Charcoal barbecuing is the preferred method for many who love to barbecue and grill outdoors. For many, a barbecue is not complete unless it is performed outside, over an open grill and charcoals. Charcoal barbecuing uses charcoal that is formed out of the process of partially burning an organic substance. Charcoal is typically created from wood but can be created from other materials as well.

Charcoal barbecuing is healthier than cooking over wood alone. When charcoal barbecuing, you can choose from two types of charcoal. These include lump charcoal and charcoal briquette. The choice of charcoal barbecuing with briquettes or lump charcoal is up to the individual and their personal preference.

Lump charcoal is formed by using wood or lumber that has been broken into pieces and then fashioned into charcoal. Crushing the charcoal and then adding various additives create briquettes.

Charcoal Barbecuing: Lighting the Charcoal

The first rule to follow when charcoal barbecuing is to never ever light the charcoal with gasoline. Always read the manufacturers instructions for your grill and follow them. These are the best instructions for using your grill and charcoal choices. Stack the desired amount of charcoal into a pyramid shape and then coat with lighter fluid adding more to the center of the charcoal stack.

A good rule of thumb is to use 1/4 cup of lighter fluid per one pound of charcoal. Let the lighter fluid covered charcoal sit for at least one minute. Using either a barbecue lighter or a fireplace match, light the charcoals. Let the charcoals burn for thirty minutes.

For optimum charcoal barbecuing, wait until the charcoals are covered with white ash. When they are gray, use long handled tongs to spread the charcoals out flat. After five minutes, you may begin your charcoal barbecuing.

Charcoal Barbecuing: Cleaning Your Grill

When you are finished charcoal barbecuing, always take the time to clean out your grill. If you neglect to clean the charcoals out, after they have thoroughly cooled, you risk damaging your grill. Always allow the charcoals to completely cool, and then remove them from the grill.

You can place them in a bin, one preferably made out of steel, and then add them to your garden, or dispose of them in the garbage. By using a wire brush, you can clean the grates on your grill. Taking care of your grill will ensure that you will continue to enjoy your charcoal barbecuing experiences.