Fire starters

ynotk · Joined: 27 Jan 2010 Posts: 5

A Newbee here with a problem. I am so tired of burnt newspaper blowing around after I lift my charcoal starter chimney. Has anyone ever tried using the homemade fire starters using the egg carton, dryer lint and melted wax method of makeing a fire starter? then using a cube of this in the charcoal chimney to start the charcoal. Thank You

patruns · Posted: May 31 2010 Post subject:

I don't like to use anything that is not pure wood. I also had the same problem and didn't like the paper ash all over the grill. I solved that by starting the chimney on a piece of flagstone on the ground. I don't care is the paper ash blows onto the sidewalk or grass, I just don't want it in my grill.

Tim_Abrahamson · Posted: May 31 2010 Post subject:

I use an electric wand to start my coals...no paper, no chemical...just a quick start!
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Jarhead · Posted: May 31 2010 Post subject:

Propane torch or a K.A.M torch.
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BigPhil32 · Posted: Jun 01 2010 Post subject:

I have heard that some people use potato chips and it works awesome and no ashes flying around...
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Tombigbeeriverdawg · Posted: Jun 01 2010 Post subject:

Put some cooking oil on a paper towel. No ashes.
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cityevader · Posted: Jun 01 2010 Post subject:

I use about 3 tbsp of alcohol in a moddified cat food can:
http://zenstoves.net/CatCanStove.htm

Here's a pic with my Baked Beans can chimney which nestles perfectly on top of the burner. 15 minute burn times easy.

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Inner10 · Posted: Jun 01 2010 Post subject:

Old cooking oil on a piece of paper towel, or use an old propane camping stove.

My latest method is I drilled a hole in the side of the chimney and use a mapp blow torch.

Jarhead · Posted: Jun 01 2010 Post subject:

10 bucks, problem solved.

OR

Call K.A.M. Laughing

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upinmaine · Posted: Jun 01 2010 Post subject:

I put the charcoal chimney on side burner of my gas grill. I just remove the grate and set it over the burner. It takes less time than newspaper and no mess. The electric start means no matches. The burner is useless for all other purposes, like actually cooking something.

day_trippr · Posted: Jun 01 2010 Post subject:

Inner10 · Posted: Jun 01 2010 Post subject:

Not that I condone this but some individual opened up the orifices and added a tank of mapp to my camp stove. Twisted Evil

Soybomb · BBQ Fan Joined: 10 Nov 2009 Posts: 373

I haven't done the home made ones but home depot here sells the weber starter cubes (works out to like 16 cents per cube) and they're awesome. I figure 16 cents to start my chimney isn't bad.

Teleking · Posted: Jun 01 2010 Post subject:

pyronoel · Posted: Jun 01 2010 Post subject:

I had no luck with newspaper- tried the paper towel/oil and it works GREAT!

BluzQue · Posted: Jun 01 2010 Post subject:

Paper towels or newspaper, vegetable oil & benzo torch
works like a charm Wink

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crashpilot · Posted: Jun 01 2010 Post subject:

I'm thinking KAM's method is foolproof, BUT if you don't have a rocket engine handy.... Laughing

I use charcoal lighter fluid (even in comps). If I need a full chimney I'll fill it about a third full with charcoal, put the fluid on and light it, then fill the chimney with charcoal.

If you put the fluid on and light it immediately without letting it soak in, there will not be an off taste. The bottom of a charcoal chimney gets TOO HOT for any fluid to survive, it all burns off.

There aren't any ashes with this method either.
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k.a.m. · Posted: Jun 02 2010 Post subject:

I am working on a mini flame thrower for those starters that cant handle the big dog. Laughing

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