Where do you light your charcoal

[Will the Grill]

Just curious, where does everyone light their charcoal. I've picked up in a few threads that some of you are lighting your charcoal baskets on the side. I've always lit a few coals (about 10) and placed them in a hole or depression in the center of my basket. Lately I've just been using a torch and just lighting a few in the center. Does it make a difference. I've been having some trouble with the temp spiking after I open the lid. I would love to know what you guys are doing

 

[Kevinish]

Yes, if you have issues keeping the temps down, definitely try lighting it in the corner. The reason is this.... When you drop hot coals in the center they are touching many more unlit coals than if they were on the edge. Those unlit coals then light and you see a spike in temps.

Try lighting your 10 coals, but them putting them in a depression on the very side of the basket and see how it goes.

 

[Bigfish]

Yes, if you have issues keeping the temps down, definitely try lighting it in the corner. The reason is this.... When you drop hot coals in the center they are touching many more unlit coals than if they were on the edge. Those unlit coals then light and you see a spike in temps.

Try lighting your 10 coals, but them putting them in a depression on the very side of the basket and see how it goes.

Kevinish responded to one of my posts last week with the same recommendation and I tried it on Saturday. I lite approximately 10 coals in a Weber Chimney and placed them on one side of the coal basket. I had no problems maintaining a grate level temperature (measured by Maverick 732) in the range of 225 to 235. Someone also posted to try closing the bottom vents and top vent just prior to removing the lid. This should also help reduce the normal temperature spike from opening the lid.

 

[scooter]

I light my briquets using a weber chimney over a turkey fryer base (big propane burner). It's the Cadillac of coal starters IMO. From cold to ready to put on the unlit coals in 10 mins!
Also, closing the vents then slightly lifting the lid and slide off to the side, not just lifting it up and off. Remember to open all vents again. Made that mistake more than once!!

 

[Will the Grill]

I light my briquets using a weber chimney over a turkey fryer base (big propane burner).

This is how I always lighted my charcoal, I just started lately using a small propane torch to light a few in the center of the basket. I've found it to be just as quick and I don't have to lug a propane tank and turkey friar to competitions. When I'm at home I use the side burner on my propane grill to light the coals. I'm planning on smoking a small pork belly I have curing for bacon this weekend. I'm gonna try lighting the side of the basket instead of the middle and see if it helps.

 

[scooter]

I think BP does that same thing with the torch. Take some pics of your next experiment!

 

[Big Poppa]

I usually now use one of the litle hand helds...the biggest mistake people make is

1. lighting too much and not being patient for that extra 5 minutes

2. not putting enough charcoal in the basket.

 

[Will the Grill]

I fired up the smoker this weekend. I made bacon yesterday and lit the charcoal on the side of the basket and it did hold the temp better.