I think that's a great idea. The Webber instructions actually suggest using newspaper rather than lighter fluid. But then what would us pyros have to play with?

Or, buy a chimney - infinitely reusable, no lighter fluid, and no wasteful packaging every time you want to light up the grill. No messier, either. You can use your own charcoal, so you can use an amount that works for your needs each time, instead of potentially wasting some on a small grilling job.

Sheesh. Such a throwaway society! Biodegradable or not, a lot of resources go into making the packaging and then hauling it away. Why not stick with the reusable item that already works great?

How about a link to this magic "chimney." I don't think the condo association will go for me adding the kind of chimney i think of when seeing that word. Couldn't agree more. We like to waste a lot.

Never mind I found it. Tin can w/ handle.

This looks like the definition of "Disposable Income", along with paper cups, paper napkins, paper plates and paper towels, plastic wrap...

(Oh how did we ever survive before these things?!?!)

Or, you could make your own chimney by cutting both ends off a small coffee can. Use pliers or tongs to pull out the chimney when the coals are ready...

Coffee can or big tomato tin works great--you can punch holes in the top edge and use a wire hanger for a handle. But this contraption above reminds me of a Roz Chast cartoon: lady on subway, bbq'ing a burger on the seat next to her: "I got a craving".

Yup, Jered - a grill chimney has been available (your own hack or from the store) for years, for just this purpose! They work perfectly, are very easy to use, and last practically forever.

Also, better to investigate *before* posting the snarky comment ;)

I want to know how they keep that grill so white and pristine.

Fire chimneys work great but I can see how this would be better. Where do you keep those dirty, ashy chimneys in your apartment or if you go to the park, do you really want to bring your dirty bag of charcoal and dirty fire chimney with you in your car? Seems like if you can keep the whole bbq process clean, you don't have to wash your hands, get charcoal dust everywhere and clean everything afterwards then it may be ecologically better to use the baja bbq.

dapperdan, I'm not sure what you do with your charcoal, but I hardly call my bag "dirty". On the inside, certainly, but not the outside. As for the chimney, once you pour the coals out into the grill all it takes is waiting for it to cool and then dusting off the ash to make it clean.

But then, I suppose we can all make excuses for needing more disposable, one-use-only items.

By that rationale, I'm guessing you also only ever use disposable paper plates? I mean, what would you do with those filthy food-covered dishes afterwards?

Yes I use a charcoal chimney, it was like $10. And it uses newspapers.

http://www.acehardware.com/product/index.jsp?productId=1290264

fill chimney with charcoal, place ball of newspaper underneath, light newspaper and Voila! after a few minutes you have a pils of smoldering charcoal and have only wasted a piece or 2 of newspaper.

brenjay,

I appreciate your efforts to discourage a "throwaway society" but I think your comments are misplaced. All charcoal is a one-use item. The bag that charcoal comes in is one-use.

Even if you use a metal chimney, you still have to buy charcoal. When the charcoal bag is finished, you throw it away.

There is a difference between using disposable paper plates and using this product. Paper plates create more waste than regular plates.

From how its described, this product does not create more waste- the packaging is the chimney starter. So it does not create more waste, it eliminates the need for metal chimney starters (which, great as they are, will also end up in the garbage someday) and it eliminates the need for lighter fluid.