We get asked this question quite often. Someone buys a new smoker and asks the question. I am sure that they know how to build a fire but they ask because they want to know what the people that made it and sell it have to recommend. It tends to help them get a little ahead in the learning curve that is always a part of learning a new piece of equipment.
There are probably many ways to build a fire in a smoker but I am going to give you the quickest, most efficient and easy way that we use. No hassle, easy process that works without a lot of steps is what everyone is looking for.
#1 The Match Light method: Just throw a 6# (small) bag of Match Light charcoal crossways on the fire grate. Take 5 or 6 splits (wood sticks) and stack them on and around the charcoal bar. Take your lighter and light the whole paper bag and let it do it's thing. The picture below will give you an idea what that looks like.
#2 Torch or weed burner method. We get it. Some don't want to have to track down a bag of charcoal. Some don't want to taste the fluid used in match light. By the time you put the meat on the fluid is long gone but if you are a purist or you think you can taste it this method may be for you.
We sell these lp weed burners. You can also buy them at most farm/home stores and Lowes and HD. This is another easy no hassle way to start the fire on your cooker. Again, we start with 5-6 splits of wood stacked in the firebox. Connect the weed burner to your LP tank. Light it up and prop it in the bottom of the door and let it go. Just like the picture below. While you continue to prep and get things ready to start your cook it will get your cooker started and up to temp. Most every model of our cookers have a lp burner on them so you will have a bottle there and ready anyway it makes things pretty easy. If you have found a better/easier way to do it let us know. If you didn't have a plan, maybe one of these methods will help get you rollin' smoke.
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