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How to light a barbecue safely?

How to light a barbecue safely?

Lighting a barbecue is a very simple gesture for some and a real ordeal for others. Whether you are used to grilling or you are a novice, vigilance is required! Lighting a barbecue must be done safely. How to proceed ? Here are all our tips.

Lighting a barbecue with firelighters

Firelighters are a great help in lighting a barbecue safely. These blocks ignite easily and quickly. They can be distributed in the coal. Here's how to light a barbecue with firelighters.

  • Pour charcoal or briquettes into the space provided.
  • Spread them evenly on the grid.
  • Open the ventilation holes which allow the air and therefore the heat to circulate better.
  • Place a few firelighters in the bottom, between the charcoal or briquettes.
  • Light the firelighters.
  • Place the charcoal or briquettes near the flames.

Thanks to this method, the coal will be ready in about twenty minutes. Attention ! To avoid smothering the fire, you must space the pieces of charcoal or briquettes a minimum. To do this, use pliers so as not to burn yourself. When the coal is red and therefore incandescent, you can start cooking the food.

Lighting a barbecue with liquid fire starter

The liquid fire starter is very practical but it is also the most dangerous. To use it safely, you have to proceed step by step.

  • Start by spreading the charcoal on the grid.
  • Sprinkle charcoal or briquettes with liquid fire starter.
  • Wait a few minutes for the charcoal to soak up the firelighter.
  • Light with a match.

Attention ! Liquid fire starter is highly flammable. To avoid burning yourself, it is imperative to never stay with your head above the barbecue and to use long matches. Avoid using a lighter.

Lighting a barbecue with a chimney starter

The chimney starter is a very practical accessory that allows you to quickly light a barbecue. Here's how to use a chimney starter.

  • Place some firelighters on the grill grate.
  • Turn on the blocks.
  • Fill the chimney with charcoal or briquettes.
  • Position the fireplace over the flame.
  • Wait about ten minutes.
  • Pour the contents of the chimney onto the grate.
  • Distribute the pieces of charcoal or briquettes with tongs.

Attention ! Never pick up the chimney with your hands. You risk burning yourself. To grab the handle and pour the contents of the chimney, put on fireproof gloves. The use of a tea towel is not recommended because the fabric is flammable.

The classic ignition of a charcoal barbecue

The classic ignition of a barbecue is still widely used. This method avoids the use of firelighters and therefore chemicals. Here's how.

  • Take charcoal or briquettes.
  • Also take small pieces of dry wood or crate and some newspaper.
  • Place the newspaper in the bottom of the barbecue.
  • Cover the newspaper with the crate.
  • Turn on the newspaper.
  • Wait a few minutes for the crate wood to ignite.
  • Pour charcoal on top.
  • Wait 20-30 minutes.

Lighting a gas barbecue

Gas barbecues are the big competitors of charcoal barbecues. However, in both cases, vigilance is required. Here are the steps to follow.

  • Connect the gas bottle, ideally opt for propane.
  • Make sure there are no gas leaks. If so, check the connections.
  • Open the valve on the gas bottle.
  • Activate the burners.
  • Close the lid when the flame appears.
  • Let heat for about fifteen minutes.
  • Start grilling.

If you have a gas barbecue, consider investing in a gas regulator which allows you to moderate the pressure and therefore reduce the risk of an incident.

Barbecue and safety:mistakes to avoid

To light a barbecue safely, you must avoid the most common mistakes. For example, before lighting, you must ensure that the barbecue is stable. If it tips over, you risk burning yourself. Here are some habits to adopt.

  • Never leave the firelighter close to the barbecue.
  • Use matches, not a lighter.
  • Do not overuse the firelighter, the flames can get out of control.
  • Do not use methylated spirit, which is too volatile with risk of flashback.
  • Use tongs to move the charcoal or briquettes.
  • Do not leave a tea towel near the barbecue.
  • Keep children and animals away from the barbecue.
  • Stay away from the barbecue.

If you don't know how to light a barbecue, get help! There is no shame in asking for help and above all you considerably reduce the risk of burns and fire.

If you are injured, in a cast or have difficulty with your balance, place a chair near the barbecue. So you can sit down when needed.

How to deal with the end of a barbecue?

When you have finished cooking the food and therefore the barbecue, the danger is always present. If you are using a gas barbecue, turn off the cylinder. If you have an electric grill, unplug it. Before cleaning, make sure the barbecue is cold. If you used a charcoal barbecue, then you should also wait until it is completely cold before handling it.

How to react in the event of a burn?

If despite all the precautions you burn yourself, you must act quickly. The same applies if the burn concerns a loved one. Never take the clothes off! To relieve the burn, cold water should be poured over it. If lesions are present, cover the burn with a clean cloth and contact a doctor. If the burn is severe, the face is affected, the burn is on a child, or the victim is unwell, call for help. To do this, dial 15 or 112.