Minion method

[Caver42]

I feel sure someone else has mentioned this previously but the first couple of times I tried the Minion method I felt less than pleased just raking a hollow in the charcoal, and then somewhere I think I saw the following: Start approximately 20 pieces of charcoal is a chimney starter and light, while the chimney is heating, load the charcoal basket of your WSM and then take an old steel coffee can that has had both the top and bottom removed and insert it empty in the center of the charcoal. Once the chimney is fully heated pour the lit coals into the empty coffee can, with heat resistant gloves or a pair of tongs and gently remove the coffee can. Your lit coals will now be truly centered in your charcoal basket.

[michaelmilitello]

That's mostly the technique I use.  I use a soup can but I take it out before dump my coals in.  Works very well for me.  Consistent burn. 

You can always dump the hot coals on top of the unlit.  That's a simpler but equally effective method. 


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[bamakettles]

Also available and what I use is a minion basket which is basically a small SS ring that sits in the middle of your basket and gives you a place to dump in the hot coals without having to put your hands in and pull out the coffee can.  These are available from Arborfab which is a company that makes all kinds of custom SS items including items for prospecting.  Neat company.....

http://arborfab.com/Grill-Cooker-Accessories_c_45.html

[bamakettles]

Pic of the Arborfab basket and minion ring....


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[Jules V.]

Pic of the Arborfab basket and minion ring....


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Nice baskets. Wonder how long they've been selling those baskets.

[HoosierKettle]

Pic of the Arborfab basket and minion ring....


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Nice baskets. Wonder how long they've been selling those baskets.

They look familiar don't they.


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[bamakettles]

Pic of the Arborfab basket and minion ring....


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Nice baskets. Wonder how long they've been selling those baskets.

Earliest video on YouTube I've seen with this basket is dated June 2018....

[powermatt99]

I've found that just lighting a few cubes in the middle of the basket works better for me than the minion method. I have a much easier time dialing in the temp and, when I use it, my ATC seems to lock in a lot faster. Overall, with the the WSM porous design, I find it easier to stoke a cold fire than choke a hot one.

[WNC]

I just fill the charcoal ring and take a weed/blow torch to the center for a couple of minutes and call it done.


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