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Map vs propane to start charcoal?

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bhedges1987
bhedges1987 Posts: 3,201
in EggHead Forum
Was going to get a Map/pro to start my fires in my mini. 

Now that I'm up at Home Depot there are a few different ways to go. Recommendations ??



Kansas City, Missouri
Large Egg
Mini Egg

"All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us" - Gandalf


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  • Hotch
    Hotch Posts: 3,564
    edited January 2017
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    You want the Map head. It allows the bottle to flow while inverted. Buy the Map kit. Then use propane.
    Large BGE, MiniMAX BGE, 2 Mini BGE's, R&V Fryer, 36" Blackstone Griddle, Camp Chef Dual Burner 40K BTU Stove
    BGE Chiminea
    Prosper, TX
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  • Hotch
    Hotch Posts: 3,564
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    Ts8000 I think
    Large BGE, MiniMAX BGE, 2 Mini BGE's, R&V Fryer, 36" Blackstone Griddle, Camp Chef Dual Burner 40K BTU Stove
    BGE Chiminea
    Prosper, TX
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  • Mickey
    Mickey Posts: 19,674
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    For my Mini only I use MappPro (use the weed burners for the Larges and the Mini-Max). 
    I have used it forever.

    Salado TX & 30A  FL: Egg Family: 3 Large and a very well used Mini, added a Mini Max when they came out (I'm good for now). Plus a couple Pit Boss Pellet Smokers.   

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  • Eggcelsior
    Eggcelsior Posts: 14,414
    edited January 2017
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    Hotch said:
    You want the Map head. It allows the bottle to flow while inverted. Buy the Map kit. Then use propane.
    This. The head alone is 30 or 35 bucks, if I recall. Kit is 40 or 45 bucks.
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  • nolaegghead
    nolaegghead Posts: 42,102
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    What those guys said.

    MAP Pro burns at 3750F
    Propane burns at 3600F
    Lump starts well below 1000F
    ______________________________________________
    I love lamp..
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  • jaydub58
    jaydub58 Posts: 2,167
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    I have used both MAP and propane (currently firing propane). and I can't see much difference.
    John in the Willamette Valley of Oregon
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  • HofstraJet
    HofstraJet Posts: 1,156
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    Hotch said:
    You want the Map head. It allows the bottle to flow while inverted. Buy the Map kit. Then use propane.
    Exactly this.

    Here's the link to the Home Depot item: http://www.homedepot.com/p/Bernzomatic-TS8000KC-Premium-Torch-Kit-336638/205683985

    $55
    Two Large Eggs, 6 gal Cajun Fryer, and a MiniMax in Charlotte, NC - My New Table
    Twitter: @ Bags
    Blog: TheJetsFan.com
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  • PSC
    PSC Posts: 148
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    For me, grilling is a ritual, and that includes lighting the charcoal.

    No propane, no MAP, no electric lighters.

    A napkin soaked in oil or a rutland/weber starter.

    Barbecue is slow, patience.
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  • bhedges1987
    bhedges1987 Posts: 3,201
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    PSC said:
    For me, grilling is a ritual, and that includes lighting the charcoal.

    No propane, no MAP, no electric lighters.

    A napkin soaked in oil or a rutland/weber starter.

    Barbecue is slow, patience.
    Below 0 wind chills on my mini for chicken cooks calls for fast start up times!

    Kansas City, Missouri
    Large Egg
    Mini Egg

    "All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us" - Gandalf


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  • bhedges1987
    bhedges1987 Posts: 3,201
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    Thanks all.

    Kansas City, Missouri
    Large Egg
    Mini Egg

    "All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us" - Gandalf


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  • HofstraJet
    HofstraJet Posts: 1,156
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    Anybody ever try hooking up that TS8000 head to a BBQ tank with a hose like this?


    Two Large Eggs, 6 gal Cajun Fryer, and a MiniMax in Charlotte, NC - My New Table
    Twitter: @ Bags
    Blog: TheJetsFan.com
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  • JacksDad
    JacksDad Posts: 538
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    I got tired of the $3 cheapo lighters breaking after a few uses, so the wife got me this for Christmas. Now my Rutland starters don't stand a chance! 


    Large BGE -- New Jersey

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  • SemolinaPilchard
    SemolinaPilchard Posts: 1,282
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    https://www.zoro.com/bernzomatic-self-igniting-outdoor-torch-jt850/i/G2327701/?gclid=CLTWqeaWp9ECFQWRaQodyRECAA&gclsrc=aw.ds
    This gets your eyes, shirt, and everything else a few feet away from the sparks.
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  • ThrasherIII
    ThrasherIII Posts: 252
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    got one of these a few years ago for other reasons works pretty good
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  • DMW
    DMW Posts: 13,832
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    HofstraJet said:
    Anybody ever try hooking up that TS8000 head to a BBQ tank with a hose like this?


    I have a hose like that, and I have a TS8000, but have never tried.
    They/Them
    Morgantown, PA

    XL BGE - S BGE - KJ Jr - HB Legacy - BS Pizza Oven - 30" Firepit - King Kooker Fryer -  PR72T - WSJ - BS 17" Griddle - XXL BGE  - BS SS36" Griddle - 2 Burner Gasser - Pellet Smoker
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  • Ozzie_Isaac
    Ozzie_Isaac Posts: 19,043
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    nolaegghead said:
    What those guys said.

    MAP Pro burns at 3750F
    Propane burns at 3600F
    Lump starts well below 1000F
    That is why I use Oxy-Acetylene.  6,000F.  I win.
    A bison’s level of aggressiveness, both physical and passive, is legendary. - NPS
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  • HeavyG
    HeavyG Posts: 10,346
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    Ozzie_Isaac said:
    nolaegghead said:
    What those guys said.

    MAP Pro burns at 3750F
    Propane burns at 3600F
    Lump starts well below 1000F
    That is why I use Oxy-Acetylene.  6,000F.  I win.
    I use my Multiplaz 3500 torch at 14,400°F. I win.
    “Reality is that which, when you stop believing in it, doesn't go away.” ― Philip K. Diçk




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  • Mattman3969
    Mattman3969 Posts: 10,457
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    MapPro head and propane tanks here if I'm in a hurry.  Rutland squares if I'm trying to extend my egg togetherness time.  

    -----------------------------------------

    analyze adapt overcome

    2008 -Large BGE. 2013- Small BGE and 2015 - Mini. Henderson, Ky.
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  • stlcharcoal
    stlcharcoal Posts: 4,684
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    Carbon lights off around 670F......any volatiles and wood left in it, will light off at 300-400F.  Hitting it with a really hot flame (3000F+F on one tiny spot for a few seconds doesn't really do anything because the second you pull the flame, the temp drops below 670F and the fire goes out.  Plus, blasting something with an ambient temp with several thousand degrees will instantly boil any moisture, thus creating sparks, pops, etc.  Don't we have member here that got a ember in their eye?

    If you're going to use a torch, hold it back and go for more coverage vs. the super hot temp.  You only need 670F to get it lit, but you also need 670F around to keep it lit.  I use a weed burner and hold it 12-18" from the charcoal.  After a few seconds, you'll see about a 6" diameter circle start to glow.  Another 10 seconds and you're good to go.  Very few sparks, not too many pops.  Best part is that the torch is about 24" long and then at arms length......so you can be out of eyesight.

    BTW, you can always use the camping propane bottles on those heads too.  That's what I have for my kitchen torch w/ SearzAll head.  You don't have to worry about them falling over and breaking the head off, and/or torching the deck.  You're not supposed to refill them, but I do if Sam's Club doesn't have the 3-pack in stock.
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  • BilZol
    BilZol Posts: 698
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    Armatures. I started my coals in 1985 and haven't let them burn out yet.....
    Bill   Denver, CO
    XL, 2L's, and MM
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  • Lovethatmeat
    Lovethatmeat Posts: 3
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    I use the exact propane torch pictured and it works great
    BGE XL. 
    Easton CT. 
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  • jtcBoynton
    jtcBoynton Posts: 2,814
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    Another option is a lawn & garden torch.  Uses small propane bottles but keeps you back from sparks and heat so you don't burn your hands. Easier to move around and store than a full size weed burner attached to a 20 lb tank.


    Southeast Florida - LBGE
    In cooking, often we implement steps for which we have no explanations other than ‘that’s what everybody else does’ or ‘that’s what I have been told.’  Dare to think for yourself.
     
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  • danv23
    danv23 Posts: 953
    edited January 2017
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    Just bought the bernzomatic ts4000 head and 2 blue propane cans. Called bernzomatic customer service to make sure it's what I need.  To quote myself, "i need a torch to light my BGE so I will need to be able to invert it."  Without hesitation the guy responded, "all you need is the ts4000 then."  They sell it with the yellow map pro can, which we don't need, for $45 total, or just the head for $37.  I bought the head and 2 blues for $44 total.  

    Pretty smuckin' fart.

    The Dude: This is a very complicated case, Maude. You know, a lotta ins, lotta outs, lotta what-have-you's. And, uh, lotta strands to keep in my head, man. Lotta strands in old Duder's head. Luckily I'm adhering to a pretty strict, uh, drug regimen to keep my mind, you know, limber.

    Walter Sobchak: Nihilists! *uck me. I mean, say what you want about the tenets of National Socialism, Dude, at least it's an ethos. 

    Cumming, GA

    Eggs - XL, L, Small

    Gasser - Weber Summit 6 Burner

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  • flynnbob
    flynnbob Posts: 665
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    I use the Bernzomatic Map that has the flexible tube.  I bought it at ACE years ago. I have used about every method to light the Egg but this is my go to method. 30 secs and I am in business....
    Milton, GA.
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  • bboulier
    bboulier Posts: 558
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    I have a benzomatic weed burner.  Can't tell a difference between MAPP and propane.
    Weber Kettle, Weber Genesis Silver B, Medium Egg, KJ Classic (Black)
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  • rifrench
    rifrench Posts: 469
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    danv23 said:
    Just bought the bernzomatic ts4000 head and 2 blue propane cans. Called bernzomatic customer service to make sure it's what I need.  To quote myself, "i need a torch to light my BGE so I will need to be able to invert it."  Without hesitation the guy responded, "all you need is the ts4000 then."  They sell it with the yellow map pro can, which we don't need, for $45 total, or just the head for $37.  I bought the head and 2 blues for $44 total.  

    Pretty smuckin' fart.
          That was my choice, too. It works well, not too expensive, relative to the other things we buy Egg-wise, that is. I have learned that it works better if stored in my heated shop, than in the big box on my "patio".
     1 LBGE, 1 SBGE, 1 KBQ and a 26" Blackstone near Blackstone, Virginia
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