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Survey shows most charcoal grillers use lighter fluid

Younger grillers lead way toward eco-friendly starts

Casual Living Staff -- Casual Living, 6/3/2010 12:38:31 PM

PALATINE, Ill. — According to a recent nationwide survey, 84% of American charcoal grill owners still use either lighter fluid or self-starting charcoal briquettes while only 19% use a chimney starter (a metal, open cylinder with a wire rack inside for the coals), which many consider to be the more eco-friendly method.

Seven out of 10 charcoal grill users say they use lighter fluid on the charcoal - and women (78%) are significantly more likely to do so than men (62%).

Chef and national grilling expert Jamie Purviance, whose cookbook Weber's Way to Grill made the New York Times Best Seller List in addition to earning a 2010 James Beard Award nomination, says he's on a "one man mission" to stamp out lighter fluid. "Lighter fluid can be dangerous with that initial 'whoosh' of fire when you set a match to the soaked coals," he said. "Plus, it imparts a petroleum-type smell on grilled food. So unless you like the taste of gas burgers, there's no reason to use it."

While only 19% overall use a chimney starter, young grillers between 25 and 34 are leading the way with 30%. Chimney starters are used the least among those aged 55 and older (14%).

Purviance recommends an inexpensive chimney starter with odorless, non-toxic paraffin cubes to light charcoal. "Together, they're extremely easy to use and will efficiently and evenly light the coals within 15 minutes," he said. For example, the Weber Rapidfire Chimney Starter retails for $14.99, and Weber Lighter Cubes cost $3.29 for a box of 24 (only one is needed per fire).

The lighter fluid usage data came from a recent Weber GrillWatch Pulse survey, commissioned by Weber-Stephen Products Co. and conducted by a third party online research firm to ensure accuracy. A sample of 1,050 adults 18 years and older were surveyed. The sample is balanced to be representative of the general population in the U.S. based on region, gender, age and household income.

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