Need some decent charcoal

Bluecube

Bluecube

Bluecube

Soldato
Joined
20 Feb 2011
Posts
4,238
What charcoal does everyone use on their barbecue? I've always used instant light charcoal which has been fine but I've been reading that this isn't quite the best stuff to be using due to the accelerant used to ensure it burns.

Also, if you don't use the instant light charcoal, how do you get your barbecue started? Fire lighters?
 
I've been using generic stuff and lit it with paper and some bits of wood but there is a big bbq thread in food section which should have tips.
 
Interesting, first I've heard of that. Seems to me it shouldn't make any difference as long as it's all grey and ashy when you start cooking. Any volatile stuff should be long burned off, but maybe not.

Firelighters are usually a bit of a faff, the liquid stuff I usually find more effective, but both work.
 
Get one of these - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Weber-7416-Chimney-Starter/dp/B000WEOQV8

A friend got one the other week and I've since bought one. They are great for starting charcoal/briquettes and takes far less time than it would on the BBQ. I just fill it up, stick a single piece of fire starter/hexi fuel stuff underneath and light that. In about 10 minutes all the coals are red hot and ready to pour into the BBQ. Definitely money well spent.

EDIT: Learn to refresh before writing reply...
 
I use BigK restaurant grade charcoal as it's usually larger chunks, has no additives and doesn't spark or spit like the cheaper stuff.
+100000 for a Chimney starter - fill with charcoal, two screwed up pieces of newspaper underneath and you're good to go :)
 
Sometimes the chimney gets a little over enthusiastic and its bloody scary trying to empty it whilst it's trying to do an impression of a jet engine.
 
I have the weber one. It's so good when you are doing long bbq's to be able to refresh the charcoal instantly without losing any valuable cooking time and having guests sit around waiting for food.
 
haaammit said:
I use BigK restaurant grade charcoal as it's usually larger chunks, has no additives and doesn't spark or spit like the cheaper stuff.
+100000 for a Chimney starter - fill with charcoal, two screwed up pieces of newspaper underneath and you're good to go :)
Click to expand...

Snap. Catering lump wood charcoal is leagues ahead of briquettes or the lump wood that most places sell. I get bigK from Makro although you do get the odd huge piece that needs breaking down.

I also use a weber chimney starter.
 
I was thinking the same yesterday! Seems everyone must have had their bbq on!

I was under the impression that lumpwood was to be avoided but will give the restaurant grade stuff a go and see how it compares to briquettes.
 
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