The Best Charcoal Chimney Starters for At-Home Grilling Projects
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- Опубліковано 12 вер 2024
- Equipment expert Adam Ried shows host Julia Collin Davison his top pick of chimney starters.
Buy our winning chimney starter: amzn.to/2Wu3bUC
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The price for the winner is actually about $30+/-. The Weber rapid fire mini is about $14 (smaller and no helper handle)
$20 on the Lowe's Website.
I paid $16 for mine
@@BIGMASTERJ $16 for the large capacity version with the handle?
30? I have never seen it that high
They’re up to about $25 these days, but they we’re around $20 in the last year or two.
I’ve got one of those, it’s awesome.
Me too, those are the best. I love that chimney starter and I wouldn't use any other now.
Agreed.
I love my Weber fire starter. For complete disclosure, I do think you should have spoken about the features of the bbq dragon, which has a fan attachment which lights the coals much faster. I still love my Weber but would have liked for you to speak about the pros and cons of that starter.
I love your equipment reviews. I have already bought quite a few of them, including this one, and I can't be more satisfied with your choices. Thank you for guiding us in such a great way. You guys are the best.
the fagor is excellent
I have the Weber Rapid Fire. It is terrific. I knew George Stephen, who invented the Weber.
Love these equipment test. Thanks
I have that same charcoal starter come to think of it I have two one in the trailer on at the house but I don’t use paper I put it on the side burner of my gas grill to get it going or on top of a Coleman stove when I’m camping
That is cheating, but I do the same thing.
In fact, I turned that divider over, so the charcoal
is closer to the flame, as well as getting more
charcoal in there.
Oh, a turkey fryer burner, MUCH faster than the
side burner.
steve
The square one folds and has a grate for use when camping/backpacking adding a lot of versatility. The BBQ Dragon one is designed to work with their fan that makes a huge difference in lighting time, however that apparatus takes up some internal real estate which accounts for the smaller volume of charcoal. You should at least mention things like this in your review so your consumers are fully educated.
If you read the actual review, and not just watch the free "highlight reel," they do mention it. They wrote: "The pipe can also be used to hold an attachable fan (for an additional $50.00) that supposedly blows air over the coals to speed up the process." As for "the square one" (the Outset Collapsible Camping Grill and Chimney Starter), it came in second place in the test and earned a "Recommended" rating. They wrote: "it was easy to light and had a comfortable handle and secondary helper handle to support its weight and guide pouring. It also came with a second grate that can be placed on top of the starter to turn it into a mini grill; we did not test this feature."
@@seikibrian8641 "fan that supposedly blows air" why do I detect doubt?
@@AnimeReference Since they didn't try it, they couldn't verify the claim. (I think, though, that the "supposedly" was in reference to the "speed up the process" claim.)
Anyone else questioning the durability of a rather expensive fan in such a hot environment? Add the cost of that chimney and their fan and many people would laugh. Two better options are to a) buy a small battery powered handheld fan and aim it at the chimney and b) follow Alton’s advice and spritz some cooking oil on the paper before crumpling it.
@@mikecumbo7531 Yeah, the fan seems like a solution looking for a problem. I've never had a problem with just using the Weber chimney with either crumpled newspaper, wood-fiber and paraffin fire cubes, or an electric chimney starter like this one:
www.farmandfleet.com/products/475860-char-broil-electric-charcoal-lighter.html
my first weber starter lasted me approximately 40 years. that was sitting outdoors. I just replaced last summer.
I have the Weber one got it at The Home Depot and they have a mini one too. I just get everything from Weber. Oxo grill products are nice too
Here’s a tip: Don’t use newspaper to light the charcoal because it is possible if there is even a slight breeze out burning bits of paper can fly off (that has happen to me in the past). Instead use either paraffin cubes (Weber brand, about $3 for 12) or Royal Oak charcoal makes something called “Tumbleweeds” which as the name implies is little bundles of wood fibers coated with paraffin. Much safe, inexpensive and very efficient!
I use pinecones. They're everywhere in our backyard.
Love this channel. Learned something new, or just the science behind something informative.
Always a pleasure. You do all the tests, we get results.
We have the Weber also! It's fantastic. I recommend it to all sorts of random people
made one in 10 minutes out of a furnace pipe 6 in. the handle is a chunk of 1 in branch from the brush pile a little wire and 2 strips of metal that were stuck to the pipe some bracket . excited to see how it works.
I’ve had Weber forever. Durable don’t have to baby it. I say get large one because you can use it as a grill for super hot grill really great for a char steaks especially for a party of one or two. Also recommend getting the lighter cubes which you can go generic at any home improvement store
I actually use a small propane torch, the kind with a handle that contains a push button lighter. Blow flame from the bottom, moving it around for about a minute or so. Set it and forget it until the charcoal is ready.
They didn't mention on the square orange one that it folds flat and has a grill grate on top so you can sear things really easy. I've got one for car camping. Since it folds flat its perfect for that purpose, and you can always pour from the corner. It would be nice if it had a heatshield though.
I own both the Weber model you rated number 1 and the BBQ Dragon. I don't own the BBQ dragon attachment blower but I do use a small handheld leaf blower that works great with it. With that combo I can easily ready my coals in 1/3 the time the webber takes. Partly because it holds less charcoal and secondly because the additional air flow is MUCH more effective. However, the build quality of the weber is better than the Dragon. I'm on my 2nd dragon and they seem to last me about 2-3 years each. I live in snow country so grilling is only a 3 season affair. I have used the leaf blower trick with the Weber and it does improve it's lighting time but not like the Dragon which is specifically built to use forced air ventilation.
If you have a Weber kettle just know when your chimney is wore out the handle unscrews from the chimney and the same as most lid handles.
It’s a twofer!
I prefer the chimneys that have the round holes in the bottom section. Why? It has to do with how I use the newspaper. Instead of "crumpling" the newspaper, I fan-fold 4 full-size sheets of newsprint (without the glossy finish) with approx 1" folds and stuff each end through the holes while stuffing the centers in between. The fan-fold provides a high surface area for fool-proof light (where a "crumple" doesn't), and the paper sticking out of the holes provides "wicks" to light the fire. Then I add what coals were left over from the previous cook and add new coals on top. Sure, it may be "only" 5 quarts, but the smaller chimney is easier to handle, and I can always add more charcoal after I've dumped the lit coals into the grill. After all, you just need to "start" the coals, and not fully bring the coals to cherry-red in the chimney. This also helps your chimney last longer by not subjecting it to the relatively higher-temperature heat; they''ll all (even the added coals) will ash-over in the grill.
i've been using the Weber one for 11 years. One of the rivets rusted out, i replaced it with a bolt/nut and it's still rocking. Search for the Alton Brown video where he actually cooks his steak directly over top the chimney.
I love this show!
I work in a restaurant I use this every day to start my fire it’s awesome
Mine is homemade: 4 panels tapering from about 10-11 inches at the bottom to about 7-8 inches at the top. 2 or 3 pop rivets per seam. one small "foot" per corner. Put four crumpled sheets of newsprint in the bottom, fill it with charcoal and you got yerself a FIRE. I put a steel wire bail on mine to pull it out once the fire got going.
Have Weber’s and ok joe 1/2 time love them all.
Amazing bit of equipment
Great information
I wish theyd do grill gloves be and oven mitts. I'm having a hard time getting a good pair of either..
I reiterate! I just melted an oven mitt I just purchased that was supposed to be heat resist up to 500 degrees or so the lable said.. I was lifting a heavy cast iron skillet out of the oven. I know it wasn't near 500 degrees. But it the 3rd time I've melted such a mitt with the same pot..
Never used a glove grilling but I bet a welding glove from home depot would do the trick. Inexpensive and built for the heat
@@braddavis8822 If that happen it was not 100% silicone and weight does impart more heat to a contact surface. Wielding gloves as Soto suggested or insulated leather work gloves, either one in concert with a pair of decent pot holders should be fine. Other than that for true high temp gloves your going to pay about $100+ a pair for gloves meant for handling molten metals.
Empty metal coffee can with holes drilled around the lower 3rd works fine for me . Recycled and eco friendly .
The Weber is best !!
Sold! I have the smaller one wood handled one, and not only does the whole middle of the thing glow reddish orange when in use, but it RUSTS because the metal is weakened!
How does the winner compare as far as holding up with regular use? I need a new one before mine falls apart. 😢
I would much prefer the Dragon BBQ one, but it is very rarely available where I live. It can be fitted with a fan that speeds up the process of getting embers considerably. The funnel built into the base also makes it much easier to use other fire starters than crumpled paper as you have a solid base to put your starter on that keeps it close to the coals.
The size argument is to me a nonsense argument, everyone who grills a fair amount knows that lump charcoal is the way to go if you want high heat and briquettes are for when you need lower heat but longer cook time. If you need something in between, just mix briquettes and lump charcoal.
Damnnnn now the Weber Rapid Fire cost bout $30-$35 bucks! I think you guys have the price for the small one tho, not the larger one you used on this episode
Well, I would have to disagree with you on this one. Char-Griller and also Pit Boss Charcoal Chimney Starters have a bottom dump, starter that is way better and safer than the ones you have to pour out. I didn`t see any bottom dump starters in your lineup and they certainly were available at the time of your recording.
I love Webber!
I love my Weber chimney starter. But where did you find them at $14.99? Everywhere I see them they are $19.99.
I actually want to use propane and propane accessories..
One simple design change could have made the square one much better. Just put the handle mounts on a corner. Then you'd be pouring out of a precise pitcher. Better than the rest.
As a kid in the 60's - when you could get real 3lb coffee cans - we cut off both ends of the can. Then use a can opener to put a series of triangle holes around the bottom. Put in the grill, add some oiled paper to the bottom and fill with charcoal. Light the paper thru a hole and Bob's your uncle. Need a bigger hotter fire? Yup, we'd pull out a second can. :-D Pair of bent pipe pliers pulled the hot cans out of the grill. Then arrange coals. The plastic coffee containers today just don't hold up to this use. ;-)
19:99 at the local home depot. Can't find it for 14:99, even with the link. This video made the price go up, the info was worth it.
Price has been higher everywhere for the past few years. I think they made a mistake in price listed.
They might be giving the price for Weber's smaller chimney
I have the Weber RapidFire Chimney
Hello. I have been looking for a recipe from the South, my grandma used to make it for me. I want to know if you know about this or can get it for me. And the recipe is called Cream potatoes & peas. My favorite. By the way my grandma was born in Louisiana with 15 brothers & sisters. I keep asking cooks who have programs and I guess it is not important enough or can't find it. Anything would help. Like the recipe or sorry we looked but could not find it. And thanks in advance.
Did you test the dragon with the fan?
I have one with the plastic handle and round design
🙄Can someone please tell me Why Julia looks wayyyy younger than she did decades ago???🔥🔥🔥
There is a picture of her somewhere aging instead! "Maybe in a Cook Book!"
It’s her new hair style
@@rickywells8469
🤷🏽♀️I need a new hairstyle..😁😂😂😂
Its call botox and a face-lift
@John Oyer absululty
Fantastic very tasty 👌
You didn't think to pour the square charcoal starter from the corner? Test it! When you pour coffee into your head, do you have to use the bit of the rim opposite to the handle??? Try the corner. It's a spout! The round ones are better, but not for your stated reason. They light the charcoal evenly. Come on guys! If you pour the charcoal from the bit of the rim directly opposite the handle, you are also putting your hand above the heat.
hi
Or you can light firestarters like Weber Lighter Cubes or Royal Oak Tumbleweeds and place the chimney on top
I don't think the size matters that much. If your starter is smaller you just put more charcoal on top after emptying the starter, it's not like you have to use the starter twice.
The cheapest fire starter is a couple of sheets of paper towel covered in drippings from your last BBQ.
The collasible one is TRASH. It rusted out in 4 months. I mean COMPLETELY RUSTED, like a '72 Vega. And the handle melted.
I also had the 'beefy one', he favors -- it rusted also, and some of the handle rivets popped.
I searched for a STAINLESS STEEL one, bcuz I got tired of wasting money.
I got the OKLAHOMA JOE XL FIRESTARTER. Absolutely the best, incredible build quality.
Good luck finding one, they're always sold out/backorder.
it costs 26$ in 2022
Julia looks younger with that hair-style.
5/27/2022
Amazon price $26.00 to $54.00 for the same one
$14.99? Where in the world has it ever been this price?
The $14'.99 version is the COMPACT (no extra handle and smaller). The one you show in this segment is actually $30. I'm a little disappointed in ATK.
Weber. Hmm, they must know a thing about grilling with charcoal
Where is the Oklahoma Joe Halftime XL? This is a new review so why not feature some new choices?
The square ones pour fine, just hold it with the corner down
That's what I hate about charcoal bbq vs gas ones , so much hassle to get it right DAMN it !!!
DON'T BUY A CHARCOAL STARTER FROM WALMART! The rivits that hold the bottom on will fall apart after a few times of starting a fire. I almost burnt my legs and took it back and the second one did it too. The brand is called "Expert Grill". I hope I saved you a nasty burn.
I have that one and I Hadent had that problem
These are all too small for dutchovening. You need a whole lot of charcoal all at once (esp. if you are doing 2 or 3 large ones). We have a 10 gal. bucket with a steel grate welded inside and a chunk cut out of the side near the bottom for airflow and cleanout afterwards. It works great and it's been used for decades. My grandpa made/gave it as a gift. Going to have to make another one since it's starting to get holes (after ~30 years of use).
I use lighter fluid
👍 👍 👍
Amazon selling for 26.99 now :(
Nothing to disagree with here
I just use a little chunk of fatlighter under lump charcoal. No need for a gadget. Briquettes are disgusting, thats why hank went propane.
Like everything, these doubled in price. In two years.
Just checked. $26.99 on Amazon...
Lighter fluid burns or boils off entirely well before the coals are ready for cooking.
I want to taste the meat, not the heat
If you shouldn't use lighter fluid, why does lighter fluid exist?
I prefer lighter fluid.
And yet somehow the $8 one I got at Aldi gets the job done, all without a helper bar and with a handle I suspect Julia would proclaim "not substantial at all!" And maybe, just maybe, some people don't have a giant charcoal grill and don't need a monstrous 7 quarts of coal.
Fun fact: The diameter of the winning model isn't significantly larger than the others, only taller, so those extra 2 quarts of coal at the top are going to take far longer to ash over since it burns from the bottom up. This means the ones on the bottom will be half burned away before the top ones are ready. SCIENCE!
Another amazing review! And by amazing I mean eye-roll cringe-worthy.
The char griller chimney is far better than those.
3 years later it's almost $30 2x the price. Thanks Biden and laughing mala
So you all didn’t actually mention how the BBQ Dragon actually works. The chimney has a fan port; it’s not made to work by convection. BBQ Dragon makes the fan, it’s sold separately. In 10 minutes or less, the coals are ready. The fan by itself can make all of the other chimneys MUCH faster. Zero integrity.
1:56 AHAHAHA
*I am a passionate home cook. My boyfriend is a talented film maker. Come check out our new show and see what happens when our talents collide* 🍋
That woman is annoying as all hell, I had to shut off the video........
I wish you will consider international viewers by adding metric conversions.
I was wondering the same thing because I noticed that nobody ever does that. And then I realized that it's actually our job as viewers to know those conversions . they're not that hard to learn. You need three minutes of your life and the never again it will pose a problem you can always convert in your head.
lyndon dy seno, do like we do in America, Google the conversions, it's simple
This is AMERICA’S test kitchen brother.
@@INDEFINITELIFESPAN Donald Trump is that you?😅
@@INDEFINITELIFESPAN :)
I tried to come up with a hot joke for you guys... But I'd probably wind up getting *smoked!*
Wow. Testing a charcoal chimmey.... running out of stuff to test?