Anyone know where to buy these charcoal lighter blocks? Our local market stopped carrying them and they work better than the pitch sticks.

Bought a couple of packs about a week ago at Big C Super Highway. I've also bought them in the past from Rimping and Home Pro.

They look a little different than those in the photo - but same thing.

If you just cannot find starters you might try what I do. I use paper towels to soak any grease from fried foods or wiping out a wok. I save them in a cofee can and when I need to start charcoal, I use one or two of the greasy paper towls. They work better than anything I have used before.

1. Some people put the grease in the sink or toilet and this causes a grease build up that plugs the drain pipes eventually.

2. Recycles paper towls.

3. Saves money

4. No taste or smell of lighter chemicals

5. Fast and easy to use

I find that we often rely on things we really don't need and don't think about the old fashioned way of getting things done.

Roll up a sheet of newspaper and tie it into a knot. 3 or 4 for a larger BBQ.

Cheap, easy and no aftertaste.

Put 6 pieces of charcoal on a wire grid and toast them on a gas flame for two minutes.

Try this, it's called chilean method. Amazingly simple and works beautifully.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5kjzB8N330

Our neighbour uses old flip flops to start charcoal. Adds that extra special taste.

.... chilean method....

I've done the newspaper rolls but this method is elegant, effective and a great way to recycle paper.

Thanks MMac :-)

Our neighbour uses old flip flops to start charcoal. Adds that extra special taste.

Thought I knew every method out there but that is a new one! Fastest technique I ever used was an oxy-acetylene cutting torch. About 10 seconds was all it took!

Somewhat worryingly the liquid of a well known aerosol anti mosquito spray for the skin also works exceedingly well!

When I lived in Dubai many years ago my Rhodesian friends in charge of Bahrain Security supplied me with tubes of napalm.

Perfect charcoal starter, just need to be a bit careful with it.

The 'In Laws' use strips of rubber cut from old inner tubes !!

The 'In Laws' use strips of rubber cut from old inner tubes !!

Sounds as tasty as old flip flops

did they ever sell electric ones there ?

just plugs into the house plug and turns red hot , its the same material as electric ovens use ,

no smelly petrol or flip flops !