Lighting Charcoal

[boshawg]

So what is the best way of lighting charcoal? Is there problem with using denatured alcohol?

Mark 

 

[worktogthr]

Chimney starter is the best way! Coals heat evenly, no need to add any chemicals! The Weber chimney is great!

 

[mdboatbum]

Denatured alcohol might work and won't produce toxic fumes, but it's probably not going to burn long enough on its own. Best to soak a paper towel or clean rag in it so it would act as a wick. It's also extremely dangerous and may burn with an almost invisible flame in bright sunlight, so keep that little guy in your profile picture safely out of the area.

I'd skip the denatured alcohol and get a $10 charcoal chimney, which is in my opinion the best method of starting charcoal.

 

[pc farmer]

I have been using weber starter cubes.    I kinda like them.

 

[mdboatbum]

 
I have been using weber starter cubes.    I kinda like them.

I use those under my chimney. Like them much better than newspaper.

 

[pc farmer]

I put them right in the basket.

 

[bcbearsfan]

I use the chimney on the side burner of my gas grill. Works great and its quick.

 

[ak1]

I've done it. It hasn't been as issue.

 

[sctdg35]

Harbor freight sells a 1100 watt heat gun for $14.99 ,with frt. under $20.00 .Best way to light charcoal .Fire in 30 seconds .No fuss . Look on you tube .There are videos of people using heat guns to light coals .Oh yeah forget that $80 thing that is just a glorified heat gun .Cheap every day 1100 watts and you got fire pronto.

 

[ron eb]

Same here on the cubes.

 

[bbq freak]

i use a propane weed burner torch , lights the coals in less than a minute and really cuts my time down on start up .

 

[timberjet]

ever since I got my weber charcoal chimney I have been very happy with it. Plus you can use up a lot of junk mail and stuff.

 

[dirtsailor2003]

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• dirtsailor2003
• May 22, 2014

I use my torch in my mini

 

[jirodriguez]

Take two paper towels, put just enough veggie oil on them to get them wet, put under chimney starter and light it. The paper towel leaves little to no residue, and it starts it just fine.

 

[ron eb]

I use weber paraffin tablets in my modified Brinkmann.

 

[heatman]

I use a weber chimney and use the charcoal bag as a starter.  Fill chimney 1/3 and dump charcoal needed in smoker basket of WSM. Tear off top of bag and  that's all I need.

 

[ak1]

Thermite!  Works like a charm!!!

 

[hillbillyrkstr]

Charcoal chimney hands down. Been using one for years and it works great and you need nothing but paper to light it.

I did just buy some starter cubes however I haven't used them yet.

 

[venture]

Being Memorial Day, I guess Napalm would work?

But I am a chimney guy all the way!

Good luck and good smoking.

 

[goobi99]

if you are going to buy a chimney, get the weber. its a little bigger and for whatever rerason, it lasts longer over time.