Starting briquettes with paper

[Harry]

We get the WashPost, but it doesn't burn in a charcoal chimney as well as a local weekly we used to get, and it leaves a lot of ash to blow around when I dump the chimney. The local recently went under so I have run out of "good" starter paper. When wondering about a substitute for the WP, I remembered I had several 18X24 inch "newspaper" sketch pads I'd bought years ago so used a sheet or two from them instead.

EUREKA!!

In addition to burning "better" than the WashPost, they leave VERY little ash - even less than the weekly did. The fact that the sheets are blank (i.e., NO NEWS PRINT OF ANY KIND) has the added benefit of keeping comments about possibly carcinogenic ink contaminating the briquettes to a minimum. RE: that concern, I think I read years ago that the WashPost moved TO soy inks in order to address that concern. Nevertheless, my switch to blank newspaper has reduced soto voce mumblings from some persons I know.

The pads that I have typically come in packs of 50 or 100 blank sheets (i.e., no soy ink, no coloring, etc.), and the 100 packs are currently about $15 (or 15 cents a sheet) although some brands (and stores) are cheaper.

[RonB]

I heard that the WP switched to soy and garlic inks to make it taste better when they have to eat their words...

[Troutman]

That's actually pretty funny Ron and very entertaining.

[RonB]

Troutman - Finally! Someone thinks I made a funny.

[ComfortablyNumb]

I use the advertisers located near the front door of a store. The 'Spokane Exchange' is a favourite. Best part, they are free.

[FireMan]

Ditto, only here & not Spokane. 🕶

[mrteddyprincess]

I appreciate this suggestion! Just picked up a handful of the local free ad paper today for lighting my chimney, er, reading enjoyment and supporting local businesses!

[Spinaker]

I just rip the top part of the bag and throw it under the chimney, if I am going to use paper. Otherwise, I simply use my torch under the chimney. Works like a charm.

[ComfortablyNumb]

Obviously you have gas....

[FireMan]

Do that to! 🕶

[texastweeter]

use old charcoal bags here.

[HawkerXP]

#1

[klflowers]

I am one of the few that still subscribes to the local paper, so I always have some available. Never even paid any attention to the ink.

[Bkhuna]

My Performer Deluxe has a propane coal lighter. I put the chimney right over it. However, if I need to use the chimney and the Performer is in use (for the Slow n Sear for example) I use one of those fire starter cubes and put the chimney into the Smokey Joe. I have been known to use a brown paper bag to blot bacon, and the grease is a great starter.

[Harry]

My WSCG has a propane lighter system, but I am afraid of pressurized tanks. Even hand-pumped weed sprayers freak me out. Hence, paper. (smile)

[Mr. Bones]

I variously use th local weekly paper, charcoal bags, if they's handy, an brown paper bags or sleeves from th local liquor store...jus started usin th weber starter cubes less than a year ago, an like them jus fine...I feel that th paper helps propogate th fire from my lil cubes better than when I was first tryin em, without paper

[mrteddyprincess]

When the cashier at the liquor store asks if I'd like my purchase in a bag I always tell them yes because if I drink it in the bag no one can tell what I'm drinking when I loiter out front.

[Huskee]

I used to use the Kingsford bags too. They are 3 layers, and peeling the layers apart made for thinner wads of paper and works quite well. Tried junk mail a few times (get LOTS of it) but many mailings are too glossy.

[SmokeyGator]

I use a torch. Harbor freight heat guns also work amazingly well.

[lbyer]

Actually, Doritos work quite well...

[mrteddyprincess]

Pringles too!

[drauber]

If I do not have paper, I use a electric starter as a backup in the chimney.

[mountainsmoker]

Up here in the mountains my local paper still uses old fashioned paper and it still works fine. Quick lite and 15 minutes later have a chimney full of coals.

[FireMan]

I also had an opportunity to use the Quickfire All Purpose Starters that some one posted about goin on a month ago. Got to use them last weekend. They are really good, better than the Weber cube starters & no mess either. They come 50 to a canister. I like em.

[Mr. Bones]

Appreciate yer review, I'll look into em, when I git down low on th lil Webers...

[Troutman]

I don't know why you guys even pussyfoot around.....