What is the best way to light a BBQ plancha?

Want to light your BBQ easily? Here's how.

Don't feel like the hassle, but still want a perfect BBQ? With the right approach and a little patience, a delicious result is easy. Follow these simple steps and you'll have a lovely fire to cook on in no time.

Choose the right wood mix

The foundation of a good fire is dry wood . Make sure you have a few different sizes on hand:

• Small kindling: For a quick start.
• Medium-sized branches (a few centimetres thick): To build up the fire nicely.
• Thick wood blocks: For that steady heat that keeps you grilling for hours.

Lighting in a few steps

1. Grab 3 or 4 firelighters or, even better, an ecolighter . The latter burns cleanly and doesn't smell like chemicals.
2. Place the lighter in your fire bowl and place two large logs against it.
3. Now place the small kindling in between them at an angle. This allows for plenty of airflow. (If you have a Fire-id Recta or Cube, be sure to open the ventilation valve to give your fire even more oxygen and allow you to start cooking faster.)
4. Light the fire! Want a bigger flame? Arrange some smaller branches over the fire in a teepee shape, then some larger logs. Repeat until you reach the desired flame.

Patience is a virtue

Once the fire is going, wait a bit. Give your baking sheet about 25 minutes to get really hot. This way, your food cooks evenly and prevents burning.

Planning a long dinner with multiple courses? Add extra logs to the fire in advance. This way, your stove will maintain a consistent temperature, allowing you to enjoy the meal all evening long.