How to Light Your Flamery Konro Grill: A Step-by-Step Guide

When it comes to tabletop charcoal grilling, nothing beats the performance of the Flamery Konro Grill. Compact, powerful, and engineered for control, this grill is designed to bring the intensity of Japanese-style direct heat cooking to any setting. But to unlock its full potential, you need to know how to light it properly.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to light your Konro grill, create a perfect ember bed, and get grilling fast. Whether you’re searing steak, charring veg, or firing up skewers, it all starts with the flame.

What You’ll Need

• Binchotan charcoal, also known as Japanese White Charcoal (preferred for high heat, minimal smoke, and long burn time)
• Natural firelighters (wax or wood wool types work best)
• Long matches or a blowtorch
• Heatproof gloves

Step-by-Step: How to Light Your Konro Grill

1. Choose Your Charcoal Wisely
For the Konro, we recommend Binchotan charcoal, also known as Japanese White Charcoal. It burns exceptionally hot, produces very little smoke, and has an extended burn time—perfect for the precision and power the Konro is designed to deliver.

2. Set Up Your Base
Place two to three natural firelighters directly in the centre of your Konro. Avoid chemical-laced firelighters — they can affect the flavour of your food and produce unwanted smoke.

3. Stack Your Charcoal
Build a stable tower or pyramid shape over the firelighters using your Binchotan charcoal. This helps encourage airflow and ensures even lighting throughout the stack.

4. Light the Firelighters
Using long matches or a blowtorch, ignite the firelighters. Binchotan takes longer to ignite than lumpwood charcoal, so allow ample time for the flames to catch and begin heating the coals.

5. Let It Burn
Wait 20–30 minutes for the charcoal to begin glowing and turning white at the edges. Binchotan does not ash over like lumpwood; instead, look for heat shimmer and visible glowing at the core.

6. Spread the Heat
Once the charcoal is sufficiently hot, use tongs to spread it out across the base of the Konro. You can arrange your coals to create heat zones — ideal for controlling cooking intensity across the grill.

7. Adjust the Airflow
Use the dual side vents to fine-tune your temperature. More air = higher heat. Less air = slower, controlled burn. Understanding and adjusting airflow is essential for mastering the Konro.

Pro Tips for Lighting Your Konro

• Be patient – Binchotan takes longer to light, but rewards you with unmatched control and heat.
• Keep your vents clear to maintain good airflow throughout the cook.
• Always set up your Konro on a heatproof, well-ventilated surface.