Why the fire in your charcoal grill is going out

You lit your coals with your chimney starter, you built a tee-pee out of wood. You’re pouring gallons and gallons of lighter fluid in, but the flame just won’t stay alive.

What could be wrong?

Charcoal grilling is a popular way to enjoy outdoor cooking, but sometimes the fire can go out, ruining the cooking process. And if you’re anything like me, you’ll soon be wondering if blasting lighter fluid near your already cooking food is really a wise thing to do.

Here are some common reasons why fires in charcoal grills die and how to keep the fire going.

1. Poor ventilation: Charcoal grills require adequate ventilation to maintain a consistent fire. If the vents are blocked or not adjusted properly, the fire may not receive enough oxygen and will eventually go out. To prevent this, make sure the vents are open and adjusted correctly, and do not place the grill on a surface that restricts air flow.
2. Wet Charcoal: Wet charcoal will not ignite properly and will cause the fire to go out. To avoid this, always store your charcoal in a dry place and avoid using it if it appears to be damp.
3. Too much ash buildup: Over time, ash can build up and smother the fire, causing it to go out. To prevent this, clean out the ash from the grill after each use, and periodically remove all the ash and start with fresh charcoal.
4. Not enough charcoal: If there is not enough charcoal in the grill, the fire will not be able to maintain its heat and will eventually go out. To prevent this, always start with enough charcoal and add more as needed.
5. Lid placement: If the lid is not placed correctly on the grill, the fire can go out due to lack of oxygen. To prevent this, make sure the lid is securely in place and positioned correctly to allow air flow.

To keep the fire going, use a chimney starter to ignite the charcoal and make sure it is spread out evenly in the grill. Avoid piling the charcoal too high, as this can cause the fire to go out. Also, do not move the charcoal around too much, as this can disrupt the air flow and cause the fire to go out.