Hellloo.
So I got my new Weber, very happy I went with it, outstanding quality.
I did some chicken thighs on skewers (direct) and smoked some wings for 1.5 hrs with Hickory at the weekend, absolutely gorgeous they were!
One little problem I had was lighting the coal. I've done this before of course, I have 3x Chimney starters from Tesco, bought them a couple of years ago when they were £3 each. They are noticeably smaller than the super duper Weber one and less vent holes too.
So I'm using BIG K Restaurant Grade Lump which is great but some of the lumps are mahoosive! I only use paper to get them lit, I don't like using anything parafin based at all. It took off but I used half a newspaper to get it going. I'm wondering if the amount of vents / holes make a difference? When I watch a Youtube video, those things seems to flame right up, mine appears to take forever.
Any tips would be very welcome? Do you guys break up the coal? or use a magical natural alternative to a newspaper?
Side question....found some Aussie Heat Beads (£6.99) & Big K Briquettes "Red Bag" (£4) in my local garden centre, what's your thoughts on these? The Heat Beads seem to get a good rap.
Thanks y'all