I felt this deserved more attention given the popularity of Weber cubes. I noticed the Weber cubes are super popular here. I've used them, but these cubes are substantially cheaper and work just as well. Amazon prices the Rutland at 14.8 cents a cube, while the Weber cubes are 21 cents a cube.
They are cheaper per square, but I find that I have to use two (stood up like an open book) under the chimney lighter to get the flame high enough to effectively light it. Also, I miss out on the satisfaction of how the Weber cubes start burning the instant the flame touches them.
Edit: my comments above pertain to the Royal Oak brand fire starters, which look identical. I have no experience with Rutland, although I suspect they are very similar.
Grill/Smoke/Roast = SnS Grills Kettle + SnS Deluxe Insert & Drip n' Griddle
Grill/Smoke/Roast = Hasty-Bake Gourmet Dual Finish with HB rotisserie and Grill Grates
Smoke = Weber Smokey Mountain 22.5"
Pizza = Blackstone Propane Pizza Oven (Stacy's, but she let's me use it sometimes)
Indoor Cooking = LG Studio 30" gas range
Camp Cooking = Coleman 2 burner white gas stove
Thermometer = FireBoard FBX2 with 2 ambient and 6 meat probes
Thermapen Mk IV = Light blue
Thermapen Mk IV = Black
PID Controller = Fireboard Drive + Auber 20 CFM Fan (FB gen 1 fan)
PID Controller = Fireboard Drive + Fireboard 20 CFM Fan (FB gen 2 fan)
Knives
Wusthof Classic Ikon set: 9" carving knive, 2X 8" Chef's Knife, 7" Santoku and three utility knives
Kamikoto Kuro set: 7" Santoku, 6.5" Nakiri, 5" Utility
Amazing Ribs Brazilian Steak knife set
Favorite wine = whatever is currently in the wine rack
Favorite beer = Sam Adams Boston Lager or Shiner Bock
Favorite whisky = Lagavulin Distiller's Edition 16 year old single malt
Best Cookbooks - Meathead's "The Science of Great Barbecue and Grilling", Chris Lilly's "Big Bob Gibson's BBQ Book", Aaron Franklin's "Franklin BBQ"
Cookbooks to check out - Raichlen's "Brisket Chronicles" and anything by Adam Perry Lang.
Current fanboy cookbook - "Chasing Smoke: Cooking Over Fire Around the Levant"
This is what I use. I could make it myself, if I felt like it. But at $17 for 30 of them, it seems perfectly reasonable to buy them. Just a small paper cup, paraffin, and wood shavings.
I've used Rutland squares for several years. They work very well and there are 144 of them in a box for $15.44, that's a good deal. They stay in a drawer in the outdoor kitchen. Heat has no affect on then as far as melting or sticking together. They do the job I need them to do quite well, and that's s all I've got to say about that. Ha ha!
Scotch: Current favorite- The Arran (anything by them), Glenmorangie 12yr Lasanta, sherry cask finished. The Balvenie Double Wood, also like Oban 18yr, and The Glenlivet Nadurra (Oloroso sherry cask finished) among others. Neat please.
About meReal name: Aaron
Location: Farwell, Michigan- near Clare. (dead center of lower peninsula)
Occupation:
Healthcare- Licensed & Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) at MyMichigan Health, a University of Michigan Health System.
Never used 'em, but what I appreciate about the Weber cubes is that you can cut them in half, and a half cube will light a chimney. And they light when wet. If the Rutlands can do that and are cheaper I'm in.
They do work extremely well, that I'll readily affirm...never thought bought usin 1/2, I actually usually use two, mebbe I been over-doin it.
Willin to try summat new, especial if it ends up more economical, in th long run.
Thankee, Aaron!
It would be fairly simple to cut a Rutland in half. I think a small hatchet would be the tool of choice, one chop should do fine. I have not tried them wet, but will soon just to satisfy my curiosity. We all have our stuff we are most comfortable with, the old ford, chevy debate, but this is good product. If you try it I think you'll like it.
I've made my own as shown here, but recently I've just been using a couple of wadded up pieces of notepad paper. Some here don't like the ashes this leaves behind but not a big deal to me personally.
Ive started to use an electric charcoal starter for just about everything, i even stick it in my chimney to get it started. I keep weber cubes for just in case moments.
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