Best Way to Start Extruded Coconut Charcoal ?

[EGGARY]

What is the best way to start the ECC ? From what I understand it is more dense than Lump Charcoal so it might take time to start. I use a Mapp Torch to start Lump Charcoal. Will that do a good job starting ECC ?

Thanks.

Gary

[Syzygies]

Re: Best Way to Start Extruded Coconut Charcoal ?

ECC leans in the direction of fabled Japanese Binchotan charcoal. From The Japanese Grill: From Classic Yakitori to Steak, Seafood, and Vegetables (A great BBQ book, by the way.):

Because it's so hard, lighting binchotan is tough; you have to place it over a live fire to ignite it.

That also works for EEC, but so do lots of methods. My favorite is a propane weed burner. The little screw-on camping canister lasts a long time this way. A MAPP gas canister burns hotter, for the impatient.

[Cookie]

Re: Best Way to Start Extruded Coconut Charcoal ?

I use a Mapp Torch....and yes I'm impatient when it comes to getting yummy stuff underway on the KK...

[TheNakedWhiz]

Re: Best Way to Start Extruded Coconut Charcoal ?

I put them on end in a chimney and use about 10 sheets of newspaper.

[slu]

Re: Best Way to Start Extruded Coconut Charcoal ?

I use a chimney starter, but place a handful of Kingsford Competition under them, then light two sheets of newsprint.

[Unkgd]

Re: Best Way to Start Extruded Coconut Charcoal ?

I have about 40 pounds of Kingsford Competition to use up - so I use a chimney starter with two layers of Kingsford and then dump it on the ECC in the KK. Has no problem lighting the ECC and bringing the grill up to temperature.

Takes 20 minutes - tops.

[Ducaticraig]

Re: Best Way to Start Extruded Coconut Charcoal ?

I tried the looftlighter but retuned it for a mapp touch. Got to love that tourch.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

[TexasTim]

Hmnnn, I have no problems using my looftlighter, but really prefer it to start my low n slow cooks. I think a mapp torch would be better for hotter fires, when I'm less patient.

[Parrothead72]

I find it hard to get the ECC lit in my chimney starter. Live in a pretty windy area. Wondering if I should break the ECC bricks in half and if that might make it easier? I see folks referencing Kingsford above.  What's the best way?  Some Kingsford underneath the ECC in a chimney or just Kingsford in the chimney and then pour them onto the ECC placed in the basket?

 

Thanks in advance.

[Firemonkey]

What's best is what works, and is convenient for you.

Personally, I mound up whatever lump is left in the charcoal basket, and light it with a torch. Then add extruded on top of that. Works great.

I think the addition of some lump, either in your chimney or in the basket like I described is the way to go. The lump lights easily, and burns plenty hot enough to ignite the rest if the extruded.

I prefer not to break up the extruded any more than necessary, so I can save the leftover after the cook. I expect that breaking the extruded will cause you to lose more to crumble after it has been burned, but I can't say I've tested this theory.

[5698k]

If you're doing a lo/slo, a chimney starter is way too much charcoal anyway, use a mapp torch, works every time!<br />

<br />

<br />

Robert

[Parrothead72]

Much appreciated. Will try some kingsford in a chimney as well as lighting what's left after a cool. You use a torch to do the latter?

[Parrothead72]

It's funny. I think I use too much ECC. Yesterday that 8lb brisket cooked 8 hours around 300 or so. Ideally, in your basket how many ECC pieces would you think I need?

[5698k]

No such thing as too much ecc. Filler up every time. If you want to use other charcoals, thats fine, but the only reason to is personal choice. Personally, I don't use anything else. <br />

<br />

<br />

Robert

[5698k]

You do need to break up the ecc sticks. I hit two pieces together, and usually end up with three small pieces from each regular piece. Other charcoals aren't near as dense, so a switch will be another small learning curve. <br />

<br />

<br />

Robert

[Parrothead72]

I'm gonna split the ECC as u said and not bother with others. Thanks again. Presuming we have pork butt and brisket basics down. Or at least heading in right direction. What's the next one to try and tackle and learn?

[5698k]

How's your chicken?<br />

<br />

<br />

Robert

[5698k]

You'll also do the best steaks you ever had on your kk. <br />

<br />

<br />

Robert

[Parrothead72]

Never done chicken or steak so i am batting 1000 (or zero) depending on how you might look at it.

Got a preferred recipe to try or reference on the forum?

[5698k]

Reference the forum on both, particularly chicken, but there will be lots of info on both. I'm really particular about my steaks though, how do you like yours?<br />

<br />

<br />

Robert