I used to use the Weber wax cubes but ran out so I went to my local Ace Hardware to pick some up and they were out. I noticed a box of these other type and just bought them. Not sure of the brand but they are little felt-like cubes, about the size of the Weber ones, that are soaked in kerosene (I think). They have a little odor to them but not to bad. Anyway you put one or even two under your chimney of coals and it fires them right up. Makes about a 3" high flame for a good 5 minutes.
I think I paid like $5 for a box of like 100 of them. Still have half a box left even after repeated use for months now. I really like them, don't leave any odor at all and just a small ash left over after they burn out.
That's what my son uses - places sawdust in used egg carton, heats the wax and pours over the top. My wife saves her old candle butts for him. That's too much work for me - when I was using charcoal, I used the Weber cubes and liked them.
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About me
Name: Jim
Nick name: Bear
Location: Spokane Valley, Wa.
Born at a very young age at Egland AFB, Ft. Walton Beach, FL.
USAF vet, ECM (F4 & B52)/B52 Crew Chief, Computer Systems NCO, disabled
Former Computer Tech/Admin
Campus Manager/Lead Tech/Tech (IT) for The Kemtah Group contracted to Intel, Rio Rancho, NM.
Short Term Missionary to the Marshall Islands with MAPS of DFM of AOG
I've used Rutland fire starter squares for several years. When I bought my KJ the dealer gave me a box and I really liked them. They look like they're made from plant fiber. They work great, aren't messy at all, don't cost much, and the local Tractor Supply has them.
I use newspaper in a chimney but agree the leftover ash can be problematic (especially when cooking with Dutch ovens on a camp chef table). I always worry about it blowing into the pot when adding ingredients.
I use either a cheapo harbor freight heat gun or a propane torch (Benzomatic type that use 1 pound bottles). The torch lasts a long time on one bottle, and is cheaper than starting cubes. The heat gun has the benefit of getting hot enough to ignite charcoal AND blast air in the fire, whipping it up faster. But the hassle of having to get a cord usually means I use the touch.
Start the fire low in the pile. For lump I put the torch nozzle under a few coals and give it a few minutes. Once I see an orange glow it’s lit, convection takes care of the rest. For a chimney light coals on the bottom. Once you have a hot spot it feeds itself. Hot air rises, pulling in more oxygen, making the hot spot hotter, pulling in more oxygen.
I use newspaper. I use Weber cubes when camping so as not to stink up the camping area. Newspapers aren't as bad as weeing out the fire after eating asparagus but still not a natural smell to the campground. 😛
If you have a half hour, you can make really good ones...I use em for charcoal sometimes as well as bringing them camping. Go to the drug store/dollar store and get a pack of those circular makeup removal cotton pads (a box of like 100 is maybe 2 or 3 dollars). Take some Vaseline and smear a bunch on one (don't need a giant amount), then stick another one on top, like you were making a sandwich out of crackers and peanut butter. Just one will start a good sized campfire, and they'll even burn on top of snow. For charcoal starting, I'd cut em in half cause whole they're way more than you'd need for a chimney or SnS. In less than hour you can make enough for the entire summer.
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