Jmazach Posted August 7, 2016 Report Share Posted August 7, 2016 Looking for basics here...best ay to light got a charcoal fire in ok? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bosco Posted August 7, 2016 Report Share Posted August 7, 2016 I'm sorry I don't understand what you are looking for here Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aussie Ora Posted August 8, 2016 Report Share Posted August 8, 2016 I think jmazach is asking the best way to light the charcoal. I just use starter cubes mate but other people use flame throwers lol Mapp torchesOutback Kamado Bar and Grill Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MacKenzie Posted August 8, 2016 Report Share Posted August 8, 2016 Mapp torch is my favourite method, just turn that on for a few seconds and get out the hair dryer. Works great everytime. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DennisLinkletter Posted August 8, 2016 Report Share Posted August 8, 2016 Best way is to light just a very small couple pieces of lump with any means you want. Then use a cheapo hair drier as a blower to make the burning pieces glow madly and bring the neighboring pieces to ignition temps.. the second other charcoal is lit, it is also glowing madly. Wood Charcoal lights about 660º and with a blower it glows at over 1,800ºf Short of a huge weed burner with a million BTU's nothing gets charcoal lit faster.. Best to get a hair drier that has a big fan and airflow.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CeramicChef Posted August 8, 2016 Report Share Posted August 8, 2016 I use a Benzomatic MAPP torch to light my lump. For a low-n-slow cook I'll light a single spot on my lump pile. For something in the area of 300-400° I'll light 2 spot in the lump pile. For temps in the 400-500° range I'll light 3 spots. For 500°+ I'll light 4 spots. No matter the cook, right after I light the lump I'll set an alarm on my wrist watch for about 5-7 minutes. I leave the lid up on my KK, open the bottom vent fully, and I go prep the cook. When my alarm goes off, I return to the KK, shut the lid, set my vents for the temp I want, and in short order I'm ready to cook! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stile88 Posted August 8, 2016 Report Share Posted August 8, 2016 @CeramicChef so its ok then to start the coals and leave it open i cant remember if when talking to dennis if he mentioned that heat over the gasket is not good my normal prep when i had my eggs was your exact method .i had thought u start then close lid on kk but if we are good doing what you do i will certainly keep that method Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
5698k Posted August 8, 2016 Report Share Posted August 8, 2016 I've always closed the lid immediately. The gasket is one reason, the other is that you don't get the chimney effect with the lid open. Essentially you get more airflow over the coals with the lid closed. Rob 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CeramicChef Posted August 8, 2016 Report Share Posted August 8, 2016 @Stile88 - I only leave the lid open for that brief 5-7 minutes and I always make certain to set the alarm. I most certainly don't want my KK going nuclear because I forgot about it! In a 5-7 minute time span I can make certain the fire in the limp is well established. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tony b Posted August 8, 2016 Report Share Posted August 8, 2016 Following Dennis' lead, I got one of these nice battery powered airblowers. Works great and no power cords (I don't have an outdoor outlet near the grill). https://smile.amazon.com/FiAir-Charcoal-Tailgating-Campfires-Fireplaces/dp/B00D5FS7HA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jmazach Posted August 9, 2016 Author Report Share Posted August 9, 2016 Thanks. Lighting the charcoal was what I was asking about. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
