Stacking lump charcoal

joec

I have read recently with interest the rec to stack lump charcoal to insure longer, better airflow burns. Good idea. I buy the Green Egg charcoal from my dealer. Is this what most of you do. Is there a better brand that gives the bigger pieces for the 1st layer? Any experience and advice appreciated. I recently read the article posted on the NakedWhiz.com site about this, just wanted any other good opinions.

Shiff

I buy Royal Oak charcoal which makes the BGE brand and is a lot cheaper. I don't bother stacking the charcoal, but do quickly scoop out most of the remaining charcoal, add new lump to the bottom bu just poring some in, then put the small stuff on top. I also use a wiggle rod to clean out the fire grate holes if the fire seems to be slow to get to the right temperature.

Celtic Wolf

I am a dump and burn kind of guy..

Check-out the Wicked Good Site and see if you have a retailer near you.

Grandpas Grub

 
I used to carefully sort and stack the lump. Used to is the operative word here.

Now I'm pretty much a dumper. I do try to put some larger pieces on the fire grate then after that it doesn't matter.

For me, the only thing that really matters is to make sure the fire grate holes are not blocked.

GG

Boilermaker Ben

For most cooks, where I'm around to stir the lump from below with a poke stick if I see the temp start to fall, I just dump and burn. But for all nighters, I try to stack some larger pieces on the bottom first, and then dump straight from the bag onto those larger pieces. I also use a poke stick (actually, I use a wire clothes hanger) to make sure the grate holes are clear before lighting.

2Fategghead

Here in Tennessee I get Green Wise lump. Green Wise is also made by Royal Oak and the same as BGE lump. At $5.50 per 8.8 pound bags you can't go wrong. I get Green Wise from Publix Food Stores. I tried Cowboy but it seemed like I had a hard time controling the fire.




I clean out my firepit and dump some in and put the old back on top. When I do that I use my wiggle rod to poke up from the bottom. That seems to give it more air. Tim

Below is my wiggle rod and my third hand. I use both often. You can get these at thirdeyeBBQ.com for some great Egg Tools – ThirdHand (fantastic grid lifter), Wiggle Rods, Micro Adjuster and ThirdFinger - http://thirdeyeBBQ.com



You can also find some more intersting stuff from this link that Grandpas Grub put together. This will keep you busy for a long time! :laugh:

http://www.eggheadforum.com/index.php?option=com_simpleboard&func=view&id=746787&catid=1

Slotmercenary

As with anything, it is whatever works for you. I have been a dump and burn for 10 years now and have had no problems so far. Since i started used forced draft i don't even clean out the old lump. just stir to get rid of the ash, then dump and burn.