Charcoal chimney

A charcoal chimney is a round metal device that resembles a coffee can with a large handle. Charcoal is placed in the top and newspaper in the bottom. When the newspaper is lit, it in turn lights the charcoal. Within just a few minutes the charcoal will be white hot and ready to pour into the firebox.

While the above method is simple and works really well, I have discovered an even easier way to use this tool if you happen to have a gas grill with a side burner. Fill the charcoal chimney with charcoal and set it on the burner. Light the burner, and once the charcoal is lit simply turn the burner off. You will soon have an entire batch of charcoal ready to pour into the firebox.