This review dives deep into the BBQ Dragon Chimney of Insanity XL, a charcoal chimney starter boasting an unprecedented size and capacity. We unpack its impressive dimensions and robust construction, comparing its build quality and handling to other leading chimney starters on the market. Initial observations highlight its significant weight and substantial storage requirements, setting the stage for a detailed examination of its performance. Expect a thorough analysis of its charcoal holding capacity, ignition speed, and overall usability, offering a comprehensive perspective for serious grill enthusiasts considering this hefty investment.Our testing rigorously compares the XL’s performance against a widely used competitor, the Weber chimney starter. We explore the practical implications of the XL’s vastly increased charcoal capacity, assessing its impact on burn times and suitability for large-scale grilling events or extended cooking projects. Ultimately, we aim to determine whether the Chimney of Insanity XL’s superior performance and significant capacity truly justify its larger size and higher price point, offering a clear recommendation for potential buyers.
Pros And Cons
- Biggest chimney in the world
- Holds a lot more charcoal than the Weber chimney
- Takes three minutes to start charcoal (compared to two and a half minutes for the smaller Chimney of Insanity)
Read more: Kingsford Chimney Starter: 8-Pack for Easy Charcoal Grilling
Unboxing and Initial Impressions
The Chimney of Insanity XL arrived, and the sheer size was immediately impressive. It dwarfs even the largest competitor chimneys I've used. The construction appears robust, with thick metal walls promising durability. First impressions are definitely positive, although its sheer size might be a concern for some users with limited storage space.
The packaging was minimal but protective, ensuring safe arrival. It's clear BBQ Dragon prioritizes the product's structural integrity. Upon closer inspection, the build quality appears to be high-end, with careful welding and consistent finish across all seams.
Initial handling revealed its weight; it's significantly heavier than standard chimneys, which further suggests sturdy construction. This could be a positive for stability during use, but it might make it less convenient to move around frequently.
Charcoal Capacity Comparison
The main selling point of the XL is its increased charcoal capacity. To test this, I compared the amount of charcoal it could hold against a Weber chimney starter, a well-respected and commonly used option. The difference in capacity was substantial, significantly more charcoal could fit inside the XL.
I carefully filled both chimneys to their maximum capacity with identical charcoal briquettes. The results were visually striking; the XL housed approximately double the amount of charcoal compared to the Weber chimney. This translates to longer burn times and suitability for larger grills or extended cooking sessions.
This considerable increase in capacity is a major benefit for those who often cook for large groups or engage in long cooks requiring consistent heat. The XL's advantage here is undeniable.
Ignition Speed and Performance
The Chimney of Insanity XL's ignition speed, even with its significantly larger capacity, is remarkably fast. While the original Chimney of Insanity boasts a 2.5-minute ignition time, the XL still manages exceptionally fast ignition time, though slightly longer than its predecessor, around 3 minutes.
The use of the BBQ Dragon fan is instrumental in this rapid ignition, ensuring even heat distribution and minimizing wasted charcoal. The efficient design and large air intake vents contribute to the impressive heating speed.
Despite the increased volume of charcoal, the even burn and fast ignition times make this a viable and convenient option for serious grill enthusiasts who need efficient and reliable charcoal ignition.
Conclusion and Verdict
The BBQ Dragon Chimney of Insanity XL is a substantial upgrade over standard charcoal chimneys, offering a significant increase in charcoal capacity without sacrificing ignition speed. Its robust construction and efficient design make it ideal for large-scale grilling or prolonged cooking sessions.
The increased size and weight might be drawbacks for some, but the superior performance and the convenience of extra capacity outweigh these minor inconveniences for many users. Overall, despite the added weight and dimensions, the XL offers a significant improvement in functionality and capacity, making it a worthwhile investment for serious barbecue enthusiasts.
Compared to the Weber chimney, the XL's advantages in terms of charcoal capacity and its relatively quick ignition time makes it the superior choice, especially for those who routinely grill large amounts of food or require extended cooking times. Its higher price point is justified by the improved functionality.