Gas assist alternative:
I made a post recently about wanting to upgrading to a performer.
I have a one touch platinum with side table that is in great shape:
I light my chimneys with starter cubes and it works fine, but I feel this urge to upgrade to Gas Assist performer. Why? because I’m a man child and I want all the cool toys!
The nagging thought that gas assist will get me going faster drives me crazy.
Am I Crazy? Is there a significant difference in time using gas vs basic starter cubes?
I'm dabbling with buying a new one and selling this one but the likely cost difference of over $200 just for gas assist just isn’t worth it in my opinion.
I’ve been waiting for a local performer on Craigslist but there haven’t been any that have panned out.
If I had a legitimate cost effective Gas Assist Alternative that was as fast and nearly as easy then I think I would learn to deal with what I already have.
The Grill(s) are close to the house and with a toddler & a dog with no sense of self preservation roaming around I have ruled out turkey fryer burner and weed burner.
While the idea of Drilling the kettle and adding the gas assist burner is temping, the parts cost and, potential issues with drilling make this not viable for me.
This leaves me with the following alternatives:
Hand Torch ($20-50)
I know some people use a standard hand torch and use that to light their coals. Can you light a weber chimney with a hand torch or do you simply light the pile/basket of coals and wait?
How does this compare to gas assist with with heat output and lighting time?
Has Anyone mounted one for permanent use or to use long enough to light coal without holding in hand?
Perhaps something like this
Combined with this
Anyone ever use the swivel style? Any Advantage?
Does the $50 MAP gas torch light coals faster significantly then the $20 basic propane torch?
Outdoor Torch ($40-50)
Is type of torch Better for lighting a weber chimney with this torch or do you simply light the pile/basket of coals and wait?
My Gas Grill doesn't have a side burner but in keeping with that mind set what about a camp stove?
$25
$40
Anyone have any experience using any of these with a chimney?
I think if I used the standing cylinder, I might want to place the chimney on a supported grate just above the burner as placing the chimney directly on top of the cylinder could become a top heavy batch of flaming coals on top of a propane cylinder which might not be the smartest idea.
I would love to hear feedback on any of these set ups.
Again if your opinion is I should just KISS and use the starter cubes I would love to hear that too.
Thanks.