Fluid or Not

[ryno5000]

Does anyone here use charcoal fluid? I use a chimney starter but still give it a shot of fluid if I'm in a hurry or if its a little rainy/snowing. I never taste fluid on my food. Recently I made a comment on the Weber fb page about using fluid and people kind of jumped on me..lol...I taught myself how to grill through much trial and error so my way may not be the best way. What is the consensus here? I really want to make sure I'm using the best method.

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[kettlebb]

The best method Is the one which works for you. I personally don't use it but I've been to cookouts where it was used. I noticed the difference but I don't think they let the coals ash over and the fluid burn off.


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[Dc_smoke309]

I do not use it either , but then again when I grill I'm NEVER in a hurry !!!!! But yea man whatever works best for you. Chimneys do take time but it's worth the wait!


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[Lemans]

Chimney and starter cubes are the way to go. Lighter fluid. Is like riding a bicycle with training wheels!! IMHO


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[Troy]

Fluid is fine as long as it is used properly.
There are certainly BETTER ways to light your charcoal ... but we chose our techniques and tactics based on personal preference, not herd mentality and cult snobbery.

I personally use chimneys and starter cubes, as it's the most time AND cost effective.
I keep a bottle of fluid around for fun, though. The smells of it burning brings back feelings of nostalgia, and that makes me smile.

[mdb240]

Does anyone here use charcoal fluid? I use a chimney starter but still give it a shot of fluid if I'm in a hurry or if its a little rainy/snowing. I never taste fluid on my food. Recently I made a comment on the Weber fb page about using fluid and people kind of jumped on me..lol...I taught myself how to grill through much trial and error so my way may not be the best way. What is the consensus here? I really want to make sure I'm using the best method.

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Hahah that was totally me that asked you what the deal was!! I didn't mean any harm, I was just curious as that is my nature of asking questions.  Too funny though

[Raindog]

Haven't used fluid for many many years.  I like the electric element starter but have used the chimney on  occasion (when power was out) Have eaten food off of a fluid started fire recently at a work function and the smell brought back memories but like previous poster said I don't think they let it burn off long enough. It may not have been so noticeable on beef or pork but I swear I could taste it on that chicken...

[ryno5000]

Does anyone here use charcoal fluid? I use a chimney starter but still give it a shot of fluid if I'm in a hurry or if its a little rainy/snowing. I never taste fluid on my food. Recently I made a comment on the Weber fb page about using fluid and people kind of jumped on me..lol...I taught myself how to grill through much trial and error so my way may not be the best way. What is the consensus here? I really want to make sure I'm using the best method.

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Hahah that was totally me that asked you what the deal was!! I didn't mean any harm, I was just curious as that is my nature of asking questions.  Too funny though

Small world..lol..but you got me thinking. My last cook I made burgers and didn't use fluid. It did seem like it took about twice as long. I appreciate you asking me...How do you learn if nobody ever challenges you to think?

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[ryno5000]

Fluid is fine as long as it is used properly.
There are certainly BETTER ways to light your charcoal ... but we chose our techniques and tactics based on personal preference, not herd mentality and cult snobbery.

I personally use chimneys and starter cubes, as it's the most time AND cost effective.
I keep a bottle of fluid around for fun, though. The smells of it burning brings back feelings of nostalgia, and that makes me smile.

The smell does take me back to being a kid! I never thought of that but it's true.

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[bigssa]

I like using a chimney over the side burner of my Genesis gasser, it gets them going pretty quickly.
Another trick that I tried when I was bored was to start the chimney with a cube and after a minute use a leaf blower (electric) to get the oxygen to the fire. That really got the coals going quickly and fully ashes within 3 or 4 mins. But only did it once for shits and giggles.

[HoosierKettle]

What Troy said. I quit using lighter fluid because I'm a cheap skate. If I'm in a hurry, I use my garage weber and get it going promptly with the aid of the air compressor. I find that more fun.


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[TexasOnion]

another possible method is put newspaper under your chimney. squirt some lighter fluid on the paper and pour charcoal into the chimney afterward and light

[einrej]

I just use my Harbor Fright torch for 2 to 3 minutes.... Done
                                                         Works every time, even the center of the pile.

[CarrieAnn]

I don't use fluid because I don't like the taste it can leave if you don't completely burn it off but my other reason is better. I've been bbqing with my daughters since they were pretty small and I don't use fluid because I am concerned about the flammability. It's generally stored near the grill -logical, that's where you're using it!- and the whooshing flame it generally gives it pretty impressive. But used improperly or by "curious young hands" it is quite dangerous and frankly, my personal anxiety level couldn't handle worrying about my kids getting into it and hurting themselves.

I have damn near burned myself with it and I'm a grown ass woman who knows what she is doing. I didn't want my kids getting hurt too. I'm a worry wart. Not buying and using it was an easy decision for me.

Not saying it's bad! Just bad for me and honestly, I've never seen anyone set themselves in fire with a lighter cube.


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[hawgheaven]

I never use fluid. When I'm at home, I use my weed burner. When I'm traveling, I use a Sterno can under my chimney.