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Post by ratpack on May 19, 2010 8:38:48 GMT -5
How do most people start their fires when using the Oval? When I grill steaks, chicken, chops, etc. it seems to take me 30 minutes or more some time and I know I'm not using the best method.
I stir up old coals to get ashes to drop though grate, keep lower area pretty clear for better circulation, add more fresh charcoal on top, place 3 lighter blocks down into charcoal and light the 3 of them. I leave bottom damper fully open, keep top open for 5-10 minutes, then close top but open top damper fully. Sometimes this works but last night, it took about 40 minutes to get temp up to about 350. I prefer to "grill" at 400-450 but sometimes can't get there. I use divider and only about half of area as I'm normally cooking for 2. I don't fill charcoal to top but within about 1-2 inches.
TIA
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Post by BBQ Butcher on May 19, 2010 9:37:59 GMT -5
How do most people start their fires when using the Oval? When I grill steaks, chicken, chops, etc. it seems to take me 30 minutes or more some time and I know I'm not using the best method.
I stir up old coals to get ashes to drop though grate, keep lower area pretty clear for better circulation, add more fresh charcoal on top, place 3 lighter blocks down into charcoal and light the 3 of them. I leave bottom damper fully open, keep top open for 5-10 minutes, then close top but open top damper fully. Sometimes this works but last night, it took about 40 minutes to get temp up to about 350. I prefer to "grill" at 400-450 but sometimes can't get there. I use divider and only about half of area as I'm normally cooking for 2. I don't fill charcoal to top but within about 1-2 inches.
TIA Rat, even though you keep the bottom cleared out, there still may be little hunks of charcoal in the fire grates holes that is blocking the air coming in. Trying taking all the lump out (I wear latex gloves) and cleaning out the holes and the bottom of the fire box, while you are at it. Try another brand of lump...some light quickly and some don't. Cowboy, for instance, lights easy and quick, while Wicked Good takes for ever. Try your starters on top of the lump with just another piece of lump over the top of the starter. After starter has gone out and you are sure lump is lit (10 min? ), stir it around a little to jump start some of the other lump. Other than that, sounds you are doing fine.
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