9 replies to this topic

[sarahale]

I'm not happy with the coal starter I have had for the past couple years and this last trip the wooden handle burnt up a bit. I always seem to have to either fill it with newspaper/cardboard twice to get the coals going or start an extra fire under it.

Should I replace it with the Weber: http://www.amazon.co...c_df_B000WEOQV8
Which has the cone shaped grill?

Or the Camp Chef: http://www.amazon.co...9/dp/B000M9NJ1G which has a much wider area to get them all started at once?

I believe I have friends that have each and both are happy with them.

[RobSheila]

We've got the Weber Chimney Coal Starter. Bought it several years ago and still using it. There's a heat shield between the column and the handle along with an additional handle to steady it as you pour out the coals. Rob originally bought a cheaper one, but replaced it with the Weber after only one year. We would recommend it very highly.

[haroldpe]

I don't know if chimneys are that much different. Just had to pop-rivet the top of our handle, as the old rivet rusted off. Anyway, I now cheat and use one of THESE to start our coals. I break it in half and stack the two pieces.

Menards has 'em on sale from time to time, but don't think you can find it at H.F.

[sarahale]

sarahale, on 18 July 2012 - 04:03 PM, said:

I believe I have friends that have each and both are happy with them.

RobSheila, on 18 July 2012 - 04:29 PM, said:

We've got the Weber Chimney Coal Starter.

Yeah you were one of those friends

haroldpe, on 18 July 2012 - 06:53 PM, said:

I don't know if chimneys are that much different. Just had to pop-rivet the top of our handle, as the old rivet rusted off. Anyway, I now cheat and use one of THESE to start our coals. I break it in half and stack the two pieces.

Menards has 'em on sale from time to time, but don't think you can find it at H.F.

Most are the same as the one I have, except for the two I provided links for. The Weber has a cone shaped grill so your fire is reaching more coal surface area, and the camp chef is conciderably wider, so again more coal/fire surface area. What is H.F? For $1.25 I'll have to remember that when I need just a little more to bump me over the $25 free shipping on Amazon. Or look for them at Menards. Thanks.

[Friar Tuck]

H.F. = Harbor Freight

[Wojo]

We have a Weber chimney we use for grilling at home. We bought a more cheaply made chimney to stow in the camper, figuring it would see far less use than the one at home and that it would likely hold up well enough. They work about equally, but there sure is a difference in the quality and feel. The Weber chimney just feels solid. Also, the Weber has a second handle to use when pouring the hot coals. I always miss that when using the cheapo chimney.

Dave

[sarahale]

Friar Tuck, on 19 July 2012 - 07:29 AM, said:

H.F. = Harbor Freight

I should have known that one. Thanks!

[sarahale]

Thanks Dave and Sheila, sounds like I have two votes for the Weber.

[RusticBob]

Oh the Weber definately! Instead of stuffing paper in the bottom. Set the Loaded starter on a 1 burner, like the burner for a turkey frier. 2 to 3 minutes and it lit. no paper no nothing. If you must use paper spray the paper with Pam or a little conola oil, burns hotter and will eliminate the need for 2 baches of paper to get it started. I use the Burner method all the time now.

[CampingShoes]

We also have a Weber stater and for the price it is a quality item. However, we burn natural lump charcoal and I never had great luck with paper. It just seemed to burn too quick to really get it going. We now use the Weber paraffin cube starters with it and they work great!