Save Money When Grilling

Have you ever noticed how expensive it is to grill using charcoal?  A bag of name brand charcoal can cost you $5 to $10 and be gone after a weekend of grilling.  Some people even buy wood chips to throw on top of the coals to "add flavor" to their meat.  Charcoal can come with lots of additives to help it light too.  All this adds to your cost.

There is a better way to do this.  Charcoal is nothing more than scorched wood in the first place.  Buy the cheapest charcoal you can find and store it in a dry place.  Then, invest in a charcoal chimney (or make one).    Once you've got the grill good and hot, add wood from your yard, such as oak, hickory, or maple.

How do I use a charcoal chimney starter?
All you need is a match or lighter, some newspaper, and charcoal.  It takes some time to get started, but once it is hot, the charcoal will not go out.  No lighter fluid is needed.

How can I make a charcoal chimney?
If you have time, you can always attempt to make your own charcoal starter using a coffee can and a drill bit.