WGWW is it worth it...failure to light

SkinnyV · February 12

Not to sure after tonight. My torch was out so I tried canola oil paper towel method twice...fail.
OK how about alcohol...doused it and lit into big fireball. Came back 15 mins later nothing. All this and there were a few leftover already used coals from another cook. I did the alcohol twice ...fail.

All I got was a little light at the bottom that did nothing after 25 Mins.

Wife said give it up..maybe some Smokey flavor with royal oak is ok since i can get it up and running fully in 10-15 mins.

Did I mention all this on a mini? Don't even want to know how hard it is to light in a large.

blueinatl · February 12

I use a chimney and I've not had problems lighting any lump. Temp control and flames are another issue, but the chimney always gives me a easy light.

Tjcoley · February 12

Using WGWW on a large, the only time I had trouble lighting with oil soaked paper towels was when I forgot to open the bottom vent. Otherwise good to go in 15 to 20 minutes.

FlashkaBob · February 12

I use 1 big green egg firestarter (1.5" square wax and sawdust) Have not had a problem starting WGWW yet.

SkinnyV · February 12

Tjcoley said:
Using WGWW on a large, the only time I had trouble lighting with oil soaked paper towels was when I forgot to open the bottom vent. Otherwise good to go in 15 to 20 minutes.

How soaked.... do they need to be drenched? 2 different pt not drenched but they lit up and burned for a while, it did nothing.

SkinnyV · February 12

FlashkaBob said:
I use 1 big green egg firestarter (1.5" square wax and sawdust) Have not had a problem starting WGWW yet.

Might need to try these. When I did have propane it took a long while to get em lit. Buying mapp next but not sure its drastically different.

Tjcoley · February 12

SkinnyV said:

Using WGWW on a large, the only time I had trouble lighting with oil soaked paper towels was when I forgot to open the bottom vent. Otherwise good to go in 15 to 20 minutes.
How soaked.... do they need to be drenched? 2 different pt not drenched but they lit up and burned for a while, it did nothing.

I've used this technique since seeing the post from @fishlessman. https://eggheadforum.com/discussion/1143722/napkin-and-oil-trick-was-messy I use a plastic container with a sealed lid in stead of a coffee can, and no rock. Works great. Much less messy than soaking as you need them and they burn longer.

loveTheEgg · February 12

I have been using a couple bags of WGWW and yesterday cooked a brisket so I cleaned out and reloaded with all new lump and it took forever to light. I was using a loof lighter. so I agree it takes much longer than any brand I have used. it also does not burn as hot as the BGE or Cowboy lump that I use. but, I really like that it does not smoke as bad and it does not give the food a smoky taste. with that said I will still continue to use it.

Scottborasjr · February 12

No expert here by any means but if you are lighting a mini wouldn't there be a lot less air flow to get the coals going by the paper towel and oil method? I'd really like to hear Mickey give his thoughts on this since he has probably as much mini experience as anyone. I know when I light my large with paper towels and oil it can sometimes take a couple of shots and I've never tried it with WGWW.

SkinnyV · February 12

Hmm I was putting my paper towels under the lump, not like pictured in the other thread where it sat on top. Wonder if it hindered the fire.
That being said I will try again.

Tjcoley · February 12

All about air flow. The towels need air to burn, so if smothered in lump they will go out. I push them down a bit into the coals, ans LOOSLELY place a couple pieces of lump on top. Be careful not to smother the fire. You will be up and running in no time.

Aviator · February 12

Skinny, I have been using WGWW exclusively and it is no more difficult to light than anyother, any method you chose to light it. Also WGWW seems to burn hotter and longer than many others once you get going. As someone mentioned, did you clear the grate in the bottom? Its all about airflow.

SWATSgt · February 12

I use the electric BGE lighter. Works great, Forgot to close the vent Saturday night and had 1000+ 15 mins after I pulled the electric lighter out. It pegged out the dome therm. and went back around to about 350 or so. May just be me, but WG seems to light faster with the electric starter then RO does.

fishlessman · February 12

Tjcoley said:

SkinnyV said:

Using WGWW on a large, the only time I had trouble lighting with oil soaked paper towels was when I forgot to open the bottom vent. Otherwise good to go in 15 to 20 minutes.
How soaked.... do they need to be drenched? 2 different pt not drenched but they lit up and burned for a while, it did nothing.

I've used this technique since seeing the post from @fishlessman. https://eggheadforum.com/discussion/1143722/napkin-and-oil-trick-was-messy I use a plastic container with a sealed lid in stead of a coffee can, and no rock. Works great. Much less messy than soaking as you need them and they burn longer.

it works really well this way compared to putting fresh oil on a napkin, gives it a nice even soak thats almost dry to the touch and lights so much better

YEMTrey · February 12

I use nothing but Wicked Warrior anymore. I've used firestarters and haven't had a problem at all. I've even lit it from below the fire grate, thru the vent with nothing but newspaper when my lid was frozen shut. No problems ever lighting it in my use of it.

OLD NORTH STATE BBQ CO. · February 12

I use WG exclusively. Invest in a weed burner. I have my roaring at 500+ with in 5 minutes.

yzzi · February 12

I've only had that problem once but the humidity was in the 90% and I'm pretty sure that affected it. I've been using a looftlighter now and haven't had any troubles. Easily shaves off 15 minutes off my light times.

Hi54putty · February 12

weed burner will light any lump almost immediately

JohnInCarolina · February 12

I don't know why more people don't use a weed burner or an electric starter.

rtt121 · February 13

It's worth it

Kosko · February 13

I also use 1 BGE starter cube with my WGWW and I have NEVER had a problem lighting my lump.

SkinnyV · February 13

Got it going tonight the day old soaked paper towel loosely sitting on top made a huge difference. Thanks for the tips, yesterday was frustrating for sure.

BTW it took 2 because I prematurely closed it the first time worrying I'd get too high of a temp which killed the fire early.

Dave in Florida · February 13

I load my large up, light one piece of fire starter square in the bottom vent, close the screen, leave the dome open and within 30 mins the fire is going and I'm adjusting the vents to settle in the temp I am after.

boatbum · February 13

I love WGWW - never had a problem lighting.

Had picked up a bag of Ozark Oak couple of weeks ago, used it for a brisket. Bad experience - back to WGWW.

500 · February 13

+1 for the Weed Burner. I also hit it with the Air Grill. My Kroger lump is running clean in no time.

gdenby · February 13

FWIW, hard to start lump is a good sign. Its probably harder to start because it is higher in pure carbon content. Little wood residue or VOCs to work as a booster to start the carbon burning. Result, once kindled, longer and cleaner burn.

There was some lump made in Namibia that showed up in Canada a few years ago. Several Eggers reported great difficulty in starting it. I looked the stuff up and found that it was exceptionally pure. To bad it hasn't been imported to the states.

I use a torch, usually fueled w. MAP Pro gas. Count to ten, and lump is going.

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WGWW is it worth it...failure to light

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