Chimney fire starter

[TheFied]

I have seen a few in stores and some look different. Which do you guys recommend? Do you guys use the starter to start your coals or just use those coals to cook too?

 

[wild_turkey]

I just bought one from HEB and it works great. It's just metal with a wooden handle, but it gets the job done. When I am grilling I fill up the chimney to start the coals, and then use them for the cooking. For smoking I may use the chimney periodically to add coals. I'm no pro, but it sure beats using fluid.

 

[Smoky Brisket]

next to your grill/ smoker, this is the most essential piece of hardware for your backyard.

I have a Weber and it's indestructible. Plus, theyre only $15 or so, so when it does destruct, it's an easy re-purchase.

I wait until all my coals are lit until I do anything. I can wait while theyre all in the chimney or I can wait while theyre in the grill. (if that makes sense)

 

[Rusk]

I have the Weber one. It's great. All the coals are ready much quicker than just lighting in the grill.

And it holds enough coals for an entire grilling session, so I can light all the coals needed at one time.

 

[#3Rules]

Do y'all have any idea where I could find the Weber one around Austin? I've only been able to find the cheapo ones the sell at HEB, Wal Mart, etc.

 

[GakFoo]

i have a big one and a small one, got both of them at academy, the new one on brodie. the big one can hold a full ten pound bag of charcoal, for when i want to get a big fire going. if i recall, both were under $20. nice selection of cheap cast iron stuff too.

 

[Smoky Brisket]

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[bluto]

i got mine at home depot

 

[Idahorn2]

I got one of the Webers and it is great, but I don't use it anymore since I got the Big Egg. I have another one that has no space for newspaper; it's for river trips. You just put it on top of your propane stove and light the fire. After two minutes, or less, you can set it aside and let it turn gray.

Not sure how one can hold enough coals for an entire season, maybe I am thinking of some other device.

OOps. The word was session, not season.

 

[GhostOfTomJoad]

I've got a big Weber chimney & a smaller cheapo I picked up @ HEB one day just to use on smaller jobs. The Weber one can be found @ BBQs Galore, Home Depot, and other places. It's really worth it not just because it's bigger but it also has a very useful metal brace that makes turning the chimney upside down to dump the hot coals much more safer & controllable. It's just a simple floating U brace that attaches to the top, but it makes a world of difference.

 

[Mack Tripper]

I have a Weber and smaller cheapo. When you guys say the Weber holds enough for an entire grilling session, what kind of charcoal are you using, the small briquettes? I use the lump hardwood charcoal and have to fill up both starters to get enough coals for a session, and I'm just using a standard sized (medium) round Weber grill.

 

[Rusk]

When I say enough for a session, I mean grilling, not smoking.

For that, I do mean regular old Kingsford charcoal briquettes.

One fill of the Weber chimney gives me enough briquettes to grill all the steaks, burgers, or chicken I have ever needed at one time.

Obviously, for smoking, you are talking about different fuel. Lump charcoal or whatever, and you need more of it...

I just meant a grilling session. In my opinion, for straight grilling it makes no sense to use anything other than plain briquettes. You are cooking so hot and for such a short time that there is basically no contribution made by the smoke. The only thing you are getting any use out of is just the heat. And for just heat, you don't need to use the more expensive types of fuel.

 

[Mack Tripper]

Thanks, Rusk

 

[CelisHorn]

I have one of these I use to light lump.

 

[kevwun]

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[Texas Law]

I have the same one CelisHorn posted. It is greatness.

 

[Rusk]

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[kevwun]

Pine trees and coal aren't something I want to cook with. If it doesn't bother you, that's fine.