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Lighting the Egg
eggheadinva
Posts: 4
Hi Everyone - fairly new Large BGE owner here. I've done a few cooks, and am getting more comfortable with adjusting the temp. My biggest challenge now is lighting. I fill the box with Jealous Devil charcoal, but when I use some natural firestarters I can't get it going on the first try. Sometimes I have to use up to 4 of the little sticks before the charcoal lights.
Is there an optimal way to stack the charcoal, and/or should I be using less in the box to help it light quicker?
Thanks for any tips!
Is there an optimal way to stack the charcoal, and/or should I be using less in the box to help it light quicker?
Thanks for any tips!
Comments
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Just how small are these “little sticks”. Normally the fire starters I have seen are small blocks. Maybe four sticks will be the amount needed. You are putting the starters down in the charcoal and not on top? Starter blocks do take time to get the charcoal going so don’t expect instant results. No you don’t need less charcoal to get started. No special stacking needed, just don’t pack so tight that air flow is blocked.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. -
Less charcoal shouldn't affect how the lumps near the firestarter behave. It sounds like you simply have a mismatch between your "little sticks" and the chunks of lump that you want to light. They are a little over 1" square. I just got a different brand and they are about 1/4 that size and I worry that they aren't big enough.
A lot of folks here use various forms of torches or weedburners to start their fires. Another very good option is to just soak a paper towel in vegetable oil and light it.
If I were you, I'd probably just use however many firestarters you need to get the job done and buy different firestarters when it is time to replace.
With all that said, I do 2 things that help at times.
- I purposefully put some of the smallest/thinnest pieces of lump near the firestarter so they can catch first.
- When I'm in a hurry for a weekday cook at a relatively high temp, I use more than one firestarter (up to 4) just to expedite the process.
Good luck and welcome aboard.XXL BGE, Karebecue, Klose BYC, Chargiller Akorn Kamado, Weber Smokey Mountain, Grand Turbo gasser, Weber Smoky Joe, and the wheelbarrow that my grandfather used to cook steaks from his cattle
San Antonio, TX
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JJ George torch and never look back. I hit 3-4 spots for 10 seconds each (twice) and I'm good to go.
South of Nashville - BGE XL - Alfresco 42" ALXE - Alfresco Versa Burner - Sunbeam Microwave -
this is my method. second to last pic if you add a second napkin on top of the lump it increases the air draw thru the lump and it works even quicker
fukahwee maineyou can lead a fish to water but you can not make him drink it -
I use a chimney starter on my side burner of my gas grill (egg part storage box).
I look in egg, stir lump some with poker, pick up KAB and shake it.
How much Lump do I need for this cook? that decides if I just fill up the chimney or also add some to egg.
Light Chimney for 5 min, put inside egg another 5 dump add components.
Heres a good post on it, but there are hundreds Im sure
https://eggheadforum.com/discussion/1220595/lighting-your-coals/p1
XLBGE, LBGE, Charbroil Gas Grill, Weber Q2000, Old Weber Kettle, Rectec RT-B380, Yeti 65, Yeti Hopper 20, RTIC 20, RTIC 20 Soft Side - Too many drinkware vessels to mention.
Not quite in Austin, TX City Limits
Just Vote- What if you could choose "none of the above" on an election ballot? Millions of Americans do just that, in effect, by not voting. The result in 2016: "Nobody" won more counties, more states, and more electoral votes than either candidate for president. -
I use 91% alcohol (from Walmart) under a chimney starter partly full of some lump. I just squirt some alcohol on the lump, put the chimney over it and then toss a match into the holes under the chimney. Very simple and it starts face with no smell from the wax starters.Also, be sure you have your bottom vent open.Large BGE
Barry, Lancaster, PA -
I’ve tried many ways in my journey. I was gifted the same torch pictured several posts above this past Christmas and I have not looked back. It all works but nothing compares to that torch. Nothing.Upstate SC
Large BGE, Blackstone, Weber genesis , Weber charcoal classic -
I've always used the BGE block starters (2) and a torch, never fails!!Retired Navy, LBGE
Pinehurst, NC -
I've tried em all, best for me is the Looflighter. Work towards consistency in how you approach your setup, fire start, etc. Good luck, you have a valuable resource pool here in the forum. Enjoy!The problem with a problem is that you don't know it's a problem until it's a problem, and that is a big problem.
Holding the company together with three spreadsheets and two cans connected by a long piece of string. -
I have used an electric starter from Lowe’s for years in the past but was given a Looflighter about a year ago & it’s pretty sweet.
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Yeah, my previous go to was the Lowes electric element starter. I would bend it a little and nestle it in the coals....worked great for years. I just find the Looflighter gets the job done quicker and you don't have the violent popping like you do with MAP gas.RockyTopDW said:I have used an electric starter from Lowe’s for years in the past but was given a Looflighter about a year ago & it’s pretty sweet.The problem with a problem is that you don't know it's a problem until it's a problem, and that is a big problem.
Holding the company together with three spreadsheets and two cans connected by a long piece of string. -
2 pieces of paper towel, folded in 2X2 squares and soaked in veg oil is what I use . Effective and cheap
1 Large Egg, Blackstone griddle
Belgium...........The Netherlands??
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I am still using my old BGE electric starter I got with my egg in 2011. It works fine and I don’t mind sipping on a beer while it gets going. I have used both the BGE starter blocks and the Royal Oak Tumbleweeds, I prefer the latter.
Eventually I want a torch though, just haven’t motivated to get anything but it does sound appealing to play with fire and torch the egg up. -
I find that if popping occurs, moving the torch flame an inch or two away, usually eliminates the problem. And don't use MAPP gas. Propane is just as good at 1/3 the cost.RajunCajun said:... and you don't have the violent popping like you do with MAP gas.I hate it when I go to the kitchen for food and all I find are ingredients!
MichaelCentral Connecticut -
But once it has popped and you've ruined a good shirt, it's not as much fun. Maybe I will try propane when my Looft bites the dust. Thanks!Carolina Q said:I find that if popping occurs, moving the torch flame an inch or two away, usually eliminates the problem. And don't use MAPP gas. Propane is just as good at 1/3 the cost.The problem with a problem is that you don't know it's a problem until it's a problem, and that is a big problem.
Holding the company together with three spreadsheets and two cans connected by a long piece of string. -
Propane torch here. Works great with the Egg. For my Weber I use a chimney starter and a sheet of newspaper.Michiana, South of the border.
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I currently use the Royal Oak tumbleweeds and they work great. I have been looking at the JJ George torch lighter mentioned above and believe that will be my next move. Buying those gas bottles should cut cost greatly, right?....... I’m lighting one of the eggs at least every other day.
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After a year and a half of using the little squares, I bought a Loof-lighter and have never looked back.
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I use a Bernzomatic torch and a propane bottle lasts longer than I can even remember.attaboy said:I currently use the Royal Oak tumbleweeds and they work great. I have been looking at the JJ George torch lighter mentioned above and believe that will be my next move. Buying those gas bottles should cut cost greatly, right?....... I’m lighting one of the eggs at least every other day.
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Salado TX & 30A FL: Egg Family: 3 Large and a very well used Mini, added a Mini Max when they came out (I'm good for now). Just given a Mini to add to the herd. -
Paper towels soaked in bacon grease. When I used the squares they would go out from time to time. I found lighting on a lower corner helped as the flame would toward the top of the square.
Elkhorn, NE
1 large egg
28" Blackstone
Akorn Jr. -
NEVER waste bacon grease!ElkhornHusker said:Paper towels soaked in bacon grease. When I used the squares they would go out from time to time. I found lighting on a lower corner helped as the flame would toward the top of the square.I hate it when I go to the kitchen for food and all I find are ingredients!
MichaelCentral Connecticut -
Then educate me then. A PM is fineCarolina Q said:NEVER waste bacon grease!
Elkhorn, NE
1 large egg
28" Blackstone
Akorn Jr. -
Thanks everyone for the really helpful tips! I'm looking forward to getting better at cooks.
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It's not really wasting if you use the paper towels used to drain bacon. I keep a ziplock bag full of them in the fridge. Only issue is, if I'm egging really frequently, the supply of drain towels can run low/out.Carolina Q said:NEVER waste bacon grease! -
I love this gadget. Put the firestarter in, twist close, put in your kick ash basket. Open bottom grate and light. Once it's going, dump charcoal on top and let it get to temp. https://smokeware.com/collections/products/products/blazaball
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I have seen this when ordering other smokeware products. You have convinced me to risk the 19.99 to give it a try.Tideronthehooch said:I love this gadget. Put the firestarter in, twist close, put in your kick ash basket. Open bottom grate and light. Once it's going, dump charcoal on top and let it get to temp. https://smokeware.com/collections/products/products/blazaball -
THIS!!!!SonVolt said:JJ George torch and never look back. I hit 3-4 spots for 10 seconds each (twice) and I'm good to go.2 LBGE
Digi Q
green Thermapen
AR
Albuquerque, NM -
Don’t forget the fact that if you store your lump outside it absorbs moisture and it will be very hard to light. Wrap up good in a plastic garbage bag or use a bin. Never leave the bag of charcoal open between cooks. Just my 2 cents.
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I think the firestarter sticks he's using come with bundles of campfire wood.
Those wouldn't be very effective at starting an egg.
I haven't seen Weber lighter cubes yet. But they're at the big box stores and they're cheap and easy.
That or my propane torch if I feel like a fireworks show.
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