Coal ready time???

[philpom]

My question is about how long you guys wait for your coals to be ready. I am used to other grills where you wait for grey or glowing coals, I heard from a buddy who has a kamado that you don't have to wait that long and that black lump coals are okay to close the lid on as long as there is a fire?

The conventional wisdom was that when using Kingsford briquettes, which were made with additives, that you let them burn until they ashed over to get rid of any additive smell.
With no additives, lump charcoal doesn't need to be ashed over.

+1

[mcgrawjt]

Hey Guys...

I've been grilling every weekend and atleast once during the week on my Kamado. Man I love this thing! Brought back excitement to grillin' again. So far I've done ribs, chicken, brisket, salmon, filet mignons, pizza and even corned beef! I am really figuring this thing out!

You guys have presented some great lighting ideas, thanks for that - but I can highly recommend the Looft Lighter! Man this thing is awsome. I create my pile of lump, aim this thing into one side of it for 35 seconds and then aim it into the other side for less than that... and there is an awsome fire started in 1 minute! Close the lid open up the vents and I am ready to cook within 15 minutes. This grill and now lighter has made charcoal/wood grilling as convenient as gas. I know its a little pricey but ask for the lighter for your Birthday or some occaision.

Another thing I noticed is this grill gives you time back with your company or family as it doesn't need so much tending to.

Take care all!

To answer Jarett - I do have the metal piece that holds up the electric burner, it's just that when you have a lot of lump on top of it, especially big chunks when you start to pull the burner out it drags coal with it. But that is now a thing of the past! I have taken that metal piece off of the coal grate for now, I think it may help with air flow not having it there.

[mcgrawjt]

Hey Jarrett -

Taking a better look at your picture, I guess I was having a "dork" moment. When I initially used my coal grate with the lighter holder, I was using mine backwards! I thought the lip on it would block the opening so I thought is was for the other side to block the burner from hitting the back wall when inserting and lighting. Now I see how that lip (if used properly) will prevent the coal from pulling out! I'm glad I made the mistake though... got me to go out and get the looft!

Thanks again guys for all your input!

John

[everchris]

I'm just learning my Kamado Joe and had a question about flame. When you light up, do you close and start controlling temp after the flame dies out or can you close when you still have a flame. (For cooking around 225)

[IrvinF]

You can close the lid immediately just keep the vents open and monitor your temp. if you are shooting for 225* you need to start closing down the vents to your running positions when the heat raises 40-50*. Also don't put your probe directly above the starter.


Irvin F.
King Griller w/Auber PID

[gnelson651]

This is what I used lighting lump coal low & slow:



Found it at Lowes for $12.97 including propane bottle. Cheaper alternative to the Looft Lighter at $80.

[pkinetics]

This is what I used lighting lump coal low & slow:



Found it at Lowes for $12.97 including propane bottle. Cheaper alternative to the Looft Lighter at $80.

That and you don't need an electric outlet!

[IrvinF]

Don't need an outlet with cotton balls, alcohol, and a match either.


Irvin F.
King Griller w/Auber PID

[philpom]

This is what I used lighting lump coal low & slow:



Found it at Lowes for $12.97 including propane bottle. Cheaper alternative to the Looft Lighter at $80.

That and you don't need an electric outlet!

I actually have one of those for other reasons and I have used it to light the grill however when you turn it upside down it no longer like to burn very well.....