Charcoal Starter

[T_Dog]

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

[elektrified]

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.

Edited October 26, 2013 by elektrified

[spiritrace]

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.

[Bpuumike]

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

Cheap, easy and no aftertaste.

[Gsxrnz]

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

[MadMac]

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

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

[cooked]

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

[jazzed]

.... chilean method....

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

Thanks MMac :-)

[T_Dog]

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!

[Dellboy218]

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

Edited October 28, 2013 by Dellboy218

[Bpuumike]

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.

[JoePai]

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

[Bpuumike]

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

Sounds as tasty as old flip flops

[BKKdreaming]

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 !