How do you build a stable barbecue fire?

A good barbecue fire is the foundation of everything. Without a steady fire, there's no good heat, and without good heat, there's no tasty food. But how do you build a fire that burns steadily, doesn't collapse, and provides enough heat?

How do you build a stable barbecue fire?

Start with dry wood

Always use dry, easily combustible wood. Sicklewood, Camel Doring, and Mopane are perfect for this. Damp wood produces smoke and little fire.

Use the correct structure

Work in layers. Start with firelighters at the bottom. Add thin pieces of wood above, then medium-sized pieces, and finish with thicker logs. This allows the fire to get oxygen and grow steadily.

Leave space between the blocks

A common mistake is packing everything too close together. Let air circulate through the wood. Fire needs oxygen.

Add large blocks later

Large chunks of wood don't burn well if the fire is still small. So start small and add heavier wood once you have a stable base.

And now most importantly: get started!

Tip from the barbecue master:

Use Sicklewood to start, then add Mopane or Camel Doring. This will give you a quick flame and long-lasting heat.