My Elevated Lighting Method

[B.A. Poole]

When I cook; I'm relaxing. When I fire up a WSM for a slow cook, I use the Minion method, but counting briquettes and using a charcoal chimney in proper orientation is not for me. The bottom of the chimney holds just the right amount.

I found a old porcelain cooker pan in the trash. I had a rusty WSJ charcoal grate that fit down inside. I can use this setup to light a chimney on. It catches charcoal dust, ash, sparks, etc. but when I use the bottom of the chimney to start my Minion starter briquettes unfortunately the fire starters are too far away. I got the fire starters closer to the charcoal by elevating them on empty can of adequate height. Hopefully the elevated method will be a benefit to you.

 

[Mike Freel]

I never thought of using the chimney starter upside down. I will definitely add this to my "bag of tricks". Thanks for the idea.

 

[Bob Correll]

Some of us have removed the grate from the Weber chimney and flipped it over for more bottom end capacity. It can be a PITA to do it, but a little patience will see it through.

 

[BFletcher]

I don't invert my Weber standard chimney but I do always invert my compact chimney for minion method heat. Never thought about removing the grate.

 

[Ron De Hoogh]

I use my small chimney when I light my WSMs, do they even make the small chimney anymore? I haven't bought a chimney in so long I'm not even sure if they did or not.

 

[B.A. Poole]

Weber sells a compact charcoal chimney; P/N 7447. A body may have to go online to get one as retailers don't usually carry it.

 

[Timothy F. Lewis]

Gee, I’m really lazy, I’ve just been using a propane torch, but that’s using the sidewinder Minion method. The method seems to work really nicely for me.

 

[B.A. Poole]

My neighbors panic at the sound of the weed burner.

 

[Timothy F. Lewis]

My neighbors panic at the sound of the weed burner.

That’s why I use the torch. Besides, I don’t have a weed burner...maybe I should?

 

[MichaelM]

Weber sells a compact charcoal chimney; P/N 7447. A body may have to go online to get one as retailers don't usually carry it.

I am in the NE and both Ace Hardware and Home Depot carry the compact chimney

 

[John Neuser]

Gee, I’m really lazy, I’ve just been using a propane torch, but that’s using the sidewinder Minion method. The method seems to work really nicely for me.

Timothy, can you please share what the "sidewinder Minion method" is? Is that the same as the snake? Thanks

 

[Timothy F. Lewis]

Sure, it’s really simple, lay a full ring as full as possible, take a propane torch and touch off the side nearest where you will position the door.
The fire will crawl across the ring pretty evenly(in my experience) and its about as easy as it can be. I have adapted a few things from the original Enrico Brandizzi approach by adding the Harry soo technique of smoke medium on the bottom topping the wood with Kingsford competition (great deal at Costco) and touching off the fire right through the door maybe three minutes with the torch then, close it up and go to bed.
I did the last brisket for John Wayne’s birthday party that way and had excellent results!

 

[TonyUK]

"That's ...... money right there!"