new speedilights

zaphod · November 12

i notice that there is a new version of speedilights out - 20 sticks in a package (5" long), 1 stick needed for a light.

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/5017260/uploads/editor/n1/7l2yq8cyvso3.png

The old squares are 24/box and a buck cheaper, but I use 2 squares per light, so 12 lights in a box. These will be interesting as I picked up a long cage over the summer that is designed for nest style starters but should fit this new sticks. Wonder how long until my local gets a box.

Buckwoody Egger · November 12

I recommend the Rutland 144 ct box of squares to get the cost down.

stlcharcoal · November 12

Lowest cost and fastest lighting = refillable camping cylinders and a torch head like this: https://www.amazon.com/Koackl-Powerful-Campfire-Charcoal-Culinary/dp/B0BMZ6N6F2

Botch · November 12

I've actually adopted a seasonal lighting method.
During the summer, I use the half-sheet paper towel that I drained my breakfast bacon on; cost: $0.
During the spring/fall, I use a single Rutland square (shoutout @Buckwoody Egger).
During the winter, I use a single Rutland square, doused with a shot of high-octane rubbing alcohol (wal-mart); the other methods don't have enough BTU's in the winter here.

Something I'm also gunna **** about that I've not seen addressed here: how do you light your lighter? For too many years I used these rip-off, stupid, worthless BIC lighters:

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/5017260/uploads/editor/nr/i4wjxpjp2ngt.jpeg

They always seemed to quit working for me, at the most inopportune times, and finally I bought a three-pak and kept notes: #1 worked for exactly 14 lights, then quit working. #2 NEVER lit, at all! #3 worked 21 times, then quit working (I'm not kidding here, folks).

I now use these:

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/5017260/uploads/editor/8e/hl4y2midfmb7.jpg

$0.79/box at the Commissary. I can only get thru about 1/3rd of a box before the scratch surfaces, on both sides of the box, are worn out. But the economy is there.
(my Dad grew up during the Depression, and used his bench vice to get the last of the toothpaste out of the tube, so that hopefully explains my miserly background).

RRP · November 12

Or if you really like the oof like in the old briquette days it's hard to beat 91% isopropyl alcohol...actually all kidding aside I prefer the 91% method almost exclusively and have for years now! You just have to be careful as lighting that volatile alcohol must be done with caution and large wooden kitchen matches thrown in while standing back!

Buckwoody Egger · November 12

agreed on torch but i dont think Zaphod would go for the flying sparks on a deck.

zaphod · November 13

yeah, that's a hard pass on the flamethrower bbq lighter.

Buckwoody Egger · November 13

i have the longer candy cane one and it’s got a good distance.

fresh charcoal definitely sparks a good deal so it’s nice to be a couple feet back and no need for welding gear.

if i was on a deck i would have a garden hose spigot nearby for watering plants etc and maybe a quick spray of the deck ahead of a light.

@Botch when using squares, which are now my firepit starters, i always do a 90 degree break in the middle. keep it one piece but the serrated rough edge (the outside of the angle) catches fire way better.

billt01 · November 13

2 tablespoons of canola oil and a paper towel..

fishlessman · November 13

i keep an old bottle of junk canola on the deck. just need a paper towel.....i drilled a hole to fit a nail on the cover of the jug so i dont even take the cap off. when the canola goes rancid in the food closet it then goes on the deck. i never seem to go thru a gallon before it starts to go bad

cmac610 · November 13

I know there's about a million ways to light an Egg, but to answer your question about the new SpediLights...they are the best of that kind of firestarter I’ve used so far.

The old square ones were always hard to light. These light up in a couple of seconds. I’ve also broken them in half when I feel I don’t need a whole stick. For my MiniMax, I’ll break it in half and light them in two spots. They work like a champ!

Soon to come also are the “Twisters”, which are a larger version of a “tumbleweed” type of starter where you’re looking for maximum flame.

MaskedMarvel · November 13

Cheap isopropyl alcohol and twisted paper towels.

…. Or a flame thrower, if I’m in a hurry…

zaphod · November 14

the twisters look interesting. i picked up this cage at an end of season blow out at the grocery for $2 or so. It's about 6" long and ready for sticks or twisters.

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/5017260/uploads/editor/ig/si91oymp077m.jpg

DoubleEgger · November 14

I’m rethinking the torch after an ember popped onto my eyelid last week. It’s still sore from the burn.

fishlessman · November 14

DoubleEgger said:

I’m rethinking the torch after an ember popped onto my eyelid last week. It’s still sore from the burn.

That's really not worth it. If you have twenty minutes, a roll of paper towels, and a metal coffee can, you can pack the can with folded paper towels adding canola maybe three times til it's full. Let it soak a week and then you are good for a year with starters. Those presoaked towels light an egg pretty much as fast. Popping embers are not good

johnmitchell · November 14

@DoubleEgger. Hey Mike glad it wasn’t any worse than just the eyelid. A possible solution is to follow Ron’s attire and just add safety glasses 😉

zaphod · November 14

DoubleEgger said:

I’m rethinking the torch after an ember popped onto my eyelid last week. It’s still sore from the burn.

I hope that the eye feels better soon.

Buckwoody Egger · November 14

sorry about the eyelid. somewhere on here is a very notable bbq celebrity assuring us that one hotly contested brand of charcoal does not spark at all (but tastes bad) and one popular one might require fire retardant clothing. life and all its trade offs…

Mickey · November 14

This has got me cooking for 20 years and always works.

zaphod · November 14

i can see no way that could ever go wrong.

MaskedMarvel · November 15

zaphod said:

i can see no way that could ever go wrong.

Mine has a shorter barrel.
I now have dedicated “Egg Lighting Shirts…”

Buckwoody Egger · November 15

check out this new option. wonder if this flame sparks less!

https://flamekingproducts.com/products/flame-king-propane-lp-log-lighter-starter-for-1lb-propane-tanks

seems like it could also be used from the lower ash vent.

edit - wow i saw some videos on amazon for the version with a hose to the 20lb tank and it’s way too much flame. 1lb tank maybe ok with much less but not vouching for this option.

Canugghead · November 16

zaphod said:

i can see no way that could ever go wrong.

new speedilights

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