Starting charcoal!

[Legend Chris]

Well I wanted to get my smoker going and up to proper temps and I started with my charcoal chimney. I hit that lit and obviously needed about another 1/2 bag to be lit and rearin to go. I was feeling kinda impatient and never use lighter fluid, so I decided to dump the unlit bag on the coals. I then went to the garage an got the leaf blower. I plugged it in on low and stepped about 8 feet from he firebox and blew the coals. They got red hot and lit the 1/2 bag in no time. Just be careful if you try this and make sure you are far enough away from your house and the firebox and your blower is on low.

[RoadrashPaul]

That sounds like a decent idea. I use lighter fluid just for my chimney. I roll up some paper in the bottom and put about 13-15 coals in my chimney. Then I soak it pretty good. Light and walk away for 20 minutes. Come back and dump over in my charcoal basket and in another 20 minutes I am rolling around 200-225, ready to cook.

[Legend Chris]

I was tempted to use fluid, but I feel the smoke flavoring tasted 'tainted' just a tad with it.

[ChrisH]

I was tempted to use fluid, but I feel the smoke flavoring tasted 'tainted' just a tad with it.

me too. i fill my chimney up and get it going good. dump that in the box and use wood on top of that. usually only use the charcoal to get it started and add wood from there.

[RoadrashPaul]

I was tempted to use fluid, but I feel the smoke flavoring tasted 'tainted' just a tad with it.

You may be right but I haven't personally been able to taste it yet. I smoked 3 whole chickens, 6 large marinated chicken breast and about 3 dozen ear of corn over the weekend. Delish

[Legend Chris]

Do y'all use Lump Charcoal? I've been using this and it really burns clean and hot. Seems to be very little ash remains afterwards compared to regular charcoal as well. Saturday I did 3 racks of pork ribs and 6 qtrs. I also did something different and did not use any sauce. Just smoke and heat with the rub. Really came out nice..

[BassVotary]

I fill the chimney with dry charcoal. I then place wadded newspaper dampened with vegetable oil underneath and light the newspaper. The oil keeps the fire going and makes the fire hotter. Within 20 minutes I have glowing charcoal.

[blackgts2002]

instead of a leaf blower, try an air mattress/water tube pump. Much smaller, can get wired or wireless with D batteries and works great.

[kk4iz]

Lighter fluid We don't using it at all, no matter how much you let it burn off you taste it. With the BGE start it with starting blocks or a propane torch. Have used the wife's hair drier to help it along a little faster

[tommy69z]

I use the little cans you put under food to keep them warm catering, they work great and last a while, just light it up, stick it under the chimney for about 5 minutes