How to Light Big Green Egg without Starter
The Big Green Egg is a popular kamado-style grill that is known for its even heat distribution and ability to cook low and slow. While it’s not difficult to light the Big Green Egg, you can follow a few tips to make sure your charcoal is lit correctly, and your egg is up and running in no time.
This blog post will walk you through the best methods for lighting your Big Green Egg without using starter fluid. In addition, here are a few tips on how to light big green egg without starter. So whether you’re a beginner or an experienced egghead, read on for some helpful tips!
What is a stater on the Light Big Green Egg?
Starter fluid is a liquid that helps start fires. It is usually made of alcohol or ether, which are both flammable and can help things catch on fire. When using starter fluid on a Big Green Egg, be sure to carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Make sure the coals are completely cool before using any starter fluid, and never use it near an open flame.
Required Materials
- Charcoal
- Lighter fluid (if used)
- Chimney starter
- Big Green Egg
The best way to light your Big Green Egg without using starter fluid is by using a chimney starter. A chimney starter is a cylindrical metal container that is filled with charcoal. It has a grate on the bottom and a chimney on top, allowing airflow. The charcoal in the chimney starter will be lit from the bottom and then can be transferred to the Big Green Egg.
How to Light Big Green Egg without Starter Step by Step
Step 1: Determine How Much Charcoal You’ll Need
The Big Green Egg is a type of grill that uses charcoal. To light it, you first need to determine how much charcoal you’ll need. This can depend on how many people you’re cooking for and what they’re eating, but a good rule of thumb is to put coals on all sides of the egg, with a volume that covers half the egg.
So, if you have the large Big Green Egg and plan to do a lot of cooking for four or more people, get about seven quarts of charcoal. Always remember that you can add coals during cooking as needed.
Step 2: Fill the Chimney Starter
Once you have determined how much charcoal is needed, fill the chimney starter halfway with unlit coals. How many unlit coals will depend on how much charcoal was used to fill it halfway.
After you add the first layer of coals, pour some lighter fluid onto them. Then add a second layer of coals. How much lighter fluid you use depends on how much charcoal you used to fill it halfway. Pour some lighter fluid onto the second layer of coals before adding the final layer of unlit coals.
Step 3: Light the Lighter Fluid
After pouring in another amount of lighter fluid, light the fluid with a long match and let it sit for about 10 minutes before setting the chimney starter on top of the Big Green Egg. How long you let it sit will depend on how much lighter fluid was used in the beginning. Don’t worry about over-lighting your charcoal because too much fluid won’t affect the final outcome of being to start cooking right away.
Step 4: Wait for Coals to be Ready
The coals are ready to be poured onto the egg when they turn white and there is ash formed. The amount of time this will take depends on how much lighter fluid was used. Always keep an eye on the coals and if they are not white after 15 minutes, pour some more fluid onto them and light again. The amount of fluid to use will depend on how much lighter fluid is already in the chimney starter.
Step 5: Place More Lighter Fluid Around the Egg
After about another 10 minutes has passed, use tongs to remove the chimney starter from directly on top of your Big Green Egg.
How much fluid will be needed to pour around the egg depends on how many coals have been added, so always use your tongs to lift out the chimney starter and look underneath before pouring more lighter fluid onto the hot coals. If you want to know more about how to light big green egg without starter, keep reading.
Step 6: Place More Lighter Fluid onto the Egg
Before lighting your Big Green Egg, remove the chimney starter and pour more lighter fluid around the coals. The amount you’ll need depends on how many coals you’ve added and lifted out. Always use tongs to lift out the chimney starter and check before adding more lighter fluid.
Step 7: Wait Again for Coals to Reach Cooking Temperature
Once the lighter fluid has been poured all-around your Big Green Egg, wait another 10 minutes before placing the chimney starter on top of the egg again. How long to wait will depend on the lighter fluid was used and what type of charcoal is being burned. How much time to wait before placing it on the egg again will also depend on the type of food you will be cooking that day. How long to wait after putting it back on top before placing more charcoal around the egg again, however, should always be about 10 minutes.
Step 8: Enjoy the Fire
When the charcoal in the fire ring is glowing, and you see a thin layer of ash on it, it is ready to cook on. If cooking low and slow, arrange the coals in an even layer across the bottom of the fire ring. If cooking hot and fast, arrange the coals in an even layer of one coal deep on one half of the ring. (See How to Set Up Your Big Green Egg for Two-Zone or Direct Grilling ).
The vents should be open about 1/4 turn. Now, place your grate(s) in the egg and put whatever it is you’re cooking on the grate. If you are using a plate setter, put it on now. Carefully add the grid to the fire ring and close the dome. How long it will take depends on how much charcoal was in your fire ring, to begin with, what temperature you want to cook at, and what food is being cooked.
Keep reading for more information about how to light big green egg without starter.
Frequently Asked Question
How Do You Light a Big Green Egg Fast?
There are a few ways to light a Big Green Egg without using a starter. One way is to use a charcoal chimney starter. Another way is to use an electric starter.
Do NOT use lighter fluid or any other flammable gas with your Big Green Egg. It will ruin the taste of your food, and the flavors in the ceramic may be absorbed into the food.
How Do You Light a Big Green Egg With a Chimney?
- Place the bottom grate in the Big Green Egg.
- Fill the charcoal chimney starter about half full with good-quality charcoal.
- Light one end of the charcoal and wait for it to start smoking.
- Place the chimney on top of the grate and insert the charcoal into the egg.
- Wait about 10 minutes for the charcoal to light, then start cooking!
Can You Use Match Light Charcoal in a Green Egg?
Match Light charcoal is a quick and easy way to start your Big Green Egg without using a starter. Just fill the chimney starter about half full of Match Light charcoal, light one end, and wait for it to start smoking. Then insert the charcoal into the egg and wait about 10 minutes for it to light. You’re ready to start cooking!
How Long Will Charcoal Burn in a Big Green Egg?
The charcoal will typically burn for about 2-3 hours in a Big Green Egg. If you need to keep the fire going for longer than that, just add more charcoal to the chimney starter and light it again.
Can You Use Kingsford Charcoal in a Big Green Egg?
Yes, you can use Kingsford charcoal in a Big Green Egg. Just fill the chimney starter about half full of Kingsford charcoal, light one end, and wait for it to start smoking. Then insert the charcoal into the egg and wait about 10 minutes for it to light. You’re ready to start cooking!
Conclusion
This is an easy process that you can do in no time. All it takes is the following ingredients and supplies to light your fire from scratch! You will need charcoal briquettes or hardwood lump charcoal (about 1-1/2 pounds), kindling for starting fires, lighter fluid with a squirt applicator nozzle, long-handled barbecue tongs, and a chimney starter.
Below are instructions on how to use these materials together to get your coals going quickly and efficiently! Steps: Start by arranging the appropriate amount of briquettes into one side of the grill grate directly under where the cooking rack would be placed if there was one. Thanks for reading our post about how to light big green egg without starter.
