| Coals that don't need fuel? [message #77991] |
Mi, 18 Mai 2005 00:05 |
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In my last thread on "Controlling flames", everyone's advice was for me to
ditch the lighter fluid and popular opinion was for me to get a chimney.
I remember last year seeing coals being sold that did not require
lighter fuel, I can't remeber the name of it but all you had to do was
light a match and the coals would light, isn't this then the best/easiest
way to go? What's your opinions on this please? Thanks.
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| Re: Coals that don't need fuel? [message #77992 ] |
Mi, 18 Mai 2005 00:29 |
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"mikehende" <fonzhende1 [at] yahoo.com> wrote in message
> In my last thread on "Controlling flames", everyone's advice was for me to
> ditch the lighter fluid and popular opinion was for me to get a chimney.
> I remember last year seeing coals being sold that did not require
> lighter fuel, I can't remeber the name of it but all you had to do was
> light a match and the coals would light, isn't this then the best/easiest
> way to go? What's your opinions on this please? Thanks.
Hey good idea! Don't remove chemicals form the equation, just replace one
chemical for another!
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| Re: Coals that don't need fuel? [message #77994 ] |
Mi, 18 Mai 2005 01:06 |
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"Duwop" <Lookdown [at] mysig.com> wrote in message
news:tNudnadw4tAn8hffRVn-uQ [at] rcn.net...
> "mikehende" <fonzhende1 [at] yahoo.com> wrote in message
> > In my last thread on "Controlling flames", everyone's advice was for me
to
> > ditch the lighter fluid and popular opinion was for me to get a chimney.
> > I remember last year seeing coals being sold that did not require
> > lighter fuel, I can't remeber the name of it but all you had to do was
> > light a match and the coals would light, isn't this then the
best/easiest
> > way to go? What's your opinions on this please? Thanks.
>
> Hey good idea! Don't remove chemicals form the equation, just replace one
> chemical for another!
I make my own fire starter out of sawdust and paraffin. Here's how:
Start with a 9-inch by 13-inch pyrex beking pan. Fill it with clean sawdust
and pack it down. Melt paraffin (enough to fill the pan and cover the
sawdust) in a double boiler and pour it over the sawdust. Be sure the
paraffin penetrates to the bottom of the pan.
Let it cool and break it or cut it into chunks. Stick a chunk in the middle
of your lump and light it.
You're waiting for your coals to get nice and hot before you put any meat on
the rack anyway. By that time any fumes from the paraffin will be long gone.
That's all I ever need to light up my Q.
Seems I post this every year. Oh well, I guess spreading knowledge is its
own reward. :-)
--
ivan
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| Re: Coals that don't need fuel? [message #77996 ] |
Mi, 18 Mai 2005 01:13 |
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I wasn't aware that those coals contain "chemicals"? I guess I wasn't
thinking, thanks.
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| Re: Coals that don't need fuel? [message #77998 ] |
Mi, 18 Mai 2005 01:23 |
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mikehende wrote:
> I wasn't aware that those coals contain "chemicals"? I guess I wasn't
> thinking, thanks.
>
I just a chimney. Two pieces of newspaper wadded up in the bottom, fill
with lump charcoal and light the paper. Never had it fail yet.
--
Steve
Ever notice that putting the and IRS together makes "theirs"?
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| Re: Coals that don't need fuel? [message #78018 ] |
Mi, 18 Mai 2005 04:14 |
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"Ivan Weiss" <ivan.weiss [at] centurytel.net> wrote:
> [ . . . ]
> I make my own fire starter out of sawdust and paraffin. Here's how: [...]
>
I would ask that you consider (if you MUST use wax) using beeswax. Also,
use hardwood sawdust.
--
Nick. To send your support to Any of Our Troops in Harm's Way, go to:
http://anysoldier.com/
Thank a Veteran and Support Our Troops. You are not forgotten. Thanks ! ! !
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| Re: Coals that don't need fuel? [message #78019 ] |
Mi, 18 Mai 2005 04:20 |
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mikehende wrote:
> I wasn't aware that those coals contain "chemicals"? I guess I wasn't
> thinking, thanks.
Since no one seems to be of a mind to explain what they're talking
about, I'll let you in on the secret.
The "matchlight" bags have charcoal that is pre-soaked with something
resembling lighter fluid (what it actually is depends on the brand).
You're going to have the same fumes & off-flavors with it that you will
by using lighter fluid.
My suggestion: check Walmart/Target/Home Depot/other mega-mart store for
a charcoal chimmney, and get a subscription to the Sunday paper. :)
Beth
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| Re: Coals that don't need fuel? [message #78027 ] |
Mi, 18 Mai 2005 05:18 |
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"mikehende" <fonzhende1 [at] yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:3c626be8e093bf2a29128fc155f7db2f [at] localhost.talkaboutcooking.com...
> In my last thread on "Controlling flames", everyone's advice was for me to
> ditch the lighter fluid and popular opinion was for me to get a chimney.
> I remember last year seeing coals being sold that did not require
> lighter fuel, I can't remeber the name of it but all you had to do was
> light a match and the coals would light, isn't this then the best/easiest
> way to go? What's your opinions on this please? Thanks.
>
Beyond charcoal such as Kingsford's Match Light, one can also buy smallish
bags of (Kingsford) charcoal that provide a small portion of coals good for
grilling on a small to medium size charcoal grill. They tend to be perfect
for hamburgers and hot dogs, but I find they are not really good enough for
steaks or chicken.
For those bags, the ends of the bags are lit, and then the charcoal is
supposed to be ready for grilling after the initial fire has subsided.
Those bags tend to be approximatly 2/3 of the price of a 5 lb. bag of
charcoal, though, so it's sometimes more economical just to buy the 5 lb.
bag of charcoal and then use lighter fluid or a chimney. Still, they are an
available option, and I find that they are sold at most najor grocery stores
during late spring all the way to mid-fall.
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| Re: Coals that don't need fuel? [message #78031 ] |
Mi, 18 Mai 2005 07:19 |
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<n_cramerSPAM [at] pacbell.net> wrote in message
news:20050517221427.375$bE [at] newsreader.com...
> "Ivan Weiss" <ivan.weiss [at] centurytel.net> wrote:
> > [ . . . ]
> > I make my own fire starter out of sawdust and paraffin. Here's how:
[...]
> >
> I would ask that you consider (if you MUST use wax) using beeswax. Also,
> use hardwood sawdust.
--
Beeswax would indeed be better. Likewise hardwood sawdust. Agreed on both
counts. Thanks.
--
ivan
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| Re: Coals that don't need fuel? [message #78033 ] |
Mi, 18 Mai 2005 09:20 |
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mikehende wrote:
> In my last thread on "Controlling flames", everyone's advice was for me to
> ditch the lighter fluid and popular opinion was for me to get a chimney.
> I remember last year seeing coals being sold that did not require
> lighter fuel, I can't remeber the name of it but all you had to do was
> light a match and the coals would light, isn't this then the best/easiest
> way to go? What's your opinions on this please? Thanks.
Many briquettes come with saltpeter that makes 'em easier to light.
Just look at the bags at the store where you shop for briquettes.
I still like my chimney. With or without saltpeter, it just does
the job.
My drill this evening went like this.
Set aside top of Brinksman smoker, dump ashes into trash bag.
Take chimney and count out 16 briquettes. Add a few chunks hickory.
Stuff paper underneath, set on grill and light.
Watch until paper is burnt away. Go prep food, rub chicken,
et al until ready to go. Check grill, go back inside, mix drink.
10 minutes later, coals are all glowing. Dump in lower fire box,
add a few chunks of small pieces of water soaked hickory, put upper
portion of smoker back on.and put on lid.
Go wash grill and array chicken, go out side, place in smoker.
replace lid. Check in ten minutes, when one side seems done, flip.
No fanning, no fluid, no fancy expensive briquettes, and just a
few chunks of hickory.
My biggest problem as usual is remembering to check chicken
so it won't over cook. I need to get a cheap kitchen timer.
I hardly put any effort into the fire starting,
in 10 - 15 minutes you can get the thing red hot and all
coals glowing. Go buy one and save your money from buying fancy
briquettes for a bag of hickory chunks.
My briquettes tonight were the cheapest storebrand, no saltpeter
type. I use briquettes only to support the hickory chunks burning.
16 were enough.
Believe me, once you have a good chimney, about eight bucks,
and a long bar-b-que type lighter, $2.49, you can burn down
the world in fifteen minutes flat.
All it takes is a bit of practice.
The bad thing about a chimney is, wind might blows bits of burning
paper out and start a fire, so you have to watch that.
Once that is over, you can go do other things. Start the fire
first so by the time other things are done, the charcoal is all
glowing nicely.
--
When I shake my killfile, I can hear them buzzing!
Cheerful Charlie
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| Re: Coals that don't need fuel? [message #78443 ] |
Mi, 18 Mai 2005 16:12 |
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Beth Cole wrote:
> mikehende wrote:
>> I wasn't aware that those coals contain "chemicals"? I guess I wasn't
>> thinking, thanks.
>
> Since no one seems to be of a mind to explain what they're talking
> about, I'll let you in on the secret.
>
> The "matchlight" bags have charcoal that is pre-soaked with something
> resembling lighter fluid (what it actually is depends on the brand).
> You're going to have the same fumes & off-flavors with it that you
> will by using lighter fluid.
>
If we're talking about that Match Light stuff, I'd go even further and
say the fumes and flavor of ????? (kerosene?) are actually worse than
using lighter fluid. I used that crap at a friend's house, as that's all
he had (and a Hibachi). I grilled several thick porterhouse steaks that
came from a local butcher. My friends thought they tasted great (they
obviously were accustomed to that "flavor"). I thought they tasted like
they were marinated in diesel fuel.
I have used, during camping, park cookouts, etc. "disposable" grills
that have the charcoal surrounded by cardboard (more like an egg
carton). IIRC these used the paper to get the charcoal going, so could
be lit with a single match. By the time the charcoal was ready to cook
the paper was gone--and no chemical flavor. I used to carry one or two
in the trunk of the car--you never know when you might need it (see
above).
--
Mike
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| Re: Coals that don't need fuel? [message #78448 ] |
Mi, 18 Mai 2005 13:08 |
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"Beth Cole" <eacole [at] amber.emporia.edu> wrote in message
news:3evmupF59d1bU1 [at] individual.net...
> mikehende wrote:
> > I wasn't aware that those coals contain "chemicals"? I guess I wasn't
> > thinking, thanks.
>
> Since no one seems to be of a mind to explain what they're talking
> about, I'll let you in on the secret.
>
> The "matchlight" bags have charcoal that is pre-soaked with something
> resembling lighter fluid (what it actually is depends on the brand).
> You're going to have the same fumes & off-flavors with it that you will
> by using lighter fluid.
>
> My suggestion: check Walmart/Target/Home Depot/other mega-mart store for
> a charcoal chimmney, and get a subscription to the Sunday paper. :)
>
> Beth
Or use a big coffee can with both ends cut out.
Michael
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| Re: Coals that don't need fuel? [message #78449 ] |
Mi, 18 Mai 2005 13:19 |
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"Ivan Weiss" <ivan.weiss [at] centurytel.net> wrote in message
news:O-udnTXvutVcUhffRVn-tg [at] centurytel.net...
> <n_cramerSPAM [at] pacbell.net> wrote in message
> news:20050517221427.375$bE [at] newsreader.com...
> > "Ivan Weiss" <ivan.weiss [at] centurytel.net> wrote:
> > > [ . . . ]
> > > I make my own fire starter out of sawdust and paraffin. Here's how:
> [...]
> > >
> > I would ask that you consider (if you MUST use wax) using beeswax. Also,
> > use hardwood sawdust.
> --
> Beeswax would indeed be better. Likewise hardwood sawdust. Agreed on both
> counts. Thanks.
> --
> ivan
>
>
Sometimes my family makes fun of me for being a skinflint/weirdo, but here's
what I do. I keep an empty Paper egg carton on the clothes dryer. When I
clean the lint filter I smoosh the lint into a little ball and put it in the
egg carton. It usually takes about five or six cleanings to get enough lint
compacted enough and egg sized. When it's full of lint eggs, I melt a box of
paraffin wax in a can on the wood stove and pour it evenly over the eggs.
Throw away the lid. Cut the waxed eggs and carton into 12 little fire
starters. I use them for the stove and the barbecue. It sounds like some
trouble, but it's not. I just make it part of my routine.
Michael, Skinflint/Weirdo
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| Re: Coals that don't need fuel? [message #78453 ] |
Mi, 18 Mai 2005 23:04 |
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On 18-May-2005, "Michael" <mlboyd [at] cal.net> wrote:
> "Beth Cole" <eacole [at] amber.emporia.edu> wrote in message
> news:3evmupF59d1bU1 [at] individual.net...
> > mikehende wrote:
> > > I wasn't aware that those coals contain "chemicals"? I guess I wasn't
> > > thinking, thanks.
<snip>
>
> Or use a big coffee can with both ends cut out.
> Michael
I didn't cut the bottom out. I couldn't pickup the lit coals
that way. I left the bottom in and punched a bunch of pyramid
shaped holes all around the bottom sides. When the coals
were lit I picked it up by the rim with channel lock pliers.
--
The BrickŪ said that ( Keep the rubber on the road )
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| Re: Coals that don't need fuel? [message #78475 ] |
Do, 19 Mai 2005 08:09 |
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It isn't lighter fluid that they use for charcoal starter. I guess some
folks mean the stuff in the squeeze bottle that you light the fire with when
they say "lighter fluid" but that could lead others to think that it is
actually lighter fluid that is used in a cigarette lighter. The second type
of lighter fluid is similar to gasoline and way to flammable to be use
around a BBQ. The "lighter fluid" that is used to start charcoal is
kerosene. It has a lower combustion point and isn't as dangerous but can be
if put on hot coals. Self starting charcoal is just charcoal that has been
soaked in the fire starting fluid. And for bees wax. Ever price that
stuff? Not cheap. JUST GET A CHIMNEY STARTER. Very simple, very fast,
very cheap. Using kerosene or kerosene soaked coals will cause your food to
taste like kerosene. It is highly frowned upon by serious BBQers.
"mikehende" <fonzhende1 [at] yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:3c626be8e093bf2a29128fc155f7db2f [at] localhost.talkaboutcooking.com...
> In my last thread on "Controlling flames", everyone's advice was for me to
> ditch the lighter fluid and popular opinion was for me to get a chimney.
> I remember last year seeing coals being sold that did not require
> lighter fuel, I can't remeber the name of it but all you had to do was
> light a match and the coals would light, isn't this then the best/easiest
> way to go? What's your opinions on this please? Thanks.
>
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