Learning how to open a bag of charcoal properly isn’t very difficult, it just requires a little patience. Those heavy paper bags with that are sewn on top aren’t something that you run into on a daily basis. Yes, you could easily cut it open with a knife or scissors however, that they were made to be easily opened.
1) The bag is sewn together with 2 separate strings: There is a smooth side on the front and a looped side on the back. Turn the bag to the back side.

2) Find the knot: On the left hand side of the back. Depending on the brand of charcoal sometimes it is a tightly wound knot and sometimes it just looks like a loose bunch of strings.
3) Unravel the knot: This is the key to open a bag of charcoal properly. The difficulty of this will differ from brand to brand. Just liberate the end of both sides of the strings from each other.
4) Pull the end of the looped or backside string: Starting from the left, it will unhook from the front string from left to right leaving only loops through the holes. Pull this string completely off before continuing.

5) Remove the front string: This one you can pull from either end. The loops will just pop through the holes.
What can you use instead of lighter fluid? Click here.

6) Lift the paper cap: It may come off with the last string by itself. If not, now it’s just sitting loosely on top of the bag.
Now that you have learned how to open a bag of charcoal properly it will give you barbecue a more professional look. Is it necessary to produce great food? No but it’s all about appearance. You don’t want to be that guy when your friends are around, you will never live it down.

Folding Charcoal Chimney Starter 7 Pound Capacity
7 Pound Capacity
110 Briquettes
8 x 10.5″ (fully assembled)
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Mike
aka Sultan of Sizzle
I have been blogging about and selling grilling tool for over 12 years. A Certified Food Safety Professional, KCBS member, award winning writer and have over 10 years experience in the food service industry.
“I have experienced some of the best food this country has to offer and nothing is better than the food that comes off my own grill!”
