British BBQ Society Forums

I used the leftover charcoal from last year and it was mainly smallish lumps. Had a circular insert in the basket and filled around it then poured 3/4 chimmeny of lit into it and pulled the insert out. Bottom vents closed, partQ puffing away and top vent open.
I think every coal in the basket lit and burned at once. I'm having another play this afternoon, a couple of chickens. I will use less fuel this time. Got some weber bricks to try.

tommo666 wrote:I used the leftover charcoal from last year and it was mainly smallish lumps. Had a circular insert in the basket and filled around it then poured 3/4 chimmeny of lit into it and pulled the insert out. Bottom vents closed, partQ puffing away and top vent open.

Small pieces will all catch light at the same time which is why it's better to use restaurant grade stuff as the chunks are bigger. Also close the top vent half way as this will help the Guru keep a more stable temp'

Swindon_Ed wrote: Also close the top vent half way as this will help the Guru keep a more stable temp'

I'll give this a try on Sunday as going to practice some ribs. should I stick with the minion method for the coals or some lit coals sprinkles over a load of unlit?

ConorD wrote:should I stick with the minion method for the coals or some lit coals sprinkles over a load of unlit?

Stick with the minion method but i'd say to light the smoker using only 1/4 of a chimney starter of hot coals. If you sprinkle hot coals over the charcoal basket you'll start too big a fire.