August 18, 2006
Weber 87886 Chimney Starter Review
I had a chance to use the Weber 87886 chimney starter this weekend for the first time (actually, it was my first chimney starter, brand and model regardless). Most of the time when I've lit a charcoal grill, it's involved plenty of lighter fluid, including that distinctive smell lighter fluid has. Well, with this gadget, you don't need that or any other weird chemical fire starters any more. You simply put some paper in the chimney starter, add charcoal on top, apply a match, and within ten minutes, you've got cherry red coals ready for use. Just transfer them to the grill, and you're ready to start cooking.
Since I haven't used other chimney starters, I can't compare the Weber 87886 to other models, but I found it quite easy to use, even as a newbie. A big plus was that there was no lighter-fluid taste to the burgers and polish sausages we roasted, something I've always been able to taste, even after friends promised me "oh, the lighter fluid burned off a long time ago." The barbecue was excellent, the chimney starter easy to use, and I have no trouble recommending the product to anyone who has a charcoal grill.
The Weber is available at Amazon.com for under $15: Weber 87886 Chimney Starter
