I actually have both size Weber chimneys. I have been dumping the briquettes when the top ones are starting and the flames are shooting up. I will look into the charcoal baskets. I have also been putting the lid vent over the food. I have not put anything under the chicken on the indirect side and it has made a small mess that I will have to scrape out. The briquettes are a couple seasons old right now but they are sealed bags. I did not realize that you can fit a whole chimney in those baskets.