Let's Talk BBQ

Other Cooking Equipment => Other cooking Eqipment => Accessories => Topic started by: CaptJack on February 28, 2013, 04:19:45 PM

Title: MaxBBQ propane charcoal starter
Post by: CaptJack on February 28, 2013, 04:19:45 PM
Max BBQ Eco Charcoal Chimney Starter With Gas Burner
(a name a mother could love ;)
http://www.amazon.com/Max-Charcoal-Chimney-Starter-Burner/dp/B003GW9ZPU

I just got my MaxBBQ propane charcoal starter
a simple LP propane burner with a stand designed to support a charcoal chimney starter
(http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o283/CaptJack50/BBQ/MaxBrn_001_zps758715b4.jpg)

it is very well made
the charcoal chimney is galvanized 20 gauge steel and should last a long time, but...
(but there is no replacement chimney listed online or with the included literature)

the Max chimney is just a tiny bit smaller than the big Weber
and probably 30% more volume than one of the $8 cheapys
(http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o283/CaptJack50/BBQ/MaxBrn_004_zpsec134236.jpg)

(http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o283/CaptJack50/BBQ/MaxBrn_006_zps08fd04fe.jpg)

when I saw the unit online I was curious how to adapt other chimneys to work over the burner
the Weber chimney is the same diameter as the burner base so it wont rest stable without a grill to act as a spacer
(http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o283/CaptJack50/BBQ/MaxBrn_011_zpsbc92bcb0.jpg)

with the smaller, little $8cheapy I had to add two screws at the same height as the burner housing
so it could rest level inside the burner base
(http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o283/CaptJack50/BBQ/MaxBrn_002_zps26394366.jpg)

(http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o283/CaptJack50/BBQ/MaxBrn_003_zps27f8dd45.jpg)

another thing I wanted to do was to pick up a converter hose - bottle to tank
(OUCH/GAG!! $30 @Academy)
the tank I use for my CB SRG
(http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o283/CaptJack50/BBQ/MaxBrn_005_zps2e1a9d33.jpg)

the main issue they have in the instructions is
that it is a charcoal IGNITOR unit
you don't leave the chimney over the burner unit once the lower charcoal gets lit
(http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o283/CaptJack50/BBQ/MaxBrn_010_zpsbd23c66a.jpg)

I normally only light a 1/2 chimney in my small $8cheapy to start an indirect cook
so my first test was to see how fast I could get lit coals in the OldSmokey
the bottom layer of briquettes were WELL lit at 3'mins with the burner on HIGH
(http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o283/CaptJack50/BBQ/MaxBrn_007_zps484e49cd.jpg)

after 3'mins on the burner I moved the chimney over to my old charcoal pan and let it sit for just 4'mins
(http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o283/CaptJack50/BBQ/MaxBrn_008_zps98390176.jpg)

at a total of 7'mins I dumped them in the OldSmokey
I'm cookin' (http://i50.tinypic.com/20ztyfl.gif)
(http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o283/CaptJack50/BBQ/MaxBrn_009_zps8f96b783.jpg)

I'm pleased
(http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o283/CaptJack50/BBQ/901_MaxBBQCharcoalStarter_001_zps79337a12.jpg)
Title: Re: MaxBBQ propane charcoal starter
Post by: smokeasaurus on February 28, 2013, 04:21:11 PM
Dontcha just love all the gizmos and gadgets in the wonderful world of outdoor cooking  :)
Title: Re: MaxBBQ propane charcoal starter
Post by: CaptJack on February 28, 2013, 04:29:03 PM
Quote from: smokeasaurus on February 28, 2013, 04:21:11 PM
Dontcha just love all the gizmos and gadgets in the wonderful world of outdoor cooking  :)

smoke it's like fishin' with artificials
the only thing that gets hooked is the fisherman  ;D
Title: Re: MaxBBQ propane charcoal starter
Post by: squirtthecat on February 28, 2013, 04:30:07 PM

Nice write-up!
Title: Re: MaxBBQ propane charcoal starter
Post by: drholly on February 28, 2013, 05:58:19 PM
Nice review, Capt.

I like the little propane burner on my Weber Performer for starting charcoal. Same principle - works great. For my PBC - I till use the lighter fluid per PBC instructions - works fine. And on my 500X and fire pit - a bit of newspaper soaked in canola oil under the chimney seems to do the job. But, this gadget is interesting and your review was excellent - thank you!

David.
Title: MaxBBQ propane charcoal starter
Post by: mikecorn.1 on February 28, 2013, 06:04:08 PM
Cool write up.


Sent from my iPhone 5 using Tapatalk
Title: MaxBBQ propane charcoal starter
Post by: Pappymn on February 28, 2013, 09:52:30 PM
Thank you capt. Just the information I was looking for. Been on the fence with that product.
Title: Re: MaxBBQ propane charcoal starter
Post by: teesquare on February 28, 2013, 10:11:52 PM
Good Job Capt! ( stand and salute in the direction of Houston TX... ;D)

I kinda like that gizmo...I would want 2 of 'em to give me enough charcoal to fill the PBC basket....Not a bad price for the convenience and speed.
Title: MaxBBQ propane charcoal starter
Post by: Pappymn on February 28, 2013, 10:31:27 PM
Same Amazon seller sells them on eBay for about 3 bucks less.....if that floats your boat ;)
Title: Re: MaxBBQ propane charcoal starter
Post by: CaptJack on March 22, 2013, 12:12:31 PM
I've been enjoying my MaxBBQ propane charcoal chimney starter
it works even better with my wind screen around it
very fast

(http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o283/CaptJack50/BBQ/MaxBrn_012_zps559b4a51.jpg)