Lighter Fluid?

[dewman29]

Is it not a good idea to start the charcoal / fire with lighter fluid? I have heard it gives the meat a bad taste. Is this true?

If not lighter fluid, then what methods are used to get the charcoal & fire started?

 

[smok'n steve]

http://www.amazon.com/Weber-7416-Chi...0890101&sr=1-1

Personally, I mostly use firewood, but when on charcoal, I use a Chimney Starter as shown in the link to Amazon above. You can make your own with 2 old large coffee cans and tie wire:-)

 

[capt dan]

don't even say that word here!



Hehehe, just kidding, I happen to use "firestarters" which are lil pieces of wax and sawdust shaped in the form of half circles, I have also used parafin cubes, and they work very well. I use these things under a chimney full of lump on the coal grate of my smoker. Buy a chimney at lowes for 10 bucks. You can stuff 2-3 pages of the local newspaper into the bottom, light it after you fill the top with charcoal, and let er burn for 5-10 minutes. Dump it on top of a pile of unlit lump and ther ya go!

 

[geek with fire]

Great question. Yes, lighter fluid is the enemy. It can really impart harsh flavors that can be difficult to overcome. An alternative is to get a chimney starter. Wad a few sheets of newspaper or similar paper with a couple of squirts of cooking oil inside the paper. The oil will keep the paper from burning up too quick, in addition to making a hotter start to get the charcoal going. I use 7-9 sheets of phone book paper. Works in one shot every time. When you see flames coming out of the top, you are ready to dump in the pit.

Hope that helps,