Just getting started on buying accessories for my new-to-me SS Performer.
Seeing as my gas assist works, would you advise me to get a regular Weber charcoal chimney, or a compact one? Seems like a big one would be best since it seems like you could just fill it halfway and get the same amount as a small one, but would have flexibility to do a big load if needed. But since I am a total novice, I may not be correct!
Chimneys are cheap, buy both!
I use both for different purposes.
If you are only getting one, get the big one. But yes, having both really is the best way to go.
I have and use both, but I too would start with the bigger one.
PROTIP: back in the old days before mini-chimneys, we old-timers would turn our larger chimneys *upside down* when lighting a very small amount of coals for smoking, etc..
I have both, but if buying only one it would be the larger on.
I have two big ones and one compact one. So, another vote for buying both.
Both. The small works great for quick cooks, burgers, brats, etc...and the large one for when you need a large area of coal.. get both.
just do the big one.
since you have gas assist, you can turn the 'cone' of the chimney upside down and make it more effective with your gas assist feature.
orrrr, you can just do the baskets (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000WEMGM4/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000WEMGM4&linkCode=as2&tag=webketclu-20&linkId=PET6QBWAJK7XW2EE) (i would personally get the baskets AND the chimney)
Sounds like I have several options! I think I am going to like the gas assist
Quote from: namtrag on September 22, 2014, 03:40:14 PM
Sounds like I have several options! I think I am going to like the gas assist
i always loved it, but the baskets (or no baskets at all) work much better than the chimney while using the gas assist.
as you learn and grow as a chef, you'll develop your own techniques and preferred methods.
Some people never venture far from the 'light a chimney, dump a chimney' approach - but there's really a ton of methods you can use to achieve very different results.
I'm personally a big fan of using the amount of lit charcoal to control my temps rather than fiddling with vents.
Others love the old kettles because vent fine tuning is easier and they dial them in to control the temp.
Thanks Troy, I think I will start just with the baskets since the gas assist will make them into mini chimneys...then get a chimney if I need to later.
i was wondering why people thought you needed a chimney with the gas assist. the baskets were intended to hold the charcoal while you lit them with the gas.
but for once, i kept my mouth shut.
"It's better to remain silent and be thought a fool than open ones mouth and remove all doubt" - Mark Twain
Haha, you were just letting me work through it on my own!
Quote from: GregS on September 23, 2014, 08:15:29 AM
i was wondering why people thought you needed a chimney with the gas assist. the baskets were intended to hold the charcoal while you lit them with the gas.
but for once, i kept my mouth shut.
"It's better to remain silent and be thought a fool than open ones mouth and remove all doubt" - Mark Twain
Many here cook on more than one kettle at a time. I frequently use the gas assist to start a chimney to use on my master touch or SJG or even UDS and then use the baskets with gas assist to cook on the performer. Or sometimes I use the chimney with gas assist because I want to set my fire up differently from what the baskets allow. It's much easier to dump a chimney than it is to dump the baskets. The kettle is such a versatile cooker that there are many ways to use a chimney (or not). It's really just a matter of what works best for you for any given cook.
Good points...in my situation, with just one kettle, and just starting out, I think I'm good with just the baskets for now.
Quote from: toddmog on September 23, 2014, 09:10:12 AMMany here cook on more than one kettle at a time. I frequently use the gas assist to start a chimney to use on my master touch or SJG or even UDS and then use the baskets with gas assist to cook on the performer. Or sometimes I use the chimney with gas assist because I want to set my fire up differently from what the baskets allow. It's much easier to dump a chimney than it is to dump the baskets. The kettle is such a versatile cooker that there are many ways to use a chimney (or not). It's really just a matter of what works best for you for any given cook.
i understand completely and i use more than one kettle as well. i've actually used my Q to start charcoal a few times before grabbing a chimney. (don't ask i can be a pro redneck in a pinch).
it's just that the TS only has a single kettle, and it's a gas assist performer. he was asking about the chimney and i thought the answer was obvious for his situation. but again, i suspected maybe there was something to it i was missing so i stayed quiet.
no harm no foul here. :D
We all know if he sticks around here, it won't be long before more kettles come along. :) Might as well get a chimney too. Sorry...I'm an enabler. :)
It also boils down to where you want your coals when you are cooking. In a couple baskets or wherever you want to pile or spread them. And if you are going to light them in the basket and dump them, why not just use the chimney. But hey, to each their own.
It's like women and shoes. Isn't it, Todd?
Quote from: Troy on September 22, 2014, 04:45:40 PM
Quote from: namtrag on September 22, 2014, 03:40:14 PM
Sounds like I have several options! I think I am going to like the gas assist
i always loved it, but the baskets (or no baskets at all) work much better than the chimney while using the gas assist.
I am new to the world of gas assist myself. When you say that lighting coals in the baskets is better than the chimney, are you including the new style sheet metal baskets or just the wire baskets?
I found this video....it's a little shaky, but shows how to light the charcoal in the newer style baskets
http://youtu.be/sNcIu-xNPkQ
That video points out why I don't use the baskets as lighting devices. 1) he ran his propane for 15 min. With a chimney I run mine for 3-5 min and I am ready to cook in 15-20 min.
2) he had to rotate the charcoal holders to get a even burn. Chimney gives me a nice even burn naturally. Heat rises. But I'm sure there are many ways to get the coals light. Whatever someone feels good doing.
Aaagghhh, I'm so confused now! Lol.
As in, why even have the gas assist if you are using a chimney?
Quote from: namtrag on September 23, 2014, 05:47:54 PM
Aaagghhh, I'm so confused now! Lol.
As in, why even have the gas assist if you are using a chimney?
Don't have to mess with ash from paper. Or don't have to use Weber cubes. Gas assist also speeds up the process.
Nothing to be confused about. Put charcoal in chimney. Put chimney over the gas assist burner. Turn on burner. Dump coals once ashed over.
Don't over think it. Give the baskets a try. If you like the way they work, great. If not, spend $15 on the big Weber chimney. I actually prefer the baskets when lighting lump. I can arrange it in the baskets the way I want it and it's less likely to fall out. I still only run the propane around 3-5 mins...if you center the baskets over the flame you get pretty even ignition.
I have gas assist, both chimneys and the baskets but I usually use a weed burner :/
Quote from: namtrag on September 23, 2014, 05:47:54 PM
Aaagghhh, I'm so confused now! Lol.
As in, why even have the gas assist if you are using a chimney?
No gas assist here..................
(http://i1223.photobucket.com/albums/dd520/1buckie/End%20%20Aug%202012%20Wok/EndAug2012Wok040.jpg)
(http://i1223.photobucket.com/albums/dd520/1buckie/End%20%20Aug%202012%20Wok/EndAug2012Wok041.jpg)
198 Proof alcohol assist................. 8)
Quote from: coldkettle on September 23, 2014, 05:38:22 PM
That video points out why I don't use the baskets as lighting devices. 1) he ran his propane for 15 min. With a chimney I run mine for 3-5 min and I am ready to cook in 15-20 min.
2) he had to rotate the charcoal holders to get a even burn. Chimney gives me a nice even burn naturally. Heat rises. But I'm sure there are many ways to get the coals light. Whatever someone feels good doing.
Either his gas isn't working properly, or he's doing something wrong.
Gas and baskets should take five minutes.
Chimney vs baskets, which would be a fun blog... Chimney can produce a hotter load of fuel, but I doubt it's considerably faster than baskets.
Baskets and gas assist are a match made in heaven. They're so versatile.
I want a performer again just so I can get the benefit of those baskets.
Quote from: GregS on September 23, 2014, 08:15:29 AM
i was wondering why people thought you needed a chimney with the gas assist. the baskets were intended to hold the charcoal while you lit them with the gas.
but for once, i kept my mouth shut.
"It's better to remain silent and be thought a fool than open ones mouth and remove all doubt" - Mark Twain
The chimney is actually faster and has more capacity than the baskets.
Quote from: namtrag on September 23, 2014, 05:47:54 PM
Aaagghhh, I'm so confused now! Lol.
As in, why even have the gas assist if you are using a chimney?
The chimney allows for a faster burn and allows you to distribute charcoal by pouring. Like the others have mentioned, You'll get a feel for it. I like to fire up my baskets as my chimney doesn't fit in my craycort grate, and the basket capacity doesn't last that long for lump.
Thanks, guys...my last post was trying to be tongue in cheek, but seriously, I will just need to experiment with the baskets and see how I like that, and probably will pick a chimney up anyway, just to have one!