Should I buy a blow torch/grill gun? Looking fo suggestions

[jasonwilliams14]

Hello everyone!

I had a question on something I have been thinking about for a bit now.
Before I get into the crux of the details, I wanted to provide a little bit more background and context.
I love cooking on my weber kettle. I find it super fun, relaxing and enjoyable. It is my first charcoal grill I have owned and I still have a lot to learn. I am ok with that.

That being said, I want to figure out how I can cook more often on weber. It could be short, fast cooks in the evenings, breakfast on the weekends as well as my longer cooks. I need to take some time to think about what I can cook and menu items, but the other half of that is, "how can I cook up my times to get the weber ready."

I have a full size weber chimeny. Works great. I have thought about getting a half chimney as well as a grillblazer/blow torch setup. The thought behind the torch is to get my charcoal going faster which would allow me to start cooking faster. I am still learning the time preparation from lighting the chimney, to dumping into the baskets, to getting the kettle to temp.

not sure if it is a good idea or not, but thought I would ask.

If it is something that is not a bad idea to get add to my BBQ setup, any recommendations on a particular model?

Thanks again!

Jason

[STEbbq]

Give it some thought.

https://amazingribs.com/bbq-dragon-reviewed/

[jasonwilliams14]

This is very interesting. I was talking to my wife about speeding up getting coals ready. She pretty much said no to the torch approach because she is worried one of our boys might light something on fire. lol Valid point.
This could be an interesting approach.
Curious if I need the chimney or could add that later? Thinking later, but might think through some scenarios.
There is also the "electric heat approach" I am looking at.
THank you!

[STEbbq]

I don’t think the chimney is needed as it seems designed to work with charcoal in the smoker. The only time I would need a chimney would be if I want to move lit coals to a different location and I guess I am not sure why I couldn’t just move the BBQ
Dragon which strikes me as safer anyway.

[Skip]

I use a Weed Torch to light my chimney of charcoal for a quick and sure light. IMO the weed torch wins every time. You can light as much or as little as you want and it's always lit...every time. I have an extra tank for my gas grill so fuel is never a problem.

[LA Pork Butt]

I use a torch for lighting my BGE, but use starter squares for lighting my Weber. I set the square on edge in an old tuna can (see pic below) It takes about 20 minutes, so I start the fire and then get the food ready to go on the grill.

[Alan Brice]

You post this a while back and it is what I do to light my chimney, thank you. I also have a one pound refillable with a removeable torch attachment. If I am using the snake or minion method, I will put a square in front n light the leader then dismantle the torch. I keep a couple of tanks handy as well.

[BBQPhil]

I bought this unit from JJGeorge, thinking it would speed up my cooks, but I found it to actually take longer than using a chimney. I ended up returning it.

[realdocBBQ]

I used a weed burner I paid like $25 for at Tractor Supply or something.

[Michael_in_TX]

No, you should not buy a blow torch/grill gun. You should have someone buy it for you.

[TripleB]

Christmas just right around the corner.

[Jessterr]

This. Still have time to decide what you want and get it on that Xmas list. And BTW, adding to your BBQ equipment is always a good idea, and you’ve just begun, my friend. It’s a wonderful journey, welcome aboard. 🍺

[Bad Hat BBQ]

Fatwood & propane torch....works like a charm

[Santamarina]

I’ve got a 500k BTU weed burner that I’ve been using for over a decade. Started using it with a Weber kettle, now use it on both a charcoal grill and my stickburner smoker.

With a charcoal grill I can get the coals glowing and the cooker and grill headed up in about five minutes. For “quick cooks” that’s a big time savings over 20-30 mins with a chimney!

[glitchy]

Not needed, but the GrillGun is hella fun. Like the 2 times in last 5 years I had a pellet grill failure, it saved me 20-30 mins getting the WSCG going quicker, but I have a poo eating grin every time I use it.

[tstalafuse]

This is clearly a want and not a need, but I want one so I will have one if for no other reason than they look cool. If it turns out to be functional as well, then it is a good thing.

[Draznnl]

Of course you should. Unless you think you might get one as a gift for the holidays. Maybe wait a month to see.
Why should you? I dunno. Because it would be cool? Yeah sure. That’s a good reason. That’s why.
Have fun.

[Purc]

We call a weed torch a Texas Match. I need to get one as well to light my one Weber starter cube. Overkill? No everything is bigger in Texas.

[Troutman]

I bought a GrillGun on a whim a few years ago. To be honest I don't use it much but it can come in handy for a quick sear of a SV steak or chop (plus its just damn fun to use )....

Normally I just use one of these cheap rigs from Home Depot along with a fire starter....

[Murdy]

I use one of those plumbing torches too, since I already owned one, and whatever starter is on sale when I run out of the last batch.

[jtw]

I'll second the Bernzomatic unit. The MAPP gas in the yellow burns slightly hotter, ideal for soldering/plumbing but you can use regular Coleman "green" camping propane like the GrillGun photos above.

[Timbo54]

I use a Propane weed burner to clean my grates and get the coals going fast. It takes about 10 min. to clean and have coals going. Wipe the grates with a wet paper towel to get the residual off.