Instant BBQ in a box.

[kenthanson]

I was browsing the bbq section at my local supermarket and came across what is a lovely idea. Instand BBQ in a box, its a cardboard box filled with 2.5lbs of charcoal, strategically placed inside of the box so all you have to do is light it and TA DA instant light charcoal. They were only a dollar so I picked up two to check it out to see if this was a great deal for a great idea. I just set one up, which is easy, just place on grill and light, and then I found out why they were just a dollar. The stuff stinks all heck and I can't imagine what kind of chemicals are in those things, just terrible. I wouldn't cook anyone any food ever with this system, great idea, terrible charcoal.

 

[gofish]

LOL .......... I could imagine your disapointment!

I dont think there is a better gadget than the charcoal chimney to get your coals going. While your at it, buy 2 of 'em, you wont be sorry. The best lighting method for the chimney (that i've found) is little parafin wax cubes, but I also use a twisted up piece of news paper. The paper works fine but is just a bit messier.

 

[richoso1]

Try sprinkling a little cooking oil on the paper before you light it, it'll burn longer.

 

[gofish]

Will do! Thanks

 

[smok_n_okie]

i love my chimney.. i cannot wait to try the oil thing..

 

[smokewatcher]

I like to use my trusty propane torch to get the coals burning, and it's more fun to light off!

 

[deejaydebi]

Maybe the smell will go away after the cardboard is all gone?

 

[hawgheaven]

No chemicals for me!

I love my chimneys! I start mine with my turkey fryer burner, works great! I have coals in less than 10 minutes...

 

[linescum]

i start my chimney with a propane torch

 

[gofish]

Do you 'torchers' start the coals from the top and let it burn down? Or hold the chimney up and torch it from the bottom for a minute or two?

 

[linescum]

bottom up....

 

[deadmessengers]

Try using a can of Sterno. Just light the Sterno & put your already-full chimney on top. When you see the first wisps of smoke from the top of the chimney (about 5 minutes), pick it up and move it off to the side, then put the lid on the can of sterno to put it out. Works like a champ for me, with no newspaper ash mess blowing all over the place!

I typically get about 10 lights from a single can, with a 3-pack of cans costing about $2.

 

[hawgheaven]

Dunno if I am considered a torcher for using my fryer burner, butt I light from the bottom up. I light the burner, set the chimney on the burner grate, the smoke starts to rise almost instantly. I let it sit for a couple of minutes, then set it aside and I have a hot coals in 5 to 10 minutes... depending on the amount of charcoal.

Never thought of using Sterno...

 

[gofish]

Hawg .........

I have done that same method with the side burner of my propane grill. For what ever reason, I just pictured some folks using the a propane torch lighting the top layer or two of coals and letting it burn down. Which seemed like a bit of a hassle ........ thats all.

Did we hi-jack this thread? ........... Sorry