Duration 14:54

Light a charcoal grill FASTER than propane Fire starters vs Grill Torch

by Smoking Dad BBQ

38 368 watched

771

Published 20 Nov 2022

A propane grill is fast & convenient, but can we light a charcoal grill fast enough for mid week cooks? To find out I put one of the least expensive (fire starters) against one of the most expensive (GrillBlazer Grill Gun) head to head in a timed race to see how long it takes to get to a stable 400f cooking temp. Want a GrillBlazer GrillGun? I have a save 10% link to make it a little more affordable .... 🔥 GrillGun and Su-V Gun from GrillBlazer - https://grillblazer.com/collections?ref=SDBBQ 💰 Use discount code “SDBBQ” to get 10% off any order site wide! Subscribe 👉🏼 https://jo.my/subscribe2sdbbq Join as a member 👉🏼 https://jo.my/memberperks Follow me Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smokingdadbbq & Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smokingdadbbq/ ------------------------------------------ 💰💰💰💰💰DISCOUNTS 💰💰💰💰💰 ------------------------------------------ These companies offer you a discount & every purchase made with these links also helps support the channel (thank-you). I personally use & love all of these products, so please support them & the SDBBQ channel by using these links & or codes together. Link & code savings applied at check-out regular priced items. 🔥 GrillGun and Su-V Gun from GrillBlazer - https://t.jo.my/grillblazer 💰 Use discount code “SDBBQ” to get 10% off any order site wide! 🖥 Check out my video review - /watch/Q78d5v3cKI6cd 🌡MEATER wireless probes - https://t.jo.my/meater 💰 No coupon needed! Just use this link for 10% off site-wide 🖥 Check out my video review on the MEATER lineup and which I recommend - /watch/gqxJQjLG7DNGJ 🧂 Pepper Cannon (8-60 mesh 10x more per grind) - https://t.jo.my/pepper 💰 Use discount code “SDBBQ10” to get 10% off any order site wide! 🖥 Check out my homemade rub recipes featuring the pepper cannon - /watch/MJlCq5vmr-xmC 🔪 Dalstrong Knives & cutting boards - https://t.jo.my/dalstrong 💰 No coupon needed! Just use this link for 10% off site-wide 🖥 Check out my video review - /watch/4aPnflLca-mcn 🪵 Smoke North offset smokers - https://t.jo.my/offset 💰 No coupon needed! Just use this link for 25% off all accessories & pit upgrades! 🖥 Check out my video review 1yr after buying my Smoke North offset smoker - /watch/4pUIOAM4VGh4I 🍕 La Piazza pizza ovens - https://t.jo.my/pizzaoven 💰 Use discount code “30OFF” to get 30% off all accessories & upgrades + FREE shipping 🖥 Check out my video review of my Piccolo oven vs the DoJoe accessory - /watch/MutxGrQnvVSnx ♨️ Kamado Joe accessories - https://t.jo.my/kamadojoe 💰 Use discount code “SDBBQ” to get 10% off any order site wide! 🕳️ Smokeware drip pans & chimney caps - https://t.jo.my/smokeware 💰 Use discount code “SDBBQ” to get 10% off any order site wide! 🖐🏿 Nitrile prep gloves - https://t.jo.my/nitrilegloves 💰 Use discount code “SDBBQ” to get 15% off any order! 🥩ChefsTemps meat probes - https://jo.my/chefstemp (~40% less than my Thermapen) 🪨 Fogo Charcoal & BBQ accessories - https://t.jo.my/fogocharcoal ------------------------------------------ ↓↓↓↓ More Links &💰DEALS 💰 ↓↓↓↓ ------------------------------------------ ► SoloStove Smokeless Fire Pit - https://t.jo.my/solostove ► High Heat gloves - https://amzn.to/3EyX1rO ► Big Joe - https://amzn.to/3XsmLP3 ► Classic Joe - https://amzn.to/3ideKO1 ► Joe Jr. - https://amzn.to/3F0QDuT ► Kettle Joe - https://amzn.to/3V3aNtN ► Lodge 5 Qt dutch oven - https://amzn.to/3tXeqFv ► Pellet Tube smoker - https://amzn.to/3gEkiQV ► Meat injector - https://amzn.to/3VqEQLs ► Wing basket - https://amzn.to/3XttCb1 ► Cheap but good sous vide - https://amzn.to/3EBmGjr ► Grill brush cleaning kit - https://amzn.to/3XyRoCn ► Simple Green spray - https://amzn.to/3U5CQaH ► Permatex gold high heat silicone (fix lose gasket) - https://amzn.to/3EDyIZJ ► Wagyu beef tallow - https://amzn.to/3OAGZSL ► Diamond Crystal Kosher salt - https://amzn.to/3OAjE3J ► Finishing Salt - https://amzn.to/3tYi2qJ ► Smoked Salt - https://amzn.to/3V5qArU ► Truff hot sauce - https://amzn.to/3VkTFiM ► Everything else is on my Amazon store - https://www.amazon.com/shop/smokingdadbbq *Some of these links are affiliate links. If you use them, I'll receive a commission and it will help me make more content like this for my channel. #SMOKINGDADBBQ #Kamadojoe

Category

Comments - 229

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@revel8r4132 years ago Surprised to hear that youre only at 89k subscribers. Your videos are very informative for me as a newbie to grilling and the kamado. I have a series 2 big joe. 14
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@tombauer73302 years ago Again, a very useful video, james. I admit that i don' t use my kj3 classic very much because it takes so long to " fire it up" using starter . ...Expand 4
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@Isovapor2 years ago A cheaper alternative to the grill gun is a propane weed burner torch purchased at most hardware stores. I bought mine from harbor freight for under $40 usd. Cheers! Great test comparison! 37
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@paulthomas37822 years ago Great video james, i use 3 fire starters to get mine going a bit quicker but the grillblazer grill gun sure speeds things up. Thanks for sharing. 1
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@jeannienutter30152 years ago Once again, you make i so easy to understand and give a clear conclusion. Appreciate all you do to educate us. 2
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@trentparks70472 years ago Can you add a chimney starter as an alternative to compare against? Thats what ive used lately with a single fire starter and the fire gets going quickly. 8
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@oteppp498610 months ago Hi james - love the video. I live in a townhouse, and my big priority is minimizing white smoke that ends up in my neighbors yard during startup. I don' t . ...Expand
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@JBishop252 years ago I wonder what would happen if you used a chimney starter- would more airflow speed things up or does it not matter so much because the ceramic needs to heat up? 4
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@robservice24332 years ago Really like my jj george! Usually throw a starter cube on as well but not always needed. 1
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@j7772 years ago Yes. I use my map pro torch and my heat gun. If you' re going for inferno, i used to have a 6 inch pipe that i would stick on top to increase air flow.
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@codyc.9642 years ago I also gave up my propane grill. Once, in the dead of winter, i tried using my gas grill because it would be quicker (good quality canadian made napoleon) . ...Expand 1
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@medic7578last year If i could only buy one should it be the grill gun or su-v grill gun only really using it to start my kj.
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@emmgeevideo2 years ago How about a quick pro/con for the standard grillgun vs. The smaller sous vide version. I bought the big one because i have a big joe and felt that the . ...Expand 1
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@muddyfunker30142 years ago I' m not sure if anyone' s mentioned this but another thing some people may have is a leaf blower.
i' ve used a petrol blower in the past and the intensity it creates is incredible.
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@CoolJay772 years ago Good comparison. I' d picked up fire starters couple years ago but never got around to use them, this video explains why.
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@peterodriguez23642 years ago As someone else mentioned the harbor freight weed burner. But also if you look in the welding supply at harbor freight they have the torch gun which you . ...Expand 1
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@purleybaker2 years ago I prefer a propane starter and it' s what i generally use but you can increase the start time with the cubes quite a bit by putting a bit of lump in a mini chimney over the flame and scattering once the flame is out. 1
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@stuward92262 years ago My kamado joe has just arrived. So excited and driven by your videos and inspiration. Thanks for these great videos and your passion.
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@coachcp2 years ago Until this summer i did the fire starters. I now use the grill gun. That said, the trick i did for the starters that was different here is leave the dome that said, the grill gun is faster and more fun. But i' d use the starter in a pinch no problem. ...Expand 4
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@RosePigCookinglast year How long does the propane tank on the grill gun last? You said you hold the flame when lighting the coals for 1 full minute?
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@CrashperM2 years ago Thanks for this vid! I have sometimes genuinely waited more than an hour for the kamado to heat up one a cold windy day with bad fire starters.
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@mattcook12572 years ago James, love the channel, love the content. I enjoy that you grill all year long in the northern region. I myself am in minnesota, and grill all year long. . ...Expand
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@RumandCook2 years ago Great vid, i converted to a grill gun as well, even though i didn' t want to deal with a propane tank. Other options didn' t work nearly as well. Wasted more money trying other things hah.
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@joshualarue33352 years ago One thing to keep in mind is the grill size. You' re using the xl' s. My old large size joe gets up to 400 in 20-25 minutes using 2 starting squares. 1
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@metoo3918last year Does the grill gun still have the safety valve issue you didn' t like 2years ago?
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@briandaffern51082 years ago Question james. I bought a propane torch at the beginning of summer and it' s great, but should i use it on a kamado in the dead of winter? The gentler . ...Expand 1
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@matthewrs72 years ago I do the oil soaked egg carton or fast food cup tray method with a chimney starter.
it' s even cheaper than buying starter cubes and the chimney . ...Expand
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@loseerich4932 years ago I find a firestarter in a chimney yields about the exact amount of time i need to get the food prepped. I thought going from a pellet grill to a charcoal . ...Expand 1
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@herb78772 years ago A 3rd option; use newspaper & chimney. I want a grill gun, can afford one, but can' t cost justify one. My chimney with a little newspaper & . ...Expand 2
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@derekhuber12552 years ago I just watched your video comparing the grill gun to the other methods of starting charcoal. I believe that i may invest in one. I just have a question . ...Expand
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@bp.83342 years ago Fire starters like tumbleweeds say to use 2 pieces when you want to grill at say 400 degrees versus starting a 250 degree cook using only one starter. i just use a chimney or a map gas torch. ...Expand
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@TheGreatSantini5002 years ago I have a BGE since 2013. I use a "only fire Charcoal Ash Basket, Stainless Steel Charcoal Holder with Handles" from AMZ (excellent - super heavy duty). I arrange 3 or 4 Rutland fire starters on the grate, light them, and place the basket on top of the lit starters. It gets things going v quickly. The basket is awesome, just shake it out over the trash before using the next time. Cuts way down on back having to clean out ash etc. I use an Iwatani Chef torch to light the starters, which is plenty for searing when sous viding. I like this method better than blasting the lump with my Benzomatic weed torch or my heat gun, both of which I've done. The double pack of Rutlands on AMZ is $39 for 144 of them. I think they are the best starters. I use Thermoworks products / pends and their dual probe unit -- all excellent. .. ...Expand
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@johnknapp63282 years ago I think i' m part piromaniac, i like the starter cubes myself, when i' m grilling i' m never in a rush. I never understand the race. Another channel . ...Expand
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@mrhappy991110 months ago Which one is best to go with the su-v or the grill gun? I will be using it mainly for lighting charcoal but will also be using it to sear fairly frequently.
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@btube20222 years ago I see you have a smaller version in the background, how do you find that? Cant get the long version in the u. K.
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@ManCaveMeals2 years ago I would love to find a way to convert you to the dark side and get you loving a temp controller. You can have your grill going and ready to cook at about . ...Expand 1
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@davidblackstock94892 years ago Have you tried using double heat plates? I just purchased a classic one and don' t have the sloroller, is it worth me getting one?
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@nickholtzclaw12 years ago I use the kamado joe electric starter in my big joe 2. So far it works great and i get to temp in around 15 minutes. What are you thoughts on the electric starter?
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@brickhithouse12 years ago Another great video! I have a much cheaper torch. It probably cost around $30. After about a month the igniter on it broke. But i realized that i could . ...Expand 1
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@danielurwand47382 years ago I use a chimney starter, always up and running in around 20 minutes! 1
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@TylerNally2 years ago Very interesting. I' ve often thought that stacking charcoal in a pyramid is the least efficient way to light charcoal. Instead, place the charcoal this way > 1 charcoal lights simultaneously with the flame kicking out heet radially and vertically to speed ignition to all charcoal.
the grill gun has the superior advantage because it lights many pieces of charcoal at the same. ...Expand
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@jamesbell57932 years ago I leave the lid up when i' m going to grill after lighting the fire. I find it heats up faster. I don' t care about the heat of the dome. I also use a weed torch (much cheaper) and also the handheld one chudsbbq uses. ...Expand
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@dustincartee9474last year Is this safe for ceramic grills like kamadoes? Just always heard to not use any type of chemical.
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@AdarBlu2 years ago I just use fire starters and in the time it takes to come up to temp i do all of the food prep i was going to have to do anyway. 3
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@jonathanrath2 years ago Most economical may be large cotton balls kept in a jar of isopropyl rubbing alcohol. Clean burn, and no aftertaste given by some of the chemical cubes. . ...Expand
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@Keith800272 years ago I love my suvgun to start all kinds of fires in grills, smokes and camp fires. I started out with my plumbers torch and it works just find. It takes a . ...Expand
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@gbouley12 years ago Great video. I always wanted to know if it was worthwhile to spend. Still need to think about it. While i only use my smoker for ribs and pulled pork an . ...Expand
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@jeffrey88592 years ago Why not use 2 or 3 firestarters espescially when you' re in a hurry. This would make the comparison to the (high btu) grillgun more fair. 2
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@kenmills70752 years ago Appreciate all the info. I was looking for one of your latest videos. To ask you a question. If you had to choose between the kamado joe big joe and your offset smoker which one would you choose. Thanks in advance.
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@krayzenvy2 years ago How long will a propane tank last? As in, how many starts at 1 min is the average? I wouldn' t want to be refilling the tank after 5 starts for ex. Thank you in advance.
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@GoldenJoe2 years ago Recently, i started having a lot of trouble getting my jr heated up. The charcoal doesn' t seem to be lighting well, even when i hit it with a torch . ...Expand
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@AnchorRoom12 years ago We love our su-v gun - no doubt that you can be ready to cook in under 20 minutes - love it - i also use it to kill weeds in our driveway/ win-win.
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@fretless052 years ago I' d be curious to see the difference between the grillgun and the hair dryer method. In both cases, you' re moving a lot of air and heat through . ...Expand 1
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@derekhowes94782 years ago Off topic question. Bbq stores in both toronto and ottawa offering exceptional deals on kamado joes in their black friday sales - so much so that i am . ...Expand
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@kevinrutledge96022 years ago My grillgun stopped igniting. Not sure if i can replace the white igniter or if i need to do other maintenance.
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@dres-bbq35692 years ago Nice explanation, i use a propane torch my self gives the same result.
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@terrencereiber302 years ago Luv my grill blazer grill gun. Fire lit in 30 - 45 seconds and kamado is hot and ready to go in 30 minutes.
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@mleukus2 years ago I use the harbor freight propane torch - was like $25 and does the same thing.
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@jgeorge5820last year I start my kamado grill by using chimney starter with 1 starter cube on the bottom inside the fire basket, thus allow the grill to warm up also. Depending . ...Expand
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@TheRssr19792 years ago Thanks for the video. Been wanting to get a grill gun, but the price point especially with dollar conversion makes me hesitant.
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@leeleew75242 years ago Another factor is the grill prep time for cleaning out old charcoal and putting in new, probably another five minutes at least plus it' s a somewhat . ...Expand
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@torienelson3022last year I use a looflighter. It does the trick for me.
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@adamsonmj2 years ago Dont forget to include the price of propane in the cost comparison. I still love my grill gun and no longer use starter cubes. I did spend $25 on a c id="hidden41"onverter to refill the 1lb bottles from a 20lb tank. The 1lb bottles are just more convenient than the hose attachment for the grill gun. ...Expand
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@toxo4ka2 years ago Doesn' t that blazer gun spikes affect your grill gasket? I myself prefer a " calm method" because of this. Btw, really enjoying your videos . ...Expand
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@MKS86192 years ago I think a portable mini (hand-held) fan probably works better than a hair dryer and easier to clean/dispose of when you get soot all over it.
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@mikesmith-wk7vy4 months ago The electric starters work well. It takes me about 30-45 min to get the coals ready with one, i would never use a starter cube type thing on a kamado grill.
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@stevenscarborough62212 years ago You could use two or three fire starters spread out and put some charcoal on top of them.
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@BrianMiller19732 years ago The sparking that the torches give is a no go for me. Anymore, for quick weeknight cooks i just use my weber kettle.
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@bmckenzie692 years ago Interesting test. I generally have 350 within 15 minutes msybe 20 minutes using starters. I generally use 2 starters though.
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@krijo210last year A hot air gun, e. G. Looftlighter or monolighter, would be afriendlier option. They are also cheaper to buy and don' t need refilling.
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@Raymond-sj7cn2 years ago Everytime i see you with the grill blazer gun you look like a young boy in the toyshop men stay boys with toys.
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@SmokeyMesa2 years ago I admit my loof lighter is pretty slow, but the shower of sparks when you used that grill blazer looked a little scarey.
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@backyardbbqusa2 years ago Good test but figured the gun would beat the clock. Note i will use 2 or more fire starters to speed up the process.
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@user-yr2mx9mn1j11 months ago Buy a cheap pain stripper; its a good budget option but not half as cool and fun as that 100x overkill torch that we all really need!
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@anthonyburas58182 years ago At $10 a box for the fire starters, the propane torches pay for themselves eventually. I use one i picked up at a hardware store for $40. 1
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@kenmitchell37842 years ago Bbq is supposed to take time, if i am in a hurry i will just use the fry pan and a stove, but when you are retired you tend to have more time on hand. 1
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@Vusace77710 months ago I thought low and slow was 225f? Can anyone help? I been coking meat at 225 for low and slow?
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@marineassassin921311 months ago The gas has gotten too expensive, unfortunately. For starting an amaze-n-smoker pellet cold smoker 3 row tray, i just use the el cheapo plumbers propane . ...Expand
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@billfreeman6852 years ago Using the torch you are igniting a larger surface area ( compared to the " one starter) that in itself is not a fair assessment.
i personally but there are time. The i wish i had a torch. Lol i really injoy your channel. Keep up the great work. ...Expand
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@romeomontague23096 months ago Looflighter works for me i got it for $60.
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@katzsteel2 years ago Why not a weber chimney starter and cubes? Takes about 10 minutes to pour for lump. I would think most people do it this way.
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@lazydog2742 years ago Cost i see is grill blazer $170. And joe starter cubes $13
grill blazer gives 10 starts ( joe cubes 8 start ( i would use 3 pieces for fast id="hidden47" n hot )24/3=8 starts)
or 1 full round. 170 / 10 = 17 dollars. But with just propane purchased future is cost saving of 10 / $13 =1. 30
while fire starters would stay a constant $13/8=1. 62 per start with 3 pieces used. ...Expand
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@jasoneyles76132 years ago I wish we could buy grill guns in australia, i would use my kamado so much more if i could light it quickly:
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@jrcjr652 years ago I use the electric starter. Works well.
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@DiceRunner200320012 years ago I like my wagner heat gun. Cheap and effective.
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@absoz2 years ago Another great educational vid - i see young al who recently visited you also loves his little friend too
i couldnt justify the price here in a did have a kettle and wsm for a while, so am aware of how sometimes theres a bit of a wait - but pain from old sporting injuries ruled out continued use of those which fortunately the wsf doesnt inflict (no leaning over adjusting vents etc) but still get a decent smoke flavouring from
good to get a glimpse of other family members. ...Expand
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@KylaraKuhn2 years ago 2 woodcurl firestarters and i have that dome scorching hot in 15 minutes. The only thing you didn' t do it place that firestarter at an effective place. . ...Expand
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@GopherM2 years ago I use an electric heat gun i bought from harbor freight for about $20.
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@Pieeeeeee2 years ago That' s a pretty unfair comparison. The way you lit the fire starter is the worst way to do. You don' t put it on top of the charcoal, you need to . ...Expand
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@user-yr2mx9mn1j11 months ago 250 in the netherlands. Pf ff
way to expensive.
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@GamerNxUSN2 years ago Oklahoma joe makes a decent torch, the starter sucks though.
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@Jeffdoeswhat2 years ago In that time frame could already have some food ready.
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@ericisaac18982 years ago I use a heat gun. It takes 3 minutes to get going.
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@AbrahamCollins17862 years ago I light my kamado with a charcoal chimney and grocery store circular ads. 0.