Charcoal lighting on performer

[HoosierKettle]

My process is screwed up. First time I used the performer I used a chimney. Second time I look and see old coal on the grate.  I just added a little coal and lit it right on the grate for a direct cook tonight.  (Just getting started tonight). Anyways this gas assist thing throws options and monkey wrenches into something I've been doing forever. In a good way as I had no option but the chimney before.

Question is what do you guys usually do. Always light a chimney?  Light from baskets?  Light directly off grate then place in baskets or not?


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[magonzo]

I still use the chimney for most cooks.  I tried the baskets, and it seemed to take much longer to get all of the charcoal going for a direct cook.  On some slow cooks, I will use the basket but just light one end to get a low and slow fire going.

[SteveMBH]

I use a chimney over the burner tube most of the time.  It helps measure how much charcoal you are using and it's easy to dump out the coal.


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[MINIgrillin]

Chimney. I cut the vented area off the chimney to get the fire closer to the coals. Seems to work faster. I usually only run the gas for 5 minutes or so then let the chimney do the work.

I don't use old coals on the bottom of chimney. I feel like it doesn't allow for good airflow and takes a bit longer. I place some new coals in the bottom 1/4 then fill with the old coal. Or I knock the fur off the old coals, make a bed of em, then throw half a chimney on top of em.

Lol! More options for ya. My bad

[kettlebb]

I always use a chimney in any kettle. Exception to this rule of mine is when doing low n slow in the SnS. Then I put 6-8 coals in a stack over the burner tube and light them.


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[Skinsfan1311]

I light charcoal the old-fashioned way, in a pyramid shaped pile over the burner.   The only time I use the chimney starter is when I'm cooking "hot and fast" on the SnS.    In that case, I only light the gas for a couple of minutes.   I do the same as MINIgrillin does, in that I'll put new charcoal on the bottom, and top it off with used.

After reading this thread, however, I may re-consider and start using the chimney more often.

[HoosierKettle]

Wow!  Great responses. I think I'll probably end using the chimney more often than not so I'm using a measured amount of coal like I have always done.

I'm still cooking. The wife said to fire up the grill for pork chops so I fired up the performer. Then went inside and saw she had plenty of veggies for me to cook as well. I used the match light in another chimney to fire up the ots. Matchlight came with the performer




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[Geezer]

I have used the gas assist a couple of times and I prefer to just use the chimney.  I see the gas assist as just a gimmick.  I have started using the lighter cubes with the chimney and kinda like those.

[Erich]

I start coals on my performer in a chimney most of the time.  In the charcoal baskets when I use them , or inside the vortex on the charcoal grate.

Depends on the type of cook I have goin' on

[HoosierKettle]

Damn. All these options. I'm going to have to re learn how to grill lol


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[kettlebb]

I'm out of gas now so I'm back to lighter cubes. I really don't notice a difference in gas assist or lighter cubes. Matter of pushing a button or using a lighter IMO. Do what you like bro, we've seen your food, you know how to start fire.


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[HoosierKettle]

I'm out of gas now so I'm back to lighter cubes. I really don't notice a difference in gas assist or lighter cubes. Matter of pushing a button or using a lighter IMO. Do what you like bro, we've seen your food, you know how to start fire.


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Thanks man, I appreciate it. Bells and whistles are just that. Kettle cooking is fantastic no matter how the fire is lit.


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[RSHU]

Chimney on top of the charcoal grate for 3 minutes is good enough for me...the 1 lb propane tank lasts a long time. Its really useful when I need to fire more coals up for the WSM.

[blksabbath]

I flipped the charcoal holder upside down in a chimney which puts the coals really close to the flame.  It fires up a bit quicker.  A baby chimney works very well too an provides enough to fill one basket if you are cooking small.


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[jeffrackmo]

Coals in the Chimney and then over the gas assist.  Press the button and in minutes, I shut down the gas.  Then pour into the baskets or my poor-tex.

Just my $.02.

YMMV

Jeff