When you use the compact chimney...

[G$]

.... Do you find it takes longer than just putting the same amount of charcoal in the jumbo chimney?

[pbe gummi bear]

Not exactly. The smaller chimney is faster for minion starts because the firestarter underneath is more concentrated to a dense stack of charcoal. Note I use firestarter cubes for each so there relatively more flame for the tiny chimney.  YMMV with a ring of paper or other flame methods.

[Troy]

i find the smaller chimney faster than using the same amount of charcoal in a larger chimney

[Craig]

I use my smaller chimney more often then my big 'un... I may pick up a second one. I think it's faster but I use mine more because a full small chimney is perfect for one fuel basket.

[G$]

I wonder why my anecdotal evidence suggests it takes longer in the compact.  (I too typically use weber cubes for both).  It 'feels' like air flow is more restricted in the compact chimney.   Maybe I will run an actual test.

[Craig]

I use cubes too mostly...

[1911Ron]

I like my mini chimney, i now use a paper towel with cooking oil on it and it lights faster.

[Metal Mike]

I would think it best for the minion or fuse.
I have  generic standard & XL (!? gift, from Academy Sports)

http://www.academy.com/shop/pdp/old-country-bbq-pits-heavy-duty-charcoal-starter/pid-479601?N=395477681&Ntt=charcoal&Ntk=All



XL starts very well by the expanded steel base & extra ventilation



I'm sure it has a place but I dunno what to really do with this thing; add a grate to the top...

[pbe gummi bear]

Mike, you can use it for super high heat cooks like pizza instead of using 2 chimneys.

[DirectDrive]

Have large and small Weber chimneys.
Use the large for the WSM....the small is still shiny and new.

For smaller kettle starts I've been doing a "Micro Minnion" directly in the sheet metal baskets.
Light one end of the basket. Rubbing alcohol for starter.
Sometimes one, sometimes both baskets.

[Dock_rat]

Does the Rubbing Alcohol work? Any leftover odors??

[1buckie]

Yes,  alcohol works excellent, just be very careful as even the evaporating fumes can catch & flare up.....
Less predictable of an initial flame  than say, lighter fluid, but there's no aftertaste at all......burns completely off......................

I used 99% industrial stuff for years, now retail 91%.............

[DirectDrive]

I'd been using 91% but tried the slightly cheaper 70% and it works the same for me.
About $2.00 per quart at Walton's Market....has squirt cap as well.

If you go for a second light to boost the first (some hot coals present) be careful or you will lose your eyebrows.


I wanted to get away from newspaper smoke/flyash and with petroleum-based starters being a sin, alcohol seems to be the perfect answer for me.

[toddmog]

I've been putting a large bush's baked bean can with top and bottom cut out with holes drilled in it inside the large chimney to keep coals together. It works pretty well but only holds 12 coals.  It works great for hitting 225...needs a few more coals to hit 275. I wish I could find a compact chimney locally.