Grill lighters make it easier to get the grill going. They are even eco-friendly if you make them yourself. Here you can find out how to quickly and easily make your own barbecue lighter.
Year after year, thousands of people can hardly wait for the first rays of sunshine to ring in the barbecue season. It's not just about enjoying freshly prepared meat and vegetables. The special feeling only occurs in connection with the preparation outdoors. This kind of closeness to nature increasingly goes hand in hand with a growing awareness of one's own he alth and the environment.
This is how you pay attention to the origin of the food to be grilled and be vigilant when disposing of the waste that occurs. But already when kindling the embers for the grill, grill lighters are usually used, the ingredients of which oppose this new environmental awareness. A great alternative here are self-made grill lighters. But they are also a good alternative for emergencies. Planning a barbecue evening and no more barbecue lighters in the house? Try the following instructions.
Making BBQ Lighters from Waste Products
Most people may already have empty egg cartons and candle stubs at home. Add in some sawdust and you have all the ingredients for simple, chemical-free barbecue lighters. You can usually take sawdust with you in the carpenter's shop or wherever you work with wood. Bedding is also suitable as an alternative to the shavings. If you keep small animals, you always have this in the house, otherwise it is available cheaply in discounters and pet shops.
The production is very easy and is also ideal for a few handicraft hours with older children. In this way, the environmental awareness of the youngsters can be awakened or promoted in a playful way. Of course, the self-made grill lighters can also be given away or brought to an invitation to a barbecue.
Take:
- empty egg cartons
- Candle Butts
- Sawdust or Bedding
- an (old) pot or afireproof vessel
- a slightly larger pot
Instructions:
| Step | Note |
|---|---|
| Heat candle stub | First, the candle stubs are carefully heated in a water bath. For this, a pot is filled with some water and a second, preferably older pot is hung in the first one. A fireproof vessel or a special water bath bowl can also be used for this purpose. The latter are simply placed in the pot. |
| Fill second vessel | Then the second container, i.e. the small pot, the glass or the bowl, is equipped with the candle stubs. |
| Heat water | Now the water in the pot is brought up to temperature. It should be noted that a low to maximum medium temperature is completely sufficient. The water should not be brought to a boil. |
| Fill egg cartons with sawdust | While the wax slowly melts, the sawdust can be pushed into the recesses of the egg carton. It is sufficient to only fill the individual cavities to about 75 percent, as the wax also needs some space. |
| Pour wax over it | Finally, the melted wax is poured over the sawdust. The wax should be completely runny and free of lumps. The right amount is reached when the sawdust has been able to absorb it well and is properly bonded. |
Make your own grill lighter out of pine cones
Grill lighters made of pine cones are even better. Although they give off a light aroma to the charcoal, this does not negatively affect the taste of the food to be grilled. However, not too much resin should stick to the cones. These lighters are much more attractive than those made from egg cartons. Their appearance can actually be described as decorative, which also makes them ideal as a gift.
The following materials are required to craft the Cone Grill Lighter:
- pine cones
- Twigs
- Natural Fiber Cord or Cord
Making this variant of the grill lighter yourself is also a great opportunity for handicraft hours with children. In this case, even the little ones can help out.
» Tip: Even collecting the pine cones is fun for young and old and invites you to talk about the wonderful nature and its protection.
Instructions:
Just put the sticks around the coneArrange until completely enclosed. Its respective upper and lower ends remain open. Then wrap it nicely with the natural twine so that everything stays in place. This also creates the enchanting look. Done!
Craft Grill Lighter from Wood Shavings
The version with wood wool is an alternative and can be made in a flash. These grill lighters do not give off any odors to the charcoal and impress with their efficiency.
The following materials are required for the lightning variant of the grill lighter:
- Thin wooden sticks of fir tree
- wood wool
- Natural Fiber Cord
Instructions:
Wrap three of the sticks crisscross and all around with the excelsior and tie together with the string.
» Note: With all variants, make sure that the dry materials are completely dry.
Conclusion: Homemade grill lighters score in every respect
Making your own grill lighters is worthwhile in every respect. The environmental aspect is definitely at the top of the list. But your wallet will also be happy, because most of the materials required are free. The time required is minimal to manageable and can be easily integrated into a handicraft afternoon.
But the neighbors are happy too. Many of the lighters available on the market smoke, soot and have a strong smell. This can quickly lead to neighborhood disputes. With the specially manufactured models, this is no longer a problem. If you then hand the neighbor one of the handsome lighters over the fence, you can ideally convince him of this environmentally friendly variant.
Barbecue season is over and are there any kindling left? No problem! They also prove to be helpful in the cold months if you simply continue to use them as a fire starter.