Start a vortex like a chimney?

[smokenoob]

I was thinking skip the chimney and just putting a few fire starters under charcoal in the vortex, will that work and save me a step?

[Cowboy Pepper]

What are they made out of? One of the benefits of the chimney is clean tasting coals. (No, I am not recommending that anyone taste their coals if they have been ignited.) If you need an accelerant, alcohol burns pretty cleanly.

[smokenoob]

do you mean the starters? it’s the same weber starter cube I use in the chimney.

[Panhead John]

I really don't see that as saving a step. You still have to light the coals either way, the only thing you wouldn’t have to do is pour the coals into the vortex from the chimney, which might take 5-10 seconds. I’ve never tried it, but I think it would take longer for your coals to get hot lighting them in the vortex vs using your chimney. My opinion is to stick with using the chimney to light your coals.

[smokenoob]

yeah, but in the interest of science and no fear of failing…..I’m goin’ for it ! 😂
I will report back…….if I remember 🤪

[Jfrosty27]

Yes absolutely this works. It’s the only way I light coals when using the Vortex. Same time required to get hot as with a chimney. Just be sure you pile them high because they will settle quite a bit.

[Panhead John]

I’ll be damn! I figured the chimney would be quicker…..😳

[smokenoob]

well then, great minds think alike 😁😁😁
(I obviously over rate my self but not you!)

[LA Pork Butt]

I almost always light them in the Vortex, but I light from the top. I either bury a lighter square in the charcoal and light the corners or I use a propane torch for 40–60 seconds.

[Old Glory]

I light them in the Vortex cubes buried about half way.

[Jerod Broussard]

The key is to use 2x lighter cubes than charcoal.

[hoovarmin]

I never use a chimney cause the vortex kind of is a chimney. But you're life, which is pretty damed great as-is, would bump up to illuminati status if you were to get one of those Benzomatic torches to light your coals with in the vortex.



https://www.amazon.com/BernzOmatic-3...ds=bernzomatic +torch+head&qid=1706411259&sprefix=Benzomatic%2Cap s%2C127&sr=8-8

[fzxdoc]

...and who wouldn't aspire to Illuminati status in a situation such as this???

[smokenoob]

do you find that heat shrink tip works better than the standard torch tip for lighting charcoal?

[hoovarmin]

smokenoob I don't have any idea which one I have. It just makes big fire.

[Red Man]

I’ve tried it and didn’t like it. It took longer and the coals weren’t as evenly lit as they are in a chimney, resulting in a lower cooker temp.

[Panhead John]

I knew it, I knew it, I knew it!……..🤓

[RichieB]

It doesn't matter chimney or vortex as long as you pour a good amount of lighter fluid on them.

[Smoker_Boy]

smokenoob - We just saw an episode of BBQ Pitmasters last night where he using a bunch of fluid. Johnny Trigg just stood there and shook his head.

[RichieB]

Y'all know I was kidding, right?

[smokenoob]

RichieB yes……Myron wannabe 😂

[Steve B]

Good info here. It never even crossed my mind, I know what mind, to just light up the charcoal in the Vortex. Gonna have to try this one as well.
Panhead John does have a good point though. It literally only takes a few seconds to dump the coals into the Vortex.

[smokenoob]

please don’t patronize Panhead John !!! 😂😂😂

[Panhead John]

When are you gonna try it? Curious to hear your results.

[smokenoob]

Panhead John camping in south Florida next weekend!

[jfmorris]

I do this basically by starting coals in the Vortex on my Performer using the built in gas ignition. However, it tends to get lit faster on the side closest to the ignitor, and also does not start as fast as using a chimney, likely due to the lack of the side holes a chimney has. However - I've done it many times to reuse half burned coals that were already in the Vortex, when I wasn't pressed from time and was feeling lazy.

[Purc]

I'm doing chicken wings and poppers today on the Vortex and I will use my chimney. No big deal to dump coals into the Vortex. Never thought about doing it any other way.

[smokenoob]

I’m guessing the chimney will work better. I’m just looking to take one less thing while camping. Maybe the paper towel tube trick will work?

[jfmorris]

If you are camping, by all means leave the chimney at home. Just be prepared for it to take maybe an extra 10 minutes for the coals in the vortex to be fully engaged, compared to the chimney. When using charcoal I am usually not in a huge hurry myself.

[fzxdoc]

I usually light in the Vortex as well. Fewer sparks flying around that way, which I'm always mindful of.

Kathryn