How to light the Big Green Egg w/Rubbing Alcohol, Part 1

I own a large egg. I use it often so I did a lot of research and testing on the best way to light it. I concluded that rubbing alcohol is the best overall method for my needs. This video will show you how this is done including lots of helpful tips if you decide to try it yourself.

Continue with Part 2 here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IH1VxWsR1Sw

And yes, I did paint my egg gold to match my new table. Detailed photos and info about the paint job can be found here: http://www.eggheadforum.com/index.php?option=com_simpleboard&Itemid=109&a...

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• Big
• Green
• Egg
• grill
• lighting
• fire
• starter
• light
• propane
• mapp
• oil
• chimney

[jimsmith59]

whats wrong with a charcoal starter chimney?

[wileetundra]

@jimsmith59

The starter chimneys take longer and leave paper ash residue which can clog air holes and drift up with the heat to settle on your food. They work just fine, as do many other methods, but this alcohol method is the cheapest and fastest IMHO, and I have tried them all. To each his own.

[thesadsack]

After putting in the charcoal I rip a sheet of paper towl in half, bunch each half up lightly, and tuck them into the charcoal on opposite sides,Then I pour a little olive oil onto each half and light 'em up.

[wileetundra]

Yeah, I tried the oil before. It usually works ok but the paper towels leave flakey ash residue which can float upwards and stick to your food, and the oil gives off some unhealthy byproducts when burnt that can impart a slight odor or taste to the food. But the main reason I use rubbing alcohol is because it is faster and cheaper, and burns hotter and cleaner. Olive oil is a good backup option if you are out of rubbing alcohol but try the alcohol once and you won't go back.

[wileetundra]

I use a Tel-Tru thermometer which goes up to 1000-1200 F for keeping track of those very hot cooks when searing steaks or cooking pizza on a stone. I use small round wooden wheels or white ceramic dresser knobs to insulate the back of the temperature gauge from the heat of the dome. This also prevents moisture, smoke, and steam from seeping into the back of the dial which could damage it over time.

[markus412]

Pretty sweet, fast method, but be advised....using any liquids in your egg will void your lifetime warranty on the ceramics. Then again, how would they ever know?

[ugavet]

What kind of thermometer do you have and what do you have between it and the egg?

[RICHARDTOMLEY10WHARF]

never seen this big green egg thing is it just like a bbq

[Kuats251]

Great technique for getting the BGE up to cooking temp quickly. No fuss, no mess.

[Brandonsanity]

did anyone else notice the thermometer move at about 7:40? I like the idea of these Green Eggs. Just heard of them today. Great video, very informative.