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Post by lesintn on Jul 23, 2009 15:57:03 GMT -5
I have been using a metal can (large size tuna, actually) with about 1/4 to 3/8 inch of denatured alcohol in the bottom to start charcoal in a chimney. It starts the coals very quickly. There is no fly-away ash. It is odorless and has no residue.
Be careful not to spill any outside the burner can and watch out because the flame is very hard to see when you touch it off.
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Post by jonathan on Jul 25, 2009 11:26:04 GMT -5
I was just going to post a question on this topic.
I have a Kingsford chimney starter - which is great when I need to cover the bottom of the charcoal grate. For the recommended 12 coals starting the Smokenator, however, it's difficult - too much cross-sectional area. Today I blocked part of it using some metal scraps I had around, but it's time for a small lighter.
I happened to have a small empty can (2-3/4" diameter, 4" tall) handy, so I punched some holes in the bottom, moved a couple of lit coals there, and piled those which had not started on top. It sort of worked, but not well, and will not hold 12 coals. So I'm looking for larger. If I can find a steel tennis ball can, I'll give that a try.
Has anyone else found successful alternatives?
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Post by huskerque on Jul 26, 2009 0:44:43 GMT -5
Lesintn,
Thank you for the suggestion. Denatured alcohol works great in a 12 oz. tuna can!!!! Charcoal lights fast and no ash from the newspaper. Thank you.
Gotta love this board. Thanks Don.
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Post by huskerque on Jul 26, 2009 0:46:08 GMT -5
Oh, and I should say that denatured alcohol is non toxic and approved for marine use.
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Post by bigsteve on Jul 27, 2009 19:42:44 GMT -5
I do what Don suggested. I turn the chimney over. On the bottom of mine, (the top when flipped) the grate is inverted, like a cone, and holds the 12 coals together nice and close. One small piece of newspaper and they're lit.
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Post by planeguy on Jul 27, 2009 21:36:20 GMT -5
I have a Weber chimney starter and I turn it over so the coals sit in a cone. I also put it over my propane side burner on my grill - no newspaper - no ash.
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Post by bbqbubs on Jul 27, 2009 22:43:54 GMT -5
I have a Weber chimney starter and I turn it over so the coals sit in a cone. I also put it over my propane side burner on my grill - no newspaper - no ash. I think a burner would be a great idea as well, though i mess with chimney starters just stick with match light |
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Post by vermin99 on Jul 30, 2009 10:21:27 GMT -5
I also do the same thing that Don suggests, flip the Weber chimney starter upside down. Next time I am going to try the propane torch idea.
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