430091 Fri Aug 10 16:22:14 -0700 2007 8 41 Cookware 0 2834513 This is probably ridiculously obsessive/compulsive, but when you load your charcoal chimney starter, do you put the left-over coals on the bottom, or do you start with fresh briquets, and add the leftovers on top? Fri Aug 10 16:22:14 -0700 2007 13003 whs 1 2834636 I put the fresh on the bottom. I also sprinkle a little canola oil on the newspaper. Fri Aug 10 17:14:23 -0700 2007 2834513 31025 diverx99 2 2849021 I tried the canola oil thing--did not notice a marked improvement on fire acceleration...plus it was kinda messy. Wed Aug 15 14:19:25 -0700 2007 2834636 13003 whs 2 2851774 I used to use the vegetable oil trick when I used an El Cheapo chimney, but ever since I spent the big bucks on a real Weber chimney, I haven't had to...I think the superior venting in the Weber makes the difference. Thu Aug 16 11:21:11 -0700 2007 2834636 13700 ricepad 3 2855077 Can't tell you how many times I have used my Weber chimney but it's been allot. I only had one time that 2 pieces of newspaper did not work. And that time it needed one more sheet. It was a particularly hot and breezless day. Fri Aug 17 10:08:13 -0700 2007 2851774 77397 Eric in NJ 1 2836820 Fresh on the bottom, old leftovers (if any) on top. Otherwise, the little leftover pieces can fall through. Sat Aug 11 17:27:00 -0700 2007 2834513 13700 ricepad 1 2846539 Just dump the newly lit coals on top of the old ones. No use in going through all the trouble scooping them out of the grill and putting them into the chimney. Because they've been burn already, they start up quickly. Tue Aug 14 20:17:42 -0700 2007 2834513 22801 bkhuna 2 2849018 This makes a lot of sense. BTW, I went to an auto supply place and bought a box of latex gloves that I use for loading coals--no more coal miner's hands. Wed Aug 15 14:18:13 -0700 2007 2846539 13003 whs 2 2851629 That is what I do - works like a charm - also with the canola oil I use Pam - not as messy as pouring oil but has the same desired effect - I notice the improvement when it is a littl damp out allows the paper to burn longer - Thu Aug 16 10:53:42 -0700 2007 2846539 11622 weinstein5