How To Guides

How to Load and Light Your BSTRD.

Good fire starts with good fuel.

Step 1. Start with a clean firebox

Before each cook, clear out old ash from
the bottom of the oven and make sure the airflow holes are open. Good airflow is what gets the fire going and keeps temperatures steady.

Step 2. Load the charcoal

Fill the firebox with British lumpwood charcoal, stacking the larger pieces at the bottom and the smaller pieces towards the top. Don’t pack it too tightly, the fire needs space to breathe.

For shorter cooks, fill less. For longer roasts or low and slow sessions, fill more generously.

Step 3: Add A Natural Firelighter

Keep it clean and simple.

Place 1–2 natural firelighters in the centre of the charcoal. If you are using our proper British charcoal, you can even light it without a firelighter, It just want to ignite itself, it’s thatnatural.

Step 4. Open the airflow

Let the fire breathe.

Fully open the bottom vent and top air cap. Airflow is what feeds the fire, so give it everything it needs to get going.

Step 5. Light and Leave It

Give the fire time to build.

Light the firelighters and leave the lid open for 8–10 minutes. Let the charcoal catch and start to glow before closing the lid.

Step 6. Close and Stabilise

Bring it up to temperature.

Close the lid and keep both vents open while the BSTRD. comes up to temperature. Once you’re getting close to your target heat, start adjusting the vents to dial it in.

Step 7. Set Your Cooking Zone

Control the fire.

Direct cooking → higher heat, vents more open

Indirect cooking → lower heat, vents more controlled

Low & slow → minimal airflow, steady temperature

Step 8. Let It Settle

Don’t rush it. Give the oven time to stabilise before cooking. Once it’s steady, it will hold temperature with very little effort.

A Note on Charcoal

Use high-quality British lumpwood charcoal It burns cleaner, lasts longer, and gives you better control over temperature. No chemicals, no fillers, just proper fuel for proper fire cooking.

That’s It!

Light it properly.

Let it settle.

Cook with confidence.