Fire Starter:

Begger · August 2015

I've been experimenting with starting fires in my XL since I got it. I've been starting in a SINGLE spot for low/slow/indirect and multiple spots for direct or Pizza (500+) or burgers / dogs / steaks.

Today, however I went out and got one of the Weber Charcoal Chimneys. And while it DID take a bit longer, the fire was far more uniform and REALLY got cranking fast.
And, as a sort of bonus, I used ONLY a single 'starter cube' to get it rolling.

Once it had gotten going, SEE PICTURE, I dumpted it into the center and ADDED MORE NEW charcoal. Than I let THAT get going before cooking. It was worth the few extra minutes.

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/5017260/uploads/editor/m4/ka8an5j9epru.jpg

As you can easily see, it is CRANKING in the chimney. The metal after just a SINGLE use is substantially discolored.

Anyway, THIS is the new standard for lighting my egg. And while it seems to take a little longer, I also feel I have MORE control.

The Chimney retails for 15$ and will save that in starter cubes in a single season.

Mikee · August 2015

I use the same Weber Chimney Rapid Starter. I only have a small so I never fill up the chimney; probably just a 1/3 full. I place lager pieces of lump on the fire grate so when I dump the chimney the hot coals do not fall thru the replacement SS fire great. I use junk mail and flyers to get the lump fired up. With the chimney only a 1/3 full, it takes about 5 minutes before flames are shooting up. The metal that Weber uses is far superior to my previous chimney starter. I have it for well over a month and no sign of rust while it sits outside and gets rained on.

A5firearms · August 2015

Where do you guys have the chimney to start it? I have only an egg (XL) and the wooden table it sits in, and the wooden deck that the table sits on. I have wanted to try that but can't imagine how I would do it...

Begger · August 2015

I cleared a spot on my charcoal grate. Natural place to dump the lit coals, too.

Starting it anywhere else, especially on a wooden table, would be a suicide run.

You might want to wear a HOT MITT when dumping it out, since this thing REALLY gets hot. I've read where people have MELTED than handle, though I felt in no danger of doing that today. Give me a chance!

DMW · August 2015

onedbguru · August 2015

I have an XL and the 1/2 CI grates, so I pull 1 side out and set the chimney down on the fire grate (lid open). For low/slow < 1/2 chimney to start with and dump it in the middle. Everything else is a full chimney, spread it out and fill up the fire box as required. And I use paper (those weekly shopper adverts come in real handy) so I don't spend $$$ on a readily available and free option.

theyolksonyou · August 2015

Fire Starter:

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