British BBQ Society Forums

I think Tiny has solved it, the only way to restore your Weber would be to find a fairy mushroom ring and leave it in the ring through the nocturnal cycle of a new moon at its zenith.

At least that's what my J.M. Barrie book of BBQ hints and tips says

Same problem here, I got mine a year ago and the first few tries were awesome, two large sheets of newspaper scrunched up and inserted and a single match and whoosh, it was off. Then after only 4 or 5 uses it started having trouble, I tried on the BBQ grill vs on the floor, the floor got the best results every time but still problematic, then I wondered if the paper was scrunched too tight or not tight enough but whichever way I tried it I would have to light it 3 or 4 times before it would actually take.

Now I just fill it up, put in on the gas hob in the kitchen and put the ring on full for a minute then take it outside, no problems anymore (apart from the ear ache from the missus when I forget to brush up the fallen bits of charcoal dust)

Tiny wrote:very simple chaps,
We all know the weber chimney starter works by witchcraft, each starter only has a finite amount of witchcraft baked into it and your old one has used up all the witchcraft it has.

Beyond this I have no other solution to offer

Cheers
Tiny

Ha haa the winner

There is something in this then, because I am having similar issues. I always use just two lighting blocks, this time last year, no problems at all. This year I am having to use 4 blocks, I did put it down to the wind and have been moving the starter around the garden, so a lot of variables have been introduced. Will go back to my original position and try again.
I donjt recall seeing any build up in the chimney, will check that at the weekend.
Derek.

Now here's a thread I never thought would exist
I'm sad to say I also notice the same problem, I thought my chimney starter would be good for life or at least until it fell apart but I now have to use 2 or 3 rounds of paper and to get it going, I'm taking this straight to the top and demanding a official response, (Facebook status change winging about it)
I don't want to cave in and buy another one, I think it's a Weber conspiracy, I might try making my own,

I too have noticed a change the charcoal bags have needed a boost with 1/2 a heat beads firelighter. I haven't changed location but I do have rust build up on the wires but can't see how that would make a difference ?

Far from scientific but this morning I took the chimney starter I used yesterday and gave it a good rub down inside using wire wool to reduce the rust then lit some briquettes. I didn't time anything but it seemed to light to the top quicker than it did yesterday. So maybe worth a go

Wire wool it is then, I know what I'm doing tomorrow morning, stop watch in hand,

Then later I may scrub my chimney starter


G

I've got different ambient conditions here today - so that could account for it but if nothing else the chimney starter looks in better nick now

I use a portable Camping gas riing with a disposable cyl, these can be bought in cheap shops for less than a tenner and the cartridges are about a quid. A cartridge will light dozens of chimney fulls. It's really quick and saves the wife wanting a divorce each time I BBQ!

Neat idea, got one of those in the shed..........