Minimizing chimney smoke

[Blindjoedeath]

Howdy, folks - relatively newbie here.

I live in the Pac Northwest (near Seattle), and due to the British Colombia wildfires, there have been some burn bans recently (and smokey haze even if a full ban isn't in effect). For that reason, as well as just trying to be a good neighbor, I'm trying to find ways to minimize the initial chimney smoke before dumping the coals into the PBC. The cooking smoke once the PBC gets going isn't a problem.

I saw a thread a few years ago in the general forums - some people suggested using Sterno vs. newspaper in the chimney. But because the PBC lighting process is critical, I figure I'd ask this specific forum. Any tips?

[EdF]

I have a triple-threat combination I use: BBQ Dragon, Chimney of Insanity and the Fire-Starter blocks they provide with the Dragon. The only thing is that the Dragon does send out sparks with some lumps, so you'll want to be careful. Pretty much no smoke with that combination. https://bbqdragon.com/

May not be an issue with briquets.

[Huskee]

I don't think there's a way to reduce the smoke of Kingsford briquets when they're lighting...even with a blower. Perhaps trying a different charcoal like a good lump, but then you run the risk of a wildly different behavior in the PBC. Too bad you can't light your charcoal at night and then freeze it for later! He he.

[EdF]

"But I still dream! Darling, Darling, I still dream..."!

[PBCDad]

Welcome Blindjoedeath! Where are you near Seattle? I had to cancel my grilling plans this past weekend because of the BC smoke. I'm up near Mill Creek, but I work downtown Seattle.

[RonB]

Welcome to The Pit.

[JCGrill]

Smoke, don't know if it can be done. Sparks, probably. Throw a screen over the top.

[HouseHomey]

Huntington Beach welcomes you to the pit. I have a friend in Mukiteo.

[JeffJ]

If there's a way to cut down the smoke coming from a chimney of KBB, I have not been able to do it.

[Blindjoedeath]

Thanks for the replies, folks. PBCDad - I work downtown, too, but live on Bainbridge Island.

I'll try switching to firestarter cubes and away from paper and see if that helps any.

Happy smoking!

[DWCowles]

Welcome Blindjoedeath

[fzxdoc]

I use Weber wax firestarter cubes and still get lots of smoke until the chimney gets most of the coals lit. I hope you find a way to avoid it. I turn on the ceiling fan on the deck (where my smokers are) to disperse it.

Last Fall we had a burn ban in effect (fines $5000 to $25,000 as I recall) and it was hard, hard, hard not to smoke or grill for those weeks. I feel your pain.

Kathryn

[TripleB]

No way the city is going to fine $5K - $25K. Maybe $50 - $100.

[fzxdoc]

Well, TripleB , that's in our rearview mirror now since that was 2017. It was a state law, not local, as I recall.

K.

[tbob4]

You could try the following - use one chimney for the charcoal and put another chimney above it. Put two layers of cheese cloth above the top chimney and keep it moist with a water spritzer. I have not tried it myself.

[rototiller78]

Empty can of tuna and put rubbing alcohol in it and lite it then place charcoal chimney over it?

[hogdog6]

Works evertime. Not as bad as paper but still smokes.

[johnec00]

I have put about a dozen or so coals in the bottom of the chimney, lit them with a Weber fire starter cube. When they're more-or-less lit (~5 minutes?) add another layer of coals. Repeat one more time for full chimney. This probably produces the same total amount of smoke, but its spread over a longer period of time so that its just not (as) noticeable.

[GreenBBQ]

Have you tried Coconut shell briketts. They will certainly produce minimal smoke it's one of their big advantages. I light ours in a Chimney by either gas heating one or two pillows and nesting them or taking a Looftlighter to the bottom for a minute....as an added bonus you wont get sparks at all from them.....

[tiewunon]

^^^^This