coal or lump

just a quick 1 guys promise ( lol )

what it is q'ers, i have read about the minion method using briquetts and lump but ive also read that the briquettes we get here are no good for the minion method cause the smoke they give of when they are lighting while lump is fine to use, can some one please clear this up as im abit confussed and also i just bought 20k of briqs.

p.s can anyone tell me where to look for suitable lump as i read it has to be resturant grade and ive not seen this before only the quick light stuff that comes in individual bags which if im correct is full of chemical

once again thankyou for your time

mat

You are better off using a chimney starter than quick light charcoal, you really want to avoid the chemicals they put in that stuff.

I use coconut husk charcoal, it is meant to burn hotter, longer & cleaner, apparently there are no chemicals in it so it's 'safe', you get a lot less ash & what you do get you can chuck on your garden. If you look around you can get it mail order

http://www.essentialbbq.co.uk/browse.php?cat=Accessories&type=Charcoal

Instant lighting stuff is full of chemicals, that's why it says not to cook on it until it is fully lit. Avoid it like the plague. Briquettes vary in quality, at the moment I'm using Asda briquettes because they're the only place that has them in stock near me. These are pretty crap, lots of binder in them so they burn up quick, you can tell crappy briquettes because they burn quick and away to lots of ash.

Have tried CPL cocoshell briquettes that I got free with my E20, they were very good. The ones novice recommended are also supposed to be really good. Once more charcoal appears round here I'll be looking for good brand charcoal like Big K, you never see restaurant grade lump in the shops but Big K will sell it to you mail order if you can buy a certain amount, might be 10 bags but can't remember.

If you know anyone that has a booker card (cash and carry) they are selling 15kg bags of Restaurant grade lumpwood for £5.65

sweet! thanks for letting us know that Toby. I'm sure I know someone with a Booker card.