Starting Your Kamado Grill

For first time kamado users, starting your grill can appear to be a daunting task.  When I first became a kamado owner, I had a lot of questions about the process.  There are several different options and all work great.  Which you choose is up to you.  In the video at the bottom we demonstrate the "Cotton Ball" method of starting a kamado grill.  All that is needed is rubbing alcohol, cotton balls and a spark. 


Q:  Why can't (or shouldn't) I use lighter fluid?
A:  There are a couple of different reasons for not using lighter fluid in your kamado grill, but probably at the top of my list is I don't really like the taste of lighter fluid all that much.  If you use it in your kamado, you're likely to taste it.  The lighter fluid is also not good for your grill period.  The chemicals in the lighter fluid can and will likely be harmful to your ceramic grill parts.  Lastly, depending on how much lighter fluid you would use, your not going to end up with a slow burn that starts from the center and works its way out.  Lighter fluid gets a fire hot quicker than you need in your kamado.

Q:  What options do I have to start my grill?
A:  Tons........

1. Fire Starters - Probably the most common form of starting your kamado grill is to use fire starters.  If you go this route, make sure you read the packaging and the fire starters state they are food safe, charcoal safe, non-toxic, etc. Last thing you want to do is start your grill using materials that is going to make you and everyone else sick! 
2. Cotton Ball Soaked With Rubbing Alcohol - So why can you use rubbing alcohol and not lighter fluid?  Yea, I'm not really a chemist or pretend to be, so I'm not going to get into the specifics.  But there is a bit of a difference between the two.  This method works great and the alcohol goes unnoticed to the taste of the food.  
3. Electric Fire Starter -  I haven't tried one of these yet, looking forward to trying it though.  So to give an opinion on it is probably not valid.  The downside of using this, is I don't have an outlet next to my grill so every time I would need to use it I would have to run an extension cord.  Not the end of the world, but something to consider.  (Tip:  For those building a custom grilling table, think about this option and run electric to your table.  Will have other benefits other than starting grill in future.  Think electric knives....)
4. Propane Torch - If your feeling real adventurous, you can fire up a Benzomatic propane torch and light the lump.  Just be careful not to burn the house or deck down depending on the torch that you use.  I've seen some videos of people using "grass burning" torches, and this just doesn't look safe for anybody.... Including the grill.
5. Chimney Charcoal Starter - You can pick these up fairly cheap on Amazon as well as other outlets.  Not a bad option.  You stack the charcoal into the chimney and light it to get the lump started.  Once the lump is burning, you empty the lump into your grill to spread the fire.
6. Newspaper - Kick it old fashioned and use some newspaper as kindling.  Downside to using this is when the paper burns it likes to rise and with the closed lid there will be nowhere for the ash to go until you open the grill.  This might lead to pieces of burnt paper on your food.  Doubtful, but one never knows. 

Q:  When is it safe to put my food on the grill?
A:  When you first start the grill you'll see a dark white smoke coming out of the top damper.  Your grill at this stage is not quite ready for food.  When this turns to a light blue, you're ready to go.  Rule of thumb, get your grill to your desired grilling temp for 15 - 20 minutes before placing food on the grill.

Grill with light blue smoke coming out the top

Q:  How long can I expect this process to take before I put food on?
A:  Really kind of depends on how you start your grill and how quickly you want to get after it.  I typically plan an hour from the start of the process to putting food on grates.  Great time to fire up a cigar and crack a beer or 2.  I also like to make sure that I have my temperature controlled before I put any food on there.

Q:  What are the basics to starting my Kamado Grill?
A:  Step by Step Guide Below:

1. Pour in Lump Charcoal of your choice.  



Pouring charcoal into the firebox

1. The beauty of lump charcoal is that if it doesn't burn out, you can reuse it.  And you will likely always have leftovers, so don't be bashful when pouring your charcoal into the firebox. 
2. Place bigger pieces of lump towards the bottom



Charcoal and smoking chunks ready to be lit

1. This is more important if your using a cheaper brand of lump and there are small pieces of lump in your firebox.  The reason for getting these smaller pieces to the top of the pile of lump is to ensure there is no restriction in the airflow from your kamado grill.
3. Take your pick from the Options Above and light the fire  (Leave Lid open after fire is lit)
1. If using a fire starter or cotton ball, place this in the center of your pile, and light it so the fire expands out into the lump.  If you're looking to cook at high temps, you can place a couple in there and spread them out, however 1 in the center is plenty to get the job done.
2. If using an electric charcoal starter or torch, we still recommend starting the fire in the center of the firebox to let the fire work its way out.  This will help keep the temperature consistent. 
4. Let fire "catch"  (Check every couple of minutes or so to ensure its going)
1. Leave lid open and all vents wide open for 10 minutes
5. After fire is confirmed to be burning to a spread, close the lid and open bottom and top dampers fully
1. Let grill come up to temp and choke the temperature as required.