Charcoal damp - can it resusitated


 
Jeff Padell

Jeff Padell

TVWBB Pro
I used my Smokey Joe Mini WSM last weekend and left the open bag of Kingsford on the garage floor. It has been 90% plus humidity here in Boston for the entire week.
Last night I was going to lite 5 briquets with a paraffin cube to try to heat cure a new paint job on my mini, the cube flamed fine, but the charcoal wouldn't catch.

Is it toast and needs to be tossed or what would be the best way to resuscitate it? :wsm:
 
Lighting 5 briquettes isn't as easy as one would think. Especially if you're using the chimney right side up so the bottom charcoal 'grate' is pointed at the top. I'm willing to bet a half a chimneys worth would fire right up.
 
I will try that today, I am using my mini to do some chicken, whether the rain stops or not!

I also need to find a smaller chimney, lighting 10-12 for the mini is a challenge!
 
May I suggest getting yourself a blowtorch to light small quantities for your mini. Works much faster than a chimney.
 
Jeff Padell said:
I also need to find a smaller chimney, lighting 10-12 for the mini is a challenge!
Click to expand...

I have 2 of the full sized chimney's (one came with a Craigslist grill I picked up)
I took the charcoal grate from one and flipped it upside down. That way when I fire up a dozen briquetts for the WSM (or mini) they fill in the 'cone' in the chimney. Makes lighting easier and more effective since the flip. Another option, pick up a small bag of matchlight. Yeah, I know - but.... Light the 5 pieces of crap in the chimney and let em burn all the oil off then dump into the mini. Simple, yes. My first 3 choices? No, but it'll do.
 
Here's what I do with a small amount of charcoal - use the IKEA silverware caddy:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007JCMPHI/?tag=TVWB-20

We have an IKEA store fairly close to us. The caddies were on sale for $4-$5. I drop one Weber starter cube in the bottom (set the caddy on your grill grate), light it, then carefully drop the number of coals you pick on top of the burning starter. It works like a charm. Be sure and use a pair of pliers (I use a pair of waterpump pliers) to dump the caddy. I use the "Tin Can Minion Method" and use this every time I light up my WSM. It works like a charm.







The pictures show a full load of Kingsford but you can use as much or as little as you need, of course.

FWIW
Dale53
 
Last edited:
Robert
Is there a bottom in it (must be) is it recessed at all?

Looks like you BBQ like do, grill and BBQ all year even when I have to shovel out the grill
 
Jeff;
This week I "built a fire" when it was 95 degrees out (gotta be something goofy about that:p). As you can see, I also do it when snow is on the ground. I don't do it in all weather, just most...

That little rim you see in the "tin can" was removed shortly after that cook (just ran a can opener around it and POOF!, it was gone)...

However, after re-reading your post, I see you were referring to the silverware caddy - it has a flat bottom (with holes). Just drop the Weber cube INSIDE, light it, and carefully drop the number of briquettes you need on top of the flame. Works just fine (as if it were made for the job). Not my idea, but I picked it up here.

Dale53
 
As far as lighting a small amount of charcoal, I use the Weber Compact chimney starter. A lot smaller than the regular starter.

9396398675_e10395447a.jpg
[/url] 2013-07-28 20.09.16 by tspindle, on Flickr[/IMG]

Use the link on the site here to get it from Amazon. Only $12.99.
 
I actually bought a chimney for $9 at Home Depot that has a flat bottom, used it yesterday and today, works great for 12 coals
 
Slice the bag open and lay the charcoal out in the sun on a good hot low humidity day. It will be fine.
 
Bob H. said:
Slice the bag open and lay the charcoal out in the sun on a good hot low humidity day. It will be fine.
Click to expand...

LOL, we haven't been below 80% humidity in a couple weeks here south of Boston! Right now it feels like Florida but it may happen in the next few weeks.
 
And since I'm cheap, I cut the top and bottom out of a liter apple juice can and light half a dozen briquettes, using a lighter cube. Works good enough for me.
 
When I was a Kid two centuries ago my dad always had different sized coffee cans he used a can opener to pop holes around the bottom perimeter of the cans then used paper with some oil on them to lite, this is way before the weber chimmenys. Anyway you could do the same with a 1 or 2 pound coffee can for smaller lights. Price is right.
 
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