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Barbecue Starter - don't use fuel anymore!

By
Real Estate Agent with Hawai'i Life Real Estate Brokers HRE# 58089 - RS

maui barbecue tips

Barbecue Starter Tip

Do you still have an old fashioned barbecue, that uses coals?  We don't care for those gas barbecues, the food just doesn't taste the same as when it's grilled on charcoals.  I thought everyone knew about these charcoal starter devices, but every now and then I'll be out looking at property, and smell that awful charcoal lighter smell as someone is trying to light their BBQ.  What a waste of energy!  Please don't do it!

Since we like to barbecue a lot, we use a CHIMNEY for starting the coals.  I think everyone should have one of these things.  You can buy them at Sears, for sure, and probably a lot of other places, once you know what you're looking for.  They are really easy to use, and the best part is, no stinky fossil fuels are needed.  Look at our barbecue here - I think this was its maiden voyage - it doesn't look this good anymore!  We got it at WalMart 2 years ago and it's looking pretty well used by now, just like the chimney.

Hey no matter how crappy it looks, it still works.  I think we paid $25 for the chimney years ago, and it has paid for itself over and over.  So start doing your environment a favor, and start using one of these chimneys.  They make great gifts too, for all your grilling buddies that aren't enlightened.

 

Here's how it works 

Wad up 4 sheets of newspaper (Maui News works best) and put them in the bottom compartment.  Fill the top part up with the charcoals and set it inside the barbecue.  Light the paper and sit back.  Make sure the fire catches.  As the papers burns, it gets the coals started and pretty soon you will see the flames coming out the top of the chimney.  You see it works just like a chimney, drawing the heat up.  After about 20 minutes, when the coals are all glowing, pick it up and empty the hot coals into the bed of the barbecue.  See how easy that is!  Now warm up the grill, and start cooking.

For a really low cost alternative - take a great big restaurant size empty can and cut out both ends, punch a bunch of holes in the lower half and use it.  It works!  (Just be more careful when dumping it out.)

I have been known to buy a barbecue for happy clients when they buy their first home on Maui.  If you'd like to know more about the Maui real estate market, please give me a call.

aloha from Maui - The Hunter - Georgina M. Hunter R(S) - EMAIL ME

 

Comments(12)

Bill Roberts
Brooks and Dunphy Real Estate - Oceanside, CA
"Baby Boomer" Retirement Planner

Georgina, I too hate charcoal lighter fluid. I've been using newspaper (the only thing its good for since I don't have birds or sell fish) and twigs. I think I'll try the chimney idea. Thanks.

Bill Roberts

Jan 22, 2008 05:30 AM
Georgie Hunter R(S) 58089
Hawai'i Life Real Estate Brokers - Haiku, HI
Maui Real Estate sales and lifestyle info
Hi Bill,  try it!  You'll like it.  We used to do the large can method back when we were poor folks.  It works too.
Jan 22, 2008 05:34 PM
Randy L. Prothero
eXp Realty - Hollister, MO
Missouri REALTOR, (808) 384-5645
Our daily newspaper also makes a great fish wrapper.  Not much for reading though.  LOL
Jan 23, 2008 07:46 PM
Georgie Hunter R(S) 58089
Hawai'i Life Real Estate Brokers - Haiku, HI
Maui Real Estate sales and lifestyle info
Hi Randy - I see you posted a picture of the inflatable mongoose in Kahului.... too funny.
Jan 24, 2008 10:54 AM
Tom Braatz Waukesha County Real Estate 262-377-1459
Coldwell Banker - Oconomowoc, WI
Waukesha County Realtor Real Estate agent. SOLD!

Georgina

I am with you on the barbecue. Nothing can ever replace that great smoke taste.

Regards

Tom Braatz

Jan 24, 2008 05:06 PM
Barbara-Jo Roberts Berberi, MA, PSA, TRC - Greater Clearwater Florida Residential Real Estate Professional
Charles Rutenberg Realty - Clearwater, FL
Palm Harbor, Dunedin, Clearwater, Safety Harbor
that is something new! I have never heard of starting this way and am going to try it out! thanks!
Jan 25, 2008 04:29 AM
Georgie Hunter R(S) 58089
Hawai'i Life Real Estate Brokers - Haiku, HI
Maui Real Estate sales and lifestyle info

Tom - Some of us die hards just can't get behind those gas grills.

B & B - I'm glad I made a convert - that's made my day!

Jan 25, 2008 12:46 PM
Anonymous
Dave

A pal of mine had a hibachi grill that folded up in to a chimney.  You would fill the bottom of both sides of the hibachi with coals, contain them with grills, then fold the two halves to the centre. There was a little catch to hold them. i can't remember what we used to start the fire at the bottom. In any case, the coals woul catch fire in the chimney and we were ready to go in 20 minutes. I have not seen one like this for 30 years.

May 12, 2008 08:59 AM
#8
Anonymous
Dave

A pal of mine had a hibachi grill that folded up in to a chimney.  You would fill the bottom of both sides of the hibachi with coals, contain them with grills, then fold the two halves to the centre. There was a little catch to hold them. i can't remember what we used to start the fire at the bottom. In any case, the coals woul catch fire in the chimney and we were ready to go in 20 minutes. I have not seen one like this for 30 years.

May 12, 2008 09:00 AM
#9
Georgie Hunter R(S) 58089
Hawai'i Life Real Estate Brokers - Haiku, HI
Maui Real Estate sales and lifestyle info

Dave - that sounds so cool!  I don't think they make them like that anymore.  those old Hibachis were great.  Thanks for commenting!

May 12, 2008 10:46 AM
Tiffany Wilson
eReal Estate Corp - Redondo Beach, CA
SFR, First Time Home Buyers & Investors

The more we can wean ourselves off of everything that comes from petroleum, the better we will be!

May 12, 2008 11:43 PM
Georgie Hunter R(S) 58089
Hawai'i Life Real Estate Brokers - Haiku, HI
Maui Real Estate sales and lifestyle info

Tiffany - thanks for commenting.  I cringe when I see people buying bbq lighter fluid - there's just no need for it.

May 13, 2008 05:10 AM