I have a medium BGE, and I love it, but I don't love getting the fire started.

I have used the wax and wood fire sticks, don't like them much, as they don't do well in Florida's humid conditions.

I've gone through 3 electric charcoal starters. They don't last, 'nuff said.

I bought a chimney starter which has been satisfactory, except that it rusted away to nothing, and I don't feel like buying another one and treating it as a consumable.

Any suggestions?

I use electric and on my second only because I left it in too long and it burnt up the plastic handle.

I use SureStart which are pressed fiber squares.
They always light easily and it generally takes about 10 minutes to get things going well enough to close up and smoke something. If I leave it longer I will get a hotter fire for grilling.

MAPP Gas.

https://www.amazon.com/BLUEFIR...id=1617408070&sr=8-5

I've tried the cardboard squares and a heat gun. They get the job done, but are kind of a PITA.

Then I went to a heating element type contraption. Not sure where I got it or what it's called, but it works great. You just set in on the coals and plug it in. A few minutes later you're good to go.

Mine is similar to this.

Mapp gas torch and fire starter cubes.

I use the Rutland fire starter squares, it couldn't be much easier.I cut them in half and stick 2 or 3 halves into the charcoal, light with a lighter, and wait a bit. I've also used Mapp but if you have sparky charcoal it pops a lot.

Looftlighter works great for me. No need for any other items, just pile up the charcoal and light it up.

Twisted and knotted paper towel dipped in vegetable oil

Are use those little Webber fire starter cubes… They light the lump charcoal no problem for me.

No gas, no chemicals!

Lump coal and a few pages from newspapers.

The Weber Chimney works great.

Yeah the chimneys are only good for 7-8 years or so if you leave them outside like I do. I don't mind spending $20 every nearly decade to replace them. If you want a longer life out of them, bring indoors after use or put it in your shed. Either way it's by far cheaper than using cubes or lighter fluid. Make sure you are buying a Weber chimney, not a knockoff.

Thanks everyone. I liked the chimney, didn't like the one year life span. I will try the Weber chimney. Looks like it is made of Stainless not Walmart.

Thanks for all the suggestions. I've used propane, but it's kind of slow. Mapp is an interesting idea, as I've been looking for an excuse to get a Mapp torch...

I use my MAPP torch, quick and easy.

I use bacon grease soaked paper towels. One under a chimney starter. I've also used them wadded up for low and slows.
My Weber branded chimney has lasted 8± years. The cheap one I bought at Wal-Mart for my winter place in Florida just failed at one year.

I used the same electric starter for 8 years until I left it in too long and it burned the cord.

I now use a weed torch. Harbor freight has them even cheaper.
https://www.amazon.com/JJ-Geor...4K6S?ref_=ast_sto_dp

Bernzomatic propane torch, using Coleman canisters.

Open top and bottom vents on Egg. Light torch and turn gas supply fully open. Hold the flame from the torch on the lump charcoal piled in the bottom of the Egg for 2-3 minutes. Shut lid. Come back in 10ish minutes once the grill's up to temp. Grill.

I use a paint removal gun and chimney..

I used 3-4 of those cardboard squares for my Joe. They’ve never failed me. If I was cool I’d get one of those MAPP blow torches and do it that way. Although not very efficient versus a LoofLighter.

quote:

Originally posted by TXJIM:
Looftlighter works great for me. No need for any other items, just pile up the charcoal and light it up.

Same for me. It works well.