Lighting Binchotan the right way
Whether you have been grilling on the Konro Grill for a long time or are just starting out, lighting Binchotan charcoal is an art you must master. This particular (Japanese) charcoal is known for its long-lasting and intense heat, perfect for grilling your favourite BBQ dishes. We would like to explain to you how to light Binchotan charcoal so that you can get the most out of this special fuel.
What is Binchotan charcoal?
Binchotan is pre-eminently the most suitable charcoal to use in your Konro Grill. This special charcoal originates from Japan. For hundreds of years, binchotan has been produced by just a handful of 'binchotan burners' from south-western Japan. Binchotan is made from the Ubame oak, from which the moisture is pulled out very slowly in special clay kilns. This ensures that this charcoal becomes incredibly solid and burns much longer than any other type of charcoal. Because this charcoal is so hard, it can be tricky to light. We would like to tell you the best way to go about this.
What do you need to light binchotan?
Before you start lighting Binchotan charcoal, make sure you have the right supplies on hand.
Here's a list of what you need:
- Binchotan charcoal
- Lighting cubes
- Long electric lighter or matches
- BBQ Starter
- A safe surface to place the charcoal on
The First Steps
Before lighting the Binchotan charcoal, prepare the charcoal pieces. Place the charcoal in a BBQ Starter. This helps improve airflow, which is essential for proper burning.
This is what you can do with the konro grill
Poultry & Meat
Grill chicken yakitori style and sear tender, thin slices of Wagyu!
Fish & shellfish
Grill shellfish or fish directly. Delicious! Taste the pure flavours!
Fruit & vegetables
Grill vegetables or even fruit. Lacquer it and be amazed at the taste!
Binchotan Lighting with firelighters
Now it's time to actually light your Binchotan charcoal. Follow these steps:
- Place the charcoal evenly in the BBQ Starter.
- Place a few firelighters between the pieces of charcoal.
- Light the firelighters with a long lighter or matches. Make sure all firelighters burn well.
- Let the firelighters burn for about 10-15 minutes so that the Binchotan charcoal heats evenly.
- Gently blow on the charcoal to fan the flames and raise the temperature.
- As the charcoal begins to glow and is covered with a white ash layer, you can start grilling. This is when the Binchotan charcoal has reached its maximum heat.
Binchotan Lighting without firelighters
Prefer not to use firelighters when lighting your Binchotan charcoal? Then use an electric lighter.
- Place the charcoal in the Konro Grill.
- Hold the lighter 2 cm above the charcoal and press the button.
- Light the charcoal at various points.
- Gently blow on the charcoal to fan the flames and raise the temperature.
- As the charcoal begins to glow and is covered with a white ash layer, you can start grilling. This is when the Binchotan charcoal has reached its maximum heat.
Safety
Always store the Binchotan in an airtight environment to keep it dry. If you notice that you hear crackling or popping noises while lighting, let the charcoal dry thoroughly first, this is because Binchotan absorbs moisture from the air. When heated, the moisture in the charcoal will expand and cause crackling noises. Therefore, always make sure you only light the Binchotan outdoors.
Tips for Success: Achieving a Perfect Fire
To achieve a perfect fire when lighting Binchotan charcoal, follow these handy tips:
- Ensure adequate ventilation to optimise airflow. This helps the charcoal ignite faster and more evenly.
- Use high-quality Binchotan charcoal from a reliable source. The quality of the charcoal can make all the difference in performance.
- Be patient and take your time to properly ignite the charcoal. The wait pays off when you enjoy the intense heat Binchotan provides.
Binchotan Charcoal Lighting: Conclusion
Lighting Binchotan charcoal may seem like an art, but with the right preparation and a little patience, you can achieve this masterpiece of a fire. With the intense heat provided by Binchotan, you are sure to enjoy tasty grilled dishes. So, gather your supplies, follow the steps and awaken your inner fire master. Lighting Binchotan has never been so satisfying!
