For those that use starter cubes...

Botch

This popped up on my "Recommended" list on Amazon:

 

SureStart

 

The price works out to just over a dime per square, less than 1/4 what other cubes cost.  They look identical to what I've been using (wouldn't be surprised if they're both made by the same company).  And with a box of 144, I won't be running out at the wrong time (well, at least, not for awhile).  

I've tried the oil-soaked paper towels and the alcohol, guess I still prefer the "ritual" of a starter cube; recommended if that's what you like.  

RRP

I use a similar product made by Rutland. A couple years ago in the Fall at Menard's they were selling them for $.50 per box of 24. I got all 10 boxes they had for $5.00 or 240 starters! They work just fine! BTW they are all gone now!

Botch

Cool deal, RRP!   :-bd

SoCal_Griller

Those look a lot like the ones from BGE.  Have you tried them out yet?

MJG

I use the Weber ones as they are cheap, sold @ Home Depot, and work well.

nolaegghead

Anyone use this?

http://www.amazon.com/Wood-Products-9910-Fatwood-Pounds/dp/B000HHO4W6/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1399770457&sr=8-6&keywords=fire+starter+squares

Mattman3969

Last time I bought these they were about $12 now they are $18ish. I bought 4 boxes a few months ago.

RRP

SoCal_Griller said:

Those look a lot like the ones from BGE.  Have you tried them out yet?

I may be wrong but I believe Rutland makes BGE starter blocks or at least used to. I assume you know that Royal Oak makes BGE lump. BGE is in the ceramic grill making business...the other stuff is made for them. If you are wondering if my 240 Rutland starter blocks worked...they sure did...I used them all! Plus I only used 1 per fire!

hondabbq

I took use the weber cubes. I buy several boxes each time I go stateside. They are definitely cheaper in the US. They are even cheaper in the fall.

NPHuskerFL

RRP said:

I use a similar product made by Rutland. A couple years ago in the Fall at Menard's they were selling them for $.50 per box of 24. I got all 10 boxes they had for $5.00 or 240 starters! They work just fine! BTW they are all gone now!

That's one heck of a bargain!

Keefer

I just ordered2 boxes of the SureStart. Thanks Botch! I ordered 3 bags of Rockwood lump from FireCraft while I was at it. BGE is all I have ever used and I have really been wanting to try Rockwood. (Rumor has it that I might soon be able to order it at my local Ace Hardware soon)

calracefan

I also use Rutland's , cut them into third's , takes one cube per cook. They work great !

Mattman3969 said:

Last time I bought these they were about $12 now they are $18ish. I bought 4 boxes a few months ago.

Skiddymarker

nolaegghead said:

Anyone use this?

http://www.amazon.com/Wood-Products-9910-Fatwood-Pounds/dp/B000HHO4W6/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1399770457&sr=8-6&keywords=fire+starter+squares

Interesting question, using fatwood. SIL has a catalytic wood stove, she was advised not to use fatwood starters. High resin wood is not an issue with a hot fire, it can be an issue with a cold stove. (or so her dealer said) 

As long as the dome is left open, I couldn't see an issue with excess creosote build-up in an egg, if you close the dome and use the natural chimney effect of the egg, you might get unwanted deposits of partially burned pine resin on the cold dome. IMHO.

RRP

Skiddymarker said:

nolaegghead said:

Anyone use this?

http://www.amazon.com/Wood-Products-9910-Fatwood-Pounds/dp/B000HHO4W6/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1399770457&sr=8-6&keywords=fire+starter+squares

Interesting question, using fatwood. SIL has a catalytic wood stove, she was advised not to use fatwood starters. High resin wood is not an issue with a hot fire, it can be an issue with a cold stove. (or so her dealer said) 

As long as the dome is left open, I couldn't see an issue with excess creosote build-up in an egg, if you close the dome and use the natural chimney effect of the egg, you might get unwanted deposits of partially burned pine resin on the cold dome. IMHO.

That topic has been kicked around for a long time and the general consenus has been it not a good idea as you are asking for trouble due to build up of creosote more so than simple wood for smoking. I do recall one guy swore it was no problem, but rather than to use a full 10 to 12" stick as they normally come he cut them into short pieces and then only used one or two. To me it's not worth it - but that's just my opinion!

FATC1TY

Wow, thanks for the link.

I use those same starters, they are identical to the BGE labeled ones as well. I buy the same size box of 144 and it last me around 6-7 months.

I pay close to $24 locally for them, so with our prime membership this will save!

onedbguru

I use newsprint paper in the bottom of a weber chimney.  The paper I am currently using cost me ~$6K as it was all of the news paper used wrap my household goods when I moved a few years ago... Figured I would get some use out of it

flexfusion

What about a residual taste of these in our food.......I'm not convinced that they don't alter the taste and smell.  Any scientific data concerning this out there?  I know when I light  lumps on my Weber charcoal grill using butane the taste and smell of the food is natural.  Can't say that's they case when I use a cube as a starter in my BGE.  Think I'm going to start using a butane torch to start lighting my lumps in my BGE. 

FATC1TY

flexfusion said:

What about a residual taste of these in our food.......I'm not convinced that they don't alter the taste and smell.  Any scientific data concerning this out there?  I know when I light  lumps on my Weber charcoal grill using butane the taste and smell of the food is natural.  Can't say that's they case when I use a cube as a starter in my BGE.  Think I'm going to start using a butane torch to start lighting my lumps in my BGE. 

I've done everything from newspaper, to a mapp torch, and these parrafin starters. There is no altered taste to the food, the smell of the coals or anything.

The weber ones that are white and clay like, those have a slight lighter fluid-ish smell, and I won't use anything like that. The parrafin ones however, have no smell to them, and burn completely up.

nolaegghead

RRP said:

Skiddymarker said:

nolaegghead said:

Anyone use this?

http://www.amazon.com/Wood-Products-9910-Fatwood-Pounds/dp/B000HHO4W6/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1399770457&sr=8-6&keywords=fire+starter+squares

Interesting question, using fatwood. SIL has a catalytic wood stove, she was advised not to use fatwood starters. High resin wood is not an issue with a hot fire, it can be an issue with a cold stove. (or so her dealer said) 

As long as the dome is left open, I couldn't see an issue with excess creosote build-up in an egg, if you close the dome and use the natural chimney effect of the egg, you might get unwanted deposits of partially burned pine resin on the cold dome. IMHO.

That topic has been kicked around for a long time and the general consenus has been it not a good idea as you are asking for trouble due to build up of creosote more so than simple wood for smoking. I do recall one guy swore it was no problem, but rather than to use a full 10 to 12" stick as they normally come he cut them into short pieces and then only used one or two. To me it's not worth it - but that's just my opinion!

The problem with excessive creosote build up is fire in your chimney or exhaust flue.  Creosote buildup caution is really for wood burning stoves and fireplaces.  The egg doesn't have much of a chimney.  I don't see how that could possibly impact the flavor of the food, as you already get plenty of creosote build up just from every day cooks.  I suppose if you never cook hot enough to burn that stuff off or and you never clean the dome, and the deposits flake and fall on your food it could be an issue, but the fat pine is done burnt up long before you add your food.  That wood burns quick.

uheep

I have been using these Tumbleweeds for a while and really like the way they light. I think they are $7.99 for 32 weeds. Just my 2 cents.. 

daffy1909

We love bacon in our house! So every time we cook it I soak some paper towel in the grease, put them in a ziplock bag in the freezer. I find they work great!

Jellyworm

I too use the paper towel soaked in bacon grease, works great.

RRP

oooooh, waste of delicious bacon grease! I save mine to add a half cup to my pots of chili! It's too precious to burn!!!

Botch

I save my bacon grease too, to fry corn tortillas for enchiladas.   :-bd

 

It's not "authentic" mexican; screw mexico!  

;;)

NPHuskerFL

uheep said:

I have been using these Tumbleweeds for a while and really like the way they light. I think they are $7.99 for 32 weeds. Just my 2 cents.. 

) they actually package pieces of tumbleweeds? Lol. Okay ya now that's a hoot. All my Nebraska friends feel free to start bagging them up for profit ;-)

ReldtiCDN

Skip the cubes and get a

BernzOmatic Map Gas Torch

Lights Faster!