The Best Way to Light A Charcoal Grill Without Lighter Fluid

The Best Way to Light A Charcoal Grill Without Lighter Fluid: This All-Natural Brazilian Fire Starting Method uses NO LIGHTER FLUID. If you've been searching for a healthy way to start your charcoal fires without lighter fluid, gasoline or poison-soaked charcoal, this is the method for you. This completely natural and organic fire-starting method works every time, with zero chemicals and yields the best tasting BBQ food you could ever hope for. NOTE: Since making this video we've switched to putting the oil in a spray bottle for less waste and can report that it is a much better method of spreading oil evenly on the charcoal and conserving oil.
Ingredients: one paper towel, olive oil and a pile of Braseiro (or your preferred brand) Brazilian Hard Wood Charcoal big enough to cook your food. The charcoal we use was purchased locally, but here is a similar healthy option available on Amazon: amzn.to/3iNDA1f
Special thanks to our friend Dan for teaching us the method that Brazilians have used for decades to produce the best tasting wood charcoal cooked meals you've ever had. Also worth noting, is the homemade stainless steel grill used in this video. You can check out the entire construction of this grill here: • Making A Stainless Ste...
If you've been searching for how to light charcoal without lighter fluid, his charcoal starting technique is reliable, healthy and environmentally friendly. It's a win, win, win!!! We hope this video helps you change the way you light your charcoal grill for good, and for the better. Thanks for watching and happy cooking!
This video was shot on:
Blackmagic Pocket 4K: amzn.to/3qpsSpl
GoPro Hero 8: amzn.to/3wznAIR
GoPro Hero 6: amzn.to/3Flo1tF
We're always striving to make better content and are always happy to hear from viewers. If there's anything we can do better or anything you think we should make a video about, please let us know in the comments. We hope you enjoy this video and will consider subscribing to help us continue bringing you more Mechanic Secrets.
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[@jayb0nd007]

Vegetable oil spray can on your charcoals so you don't have to waste a lot of olive oil & spray can spreads oil evenly

[@MechanicSecrets]

Yes! Agree 100%. We are working on an updated version of this video with everything we’ve learned since making it. Putting the oil into a spray bottle is much more efficient/effective than pouring the oil.

[@alexanderquilty5705]

Hopefully nobody gets the idea of spraying oil into an already hot grill though. That’s a lil risky 😅

[@Sola_Scriptura_1.618]

​@Mechanic Secrets, I was just about to make that suggestion of using a spray bottle! Live, learn, and pass it on! Love the paper towel technique!

[@adriennebrailsford6291]

I’d stay away from the sprays with adds in, the spray bottle would be best

[@tgates811]

Was there a specific reason for olive oil vs cheaper vegetable oil?

[@youtubeuser3182]

Love how genuinely excited he got at 4:40

[@Lsmoe]

Recap from first comment 👇🏾After my 1st attempt all I can say is WOW 🤩! I will NEVER use charcoal and lighter fluid again ! EVER ! Food I have eaten before taste soooooo different and amazing. Best video I have watched that will really change how I prepare my food for me and my family! This is a Game Changer ! Thanks again my brother!

[@MechanicSecrets]

Thanks for sharing that amazingly good news! it's much appreciated.

[@1010QUEEN7]

WOW

[@localvideomarketing4973]

Out of all the methods I tried, this is the only one that kept the fire lit. Thanks a bunch!

[@MechanicSecrets]

That's great news! Happy to help.

[@affordablehvac]

Me: at the :45 sec mark "he doesn't mind getting that damn oil on his hands Mechanic Secrets at the 1:20 mark "I don't mind getting this olive oil on my hands" Hahahaa I'm over here in tears

[@MechanicSecrets]

Love it! Hey, we’ll take the laughs any way we can get “em. Actually after making this video, I started cleaning my hands with it at the shop. And then made a video about that too: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oIexkoiQgqtoY6M

[@christopherdunn5799]

Fantastic video. Like the four corner light. Easier and more consistent than other oil+paper towel methods I've seen. Will be trying this tonight!

[@5aw5a]

was it a success?

[@alexanderquilty5705]

Not sure. He didn’t come back to complain so maybe it did 😅

[@drawfark]

This just makes so much sense. Thanks! Nice grill!

[@april26801]

Can’t wait to try this!

[@najikhalilallah689]

I am so glad I found your video cuz I have a bbq next Saturday! You're awesome; thank yo so much!!!

[@MechanicSecrets]

Thanks for the high praise. We’re glad you found it too! So far viewers are reporting 100% success. Hope it works for you too!!! Let us know.

[@fnfallout5664]

Will try it, thanks.

[@amyemmett9406]

What a great frickin idea thank you 🙏

[@tonyjoe5707]

Nice tip. Cheers🔥 Just tried it and it worked a treat. Nice 1👍

[@manymoonstraveled]

Great idea!! Gonna start doing this 😁👍

[@DarkLady13]

Gonna try! Thanks!

[@rosemariealmero1214]

Thank you 🙏🏼

[@XO-zp1cq]

Amazing! I’m sharing this videos with everyone I know ✌🏼

[@MechanicSecrets]

Thanks!!!

[@rsmm444]

Great Tip! Thanks

[@alzzla2730]

Thanks much appreciated 👍

[@rxlo1062]

Love it! 👍

[@MikeFLHT]

Nicely done. Thanks!

[@sharono297]

I try to only use lump charcoal. There use to be, maybe still is is a lump charcoal plant outside Branson. I got started using theirs. Hickory is my favorite, and I use Apple wood and or cherry wood to smoke with. I appreciate the tip using a paper towel and olive oil. Going to try that today . I am doing a 5 and half pound whole young chicken. I've got some carrots and celery and red taters, and some corn on the cob. Doing research, and came across your video. Thanks. A+++

[@CartoonWeasel]

Forgot everything to light my charcoal grill yesterday at the camp. So i made a mini fire camp over it. Worked. I like making fires, i might stick with the mini camp fire in the grill to light my charcoal. Will however try the oil trick. Dont want to spend 30$ just for a chimney when my camp grill cost 35$. + any time you can get an excuse to make a camp fire, its a good time.

[@fjb4932]

"Pyromaniac" ( said with envy ) ...

[@TheWatcher60401]

Oh my god this is genius! I'm doing this next.

[@kuddyadyanchi]

Awesome! Finally done it

[@Babyjohn8170]

Thank you for this absolutely amazing tip! I love it! Can’t wait to try it this method.😃👍

[@MechanicSecrets]

You’re very welcome! Good luck!!!

[@Babyjohn8170]

@@MechanicSecrets that tip worked perfectly! Everyone raved about our barbecue.😃👍 Thank you! Thank you!

[@1010QUEEN7]

Me too 😋

[@zahirallaham1762]

Smart guy love it ty

[@drewm9660]

Wonderful!.. 👍🏾

[@kennethsmith9956]

Thank you I tried that two weeks ago

[@alipiodepaula]

Terrific sir, going to do it myself tomorrow, at my father-in-law's house. Cheers from Brazil!

[@MechanicSecrets]

Hello Brazil! How'd it work?

[@chriswhalen71]

Will be trying this on my next cook!

[@ReadMyDiscription.223]

I'm going to try this with a couple of steaks next Saturday. Thanks

[@mike81399]

Like this method 👍 I have a large chimney for my normal grill, bit the small one I got for my travel grill doesn't get the job done.

[@simonmckenzie7204]

thank you , it worked for me really well. CHEERS

[@MechanicSecrets]

That’s great news! Glad it helped. Happy New Year!!!

[@lrodriguez9315]

If you have a torch you really dont need the oil .

[@coreoglo70]

This was amazing took my grill game to the next level ty

[@mhammer5]

I use a chimney with either Weber cubes or the tumble weeds, works for me.

[@treborlive4546]

Excellent!

[@MechanicSecrets]

Thanks!!!

[@Lsmoe]

Gr8t video will try this tonight ! Can't wait ! I love to hear a man laugh when grilling and making 🔥🔥🔥.

[@MechanicSecrets]

Thanks! Hope you enjoy!!!

[@melvinvalentinesr4501]

It worked for me

[@jamesjohnson3052]

Who would've thunk. I'm definitely going to try this for sure. Thanks for the tip

[@robertmarion4457]

Very nice

[@geneb1034]

I thought I was the only one lit coals this way I usually leave the towel in a ball and only dip half the ball in oil best way^

[@josefinaescribano6214]

Love it, will try it

[@user-ez5ul1kz4m]

Thanks this help me in time of need

[@jackchn23]

I use the side burner of my propane grill to start my charcoal in a chimney. I then transfer to my Big Green Egg, and can start cooking in about 10 minutes.

[@miguelangelhernandez9943]

Amazing 😊. I have tried this with twigs on top of the paper, to reduce the need for oil. However I have to try all paper and oil next time, I love the simplicity

[@antarisalduin_tv2806]

my man built his own grill. what a chad.

[@MechanicSecrets]

Yes! Nothing more satisfying than being able to make something yourself. It’s sad that is so rare these days.

[@diaz5292]

I'm definitely gonna try this 'olive oil' method!

[@marshalllsmith2095]

Any sort of cooking oil will do the same thing, and I (think that) using (olive oil) is for people who prefer to throw away (any extra money) they can get their hands on, like the rich and famous. I'm not rich. And. I'm not foolish.

[@dougm3016]

Love the enthusiasm! Yayeee...

[@willhub]

Lovely this might have to give it a whirl, will save a few quid everytime I would normally buy fire lighters.

[@Perfekt5ifth]

Brilliant!!

[@MechanicSecrets]

Hey, thanks!!!

[@douglasfontaine1660]

I decided to test this method out.... Amazing! I did my 2 zone method since I'm cooking Ribeyes and ribs. Excellent choice! Thank you!

[@MechanicSecrets]

That's great news! Glad you liked it!!!

[@briandanielson8571]

Thankyou what a great idea, I use charcoal chimney this will work awesome.

[@MechanicSecrets]

Hope it helps. Good luck!!!

[@ALLBOUTTHUGLIFE]

I've known about this and got bad smirks. Lol. You are definitely right. Anyway, even as the fire is started. Pour a bit over and if you're low or lacking in fire starting fluids, this will do. You got my like! Success on your channel, Sir 🙏

[@MechanicSecrets]

Thanks so much for the positive feedback! FYI, we now put the olive oil in a spray bottle for less waste. And you can give a squirt every once in a while if you want to help the fire.

[@ALLBOUTTHUGLIFE]

I use re-filtered used oil. Works great. Thank you for this great Video.

[@frankhernandez6883]

excellent!

[@MechanicSecrets]

Thanks!!!

[@SlovJena]

I really appreciate the olive oil tip. Thanks

[@MechanicSecrets]

You're very welcome!

[@kayakfishersofmen9193]

Good job Brother!

[@MechanicSecrets]

Thanks!!!

[@chuckgnarly8444]

Thank you for this !!

[@MechanicSecrets]

Our pleasure. We have a new-improved version in the works. Stay tuned.

[@taka1taka]

you should put the oil in a spray bottle and spray them instead of pouring it

[@MechanicSecrets]

That's an awesome idea! Funny thing is, we already put olive oil in a spray bottle for hand washing, as can be seen in this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/oIexkoiQgqtoY6M. But when we do a follow up video to the charcoal starting technique, we're definitely going to incorporate the spray bottle, as it will greatly economize the oil. Thanks for the suggestion!!!

[@jdavisthabarber9802]

This definitely worked!

[@MechanicSecrets]

That's great news! Thanks for letting us know!!!

[@shutupanddance89]

Thanks

[@user-tz2zz5ij1s]

Or just use a chimney and not even have to worry about olive oil.

[@chuckkennedy8239]

Thankyou and let's get it burning

[@miguelangelhernandez9943]

Or use oil, and not have to worry about fire-starters or chimney's. Leas clutter around the house

[@user-tz2zz5ij1s]

@@miguelangelhernandez9943 chimney stays outside with your grill equipment. Who keeps their chimney inside and it causes clutter? You don’t even need fire starters, junk mail works great. And you don’t have to worry about oil spilling and causing a large oil fire, or having to remember to bring the oil in. Nice try.

[@OluchiZelda]

I’m trying this today!!

[@MechanicSecrets]

That's great! Let us know how it works out.

[@ianpanchana8001]

@@MechanicSecrets I tried this yesterday it was great! It gave off a good smell and for some reason reminds me of candles. like you said in the video, the oil was used in lamps, so maybe that's why. It also had every single charcoal ash white perfectly. this was a perfect method. And I didn't need to use a lot of olive oil. I'm using this method from now on and thank you for sharing this with us. And I used regular charcoal for those wondering. Try this you won't be disappointed

[@MechanicSecrets]

@@ianpanchana8001 That is great news! Glad it worked for you and very glad you liked it so much. Thanks for the feedback!!!

[@WhatWeDoChannel]

That is a nice looking grill!

[@MechanicSecrets]

Hey, thanks!!! If you’re interested, you can watch me make it here kzbin.info/www/bejne/hHKkioiwqad4rK8

[@beachhunting69]

I agree. The way he lit the charcoal was cool, but that grill is awesome ! Love that heavy duty grate.

[@JulianDiaz-Tpt]

Great tip. Thanks.

[@tonydancefit]

Excellent video my friend. Thank you for sharing. No more lighter fluid for me.

[@MechanicSecrets]

Hey, thanks! FYI, we've switched to putting the olive oil in a spray bottle for less waste. We'll make an updated video with everything we've learned since we made this one...eventually.

[@tonydancefit]

@@MechanicSecrets The olive oil seems like a much healthier option than lighter fluid.

[@juanvillarreal8676]

Ty fam it helped

[@MechanicSecrets]

You’re welcome! I’m glad it helped.

[@brucehoward1724]

I'm off to the grill to try this out. 👍👍

[@MechanicSecrets]

Hope you enjoy!!!

[@professorb5921]

Are you using charcoal or wood ?

[@MechanicSecrets]

I am using Brasseiro Brazilian hard wood charcoal. I get mine locally at a Brazilain grocery store but it's similar to this: amzn.to/3DqazDb

[@bigdeank]

Been using oil on a paper towel for a while when lighting my KJ I recommend it to ppl as well. I don't pour oil on the coals.

[@jermainemarshall6819]

@5:40 so you add more charcol once it gets to temp?

[@alexaguirre8956]

Your grill is Hella cool. Make me one.

[@kanyonhyll]

Great video

[@MechanicSecrets]

Thanks! Glad you liked it. We’re working on an updated version to discuss what we’ve learned since and explore some of the many viewer suggestions.

[@RumHam5570]

Fat-soaked butcher paper (leftover from brisket cooks) also works really well.

[@elfillari]

Great to know instead of gasoline! The olive oil it is!!

[@Siloguy]

Canola oil is cheaper and has higher burn point

[@johnnybuonpastore7403]

I will never use lighter fluid again,great video thank you for sharing.

[@DC21682]

Wow! I bought lighter fluid this morning and then watched this video this evening and I am in love with this grilling idea!! Will never use lighter fluid again and now don't know what to do with the 1 I bought this morning 😂 thank you Sir!

[@MechanicSecrets]

This made my day. Thanks for sharing!!!

[@keithandre6519]

Use it for a bonfire or something

[@jamesfarmer2748]

I've been doing this for years with any old oil or bacon grease. I just soak the grease into paper towels or brown paper bags.

[@palmsranger1090]

Does this method work the same with brickettes/ heat beads?

[@MechanicSecrets]

This method will work with charcoal briquets. Although, I don't recommend using briquets for health and taste reasons. Nothing beats real hard wood lump charcoal for natural flavor!

[@Echoplex25]

gonna be making some burgers and carne asada for my sisters son's first birthday, gonna try this method

[@sailboatbob3969]

Who said you can't teach old dogs new tricks. I now have a new way to light my grill. QUESTION. you used, "used" charcoal to start this fire. How were you able to prevent the charcoal from completely burning to ash? Is hardwood different than say briquettes? thanks

[@shinyribs2178]

When done cooking you can hit it with the water hose. No point letting the coals burn completely away when you're done cooking. Unless you're cooking daily the wet coals will have dried out by the time you back to em.

[@1LSWilliam]

nice

[@MechanicSecrets]

Thanks!

[@henrygin3296]

i use-to used diesel it works very well

[@Legitfya101]

You can use regular charcoal with this method as well ?

[@MechanicSecrets]

Yes, absolutely! And what could be better for you or your food than good old olive oil.

[@hightechstuff2337]

can we use carnola or corn oil? or this method is only for olive oil

[@MechanicSecrets]

Yes you can. Since recording this video, we've switched to putting the oil in a spray bottle for less waste. And if you read through them comments, a lot of people suggest using bacon grease, or other oils that you have already cooked with for efficiency. Good luck!

[@mikeh1293]

Regular guy video i like it

[@andrewalexander1086]

Thanks for the tip may try it on my Cypriot style barbecue your one is to small I’m afraid

[@JimBic72]

How long would you say approximately from initial lighting to cook time? Great video. 👍

[@MechanicSecrets]

10 to 20 minutes, depending on outside temp and how much charcoal you are trying to light.

[@bridgettjohnson7437]

Just what I'm looking for...grilling without toxic charcoal brickettes and toxic lighting fluid. Question...what kind of lump wood charc are you using....hickory, cherry, misquite? Does the bag say what kind of wood?

[@MechanicSecrets]

The bag says 100% all natural hard wood, no specific wood listed. My Brazilian neighbor tells me that it's mostly oak they use in Brazil. I plan on experimenting more with different wood, etc. Not enough time in a day!

[@TheRealPunisher]

Just get a bag of royal oak lump charcoal. Cheap, works great, and they sell it everywhere.

[@Ignatz71]

The bag says eucalyptus.

[@DocWolph]

I'll give it go next grilling.

[@markwakeley3835]

I will definitely try this method next time I grill. Damn those sausages look good.

[@MechanicSecrets]

Thanks and good luck!!!

[@youpenghuang2944]

Can I use different kind of cooking oil, like veggie oil?

[@MechanicSecrets]

I haven;t tried it, but I don't see why not. Let us know if you try it. Thanks!

[@fullcircle4723]

Makes sense with olive oil. A 2000 year old menu

[@gregorygermain6299]

Can I do this with the chimney starter

[@MechanicSecrets]

I don't see why not. Give it a go and let us know how it works out.

[@mavericks2k811]

Is it okay to cook after refueling the grill with fresh charcoal?

[@MechanicSecrets]

Yes. To me the food taste better with fresh charcoal on top of the already lit coals. Sometimes I use the charcoal dust at the bottom of the charcoal bag and sprinkle it on my coals to add flavor and to not waste any of the charcoal. Not sure I would do this with Kingsford or similar chemical containing charcoal though just with real wood charcoal.

[@sun6v546]

That was ffffffeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeennnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnntttttttttttttttttttttttaaaaaaaaaaassssssssssssssssssssstttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttiiiiiiiiiiiiiiikkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk , Mate ............ Cheeeeeeeeeeerrrrrrrrrrrrssssssss

[@filip_548]

dam gotta try this nnow

[@paulwaymondo7568]

Can you use this method with normal charcoal briquettes?

[@MechanicSecrets]

Yes.

[@1010QUEEN7]

Does this work with any kind of charcoal???

[@MechanicSecrets]

Yes it does.

[@mcrowson5276]

Wish you could build me a grill like that!