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Help! Starting BGE

06TechGrad
06TechGrad Posts: 5
edited May 2012 in EggHead Forum

I need some help in starting the egg without the little starter chip that is comprised of sawdust or whatever. I always use those but am out and don't have time to run to the store. I read somewhere that you can use newspapers. Is that true? What from around the house can I use?

Thanks!

Comments

  • frankie482
    frankie482 Posts: 263
    Paper towels rolled up and dipped in oil.
  • ShedFarm
    ShedFarm Posts: 499
    edited May 2012
    Don't use newspapers, if you can help it. Take a paper towel, and drizzle a little vegetable oil over the surface. You're not looking to soak the entire thing. Take hold of opposite corners and twist it up into a sort of loose wick, and stick it into/under your lump, leaving the ends sticking out. Light the ends. Cheap and easy, without the waxy smoke issues you get with the starter cubes.
    BJ (Powhatan, VA)
  • Sgt93
    Sgt93 Posts: 728
    What about using a mini torch? 

    XL BGE - Small BGE - A few Komodo Kamado Serious Big Bad 42s
    Follow me on Instagram: @SSgt93
  • Newportlocal
    Newportlocal Posts: 474
    I see same response as what I did today. I roll up paper towels and dip in vegetable oil lay some charcoal over it and light. Works great every time.
  • bigguy136
    bigguy136 Posts: 1,362
    I use a MAP gas torch. 45 sec - 1 minute. After 30+ starts this way, some lump must of been sitting just right as it directed the heat back to the tip and melted it some. It was enough that I need a new tip. I still like and will use the torch but I will watch it more. I would like to try the paper towel soon. One square? Two?

    Big Lake, Minnesota

    2X Large BGE, 1 Mini Max, Stokers, Adjustable Rig

  • njl
    njl Posts: 1,123
    Paper towel with some oil on it is probably the cheapest/easiest/most reliable method.  I fold the paper towel twice into a small square, pour some waste cooking oil into the center, roll it up, stick it in the lump, light it, and 10 minutes later, I have a good fire.
  • horseflesh
    horseflesh Posts: 206
    I really like my electric starter. It also affords the flexibility to easily light a smaller fire or a bigger fire, depending on how you pile the fuel around it and how long you leave it in.
  • twlangan
    twlangan Posts: 307
    I have my wife save paper towels that she has used to soak up bacon grease and put them in a large ziplock bag we keep in the fridge. I tear the towels into strips and use them as fire starters. It works great. They burn long enough to light the lump every time.
  • Chapsz28
    Chapsz28 Posts: 9
    I use an electric...seems reliable and pretty safe too
  • Village Idiot
    Village Idiot Posts: 6,959
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