A tip for charcoal chimney starting

[Scooter]

I like to use a steel chimney with wax starters or crumpled paper.

If I cram too many pieces of charcoal in the chimney, not much air circulates and it takes a long time to get going.

Solution: place a used toilet paper cardboard roll in the middle and pile the charcoal around it. Even after the roll burns up, the charcoal seems to stay in place with plenty of air circulating for a quick start.

[djbmsu]

I am going to try this just as soon as I figgure out what your talking about.

[JC2]

Originally Posted by djbmsu

I am going to try this just as soon as I figgure out what your talking about.

These are used in place of "stinky" lighter fluid type liquid when starting a charcoal grill. Fill with charcoal, place a sheet of crumpled newspaper underneath and light. Glowing charcoal embers in about 15 minutes without the lighter fluid smell permeating on whatever your grilling.

[Jawja Sailor]

Great idea for a common problem, thanks!

[SylviaCub]

All I ever did was fill the "coffee can" chimney and then pull it up allowing the briquettes hold it up from the bottom an inch or so. A LITTLE fluid, no paper and light from the bottom. The flames climb and 15 mins later there should me no lighter fluid smell and your coals are nice and grey. A pair of pliers to remove and you are ready to start grilling.

[sc3283]

If coals are allowed to properly burn prior to attempting to put food on the grill there will NEVER be a lighter fluid taste on the food. Coals must be solid white without any black. I've seen it time and again, impatient cookers that won't allow the coals to ignite fully prior to placing food on the grill.

[TAZ]

No fluid for me. The chimney works great as is. But I am definatly going to try this trick. .

[akcampr]

I like the chimney as well. I have a square one that folds flat from NRS. I will give the tube a try.

[SarahW]

Originally Posted by djbmsu

I am going to try this just as soon as I figgure out what your talking about.