I feel pretty dumb asking - How do you light your charcoal for the UDS

[jd1983]

Title says it all.  I built my UDS and have my charcoal basket done but don't know the best way to get it started.  Read about the minion method but don't know if that is the best way.  Thanks a lot.

 

[sprky]

There are no dumb questions around here. The only dumb questions are the ones not asked!

I recommend you use one of these

Shop Weber Charcoal Chimney Starter at Lowes.com

EDIT;

If ya need help on how to use it feel free to ask.

 

[desertlites]

I have a small basket and large1 for all nighters,yes you would want to use the minion method pretty much either way you go.If it's a hot temp you want than lite off a larger quantity of coal. welcome to the drum world.and by all means use the chimney if your not already.

 

[corey foreman]

I use a weed burner from harbor frieght..

 

[chef jimmyj]

Chimney Starter...Place the desired number of Charcoal Chunks in the top and a couple of sheets of News paper, or any paper for that matter, drizzled with 1-2 tsp of Veg Oil in the bottom...Lighter it up...Crack a Cold Beer... When they ash over dump following the Minnion Method instructions...JJ

 

[solaryellow]

Mapp gas torch. Just enough to get a couple coals going. That usually takes 15 - 30 seconds. Then I let the UDS slowly come up to temp. Starting with too hot of a fire is hard to manage with UDS and the minion method.

 

[jlafrenz]

Do you put the coals in the center or spread them over top? I would think that starting them in the center would give inconsistent temps across the cooking area, but spreading them out may get the fire too hot. Help us rookies out.

 

[jrod62]

I light 10 or less coals (with weed burner :biggrin: )
I put mine right in the middle on top of unlit coals.
Works good for me .
Bring temp up slow to what you want it at.

 

[jlafrenz]

Do you get much of a difference in temp from the center to the edges with this method? I have read that the UDS has a difference in general, but thought this way my have a bigger influence on the difference.

 

[jrod62]

Well i do get up to 30 degree differents from one side of the grate to the other.
Don't think i have ever put the probe in the middle . Now you got me thinking.
I will have to put one there and see. Never tried placing coals apart across the top.
that might work.
Just try it different ways and keep records on how it works for you.

 

[jlafrenz]

I am still in the process of building my UDS, but would be interested to see if one way provides a more even heat or fast/slower burn times. I plan on seasoning my barrel next weekend and trying to decide which method to try out to get my thermometers calibrated.