Best non-electric lighting method

blasting

EggPerfection said:

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Mikee said:

I've been using the Rutland fire starters lately over the chimney stove. The Rutland's are under $2 for a box of 24 and seem identical to the BGE starters. It only takes 1/2 of a starter for the mini and small egg; probably could use a 1/2 on the large as well. The advantage of the chimney stove is that it gets the lump burning red hot and burning clean in just minutes. The big disadvantage of the chimney stove is a hot ember falling out. Not a problem on a concrete patio but a major issue on a wooden deck. The advantage of the fire starter is that the fire is contained within the egg. With a high quality lump it also is burning hot and smoke free in less than 5 minutes. Tried using a propane torch a couple of times. Had to stand there for awhile. I'd rather light a match and walk away to do something else.  

Yeah, and for 22 bucks you buy 144 of those Rutlands and not think about starting the fire again for many years. 

Years?  My friend, 144 starters should only last 144 days.

CanDid

blasting said:

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EggPerfection said:

Yeah, and for 22 bucks you buy 144 of those Rutlands and not think about starting the fire again for many years. 

Years?  My friend, 144 starters should only last 144 days.

Ragtop99

I use a weed burner and have used cubes and a chimney in the past.  For a cabin, I'd use the starter cubes.  A box of 24 is small, lightweight, and easy to pack.  The fire stays contained in the Egg and it does not generate sparks or loose embers that could catch the place on fire. 

NPHuskerFL

whta

I just use 91 proof rubbing alcohol.  Get a 2 pack at Sams.  Burns off fast and clean

Rascal

Ditto on the alkehol!!~~

bodski

I've had my egg 5 years in September and am only halfway through my second box of Rutlands fire starters (https://www.amazon.com/Rutland-50B-Safe-Starter-Squares/dp/B00138MO16/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1504117403&sr=8-2&keywords=rutland+fire+starter+squares). You can buy 2 boxes for about $32. For what it's worth, I had a dealer tell me to never use napkin and oil because it can potentially create an off-taste. Never heard that before, but thought I'd mention it.

mEGG_My_Day

I use a torch, but keep Hasty Bake gel as a backup.

SubVet585

I use the chimney for lump charcoal on my XL BGE.
Also use a MAPP torch - just hit 3 spots around the charcoal and you're off and running.

Skiddymarker

Seems like fire starters might be the best, Weber/Rutland whatever works. Then you will not be hauling propane tanks and a torch kit with you to the cabin. The chimney works very well, pick a couple of handfuls of lump that will not fall thru the chimney, crumple some newspaper and you are good to go. Like you, I tend to use an electric for most egg starts, the Weber gets a torch or chimney - depending on my mood.  

Teefus

I use a propane torch. It's one of those automatic trigger ignition types so I can feel like a badass. One cylinder has lasted a year. Those wax and cardboard wafers that BGE pushes leave a nasty smell and aftertaste. 

blasting

bodski said:

 had a dealer tell me to never use napkin and oil because it can potentially create an off-taste

 


I would question any other advise this dealer may give 

scdaf

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Yeah, and for 22 bucks you buy 144 of those Rutlands and not think about starting the fire again for many years. 

And for $32.24 on Amazon, you can get TWO 144 packs, delivered.I found these after several forum members stated they are identical to the much more expensive (of course) BGE starters.  Love them, especially for around 11cents per use.

Botch

whta said:

I just use 91 proof rubbing alcohol.  Get a 2 pack at Sams.  Burns off fast and clean

Have you noticed a quicker light of fresh lump using alcohol? (assuming you started with something else).  Alcohol burns very hot and I was wondering if there was a time savings over using the cardboard thingies, to get to "clear" smoke.  

Botch

For what it's worth, I had a dealer tell me to never use napkin and oil because it can potentially create an off-taste. Never heard that before, but thought I'd mention it.

Also for what its worth, in his first book, Myron Mixon states he always starts his fires with lighter fluid.  Granted, he rubs (<Har!) a lot of people the wrong way, but he has some hardware to back himself up.  
I can barely taste the difference between smoking woods, much less lump; I doubt that my tastebuds could detect a difference in lighting method (granted, my tastebuds are very old and pickled).  

Toxarch

I used a rolled paper towel with cooking oil on it after the BGE squares ran out. Bought the Rutland fire starters on Amazon on sale and they work the same as the BGE ones. I break one in half, light the egg in 2 spots and it's ready to go in no time.

nolaegghead

The_Stache

Calling @Killit_and_Grillit

1voyager

scdaf said:

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show previous quotes

Yeah, and for 22 bucks you buy 144 of those Rutlands and not think about starting the fire again for many years. 

And for $32.24 on Amazon, you can get TWO 144 packs, delivered.I found these after several forum members stated they are identical to the much more expensive (of course) BGE starters.  Love them, especially for around 11cents per use.

I don't see a picture or link. Are they Rutland or something else?

Killit_and_Grillit

The_Stache said:

Calling @Killit_and_Grillit

@The_Stache secret family recipe 

The_Stache

Killit_and_Grillit said:

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The_Stache said:

Calling @Killit_and_Grillit

@The_Stache secret family recipe 

Oh... YEAH!!!

Killit_and_Grillit

Or if you're a more "I don't like sparks" hands off approach...you can always go my true route

Edit. For any "newbies" out there do not try this at home. Especially if your Mapp gas is under 1/3 full. 

bjeans

For those of you who like the Weber starter cubes more than the BGE ones, is it just price or something else? I use the BGE ones, am happy but if I could be happier... 

Toxarch

Killit_and_Grillit said:

Or if you're a more "I don't like sparks" hands off approach...you can always go my true route

Edit. For any "newbies" out there do not try this at home. Especially if your Mapp gas is under 1/3 full. 

Why is it different when the tank is under 1/3?

bgebrent

Toxarch said:

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Killit_and_Grillit said:

Or if you're a more "I don't like sparks" hands off approach...you can always go my true route

Edit. For any "newbies" out there do not try this at home. Especially if your Mapp gas is under 1/3 full. 

Why is it different when the tank is under 1/3?

I'm askeered, my MAPP torch is under 1/3 full.  Not sure I can keep cooking.

Toxarch

If you catch the Rutland ones on sale, then you can get 144 squares for $4.98.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00138MO16/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

If you want to try the Rutland squares, Tractor Supply carries them and sells a small box.

I mentioned the Amazon deal to a buddy and he bought SIX boxes. At 1 square per cook, he could cook every day for over 2 years without needing more.

Killit_and_Grillit

@Toxarch @bgebrent I have a great balancing act with that Torch head. But when that tank starts getting low it will flip over in the coals. 

sumoconnell

Have you watched naked and afraid?  Yeah, I start it naked. Mapp

Mikee

EggPerfection said:

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Mikee said:

I've been using the Rutland fire starters lately over the chimney stove. The Rutland's are under $2 for a box of 24 and seem identical to the BGE starters. It only takes 1/2 of a starter for the mini and small egg; probably could use a 1/2 on the large as well. The advantage of the chimney stove is that it gets the lump burning red hot and burning clean in just minutes. The big disadvantage of the chimney stove is a hot ember falling out. Not a problem on a concrete patio but a major issue on a wooden deck. The advantage of the fire starter is that the fire is contained within the egg. With a high quality lump it also is burning hot and smoke free in less than 5 minutes. Tried using a propane torch a couple of times. Had to stand there for awhile. I'd rather light a match and walk away to do something else.  

Yeah, and for 22 bucks you buy 144 of those Rutlands and not think about starting the fire again for many years. 

Cost is less than $22. Break them in half and the cost is minimal. Light it up and walk away. The same goes for the chimney starter. One match and walk away. The chimney starter is the way to go if you want hot burning lump in just a few minutes. Used a chimney starter a couple of weeks ago. Went out to the Egg and the needle was at 250*. It wasn't 250* but more like 1050*. Lump was burning clean at that point.

GatoGordo

I usually use the Diamond fire starter sticks. I can buy them at Walmart for about $7 for 48. I break each stick in quarters so end up with 196 starters. I can start the fire with just one, or use multiple to start the fire in several locations. They go on sale at the end of season so I pick up a few boxes then.

When in a hurry, I use a Weber charcoal chimney. Pour in the lump and start it with a crumpled page of newspaper and it is usually ready in about 10 minutes.

I tried the weed burner. It might be OK if the egg is cleaned before every cook, but I just put the new lump on top of the old and light it. With this method, the weed burner spews ash over the entire BBQ island and patio. I decided that this was not for me.