Rose's Shop Watch: August - Weber Chimney Starter

Weber Chimney Starter

John Lewis and Amazon 

What?
Weber Rapidfire Chimney Starter

Why?
Speeds up lighting your barbecue

I have always liked Weber barbecues because the lid allows you to cook your food in rain and wind, and it maintains the heat efficiently and evenly. Not only can you conventionally grill your food, but you can also use indirect heat to roast/bake, which means you can cook a joint or a whole chicken quite easily.

I also stay loyal to charcoal cooking, rather than gas, because I prefer the taste, even though the Weber briquettes sometimes seem to take ages to light. Which is why this little invention of theirs is so invaluable.

It is called a Chimney Starter and it basically speeds up the time it takes to get the coals glowing. The Weber website has step by step instructions on how to use it and I am quoting them here:

“Step 1

The easiest method for lighting any kind of charcoal is to use a chimney starter, which is an upright metal cylinder with a handle on the outside and a wire rack inside. You simply fill the space under the wire rack with a few sheets of wadded-up newspaper or a few paraffin cubes and then fill the space above the rack with briquettes.

Step 2

Once you light the newspaper some impressive thermodynamics channel the heat evenly throughout the briquettes.

Step 3

When the briquettes are lightly covered with white ash, put on two insulated barbecue mitts and grab hold of the two handles on the chimney starter. The swinging handle is there to help you lift the chimney starter and safely aim the coals just where you want them.”

My only other comment is to be really careful lifting the chimney full of glowing coals and do use proper mitts (like long Aga ones). If you need to cook something for a long period of time like a leg of lamb, then add some more briquettes on top of the glowing ones and let them heat up before cooking.  You can find Delia's Barbecue and Outdoor recipes here

Conclusion:
A simple miracle invention

Product Details:
Weber Rapidfire Chimney Starter

£20-£25

Contact:

John Lewis
Tel: 0345 604 9049
johnlewis.com

Amazon
amazon.co.uk

Availability and price as at 16th April 2019
 

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