British BBQ Society Forums

Bought some cheap (non-instant light) restaurant charcoal from makro. There are some decent lumps in there but about 75% of it will fall through my chimney starter or grate.

Disappointed.

What do you do with the remaining charcoal dust/small bits?


http://db.tt/B0SIiqx8


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I took the grate from a used disposable bbq and cut a circle out to fit the chimney, more to use up part used briquettes but I can't see why it wouldn't work for lumpwood chips.

Hey Geordie,

I use the bits that dont fall through my fingers in my little portable bbq and throw the rest away.

I try to avoid the tiny bits of charcoal and dust. I dont think they burn long enough to be worth worrying about.

Something ive noticed - try blowing your nose after youve messed around with a load of small charcoal finding usable lumps, serious black tissue

Its just like the bottom bit of the barrel you shouldnt drink

Thanks guys. Would it be worth using that grate on the kettle too Keith?

NomNomBBQ already noticed. That was after I looked like a chimney sweep, much to my better half's amusement!

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I might be the only one, but I love those little bits - make a decent ring of charcoal, if you're using the minion method, then remove your charcoal basket and cover the top of the ring in all the crappy bits that fell through

YetiDave wrote:I might be the only one, but I love those little bits - make a decent ring of charcoal, if you're using the minion method, then remove your charcoal basket and cover the top of the ring in all the crappy bits that fell through

Actually Dave I can see that working to slow down your fire, all those bits restricting the airflow in between the charcoal making a longer burn.

Ive never thought of that.

I will try it.

http://www.diy.com/nav/garden/outdoor-l ... al-9219433 has anyone tried this? £7 for 7kg. Currently 3 for 2. So 21kg for £14. Seems cheap enough.

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Hey Geordie,

In my experience B&Q, homesbase etc charcoal is very hit and miss, sometimes you get lucky and its good but most of the time its rubbish, a few of the reviews said the same.

Quality charcoal ive seen people mention here is BigK or liverpoolwoodpellets lumpwood, heatbeads or weber briquettes.

Totally worth it

Geordie, you could do, but I think using the smaller bits in the chimney will be more effective, especially at the bottom of the chimney to ensure a good burn.