While the charcoal-making process is usually kept under wraps, the Kingsford factory in Belle, Mo., sometimes offers tours, including to local elementary school children.

Your charcoal replace the grate and you're ready to go. One. Important note never. Add any additional lighter fluid to Kingsford mash light.

The shelf life of Kingsford® Original charcoal is indefinite as long as the product is stored in a cool, dry place. If the briquets become damp, they will not light efficiently. Kingsford® Match Light® Charcoal and Kingsford® Match Light® Charcoal with Mesquite have a shelf life of 1–2 years if stored properly.

It all started in 1919 when Edward G. Kingsford helped Henry Ford procure a stretch of timberland to supply wood for his auto plants. Mr. Ford wondered if all the wood waste generated by his sawmill and plants could be put to better use, and found his answer in a new process for pressing blocks of reconstituted char.

The Clorox Company Kingsford is a brand of charcoal briquette used for grilling, along with related products. Established in 1920, the brand is owned by The Clorox Company. Currently, the Kingsford Products Company remains the leading manufacturer of charcoal in the United States, with 80% market share.

Follow this tip: The grill needs to get good and hot before any food is added. After lighting the grill, cover it with the lid and let the charcoal heat up for at least 15 minutes. You'll know it's ready when it looks gray and ashy.

In any open type of BBQ application e.g. direct grilling, rotisseries, skewers or churrasco, most lump charcoal products will give you 2-3 hours burn time whereas briquettes will push out to 4-5 hours. Of course, this depends on the quality of fuel being used.

An investment group bought Ford Charcoal in 1951 and renamed it to Kingsford Charcoal in honor of Edward G. Kingsford (and the factory's home-base name) and took over the operations. The plant was later acquired by Clorox in 1973.

Self-igniting charcoal has a year or two shelf life before the igniting chemicals evaporate. What should you do if your charcoal goes damp? For either lump or briquette, you can lay them out in the sun for a day. But if the briquettes easily crumble, you may as well get a new bag.

By 1951, the Ford charcoal briquette division was purchased by investors who renamed the Ford charcoal to Kingsford Charcoal in honor of Ford's cousin-in-law. Eventually, Ford sold the charcoal briquettes to the public, but initially just at Ford dealerships.

Warning: Carbon Monoxide Hazard: Burning charcoal inside can kill you. It gives off carbon monoxide, which has no odor. Never burn charcoal inside homes, vehicles or tents.

It all started in 1919 when Edward G. Kingsford helped Henry Ford procure a stretch of timberland to supply wood for his auto plants. Mr. Ford wondered if all the wood waste generated by his sawmill and plants could be put to better use, and found his answer in a new process for pressing blocks of reconstituted char.