Instant Light Charcoal W/ Minion Method

meat hunter

Master of the Pit

Original poster

SMF Premier Member

Feb 3, 2009

1,720

14

• Jan 24, 2010

• #1

[font=Verdana,Arial,Helvetica]Was over at the Virtual Weber Bullet lookin for info on lump charcoal and came across this article. Right now, I am a stick burner but will have a backwoods clone this Spring and thought this might be useful for those who use the minion method in their smokers, especially any of our new members. I looked for a similar article here at smf, but could find one. [/font]

[font=Verdana,Arial,Helvetica]Avoid Instant Light Charcoal[/font]
[font=Verdana,Arial,Helvetica]Instant light charcoal containing lighter fluid, such as Kingsford Match Light, should not be used in the WSM for low and slow barbecuing.[/font]
[font=Verdana,Arial,Helvetica]When using the Minion Method, the continual lighting of fresh briquettes "will cause lighter fluid to permeate the meat," according to Kingsford's Web site. It also states that "adding (Match Light) to an existing fire may also cause a flare-up."[/font]

 

the dude abides

Master of the Pit

OTBS Member

Jul 12, 2008

3,525

39

Des Moines, Iowa

• Jan 24, 2010

• #2

That stuff is nasty for any kind of use. But certainly for a minion method. Just that constant bath in fluid would possibly make you sick.

 

chisoxjim

Master of the Pit

OTBS Member

Jul 25, 2007

2,761

17

• Jan 24, 2010

• #3

much like using lighter fluid is taboo, using briquettes soaked in lighter fluid aka.. instant light charcoal is not recommended


I use lump, or competition briquettes in my WSM, preferrably lump as it cooks hotter, and leaves less ash.

i dont use the minion method, I use the K.I.S.S. method.

 

mballi3011

Gone but not forgotten. RIP

OTBS Member

SMF Premier Member

Mar 12, 2009

14,477

58

• Jan 24, 2010

• #4

I would say that it speaks for itself and it wouldn't be a good choice for low and slow. You might set it up that way but it ill burn up with a quickness. The flavor would be pretty darn bad too.

 

eaglewing

Master of the Pit

SMF Premier Member

Jul 4, 2008

1,132

365

St. Louis MO

• Jan 24, 2010

• #5

GOOD POST!!

Although YES, it has been said here before, and for the sake of the newbies will be emphasized, DO NOT USE LIGHTER FLUID or briquets that SELF LIGHT when smoking meat. Some here have also said NOT to use the wooden starter sticks either...

I always just use my 'chimney' and newspaper with my plumbers torch to get it going good... Once the Minion method is started it needs nothing else but some attending to.

LUMP IN A CHIMNEY IS A FIREWORKS SHOW!!!!