quote:

Originally posted by Jbb45:
I have used a looftlighter for several years now. It is basically a hot air blower, and it works great in my X-Large big green egg. I got one for my son to use last year and he called it a game changer for him. I could swear I bought it on a recommendation from this forum too.

This is my method, works like a champ. Initial cost is a bit high but well built and no problems.

quote:

Originally posted by MikeinNC:
I’ve heard people say that using lighter fluid leaves a taste or odor on the food but they must be starting to cook before the stuff burns off.

You have a steel grill and less likely to get lighter fluid smell/taste than ceramic grills like BGEs.

quote:

Originally posted by Mars_Attacks:
I use a cheap Harbor Tools heat gun. Works perfect.

Hmmmmm. I have one of those...

quote:

Originally posted by tatortodd:

quote:

Originally posted by MikeinNC:
I’ve heard people say that using lighter fluid leaves a taste or odor on the food but they must be starting to cook before the stuff burns off.

You have a steel grill and less likely to get lighter fluid smell/taste than ceramic grills like BGEs.

BGE specifically tells you not to use starter fluid, as it penetrates the unglazed ceramic and will flavor the meat effectively forever.

quote:

spray lighter fluid

For the LOVE no lighter fluid.

I use Rutland Fire Starter Squares. 3-4 of those and 15 minutes and the BGE is going. Also works for fire pits. For the trailer offset the weed burner comes out!

I’ve been cooking only on charcoal for 40+ years, well other than twice on the fancy-ass gas grill at a house we bought.

2nd a Looftlighter, been using one for over 10 years. BGE now makes a BGE branded one.

I use one of these electric things.

electric fire ring

I do set a timer for like 5 min. because you don't want them starting the fire and then staying in the fire. I go back inside and do prep during that time but busy work and family can make you forget.
My current one is around 15 yrs. old but it now takes 8 min. to get the coals going.
My first one I left outside now and then and it the elements broke down it's ring.

I've been using this for several years
https://www.amazon.com/JJGeorg...mFtZT1zcF9tdGY&psc=1

I put a single lighted wax starter cube on the grate under the chimney. A block of Gulf Wax paraffin and some cheap ice cube trays, you could make a lot of them for next to nothing.

I use a Grill Gun. This one is to light charcoals on fire. I use the shorter version to sear steaks and also to light coals.

Link

quote:

Originally posted by SR025:
Soldering Cane torch https://www.lowes.com/pd/Bernz...ane-Torch/5014236231

I’ve used this for years.

I've used a propane cane torch like this for years as well, along with the small green Coleman camping propane tanks.

But don't pay $52 at Lowes... They're less than half that at $24.50 from Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07L..._fed_asin_title&th=1

In addition to lighting lump charcoal, it also works well at melting ice on sidewalks, or removing weeds in the gaps in pavement or gravel.

Turkey fryer base and a chimney.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F1...416663&pd_rd_plhdr=t

I’ve had good success with the waxed starters made out of wood shavings & the little square waxed pulp starters. I just clean out the ash from the previous cook. Having an ‘ash can’ basket helps separate out the ash from the old lump charcoal. I always add some fresh lumps (they’re dryer) and embed the fire starts just a little in the fresh lumps. Using a long nosed lighter, I get the starters lit with bottom vent opened up all the way. Give it about 10-15 minutes with the BGE lid opened. After that just close the lid and open the top vent. Shortly I’ve got a good hot grilling fire going (450-500). After that it’s just a matter of adjusting the temp for whatever I’m doing for that cook.

Air flow is key. Get rid of that old ash and make sure your lump charcoal is not too small. You need reasonable medium to larger chunks so air can flow through. A lot of peanut sized charcoal won’t let enough air flow through.

I never use lighter fluid. I don’t want that soaking into the ceramic.

I use the same torch as Mark 60 showed in his post but hook it to one of the squat propane tanks that you can purchase in 4 packs at Harbor Freight I just set it on the grill table with the nozzle pointed at the lump, fire it up and move it around to get a couple of spots going well. Easy to control how much fire is needed to get the right amount of charcoal going for the smoking fire you want. If I want to grill with a hot fire I use a stainless steel chimney lit from underneath with newspaper or a fire starter.
Another trick I have used for years with ceramic grills is to put a Tip Top Temp bimetallic controller on top of the exhaust port to control the grill temp. Just set the temp of the grill where you want it by turning the little knob and it will maintain it until your lump is gone. No fans, probes or electricity needed. As it nears the desired temp just begin to turn the knob to pretty much close the flap on top. Might require a little further adjustment to get it exactly where you want it but easy peasy. Also if you are lie me and often smoke at the same temp if you don't touch the knob you are pretty much set for your next cook. My only complaint about the Tip Top Temp control is that it rusts over time. It still works when rusty but needs to be replaced every several years. They are inexpensive so I just keep a new spare in my cabinet in anticipation of failure. It would be nice if it were made of stainless to prevent rust but would be considerably more expensive. I can buy quite a few of them in relation to the price of an active controller. Simple is better. If you prefer manual adjustment of the temp the Smokeware stainless steel cap is excellent.

does nobody in this group have a regular bernzomatic torch? Its like a regular workshop tool for lots of uses and 99+% of the people I know own one.

I have a BGE and use lump coal. I use THESE and they work amazing. It only takes one and they light easily. I have packs that are open and have sat out in the Texas weather and they light just like a brand new pack. I highly recommend. I spread some coals out, light one of these, set it in the center, and then build a pyramid of coals over it, wait until the coals are hot, and then spread them out. No lighter fluid or blow torch needed. Just one of these and a Bic lighter.

I've been using a MAP torch for years in my Kamado Joe. Quick and easy, and no problems using it inverted. If I want to get things going quickly, I light four spots. If I'm smoking, I just light a spot in the middle. No chemicals, no wax squares, no electrical cords, just pure chemical heat.

quote:

Originally posted by jaaron11:
I've been using a MAP torch for years in my Kamado Joe. Quick and easy, and no problems using it inverted. If I want to get things going quickly, I light four spots. If I'm smoking, I just light a spot in the middle. No chemicals, no wax squares, no electrical cords, just pure chemical heat.

This is the way! Been using MAP gas torch for years. Smoking, single burn in the middle, about 90 seconds. Middle temp indirect grilling at like 350, 4 burns. Direct high temp grilling, light the whole top of the pile, leave lid open for 20 minutes. Always load the basket full for consistency, unless you want to go to 700 for pizzas, then you light the remainder from the last cook, pour a basket full on top of it, and let it rip.

I use a chimney with bacon grease soaked paper towels for grill type fires and the 3 small parafin/sawdust starters for slow cooks.

I do kind of like possibly incorporating the HF Heat gun into the mix. Especially at the price.

I recently bought a small butane torch (cooking type) because its often windy here and getting my starters lit can be a challenge. I'm apparently not doing something right because I can't get it to operate properly. Won't take a good charge of butane and doesn't like to maintain a flame for any period of time.