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New lighting method needed

24

Comments

  • Kent8621
    Kent8621 Posts: 843
    Powak said:
    Kent8621 said:
    I have been using the JJ George Torch for a while now and love it. its really easy to use and gets the eggs rolling quickly. as a fun part, I used it last weekend to burn some weeds down. 
    Wow the JJ George Torch looks awesome! Does it have an ignition built in or do you need to use a spark/flame source to get it lit? Also where’s the best place to order these from?

    it does have an ignition button, his website is a good place its always free shipping.  where are you located, there might be a retailer close to you?

    2 Large Eggs - Raleigh, NC

    Boiler Up!!

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  • Kent8621
    Kent8621 Posts: 843
    edited September 2018

    Edit:

     jjgeorgestore.com or amazon it looks like they have it prime right now.


    2 Large Eggs - Raleigh, NC

    Boiler Up!!

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  • YukonRon
    YukonRon Posts: 17,261
    Cooking Oil and used paper towels. Cheap, easy, works everytime, no hassles. I keep mine in a canning jar.
    "Knowledge is Good" - Emil Faber

    XL and MM
    Louisville, Kentucky
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  • WeberWho
    WeberWho Posts: 11,532
    Harbor Freight weed torch for $20. I honestly hate having to start my BGE any other way. You can get your egg to temp in minutes when paired with good clean lump 
    "The pig is an amazing animal. You feed a pig an apple and it makes bacon. Let's see Michael Phelps do that" - Jim Gaffigan

    Minnesota
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  • booksw
    booksw Posts: 500
    I am suprised no one mentioned the Looftlighter https://www.looftlighter.com/en/home/

    I’ve had mine maybe 5 years and it is a lot uglier than it used to be (the edge close to the coals tends to bend but in my exprience that has had zero impact on its effictiveness) but it still works great.  The only down side to it is that you have to plug it in.  The BGE distributors used to use them when the did traveling demos of the EGG- I don’t know if they still do but that’s when I got mine (from a local store but you can also get them on amazon).  I use the looftlighter for high heat lights and I use small pieces of fire starter for low and slow.

    People on this forum used to really talk up the looftlighter that’s why I’m surprised no one mentioned it.  Some people complained about how the metal bent- that never bothered me and I think if you use it as directed it likely wouldn’t happen (ie point it at the lump without actually touching the lump).  It’s also really fun to use :blush:

    Johns Is, SC

    L/MiniMax Eggs
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  • Wooderson
    Wooderson Posts: 382
    Old metal coffee can, folded paper towels, dump vegetable oil on them, pull two or three out depending on your cook temp, light with a bic.  Cheap and easy
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  • Gulfcoastguy
    Gulfcoastguy Posts: 7,338
    booksw said:
    I am suprised no one mentioned the Looftlighter https://www.looftlighter.com/en/home/

    I’ve had mine maybe 5 years and it is a lot uglier than it used to be (the edge close to the coals tends to bend but in my exprience that has had zero impact on its effictiveness) but it still works great.  The only down side to it is that you have to plug it in.  The BGE distributors used to use them when the did traveling demos of the EGG- I don’t know if they still do but that’s when I got mine (from a local store but you can also get them on amazon).  I use the looftlighter for high heat lights and I use small pieces of fire starter for low and slow.

    People on this forum used to really talk up the looftlighter that’s why I’m surprised no one mentioned it.  Some people complained about how the metal bent- that never bothered me and I think if you use it as directed it likely wouldn’t happen (ie point it at the lump without actually touching the lump).  It’s also really fun to use :blush:

    I recommended it in this thread. Previously when I recommended it I ended up with another disagree posted to my record. I am on year six with mine. I also have a spare one that I got on a big sale at ACE.
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  • jabam
    jabam Posts: 1,829
    Paper towels and oil here for low and slow. If I’m only cooking hi heat, I will use the chimney. 
    Central Valley CA     One large egg One chocolate lab "Halle" two chiuahuas "Skittles and PeeWee"
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  • booksw
    booksw Posts: 500
    @Gulfcoastguy so you did!  My apologies that I missed it.  I just gave you an “agree” to hopefully balance your juju! 
    Johns Is, SC

    L/MiniMax Eggs
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  • DWFII
    DWFII Posts: 317
    jabam said:
    Paper towels and oil here for low and slow. If I’m only cooking hi heat, I will use the chimney. 
    And light the chimney with paper towels and oil. +1
    Bespoke boot and shoemaker--45+ years
    Instagram
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  • Powak
    Powak Posts: 1,412
    Gulfcoastguy said:
    booksw said:
    I am suprised no one mentioned the Looftlighter https://www.looftlighter.com/en/home/

    I’ve had mine maybe 5 years and it is a lot uglier than it used to be (the edge close to the coals tends to bend but in my exprience that has had zero impact on its effictiveness) but it still works great.  The only down side to it is that you have to plug it in.  The BGE distributors used to use them when the did traveling demos of the EGG- I don’t know if they still do but that’s when I got mine (from a local store but you can also get them on amazon).  I use the looftlighter for high heat lights and I use small pieces of fire starter for low and slow.

    People on this forum used to really talk up the looftlighter that’s why I’m surprised no one mentioned it.  Some people complained about how the metal bent- that never bothered me and I think if you use it as directed it likely wouldn’t happen (ie point it at the lump without actually touching the lump).  It’s also really fun to use :blush:

    I recommended it in this thread. Previously when I recommended it I ended up with another disagree posted to my record. I am on year six with mine. I also have a spare one that I got on a big sale at ACE.
    That just sounds like a good device. I like that it doesn’t require gas, paper, etc.
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  • derka123
    derka123 Posts: 102
    My typical method: Bottom vent wide open (always use the screen), smokeware cap fully open (I always run it fully open, I never adjust it). Dump lump in to kab, place rutland square in the middle and light. Then, set my grates and platesetter in place (if applicable), close the egg and let it just come up to temp, once I'm within 50 degrees or so of desired temp I'll slide the bottom vent to where I think it needs to be. Then, wait a while and make sure the temp lands where I want it and it's stabilized.

    For me, this process requires the least amount of "operator time" during the lighting process; for a while I did the torch, the looftlighter, the oil soaked towels, etc. Literally placing a rutland square and lighting it takes all of 5 seconds as opposed to a few minutes screwing around with other lighting methods. I like to lower the dome on to the base as soon as I've lit the lump and placed my grates/platesetter, yeah it probably takes a little longer to come up to temp but it eliminates any sparks that may shoot out as the lump gets going.

    I do this for low and slow and searing cooks, the same process every time.
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  • Botch
    Botch Posts: 17,376
    lightningQ said:
    i just watched a you tube video where this guy soaks small pcs of lump in a container with alcohol for about a week.  then he will take a couple pcs and stick in the fresh lump and light.  looked like a great idea but will that make any difference in taste using the alcohol or no?
    No.  Alcohol combustion yields CO2 and H20.  

    "Dumplings are just noodles that have already eaten"   - Jon Kung

    Ogden, UT, USA


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  • Zaltydog
    Zaltydog Posts: 106
    propane torch
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  • DoubleEgger
    DoubleEgger Posts: 19,176

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  • GrillSgt
    GrillSgt Posts: 2,507
    edited September 2018
    2 tightly folded oil soaked folded paper towels placed along midline (east to west) equidistant apart. Tip: leave the corner with all of the single edges up as this is the easiest place to light. 
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  • 510BG
    510BG Posts: 189
    edited September 2018
    I've tried most methods with the exception of soaking lump in a can. I find the starter cubes to be the best for me. I don't have to stand in front of the lump with a torch. I'll try the paper towel method tomorrow. 
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  • SaltySam
    SaltySam Posts: 887
    MAPP torch and safety goggles.   And avoid polyester clothing.  That sh*t melts quick! 

    Safety goggles or sunglasses are a must.  The lump pops when you’re putting that much heat on it.  I took a red hot ember to the eyelid once and thought I’d lost an eye.  

    So yeah, it’s more dangerous.  But it’s worth it.  Trying to light anything in the wind is impossible, but the torch makes it fast and efficient.  Just be safe!

    LBGE since June 2012

    Omaha, NE

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  • Fredb
    Fredb Posts: 98
    Just my regular propane torch, bottle lasts forever.
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  • jtcBoynton
    jtcBoynton Posts: 2,814
    I like a small bottle propane weed torch.  Fast light. Keeps your hands away from popping sparking charcoal.  Lots of fun playing with fire!!


    Southeast Florida - LBGE
    In cooking, often we implement steps for which we have no explanations other than ‘that’s what everybody else does’ or ‘that’s what I have been told.’  Dare to think for yourself.
     
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  • Powak
    Powak Posts: 1,412
    SaltySam said:
    MAPP torch and safety goggles.   And avoid polyester clothing.  That sh*t melts quick! 

    Safety goggles or sunglasses are a must.  The lump pops when you’re putting that much heat on it.  I took a red hot ember to the eyelid once and thought I’d lost an eye.  

    So yeah, it’s more dangerous.  But it’s worth it.  Trying to light anything in the wind is impossible, but the torch makes it fast and efficient.  Just be safe!
    I had chunks popping up onto my grillmates and heating up the handles of my utensils 
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  • OhioEgger
    OhioEgger Posts: 994
    SaltySam said:
    MAPP torch and safety goggles
    +1
    Takes less than a minute, easy and reliable.
    Cincinnati, Ohio. Large BGE since 2011. Still learning.
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  • DoubleEgger
    DoubleEgger Posts: 19,176
    edited September 2018
    SaltySam said:
    MAPP torch and safety goggles.   And avoid polyester clothing.  That sh*t melts quick! 

    Safety goggles or sunglasses are a must.  The lump pops when you’re putting that much heat on it.  I took a red hot ember to the eyelid once and thought I’d lost an eye.  

    So yeah, it’s more dangerous.  But it’s worth it.  Trying to light anything in the wind is impossible, but the torch makes it fast and efficient.  Just be safe!
    Close the dome. I hold the torch in one hand and close the dome with the other. 
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  • Beavercreek_Smoker
    Beavercreek_Smoker Posts: 105
    I’m also a huge grill torch fan. Small light and fast to get grill going. Used to swear by the Rutland squares, still good of course and keep as a backup. I have also used paper towel folded a few times and poured a little cooking oil on it. Placed is center of coals and it actually burns longer then the Rutland squares. Btw, I bought an extension hose for my grill touch. It was made for a Coleman stove to hook up to a 20 pound tank. Works great and saves a ton of money over buying those 1 pound tanks. 

    The problem i have with the electric starters is that is that I would have to drag out an extension cord. Not a huge deal I know but I’m just lazy in that reguard. Lol. Plus I get to play with fire this way 
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  • littlerascal56
    littlerascal56 Posts: 2,110
    30 seconds in the center of the lump, and it takes off on its own!
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  • TEXASBGE2018
    TEXASBGE2018 Posts: 3,831
    I use veg oil soaked coffee filters in 3 places. Cheap, easy and a 200 pack lasts a long long time. Takes about 5min to get the lump going on its own.


    Rockwall, Tx    LBGE, Minimax, 22" Blackstone, Pizza Party Bollore. Cast Iron Hoarder.

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  • Powak
    Powak Posts: 1,412
    I might also want to light briquettes sometime in my ole Weber. Which type of lighter works better for that? A Looft or JJ George Torch?
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  • Vegas Eggus
    Vegas Eggus Posts: 154
    For direct cooks I use chimney with bacon grease soaked paper towels. 
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  • Powak
    Powak Posts: 1,412
    littlerascal56 said:
    30 seconds in the center of the lump, and it takes off on its own!DANG now that’s a starter 
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  • EggbertGreenII
    EggbertGreenII Posts: 253
    edited September 2018
    I too use a J.J. George propane torch, never fails to get the Egg going in a hurry.
    Tampa Bay, Florida
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