Starting the fire

clemsontyger97 · May 2015

I've done quite a few cooks now, and while I haven't really screwed up anything yet, one thing I am wondering if I am doing "right" is starting the fire. Mostly how long to leave the lid open. I am using KJ starter cubes/squares. Generally speaking, especially for grilling temps, how many squares do you guys light up and how long do you let them flame before shutting the lid? Thus far I've been lighting 3 squares, and then leaving the lid open for maybe 10 minutes or so before closing.

Griffin · May 2015

Sorry, can't help you as I've never used starter cubes. Been a weed burner user since day one. Somebody will be along shortly with more help.

logchief · May 2015

I'm still a real beginner compared to most here, but it all depends on the cook you're doing. If it's low and slow I light and close up immediately and watch my temp and start shutting down the vents as it climbs. It's really hard to recover to low temp after it really climbs. If you're grilling open it up and let it rip.

I use a looftlighter.

GaBGE · May 2015

I use the BGE starter cubes. I cut them in half and usually use 2-3 halves to start my fire. If doing a low and slow I just use one whole cube in the middle. I light and leave life open 10-15 minutes and then close with vents open all the way.

clemsontyger97 · May 2015

GaBGE said:

I use the BGE starter cubes. I cut them in half and usually use 2-3 halves to start my fire. If doing a low and slow I just use one whole cube in the middle. I light and leave life open 10-15 minutes and then close with vents open all the way.

Yep, that's basically what I am doing except for the cutting into halves. I'm sure I've just started overthinking it when nothing is wrong. Like I said, haven't had any problems with fire going out or anything, just for some reason started wondering if I was going at it the right way. 10-15 is about when I shut mine down for normal grilling temps.

Parkersquared · May 2015

I started with cubes, would recommend a torch. helps with the weeknight cooks.

SoCalTim · May 2015

I use the Weber starter cubes, their the wax ones. They work perfectly for me. L&S - 1 right in the center. High heat cooks, 3 spread out. Light, wait about 10-15 minutes ... close lid, wait for desired temp and i'm good to go.

DoctorMojo · May 2015

Weed burner for me usually unless it's a low and slow then just one square close to the middle.

ChillyWillis · May 2015

logchief said:

If it's low and slow I light and close up immediately and watch my temp and start shutting down the vents as it climbs.

This is an ok plan to go with while using a looftlighter (I have one too and love it) but if you are using starter cubes I would highly recommend against using this method.

Closing the dome too early when using starter/paraffin cubes does not allow the starter material to fully combust. The leftover chunks smolder for a surprisingly long time and can ruin a good faster than any other thing I've encountered in my egging life. Think of it like the smoke wood from hell.

If if using starter cubes leave the dome open for at least 10-15 minutes. However in the long run I'd recommend picking up a MAPP torch, looftlighter, or even going the veggie oil/paper towel route.

loveTheEgg · May 2015

If u have access to a plug in get a looftlighter. Ima big fan of them. I have been using the same one for 3 years now.

clemsontyger97 · May 2015

ChillyWillis said:

logchief said:

If it's low and slow I light and close up immediately and watch my temp and start shutting down the vents as it climbs.

This is an ok plan to go with while using a looftlighter (I have one too and love it) but if you are using starter cubes I would highly recommend against using this method.

Closing the dome too early when using starter/paraffin cubes does not allow the starter material to fully combust. The leftover chunks smolder for a surprisingly long time and can ruin a good faster than any other thing I've encountered in my egging life. Think of it like the smoke wood from hell.

If if using starter cubes leave the dome open for at least 10-15 minutes. However in the long run I'd recommend picking up a MAPP torch, looftlighter, or even going the veggie oil/paper towel route.

Exactly what I was running into when I was closing it earlier in my first cooks. I felt like the smoke was choking out the flame even with the vents wide open, so that's what got me to the lid open for 10-15 minutes. Sounds like I'm doing it right, so thanks much to all for confirmation.

DieselkW · May 2015

I cut my squares in half, and use both halves, opposite sides. Then I build a little lump fort around those little fires - then add as much lump as needed without worrying about putting the fire out.

Dome open until I see the lump starting to "catch" - put the grill on, (or plate setter or Woo or whatever) close the lid, vents open all the way. Watch for the smoke to clear, then set the vents for desired temp.

I know, it's easy to overshoot your temp my way, but I set my phone alarm for 5 minutes so I don't forget.

maso · May 2015

I usually use an electric starter (the BGE one, a Christmas gift), but lately for l&s I've been doing the weber cube. The elec starter calls for 8 min, so I gauge my cube by that, but also wait for it to burn out. Seems to be around 8.

xiphoid007 · May 2015

As long as you get a fire you can cook from, I don't think you're doing anything wrong. There are tons of ways to get going, most of it comes down to personal preference.

Number one rule is no lighter fluid. The ceramic will absorb it and you'll never be rid of the door again.

I started out with the starter cubes. I only ever used one in the center, left it open for 10-15 min, then shut the lid, and started regulating temps.

I use a looftlighter now and love it. I light in a north, south, east, west center pattern. By the time I'm done (~5 min) I'm ready to go. I'm up to 350 in no time.

You just have to make sure you have a good start before you start closing down vents. You also have to make sure you don't get too hot too fast, as it's really hard to get the temp down. Throwing in a cold plate setter is a great way to soak up excess heat.

The more you do it, the easier it gets.

onedbguru · May 2015

Response: did you get fire lit? Then you are good to go...

That being said, I use a Weber chimney. Full for high-temp cooks, half for L/S.

Shiff · May 2015

I don't like the starter cubes due to the paraffin odor. I use 91% alcohol which gives a fast start with no odor.

DMW · May 2015

I have the BGE electric starter, cubes, MAPP torch, etc. But lately this is my preferred starting method.

Image: https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-HP8E9e8Tnj8/VWuAPqpJZ0I/AAAAAAAAV0k/_jE_Apm1KB4/w983-h553-no/0530151619.jpg

Works great for starting the fire pit too, no kindling required.

tisoypops · May 2015

I always use one cube in the middle. If a low and slow I leave the top open 10 minutes or until there's just a couple pieces of lump caught. If a higher temp cook I leave it open longer or until there is a lot lit.

LDR · June 2015

Use whatever you're comfortable with. I've always used the Bernzomatic with the yellow "MAPP" canister. I liked the results better than the cubes, and better than the oil-soaked paper towels. Light four spots when grilling, and two for lower temps. I might spend 45 seconds at each spot. Too often, I leave the lid open too long. I'd say five to ten minutes depending on target temp and how distracted I am.

Jstroke · June 2015

Once you go to a weed burner you will never go back

Big_Green_Craig · June 2015

There are tons of starting options. They all work, but everyone has their opinions.

Try to build your fire according to your desired temp.

HOT FIRE:
Your three starter cube method works great for a hot fire if you are grilling or a high heat bake. Remember, fire burns up so bury your starter cubes as deep as possible. I'll dig a little hole to get to the bottom, light my cubes, then stack some coal over the flame.

SMALL FIRE:
The bury the starter cube method still applies, but cut it back to one. I light my Egg in one spot for a low and slow cook. That spot is not in the center of the of the coal, but towards the front of the bowl directly over the intake vent.

Small fire= small temps
Big fire = big temps

Hope this helps...

Ladeback69 · June 2015

DMW said:

I have the BGE electric starter, cubes, MAPP torch, etc. But lately this is my preferred starting method.

Works great for starting the fire pit too, no kindling required.

@DMW, are you using the little camping propane bottles. I use 2 small pieces of starter stick, let them burn for 10 minutes and if I want it to get to temp fast I break out the leaf blower. If l&a it let it ride after 10 minutes.

DMW · June 2015

Ladeback69 said:

DMW said:

I have the BGE electric starter, cubes, MAPP torch, etc. But lately this is my preferred starting method.

Works great for starting the fire pit too, no kindling required.

@DMW, are you using the little camping propane bottles. I use 2 small pieces of starter stick, let them burn for 10 minutes and if I want it to get to temp fast I break out the leaf blower. If l&a it let it ride after 10 minutes.

@Ladeback69 - Nope, it's hooked up to a 20# propane tank. Here's the one I have.
http://www.harborfreight.com/propane-torch-with-push-button-igniter-91037.html

500 · June 2015

@DMW that's what I've been using for nearly 6 years before the valve crapped out on it. The piezo starter failed about a year ago. I've went back to the wax starter pouches, but they take awhile to get going. I need to get back to Harbour Freight and get another one.

Hi54putty · June 2015

clemsontyger97 said:

ChillyWillis said:

logchief said:

If it's low and slow I light and close up immediately and watch my temp and start shutting down the vents as it climbs.

This is an ok plan to go with while using a looftlighter (I have one too and love it) but if you are using starter cubes I would highly recommend against using this method.

Closing the dome too early when using starter/paraffin cubes does not allow the starter material to fully combust. The leftover chunks smolder for a surprisingly long time and can ruin a good faster than any other thing I've encountered in my egging life. Think of it like the smoke wood from hell.

If if using starter cubes leave the dome open for at least 10-15 minutes. However in the long run I'd recommend picking up a MAPP torch, looftlighter, or even going the veggie oil/paper towel route.

Exactly what I was running into when I was closing it earlier in my first cooks. I felt like the smoke was choking out the flame even with the vents wide open, so that's what got me to the lid open for 10-15 minutes. Sounds like I'm doing it right, so thanks much to all for confirmation.

get a weed burner and you will be cooking in 10 minutes

Ladeback69 · June 2015

@DMW, I would get one, I just don't want to deal with propane anymore.

jllbms · June 2015

I use a chimney and a starter cube. Dump the lit chimney on the charcoal bed and it never fails.

THEBuckeye · June 2015

I use one of these. The only thing missing is the BGE Logo. #biggerbangforthebuck

http://www.amazon.com/Rutland-Safe-Starter-Squares-144-Square/dp/B00138MO16/ref=sr_1_1/190-0312273-3221042?ie=UTF8&qid=1433194599&sr=8-1&keywords=rutland+fire

THEBuckeye · June 2015

GaBGE said:

I use the BGE starter cubes. I cut them in half and usually use 2-3 halves to start my fire. If doing a low and slow I just use one whole cube in the middle. I light and leave life open 10-15 minutes and then close with vents open all the way.

Even cutting into 2-3 pieces, you are wasting money. See above.

setdahook · June 2015

I mist be the only cheap egger left and go with veg oil soaked napkins just 1 to start up and running by 2nd beer

clemsontyger97 · June 2015

THEBuckeye said:

I use one of these. The only thing missing is the BGE Logo. #biggerbangforthebuck

http://www.amazon.com/Rutland-Safe-Starter-Squares-144-Square/dp/B00138MO16/ref=sr_1_1/190-0312273-3221042?ie=UTF8&qid=1433194599&sr=8-1&keywords=rutland+fire

Have you ever used to KJ brand? Just wondering how the Rutland compares. That's a pretty good deal if they are good. I think I'm paying $7-8 for a 24-box of KJ.

Starting the fire

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