Attention GRM'ers who love to grill, quick question

I'm finally going to go buy a new Weber charcoal grill this evening. Nothing fancy, just a 22" round model. 

When using hardwood charcoal, what's your preferred method for getting it going?

1. Chimney Starter

2. Electric charcoal starter

I love my chimney starter.  For some things, I actually just put my cast iron on top of the starter and let 'er rip.

Used a chimney starter last summer for the vacation rental grill.  

But the reality is for my grilling:  gas is so much faster and more convenient I'll be sticking with it.

Chimney. 

Chimney.

KyAllroad (Jeremy) said:

Used a chimney starter last summer for the vacation rental grill.  

But the reality is for my grilling:  gas is so much faster and more convenient I'll be sticking with it.

I would prefer a gas as well for convenience, but my girlfriend loves charcoal and the whole process gives her an excuse to be outside for an hour with the dogs and drink a beer while she cooks. So she wins this time.

That and it looks like a nice gas grills start at about 4x the price of the Weber.

I've been very happy with chimneys for years.

Chimney for me, every time. Spray or pour some cooking oil on the newspaper first. When I use spray I get it noticeably damp, when I'm using regular oil I'll rub a puddle around with a spoon. The oil helps the paper burn hotter and longer, and seems to help the fire stay a little more wind proof as it's starting. 

That goes for lump and regular. 

Something else I do that I don't know if many others do. I shut all the vents on the grill when I'm done with it. When I start it the next time, dump the ashes, but throw whatever charcoal is left in the grill into the chimney before any new stuff. I feel like it helps it start a little faster but it definitely saves on charcoal when doing small stuff like some quick dogs or burgers. 

Chimney also makes an awesome searing tool by itself. 

Wow, forum response time is really going to hell on my phone. 6 reloads because of time outs trying to post this.

Another vote for a chimney. 

Sub-question: 

Has anyone used the BBQ Dragon chimney and fan?

Just ran across it on YouTube and the idea of having the coals ready in 3 vs 15 minutes is kind of nice. 

I dunno if I'm just old fashioned, but I still grab sticks from the yard for starter and make a pyramid of charcoal.  Generally use vegetable oil or similar instead of lighter fluid.

electric EGGniter from big green egg (also bc i have a BGE grill), after going through 2 of the "hot wire" starters that burned out.  very fast and effective.

chimney is great though, used one for years when i was using lump charcoal.  for a cheap weber that would be most fitting and serve you fine.

ScottyB said:

electric EGGniter from big green egg (also bc i have a BGE grill), after going through 2 of the "hot wire" starters that burned out.  very fast and effective.

chimney is great though, used one for years when i was using lump charcoal.  for a cheap weber that would be most fitting and serve you fine.

Are the BGE's REALLY worth what they cost? 

I actually use both, depending on the day and the mood I'm in.  Here's my method:

First, buy a REAL Weber chimney.  I bought an off-brand one and it didn't work worth a damn.

Use a good two pieces of newspaper in the bottom.  And don't use the glossy ads - they don't burn right. 

Yes, I get the paper delivered twice a week, partly so that I'll have BBQ starting materials.  Yes, it costs a lot of money now, but you get what you pay for.

Train your teenager to start the BBQ for you.

I use the electric starter when it's cold, or when I'm lazy and really don't want to have to restart it.  Generally though the chimney is more consistent especially will a large amount of charcoal.

I only use my chimney with my offset smoker, since I don't want to pull out an extension cord.  Unplug the electric starter after 10 minutes or you'll burn it out.

z31maniac said:

ScottyB said:

electric EGGniter from big green egg (also bc i have a BGE grill), after going through 2 of the "hot wire" starters that burned out.  very fast and effective.

chimney is great though, used one for years when i was using lump charcoal.  for a cheap weber that would be most fitting and serve you fine.

Are the BGE's REALLY worth what they cost? 

Yes and no. 

Disclaimer- I carry bge. 

That being said, bge is extremely good at what it does. The heat retention, ease of use, etc- are unsurpassed. The warranty is awesome, and you can cook ANYTHING on one. They'll make you look like a hero. 

But- Jesus they're expensive. My most popular package is 1400$. The learning curve is kind of steep, and bge accessories are also pricy. It's also semi limited in space (can't do a ton other than basic dinner for 2-4 w/o an XL) and they take a bit to get used to. 

Personally, I wouldn't own one. But they're as expensive as they are for a reason- they are absolutely the best at what they do. 

Chimney.

Costco used to have a BGE knockoff for about 1/2 the price. Pretty well rated. Haven't looked in the past 2 years so I don't know if they still sell it.

In reply to TVR Scott :

I haven't had any trouble with cheap chimneys except the center piece that the charcoal sits on tends to fall apart faster but I still get a full year of almost daily use out of them.

Chimney and use the previous ashes like revrico.

Also a BGE owner. I could never afford one new but lucked into a deal on Facebook marketplace. It'll be the last charcoal grill you'll ever buy if you treat it right.

Chimney. 

Chimney. 

PSA for folks who are using their propane grills for the first time in a few months, don’t forget to disconnect the gas line at the grill and blow some compressed air up there, with valves open. Gotta clean the spider webs out. 

Thanks for all the input.

Went and picked up a grill, chimney, hardwood, etc.

I had a huge grill previously that we used a chimney starter with, was curious to see if anyone had used or had success with the electric.

and of course today is cold and raining. The loud crack of thunder woke me up about 7am this morning. Now to put together the grill I can't use.

Chimney works better for me and newspaper doesn't need an extension cord.

The 22" weber is a fine tool. Mines has served me faithfully for almost a decade.

I'm a charcoal-only guy. Propane is only reasonable if you are using some kind of mobile system - camping, RV, boat.

Starting- soak that E36 M3 in lighter fluid. Wait about 2 minutes and light it. Give it 15-20 minutes burning with the lid off and stir the whole batch of charcoal with a fireplace shovel. I've never had a problem with taste from the fluid, even using cheap fluid - and I'm very specific about my cooking. 

Also, dont fall down the rabbit hole of Weber customization. At least unless you have some hours to kill...

I asked my brother about hi electric starter.  He said it works good but he forgets how hot it is and has branded himself a couple times.