BBQ Firelighter

[MLS]

Hi, on my last couple of stays I tried to buy paraffin wax BBQ firelighters but Tesco, Makro, HomePro and the mom 'n pop stores where I bought charcoal seemed perplexed at my request and 'no have', so I resorted to gathering kindling to get my new charcoal barbie going. It's got me wondering what the BBQ chicken places use - will have to ask them next time I'm in HH - but if anyone knows where I can buy something quick and easy to get my steaks and sausages sizzling I'd appreciate it. Cheers!

[ken.p]

Hi MLS,
Homepro used to sell wax type firelights for lighting the BBQ, I have not been looking for them as of late, but will have a look next time I’m in there.
I now use a gas burner to light the charcoal, takes a couple of minutes.
Ken.

[Vital Spark]

I used to use those little tin pots of solid methylated spirits (the same as those used to keep food hot when you buy a 'cooking fish' dish at a restaurant) - you can get them at the shopping mall in the centre of Hua Hin. Can't find them here, so I use twigs and paper (luckily we have a jungle garden, so there are plenty of woody bits). I find the charcoal here lights much better than the stuff I used to buy in the UK - especially if you break it up a bit with a hammer.

VS

[jingjoe]

I'm pretty sure i saw them at index,i think the brand was "little lucifers"

[Takiap]

I used to use those little tin pots of solid methylated spirits (the same as those used to keep food hot when you buy a 'cooking fish' dish at a restaurant) - you can get them at the shopping mall in the centre of Hua Hin. Can't find them here, so I use twigs and paper (luckily we have a jungle garden, so there are plenty of woody bits). I find the charcoal here lights much better than the stuff I used to buy in the UK - especially if you break it up a bit with a hammer.

VS

Yes VS, the charcoal here does seem easier to light, especially if you start out with just a few small pieces. In fact, I often get my BBQ going just with a bit of crumpled up paper and some smashed up charcoal. From what I've seen, the Thais will use anything to get the charcoal burning.......gas, paper, diesel, a piece of flip-flop, etc.

[migrant]

I have a gas grill and a charcoal grill/ smoker.

For the charcoal I use one of these. A couple sheets of newspaper stuffed in the bottom will light the charcoal. When they are the proper shade of grey you dump on the bed of the BBQ. Real easy and fast.

[Arlo]

http://mobile.seriouseats.com/2009/04/g ... fluid.html

Spray a little vegetable oil on your newspaper.

[Ralfredo]

For the charcoal I use one of these. A couple sheets of newspaper stuffed in the bottom will light the charcoal. When they are the proper shade of grey you dump on the bed of the BBQ. Real easy and fast.

I agree! By far the best way to get the charcoal ready that I have tried. No chemicals at all needed. Only a few sheets of newspaper and wait some time. Always perfect result an no need to remember to buy home some kind of "ignition material".

[moja]

checked in Villa Market yesterday and they sell lighter fluid for BBQs

[Dannie Boy]

For the charcoal I use one of these. A couple sheets of newspaper stuffed in the bottom will light the charcoal. When they are the proper shade of grey you dump on the bed of the BBQ. Real easy and fast.

I agree! By far the best way to get the charcoal ready that I have tried. No chemicals at all needed. Only a few sheets of newspaper and wait some time. Always perfect result an no need to remember to buy home some kind of "ignition material".

That's all very well and good if you're living in the US or UK, but you won't pick one of those up in Hua Hin.

[Homer]

That's all very well and good if you're living in the US or UK, but you won't pick one of those up in Hua Hin.

It's easy to make a charcoal chimney. When the commercial versions first appeared they were WTF expensive, so many folks made their own. Remove both ends from a large can. Punch air holes in one end. Make the grate out of metal coat hanger pieces (or some such light metal), thread through holes just big enough for them. Use insulated mitts to empty when charcoal is ready or just knock it over, then pick up with pliers.

[Dannie Boy]

That's all very well and good if you're living in the US or UK, but you won't pick one of those up in Hua Hin.

It's easy to make a charcoal chimney. When the commercial versions first appeared they were WTF expensive, so many folks made their own. Remove both ends from a large can. Punch air holes in one end. Make the grate out of metal coat hanger pieces (or some such light metal), thread through holes just big enough for them. Use insulated mitts to empty when charcoal is ready or just knock it over, then pick up with pliers.

Doesn't sound too difficult, so worth a try

[migrant]

That's all very well and good if you're living in the US or UK, but you won't pick one of those up in Hua Hin.

It's easy to make a charcoal chimney. When the commercial versions first appeared they were WTF expensive, so many folks made their own. Remove both ends from a large can. Punch air holes in one end. Make the grate out of metal coat hanger pieces (or some such light metal), thread through holes just big enough for them. Use insulated mitts to empty when charcoal is ready or just knock it over, then pick up with pliers.

Doesn't sound too difficult, so worth a try

That was my first one! Worked fine, but then, like Homer said, the cost dropped so I went with the commercial variety!