Charcoal EZstarts

[SmokinLogs]

Has anyone ever tried these for starting charcoal or even an open fire? It says bundles of Rocky Mountain aspen and paraffin are what it’s made of. I’ve never used anything but my chimney starter and lighter fluid a couple times when I was fresh into smoking and grilling. I figured $2.50 for a 4 pack, it’s at least worth a shot!

 

[gmc2003]

Can't say I've tried them. I'm a Weber cube man myself.

Chris

 

[SonnyE]

I've used my Propane torch for years and years now.
Recently the old Craftsman, uhh, crapped out. :rolleyes:
So I bought a new one. Love a trigger start Propane torch.
I just screw it onto one of those green tanks, and keep it shut off after any use.
I use it from AMNPS to Ants, and anything I want to light up. o_O
(Even as a weed burner...)

My step Daughter asked if I needed a match to light up a BBQ when camping one time.
I said, "Naw, I've got a match." And stuck it in the RV and pulled the trigger...
She about jumped over the seat back when that flame roared.... :D

LMAO! :rolleyes:

 

[SonnyE]

Hey Tom.
You need to update your Avatar.
Those 3 Big Brothers have a baby Sister to brag on now.

 

[mike243]

Electric loop or torch,haven't bought light fluid in 20 something years

 

[thood]

View attachment 378261

Has anyone ever tried these for starting charcoal or even an open fire? It says bundles of Rocky Mountain aspen and paraffin are what it’s made of. I’ve never used anything but my chimney starter and lighter fluid a couple times when I was fresh into smoking and grilling. I figured $2.50 for a 4 pack, it’s at least worth a shot!

Yep, I’ve used these. They work ok, probabaly burn out a little too soon to start a good charcoal fire. The compressed wood ones las a little longer and will usually start the fire. Either way, no fluid needed. I also use the electric loop, and that works great if you’ve got electricity. If not, the propane torch is pretty effective. Lots of options without having to use that stinky fluid.

 

[SmokinAl]

I use the side burner on my gas grill, or a stand alone propane burner that I use for fish fry's.
I just set the charcoal chimney on either one & have a fire going in a couple of minutes.
Al

 

[SmokinLogs]

Can't say I've tried them. I'm a Weber cube man myself.

Chris

GMC, I’ve been thinking about trying the Weber cubes but I keep forgetting to pick some up when I’m at the store. I made a charcoal basket for my COS that I normally use for charcoal at first and keep feeding it wood splits. Should I put the Weber cubes/ or my EZ starts down in the whole basket of coals, or just use them to fire up my chimney starter?

 

[Jeff Wright]

Can't say I would want to try anything but the chimney to start charcoal...works like a charm and lasts forever. Awesome product and clean start.

 

[SmokinLogs]

Hey Tom.
You need to update your Avatar.
Those 3 Big Brothers have a baby Sister to brag on now.

Sonny, my dad always used a torch too. I might have to invest in one. And yeah, I need a good picture of all 4 kiddos, 4 little mouths to feed BBQ!

 

[SmokinLogs]

Electric loop or torch,haven't bought light fluid in 20 something years

Yeah I used lighter fluid a couple times when I first got into smoking and grilling. I quickly realized it’s not very dependable and you can taste it. It’s a waste of money.

 

[SmokinLogs]

Yep, I’ve used these. They work ok, probabaly burn out a little too soon to start a good charcoal fire. The compressed wood ones las a little longer and will usually start the fire. Either way, no fluid needed. I also use the electric loop, and that works great if you’ve got electricity. If not, the propane torch is pretty effective. Lots of options without having to use that stinky fluid.

Thood, thanks for the info on them. I figured as cheap as they are it’s worth a shot. Would you recommend using 1 at a times or a few of them?

 

[SmokinLogs]

I use the side burner on my gas grill, or a stand alone propane burner that I use for fish fry's.
I just set the charcoal chimney on either one & have a fire going in a couple of minutes.
Al

Al, I’ve seen you mention that before on the site. I’m sure it works great but I haven’t owned a gas grill in nearly 10 years.

 

[SmokinLogs]

Can't say I would want to try anything but the chimney to start charcoal...works like a charm and lasts forever. Awesome product and clean start.

Jeff, I’ve been completely happy with my chimney starter, but curiosity go to me. So I’m gonna try these just for the heck of it!

 

[gmc2003]

GMC, I’ve been thinking about trying the Weber cubes but I keep forgetting to pick some up when I’m at the store. I made a charcoal basket for my COS that I normally use for charcoal at first and keep feeding it wood splits. Should I put the Weber cubes/ or my EZ starts down in the whole basket of coals, or just use them to fire up my chimney starter?

Sorry Logs I'm not familiar with a COS smoker so I can't say. I've used the cubes both ways in my Webers. For the most part I use them along with the chimney starter.

Chris

 

[bbqbrett]

Never used those. I always just use newspaper, chimney and lighter.

 

[SonnyE]

Sonny, my dad always used a torch too. I might have to invest in one. And yeah, I need a good picture of all 4 kiddos, 4 little mouths to feed BBQ!

Those are your justification for an upgrade, My Man! ;)

 

[pc farmer]

I use Weber cubes or paper towels with veggie oil drizzled on it.

 

[jgates237]

I utilize the chimney as well but it's very smokey for the first few minutes. That said, do the electric loops keep the smoke level down? I ask because starting coals in condo environment doesn't always sit well with the neighbors so anything to keep the startup smoke level down would be an excellent alternative.

 

[SmokinLogs]

Just to update, I was satisfied with the EZ starts. I was surprised at how fast they lit, especially on a very windy evening. 2 of the bundles lit my basket pretty quick. They had a slight wax smell, but it went away pretty quick. I will be curious to see how they do next time when it’s not so windy outside.