Best way to light a BGE

cul-de-sac-er · January 28

Good afternoon all, I have had my egg for roughly two years and the electric egg starter has run its course. The starter has a short in it, started using a chimney starter but the flying embers can be dangerous with little kids running around. Does anybody have advice/experience with starters or alcohol? Thanks so much on advance

robnybbq · January 28

There was just a thread on this - http://eggheadforum.com/discussion/1147816/best-way-to-start-the-egg

I use a Map torch to light the lump - fast and easy.

dlk7 · January 28

I love my Bernzomatic TS8000 using mapp gas. I can start 8 places in less than a minute and be at 500 degrees in less than 12 minutes. I have been using the same mapp gass container for 2 months and I start at least one of my eggs every night.

cul-de-sac-er · January 28

Wow thanks for the quick response What's the fist of a Bernzomatic?

dlk7 · January 28

From Lowes

BernzOmatic TS8000KC Map-Pro Kit

Not Yet Rated Be the first to Write a Review

Price $54.99

Qty.:

BernzOmatic TS8000KC Map-Pro Kit

Item #: 387416
Model #: 332497

Kit includes TS8000 trigger-start torch and Map-Pro fuel cylinder
Ultra swirl high intensity flame for 30% faster soldering time than TS4000
Adjustable flame control knob to easily size flame for different applications

SmokeyPitt · January 28

I have the map torch as well and it is nice, but you do still have to worry about sparks/embers popping while you are lighting. You can reduce this if you light a bit more gradually.

Another great approach is the oiled napkins/paper towels. My map tank just ran dry and I haven't made it by a home depot to get a new one, so the oiled paper towels is a great backup approach and chances are you have oil and some kind of napkins in your house already. If you are out of paper towels you can use TP. If you are out of TP...well...you d@mn well should be making a trip to the store anyway!

rickHP · January 28

+1 on the oiled paper towel. I've used it a lot and it works great. No need for more expensive starting methods.

Deckhand · January 28

Weed burner from Harbor Freight.

xraypat23 · January 28

harbor freight weed burner, mapp torch, or electric starter. All depends on how fast i need it to get hot.

Chubbs · January 28

When I bought my A-maze-n smoker, I got combo package #3. It came with a torch. Tried that tonight for first time. Likely my new method.

Shiff · January 29

I start my charcoal using 91% alcohol purchased at Walmart. I use a pencil to poke a tiny hole in the seal and then squirt a little alcohol in 4 places in a circle about 4 inches in from the outside rim of the charcoal. Then a little squirt in the center. Wait a few seconds then toss in a match.

Alcohol burns clean and quickly starts the charcoal. It is very safe as long as you stand back a little when dropping in the match. The warmer the day, the more it evaporates before lighting and can cause a flash. In the winter, it doesn't evaporate and I actually have to hold the match at the squirt points.

RGBHV · January 29

Fast or Safe. Pick one.

I have a mapp torch which is great but you also get a great fireworks show.

Before the mapp torch I used cooking oil and paper towel. I found it to be fairly quick and very safe because I could close the dome until it got up to temp.

Michael

cul-de-sac-er · January 29

Awesome I really appreciate all of the great advice Have a great night Shane

ChokeOnSmoke · January 29

The electric starter is boring but I still think its the best all around way to fire up the lump.

Dan4BBQ · January 29

SmokeyPitt Posts: 1,438

5:02PM

I have the map torch as well and it is nice, but you do still have to worry about sparks/embers popping while you are lighting. You can reduce this if you light a bit more gradually.

Another great approach is the oiled napkins/paper towels. My map tank just ran dry and I haven't made it by a home depot to get a new one, so the oiled paper towels is a great backup approach and chances are you have oil and some kind of napkins in your house already. If you are out of paper towels you can use TP. If you are out of TP...well...you d@mn well should be making a trip to the store anyway!

The Map works great but the paper towels and oil is what I have been using most---

Airwolf · January 29

Used bacon grease on a paper towel works wonders for me!

cul-de-sac-er · January 29

Awesome ideas thanks so much Have a great day.

Solson005 · January 29

If you have power nearby or don't mind running an extension cord a Looftlighter is what I use. I use a propane torch when camping with my small and like the looftlighter better.

Lit · January 29

Heat gun

JerkChicken · January 29

Shiff said:

I start my charcoal using 91% alcohol purchased at Walmart. I use a pencil to poke a tiny hole in the seal and then squirt a little alcohol in 4 places in a circle about 4 inches in from the outside rim of the charcoal. Then a little squirt in the center. Wait a few seconds then toss in a match.

Alcohol burns clean and quickly starts the charcoal. It is very safe as long as you stand back a little when dropping in the match. The warmer the day, the more it evaporates before lighting and can cause a flash. In the winter, it doesn't evaporate and I actually have to hold the match at the squirt points.

This

CeramicChef · January 29

I use gel alcohol, 91% alcohol on cotton balls, and a MAPP torch. It just depends on my mood which one gets used.

BENTE · January 29

map torch i have been using this for a few years although like others have said wear safty glasses. i have been using sun glasses and then when my torch is at the right place i shut my eyes. kind of like a welder does some times to tack a weld..