Title: Faster charcoal lighting
Post by: Cellar2ful on July 11, 2019, 06:41:51 AM
Post by: Cellar2ful on July 11, 2019, 06:41:51 AM
Go ahead and laugh. I did when I saw a posting of this on a Weber FB site. But then I tried it. From lighting with my plumbers torch to dumping in the charcoal baskets now takes a total of 7 minutes. It shaved roughly 3 minutes off my charcoal lighting time and less smoke. The top chimney is empty and I guess creates a vortex effect, drawing more air up through the briquettes in the lower chimney.
(http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/DSC08086.jpg)
(http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/DSC08086.jpg)
Title: Re: Faster charcoal lighting
Post by: JEBIV on July 11, 2019, 06:51:53 AM
Post by: JEBIV on July 11, 2019, 06:51:53 AM
Makes sense that it works, longer chimney for cleaner burn, also should help to concentrate the heat in the lower chimney creating quicker start, I guess my stay last night at the holiday inn express made me a frickin scientist LOL
Title: Re: Faster charcoal lighting
Post by: PotsieWeber on July 11, 2019, 08:33:27 AM
Post by: PotsieWeber on July 11, 2019, 08:33:27 AM
It also likely achieves a higher heat & more quickly. Early iron & steel furnaces were pretty much an enormous chimney attached to a portion where the actual burning of fuel & melting of metal is occurring.
Title: Re: Faster charcoal lighting
Post by: Firemunkee on July 11, 2019, 09:58:09 AM
Post by: Firemunkee on July 11, 2019, 09:58:09 AM
I'll have to try this! Would it work even better if the top chimney is put on upside down so the vents are at the top?
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Title: Faster charcoal lighting
Post by: Jules V. on July 11, 2019, 11:25:47 AM
Post by: Jules V. on July 11, 2019, 11:25:47 AM
To get a better stack/chimney effect, the wall on the second(top) chimney should be solid and be around 10-12 feet tall. The tall chimney(flue) will ensure that the top has a much lower atmospheric pressure than the bottom. The larger the atmospheric pressure difference between the top & bottom, the more natural up draft will occur.
Title: Re: Faster charcoal lighting
Post by: charred on July 11, 2019, 11:58:14 AM
Post by: charred on July 11, 2019, 11:58:14 AM
why stop at 2?
Title: Re: Faster charcoal lighting
Post by: pancho2017 on July 11, 2019, 06:19:01 PM
Post by: pancho2017 on July 11, 2019, 06:19:01 PM
Stihl leaf blower works great ashed over coals in a few minutes but what's the rush it's summertime?
Title: Re: Faster charcoal lighting
Post by: hawgheaven on July 12, 2019, 05:19:53 AM
Post by: hawgheaven on July 12, 2019, 05:19:53 AM
My go to is a lit can of Sterno under the coal chimney. Just place the Sterno on your cooking grate, light it, then place the chimney on top of it... Lights in minutes.
Title: Re: Faster charcoal lighting
Post by: pjo65 on July 12, 2019, 08:13:35 AM
Post by: pjo65 on July 12, 2019, 08:13:35 AM
Whats the hurry?
When you light it up it's time to relax with a Dry Martini and chill for a while.
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When you light it up it's time to relax with a Dry Martini and chill for a while.
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Title: Re: Faster charcoal lighting
Post by: MacEggs on July 12, 2019, 08:39:15 AM
Post by: MacEggs on July 12, 2019, 08:39:15 AM
Quote from: pjo65 on July 12, 2019, 08:13:35 AMWhats the hurry?
When you light it up it's time to relax with a Dry Martini and chill for a while.
(http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a387/saxart/Grills/Like.jpg) (http://s15.photobucket.com/user/saxart/media/Grills/Like.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Faster charcoal lighting
Post by: crowderjd on July 12, 2019, 04:42:03 PM
Post by: crowderjd on July 12, 2019, 04:42:03 PM
Just tried this myself and holy cow does it work!! Thanks @Cellar2ful !
Title: Re: Faster charcoal lighting
Post by: Schaefd2 on July 14, 2019, 09:34:22 AM
Post by: Schaefd2 on July 14, 2019, 09:34:22 AM
Quote from: PotsieWeber on July 11, 2019, 08:33:27 AMYou do realize that adding more stacked chimneys is the only true method of reaching "higher" heat.
It also likely achieves a higher heat....
<\sarcasm>
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Title: Re: Faster charcoal lighting
Post by: Cellar2ful on July 15, 2019, 07:05:03 PM
Post by: Cellar2ful on July 15, 2019, 07:05:03 PM
Quote from: Firemunkee on July 11, 2019, 09:58:09 AM
I'll have to try this! Would it work even better if the top chimney is put on upside down so the vents are at the top?
Yes, it does work better. Tonight I flipped the top chimney so the vents were at the top. Lit the briquettes, went in and set my timer for 8 minutes. Went out at and checked at 7 minutes and the briquettes were so well lit, when I removed the top chimney, flames and sparks were shooting out of it. I never would have thought of trying that. Figures a Fireman would figured that out. Thanks.
I have two other chimneys in addition to these two. Four chimney stack = under 5 minutes possibly?
Title: Re: Faster charcoal lighting
Post by: 1spacemanspiff on July 15, 2019, 08:19:56 PM
Post by: 1spacemanspiff on July 15, 2019, 08:19:56 PM
Thanks for the heads up, Fastest I've ever lit Weber coals
Title: Re: Faster charcoal lighting
Post by: bladz on July 16, 2019, 03:32:34 AM
Post by: bladz on July 16, 2019, 03:32:34 AM
Quote from: 1spacemanspiff on July 15, 2019, 08:19:56 PM
Thanks for the heads up, Fastest I've ever lit Weber coals
Me too. It's really amazing how fast it fully lit.
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Title: Re: Faster charcoal lighting
Post by: Firemunkee on July 16, 2019, 06:47:57 PM
Post by: Firemunkee on July 16, 2019, 06:47:57 PM
Thanks for reporting! I haven't grilled since then so I never got to try it.
There's only one way to find out how fast 4 chimneys will light
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There's only one way to find out how fast 4 chimneys will light
Quote from: Cellar2ful on July 15, 2019, 07:05:03 PMQuote from: Firemunkee on July 11, 2019, 09:58:09 AM
I'll have to try this! Would it work even better if the top chimney is put on upside down so the vents are at the top?
Yes, it does work better. Tonight I flipped the top chimney so the vents were at the top. Lit the briquettes, went in and set my timer for 8 minutes. Went out at and checked at 7 minutes and the briquettes were so well lit, when I removed the top chimney, flames and sparks were shooting out of it. I never would have thought of trying that. Figures a Fireman would figured that out. Thanks.
I have two other chimneys in addition to these two. Four chimney stack = under 5 minutes possibly?
Sent from my Pixel using Weber Kettle Club mobile app (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=91018)
Title: Re: Faster charcoal lighting
Post by: stubblebum on July 17, 2019, 12:30:32 PM
Post by: stubblebum on July 17, 2019, 12:30:32 PM
I once saw an article in newspaper where the writer stated that they put the cardboard center of a paper towel roll in the center of a charcoal starter to increase airflow. It said this reduced time by 1/3 to 1/2 compared to just using chimney. I always remember this and think I will try it, but never get around to it. I guess I just figure cardboard tube would burn quickly and charcoal would collapse into space leaving air flow same as without tube.
Title: Re: Faster charcoal lighting
Post by: Cellar2ful on July 18, 2019, 07:18:02 PM
Post by: Cellar2ful on July 18, 2019, 07:18:02 PM
I stacked three chimneys tonight lighting my charcoal. At the most, it may have shaved another 30 seconds off the lighting time or it could have been that I used Weber briquettes tonight vs Kingsford the last time. Think I'll stay with the double stack.
(http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/DSC08690.jpg)
Title: Re: Faster charcoal lighting
Post by: dazzo on July 18, 2019, 08:06:26 PM
Post by: dazzo on July 18, 2019, 08:06:26 PM
"So, how did the fence catch fire again?"
"Well, there were these six foot flames, then, shit, ... "
I've used a four foot section of 4" duct. Sends smoke higher, and then really pulls air thru.
"Well, there were these six foot flames, then, shit, ... "
I've used a four foot section of 4" duct. Sends smoke higher, and then really pulls air thru.
Title: Re: Faster charcoal lighting
Post by: bear on July 18, 2019, 09:43:01 PM
Post by: bear on July 18, 2019, 09:43:01 PM
Definitely works. I had these taller ones made for me. Significantly faster due to height.
Standard height generic Aussie brand for comparison (https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190719/fef11a0e0d0ec9cc5124c3bfbc4e7d17.jpg)
Standard height generic Aussie brand for comparison (https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190719/fef11a0e0d0ec9cc5124c3bfbc4e7d17.jpg)
Title: Re: Faster charcoal lighting
Post by: Hollando on July 19, 2019, 03:15:35 AM
Post by: Hollando on July 19, 2019, 03:15:35 AM
Quote from: bear on July 18, 2019, 09:43:01 PMThese are awesome
Definitely works. I had these taller ones made for me. Significantly faster due to height.
Standard height generic Aussie brand for comparison (https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190719/fef11a0e0d0ec9cc5124c3bfbc4e7d17.jpg)
-H
Title: Re: Faster charcoal lighting
Post by: JEBIV on July 19, 2019, 03:57:50 AM
Post by: JEBIV on July 19, 2019, 03:57:50 AM
Quote from: bear on July 18, 2019, 09:43:01 PMDamn @bear those are bad ass chimneys
Definitely works. I had these taller ones made for me. Significantly faster due to height.
Standard height generic Aussie brand for comparison (https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190719/fef11a0e0d0ec9cc5124c3bfbc4e7d17.jpg)
Title: Re: Faster charcoal lighting
Post by: ReanimatedRobot on July 19, 2019, 04:25:54 AM
Post by: ReanimatedRobot on July 19, 2019, 04:25:54 AM
Quote from: bear on July 18, 2019, 09:43:01 PM
Definitely works. I had these taller ones made for me. Significantly faster due to height.
Standard height generic Aussie brand for comparison (https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190719/fef11a0e0d0ec9cc5124c3bfbc4e7d17.jpg)
I knew before this was done we were going to see some kind of wild homemade chimney and you didn't disappoint. haha. They do look killer though. Do those hold about the same amount as a regular chimney or more? Next I almost expect someone to have custom made chimney with a 6 foot stack and a gas burner underneath that gets light time down to 3 minutes.
Title: Re: Faster charcoal lighting
Post by: bear on July 19, 2019, 04:40:23 AM
Post by: bear on July 19, 2019, 04:40:23 AM
Gas burner for ignition (https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190719/4bd7b6bdf13ccf1bcaede5caa3bfc468.jpg)
Title: Re: Faster charcoal lighting
Post by: Shoestringshop on July 19, 2019, 05:35:12 AM
Post by: Shoestringshop on July 19, 2019, 05:35:12 AM
Quote from: JEBIV on July 11, 2019, 06:51:53 AM
Makes sense that it works, longer chimney for cleaner burn, also should help to concentrate the heat in the lower chimney creating quicker start, I guess my stay last night at the holiday inn express made me a frickin scientist LOL
Lol I'll try that if I have no wind (Wood deck) @JEBIV You on your way to meetup?
Title: Re: Faster charcoal lighting
Post by: JEBIV on July 19, 2019, 06:11:23 AM
Post by: JEBIV on July 19, 2019, 06:11:23 AM
Quote from: Shoestringshop on July 19, 2019, 05:35:12 AM@Shoestringshop leaving between noon and 2 07/25Quote from: JEBIV on July 11, 2019, 06:51:53 AM
Makes sense that it works, longer chimney for cleaner burn, also should help to concentrate the heat in the lower chimney creating quicker start, I guess my stay last night at the holiday inn express made me a frickin scientist LOL
Lol I'll try that if I have no wind (Wood deck) @JEBIV You on your way to meetup?
Title: Re: Faster charcoal lighting
Post by: Jules V. on July 19, 2019, 10:03:34 AM
Post by: Jules V. on July 19, 2019, 10:03:34 AM
Rarely use a chimney but when i do, the coals get lit in short order using a customized 100k btu wok burner.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190719/081066fa2cfae6f9bf8bd1c2801bde15.jpg)
https://youtu.be/Q32QH3O7Z40
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190719/081066fa2cfae6f9bf8bd1c2801bde15.jpg)
https://youtu.be/Q32QH3O7Z40
Title: Re: Faster charcoal lighting
Post by: Firemunkee on August 02, 2019, 09:01:37 AM
Post by: Firemunkee on August 02, 2019, 09:01:37 AM
I finally got around to trying this. It works! 
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Title: Faster charcoal lighting
Post by: HoosierKettle on August 02, 2019, 09:18:27 AM
Post by: HoosierKettle on August 02, 2019, 09:18:27 AM
Cool. I'll have to try that sometime.
My routine is pretty polished at this point. I light a half chimney of fresh coal and add to the used coal already in the grill. A half chimney lights in no time and in turn doesn't take any time to ignite the used coal I'm spreading over.
Sent from my iPhone using Weber Kettle Club mobile app (https://siteowners.tapatalk.com/byo/displayAndDownloadByoApp?rid=91018)
My routine is pretty polished at this point. I light a half chimney of fresh coal and add to the used coal already in the grill. A half chimney lights in no time and in turn doesn't take any time to ignite the used coal I'm spreading over.
Sent from my iPhone using Weber Kettle Club mobile app (https://siteowners.tapatalk.com/byo/displayAndDownloadByoApp?rid=91018)
Title: Re: Faster charcoal lighting
Post by: Firemunkee on August 02, 2019, 10:35:53 AM
Post by: Firemunkee on August 02, 2019, 10:35:53 AM
I'll definitely try that next time. Thanks for sharing the tip!
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Quote from: HoosierKettle on August 02, 2019, 09:18:27 AM
Cool. I'll have to try that sometime.
My routine is pretty polished at this point. I light a half chimney of fresh coal and add to the used coal already in the grill. A half chimney lights in no time and in turn doesn't take any time to ignite the used coal I'm spreading over.
Sent from my iPhone using Weber Kettle Club mobile app (https://siteowners.tapatalk.com/byo/displayAndDownloadByoApp?rid=91018)
Sent from my Pixel using Weber Kettle Club mobile app (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=91018)