Charcoal lighter fluid is a volatile mixture of petroleum distillates sold to accelerate the ignition of charcoal in a barbecue grill. It can be used both with lump charcoal and briquettes. Lighter fluid infused briquettes such as Kingsford's Match Light brand are available.

The use of lighter fluid is somewhat controversial as the substance is highly flammable, toxic, and may impart an unpleasant flavor to food cooked upon fires lit with it. Petroleum-based charcoal lighter fluid is illegal in some jurisdictions due to its potential to cause photochemical smog through evaporation of its volatile organic compounds.^[1] Common substitutes are chimney and electric fire starters.^[2]

[edit] References