subject: Using a Charcoal Chimney Starter [print this page] Using a Charcoal Chimney Starter Using a Charcoal Chimney Starter
Camp-outs and open-air barbecuing are two of the most enjoyable outdoor activities that are popular among people of all ages. However, the usual challenge in these activities is creating fire whenever needed. Lighting charcoal briquettes may be easy for some people but there are also unlucky ones who never succeed in doing so no matter how much they try. It is one of those tasks that needs a lot of getting used to. Experienced campers normally just pile up their charcoal briquettes under a grill and then try to light them up using old newspapers and matches. Some might use a lighter fluid or other chemical starters to speed up the lighting though doing so could affect the food's taste. For those who can not make a good fire out of charcoal briquettes, using a charcoal chimney starter should do the trick.
What is a Chimney Starter?
A chimney starter is simply one's quick solution to effectively lighting charcoal briquettes. It is usually made of metal and is cylindrical in shape with some slots at the sides near its bottom. These slots serve as air passageway which help in accelerating the process of burning and starting a fire. It also has a wire mesh divider inside which results into having a shelf-like interior. The upper portion of the shelf is where the charcoal briquettes must be placed while the bottom portion holds the crumpled newspapers that would be burned to initiate the lighting. The small space inside a charcoal chimney starter helps preserve the heat from the burning newspapers. With the help of its good air flow, the heat rises to the upper shelf and speeds up the flaming of the charcoal. This rising up of the heat is likened to that of a chimney, where it got its name.
How is it Used?
A chimney starter when paired with a Dutch oven can create results like that of the standard oven. The straight heat coming from the burning charcoal may sometimes become a problem when cooking some foods because of the tendency of its outer surface to cook first even though the inner portion is still raw. But, with the aid of a Dutch oven, the direct heat is distributed equally on all parts of the food. Putting the raw ingredients in the Dutch oven first before placing it on top of a charcoal chimney starter will definitely result to a greatly-baked quality food, just like in a typical oven.
Where can I buy one?
A chimney starter is starting to become popular and can easily be found in the grill or barbecue sections of some local shops. One can look for them at hardware stores, supermarkets and other stores that sell home supplies. One can also order them online by doing a search on the internet. However, it is recommended to contact sellers that are nearby or those who can do meet-ups to avoid online scams.
A charcoal chimney starter is confidently everyone's solution to problems regarding lighting charcoal briquettes. Now, anyone can volunteer on cooking for any camp-outs or barbecue sessions without having to worry about starting the heat on the grill. It is absolutely simple to use and even comes with a handle for easy and safe holding. It is also widely available in any home supplies superstore so one can effortlessly own a chimney starter right away.
