Charcoal Chimneys

[RiversideSm0ker]

Hey everyone. I hope that this Sunday is treating you well. I’m looking for recommendations on a replacement charcoal chimney. I’ve bought the classic Weber chimney the last couple of times around. Eventually the spiral cone warps and my last chimney literally had the bottom fall out full of charcoal. Thank goodness it wasn’t lit at the time. Do any of you have a favorite chimney other than Weber? I’m certain that every chimney will burn out eventually. Just figured I would knock this around before buying a replacement. Thanks in advance.
G

 

[JckDanls 07]

I prefer the Weber over others.. The others have the flat bottom with holes (not enough) punched in it... Seems like they are harder to light and take longer to get coals going dew to lack of air... JMO

 

[Sven Svensson]

I love the classic Weber, too, but I am watching.

 

[Colin1230]

Honestly, I haven't tried any others but your post will make me check the condition of mine. Many thanks for the heads up RiversideSm0ker .

 

[TNJAKE]

Another Webber guy. I like the spiral bottom and the extra size. Don't know of a better one but can recommend one to stay away from.......expert grill. They are smaller, don't have enough airflow and deteriorate quickly

 

[gmc2003]

Weber here also. I think my first one was a char-griller or something like that. Anyway the handle rusted off after a year or so. The Weber is still going strong after a few years.

Chris

 

[cansmoke]

THere are 1/2 dozen of them - same design. Vermont Castings, Kingsford etc. What does your hardware store carry

 

[DougE]

I haven't found anything better than the Weber.

 

[RiversideSm0ker]

My Weber chimneys tend to last about three or so years on average. Since I was in the market I just figured it was worth tapping the database. Walmart only had the expert grill branded ones yesterday. Home Depot usually has several brands available and of course Amazon has everything. I appreciate all of the feedback so far. Anybody try the BBQ Dragon chimney of insanity?

G

 

[1MoreFord]

No and I won't since it's made from galvanized steel. Go Weber with Aluminized Steel so you won't be breathing poisonous fumes.

 

[motocrash]

Haven't seen/used a better one than the Weber. Years ago I tried a cheapo and it didn't last but a year or so.
I currently run both sizes of the Weber. As said above, they last about 3 years or so, they're on the "consumables" list.

 

[SmokinAl]

I have always used the Weber one’s too, but I found one in WW that had a dump lever on the side. This way you don’t have to turn the chimney over to dump it. You just pull the lever on the side & the bottom opens up. Much easier to use & so far has lasted a few years.
Al

 

[bauchjw]

I'm with everyone else. Only used the Weber. I just replace them every few years.

 

[Bruceski44]

Like others, I prefer the Weber, but have made a simple mod to hopefully extend its life. In my old ones, as the wire cone collapsed over time, it would pull the loop out of the side. This would then dump half the coals out the gap. So I just looped some baling wire through to prevent that. I'll let you know in 3-5 years

 

[uncle eddie]

ditto above...

 

[RiversideSm0ker]

Looks like I’ll be sticking with my tried and true Weber brand.Thanks for all of the feedback it was extremely helpful. Have a great day be safe out there.
G

 

[Fueling Around]

Good choice staying with the Weber. A couple dollars more, but they last twice as long as the other brands.

I have always used the Weber one’s too, but I found one in WW that had a dump lever on the side. This way you don’t have to turn the chimney over to dump it. You just pull the lever on the side & the bottom opens up. Much easier to use & so far has lasted a few years.
Al

I had one of those for a very short time. I loaded it full and the coals were fully lit. Well heat let things flex and it dumped as I lifted it. Luckily I start most of my coals in the kettle.

 

[chopsaw]

Good choice staying with the Weber . For some reason I try to make it last forever . I due for a new one too .

When I was working I used to make them out of 8 " 16 ga. spiral duct .
I still have a small one I made last year out of 4 " . Holds about 8 pieces . I use it to light the snake , or slow burn pile .

 

[Sowsage]

I'm on my second webber and I had one from Wal-Mart inbetween the 2 that lasted about a month... I'd definitely stick with the webber...this also makes me think there would be opportunity for someone to manufacture a better one. Not that the webber is bad but there could definitely be some improvements... Like a solid bottom grate..maybe cast iron.... And my first one the handle fell off of when the rivets got week...and that holds the whole thing together. I replaced them with a couple of loose nuts and bolts laying around the shop and got another year out of it.

 

[bbqbrett]

The first one I had was an HD Design that I got at Fred Meyer. It lasted me a little over 10 years. I am sure if you guys are going through one in a few years though you probably get a lot more uses a year out of them then I do.