lighter fluid, use an electric, solid, metal chimney or other starter specifically made for lighting charcoal briquettes or wood chunks.

Can you use olive oil instead of lighter fluid?

Another method we use is a paper towel or a cotton ball and some olive oil. … When finished, soak it in olive oil. Light it and put it under the charcoal chimney to get those coals going. When you hear the sound of what “broken glass,” that’s when you know that charcoal is getting nice and hot.

Can whiskey be used as lighter fluid?

Douse the towels in whiskey and then place them in between the coals before then lighting. I recommend using extreme caution with this (source), so don’t light the paper directly with a lighter as the whiskey will flare up extremely quickly. Instead, carefully drop a lit match in or scrunched up newspaper.