Can You Use Gasoline to Start a Grill? (Safer Alternatives)

It’s a beautiful day, and you’re eager to fire up your charcoal grill for a backyard BBQ with friends and family. You’ve got your meat seasoned and ready to go, but there’s just one problem – you’re out of lighter fluid.

In a pinch, you may be tempted to turn to gasoline as lighter fluid, but is it safe? The short answer is no. It may seem like a quick solution, but it isn’t only dangerous but can also harm the taste of your food.

In this article, we’ll explore the potential risks of using gasoline to start a charcoal grill and share some safe alternatives that will help you get that perfect sear without putting yourself or your food in danger.

So, before you light up that grill, take a moment to read on and learn more about the do’s and don’ts of fire starting!

The Risks of Using Gasoline to Start a Charcoal Grill

Starting a charcoal grill with gasoline is not only dangerous, but it can also have severe consequences. Let’s look at the risks of using gasoline as a fire starter.

Fire Risk

Gasoline has a relatively low flash point of around -45°F (-42°C) depending on its composition and other conditions, making it very volatile and prone to ignite quickly.

A flash point is the temperature at which it gives off enough vapor to ignite when exposed to an ignition source. This means that even a small spark or flame can ignite the vapors and create a fireball.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), grill fires are common, and using gasoline to start a charcoal grill is particularly hazardous. The vapors released by gasoline can easily ignite, resulting in a huge explosion.

For example, a 46-year-old man suffered burns over 10-19% of his body after using gasoline to light his grill. The canister ignited and set his shirt on fire, causing severe burns.

You can see how the gasoline explodes in the clip below.

Gasoline Exhaust

But that’s not all. Not only does gasoline produce smoke, but it also contains potentially hazardous chemicals like benzene. When gasoline is used as lighter fluid, these chemicals can be released into the air, polluting the environment and endangering human health.

Benzene is a hazardous compound associated with cancer and other serious health issues. Inhaling these fumes can cause immediate symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, and nausea. Furthermore, the long-term effects of benzene exposure can be far worse, leading to blood disorders and cancer.

Be mindful of the hazardous effects of benzene exposure. Even if only inhaled in small doses, the fumes from gasoline can be damaging, especially to people who suffer from respiratory problems.

Chemical Taste

Finally, gasoline or even lighter fluid can also negatively impact the taste of your food. It has a very strong odor that can permeate the food you’re grilling, leaving it with a chemical taste that no one wants to experience. Not only can this make your food less enjoyable, but it can also potentially make it unsafe to eat.

Safe Alternatives to Gasoline for Lighting a Grill

Lighting a charcoal grill with gasoline is not only dangerous but also unhealthy. Fortunately, there are several safe and effective alternatives that you can use:

Newspaper and Chimney Starter

In case you need to fire up the grill in a hurry and have no other choice?

Reach for a chimney starter and some newspaper or tissue paper. This easy and effective method will get the job done. Start by placing the crumpled paper at the bottom of the starter and layer charcoal on top.

Ignite the paper with a match, and the paper will light the charcoal. The chimney starter will also help to distribute heat evenly.

From lighting to ready to grill, it should take you about 25-30 minutes.

Long-term Options

In case you are just planning and want to use this choice long-term, you should have the following options:

1. Fire Starter Wood Wool and Squares

If you’re looking for an environmentally-friendly, odorless, and weather-resistant option to light your grill, fire starter wood wool or squares are the perfect choice.

Wood wool is made of wood shavings soaked in wax, while fire starter squares combine wax and sawdust. Whether you choose wood wool or squares, the effect of both is virtually the same.

Place 2-3 pieces of these fire starters at the bottom of the chimney starter, add charcoal on top, and light with a match. In 15-20 minutes, your grill will be ready to go! Plus, you don’t even need to use the chimney starter.

2. Electric Charcoal Starter

If you want a hassle-free way to light your charcoal grill, consider investing in an Electric Charcoal Starter like the Looft Lighter.

Simply plug it in, and press the button. You’ll get 1200°F of flameless heat to start your charcoal in 60 seconds. And with its 22 mph airflow, your charcoal will be ready for the grill in 5-10 minutes.

The only downside is that it requires a power source – so if you’re planning a picnic with no generator, it won’t be able to help you out.

3. Grill Torch

Another portable alternative to an electric starter is a grill torch like the GrillGun. This propane-fueled torch is designed for one thing: lighting fires super quickly and is especially useful if your charcoal won’t light.

Boasting 400,000+ BTU, you can get your charcoal grill lit in 1 minute! It also conveniently works with both 1-pound propane bottles and 20-pound propane tanks with a hose.

4. Match Light Charcoal Briquettes

If you like the classic charcoal experience, Match Light Charcoal Briquettes could be the perfect fit. These briquettes are made with quality ingredients and natural wood, and each briquette has just the right amount of lighter fluid so that you can light them quickly with a match.

Let the briquettes start and burn for a while before you cook so that you can get rid of the chemical smell. All of this usually takes about 10-15 minutes.

Is Lighter Fluid the Same as Gasoline?

Many believe the charcoal lighter fluid is the same as gasoline because both are used for fire starting. However, this is not true. Charcoal lighter fluid is designed explicitly for charcoal, while gasoline operates as a fuel for engines.

The two substances have different chemical compositions. Charcoal lighter fluid is composed of light hydrocarbons and a blend of solvents that vaporize easily and ignite quickly, making it ideal for charcoal grills.

It is either petroleum-based (such as mineral spirits) or alcohol-based (usually methanol or ethanol). Meanwhile, gasoline has a more complex mix of hydrocarbons and also includes benzene and other possible carcinogens.

While lighter fluid still gives off a chemical smell when used on charcoal, it is much safer than gasoline. It’s less volatile and flammable than gasoline, making it less likely to cause an explosion. Charcoal lighter fluid has a flash point around 100°F (40°C), while that of gasoline is -45°F (-42°C).

These fuels are not the same and have different properties, making them suitable for other tasks.

Conclusion

It’s essential to prioritize safety when lighting a grill. While gasoline may seem quick and easy, it can pose significant risks to you and your food.

Understand the chemical differences between gasoline and charcoal lighter fluid and use the right fire starter for the job.

Use fire starter wood wool or squares, an electric charcoal starter, or a grill torch for long-term safe and effective alternatives. These options allow you to enjoy your food without any unwanted chemical smells.