Love the propane torch from Harbor Freight

givehim6

Based on comments from the forum I ordered a propane weedburner torch from Harbor Freight and received it yesterday. It is definitely the quickest and easiest way to light the lump that I have tried. I had the charcoal glowing red in less than two minutes. At no time was I the least bit uneasy or "nervous" about using it.

I might argue that it is also very safe compared to other methods because I'm not reaching into the cooker to remove a red hot chimney starter, nor do I have to stir the coals around two or three times to distribute the fire evenly.

I believe what scares people off with these things is they assume that it runs only wide open, like some of the pictures show on this forum with fire shooting everywhere from the egg. The torch has a infinately adjustable flow valve that allows the flame to vary from very small to "flame thrower" size at 500,000 BTU. You don't have to use it wide open. In fact, I barely had it turned up and was easily able to light the lump and felt completely safe the entire time.

Thanks again for the great recommendation !

Grandpas Grub

That is good to point out it doesn't have to be on full when lighting.

GG

GirlyEgg

Hmmm... I have to admit, fire - in general - scares me and the thought of a torch really never entered my mind as a possibility... but your "review" makes me wonder... considering I spent a while this morning at 7a to get the fire going for my butts... hmmm... how much should I expect to pay for one?

SmokeRing

I believe these are the ones.

$19.99
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=91033

$29.99
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=91037

Boxerpapa

I love my torch too, but don't forget to wear safety goggles. It only has to happen once.

Grandpas Grub

This is the one you want- the second one. It has the starter on the handle.

GG

James MB

I have a cheapy weed burner torch too.
The difficulty comes when you run it low(ish) - this means you have to hold it down inside the egg for the flame to hit the coals. On mine this tends to make it go out because it can't deem to get enough air.
I did say it was a cheapy and it ceratinly wasn't designed for this.
If I turn it up it does the job but the charcoal sparks and the noise is considerable.

givehim6

Agree completely about the safety glasses. I've learned already that new lump with a lot of dust on it sparks more than leftover lump from the previous cook.