Hey Becky, just filtering through the post and the replies so bear with me. Actually have to run out in about 30 minutes.
One theme I'm picking up is being able to light a chimney of charcoal either lump or briquettes.
It seems like you have a chimney.
K style (not 100% hardwood briquettes) will not light or will be hard to light if they have gotten wet or damp. Just a point to remember. If they have been setting out in the bag on the porch, say in wet or humid weather, they could be harder to light.
The helpers listed above will resolve that.
That said - do you have a decent chimney for lighting fuel? If not, get the largest capacity one that you can find (more are circulation).
Second - I have used the ring of paper as a lighter for years with good success. Thing is, on occasion I've had to re-load/re-light as the fuel didn't co-operate. Not a big deal, just put another ring of paper in there and light. Another suggestion is to apply a little vegetable oil, etc.
But here's the final thing. And I know folks will say how this is unnecessarily expensive. And I am assuming you do not have a Weber Performer as I do.
Pick up a propane fired chimney lighter. Reason I say this is that in the end you will be able to light a full chimney (even an overloaded one) and accommodate for any issue that arise with fuel that may have gotten damp.
You can adjust by just leaving the lighter burning until the fuel catches rather than loosing time adjusting for any weird issue that comes up by trying to restart a number of times.
If the fuel doesn't light after 20-30 minutes of "on time"with this unit there are other more serious issues afoot IMHO. Usually the fuel will start in 5-10 minutes or so and you can shut off the propane and let it finish lighting on it's own.
It's also hand to quickly light another chimney if you are wanting to add more lit fuel while grilling.
Max BBQ Lighter
I will use the Performer to light a chimney typically. If it's in use I use this unit now.
Previous I used to light the chimney of fuel using the paper method with good results, and I like playing with fire
In the end, as far as pure convenience - this $40 is well spent. Because one typically has a system in place that allows for the typical time it takes to light the fuel.
If the goes haywire during a cook, especially if you are on a tight window it can be a real PIA to stop and fiddle to get the fuel lit and figure out what's up.
With one of these (in the absence of a Perfromer) you can just leave the gas burning until the fuel catches.
This has been a lifesaver for me on more than one occasion.
All of the recommendations above are warranted, but this solution although it comes with a price tag is overall the simplest solution that eliminates fiddling should something throw off your timing.
