This review pits two popular charcoal chimney starters against each other: the BBQ Dragon Chimney of Insanity and the Weber chimney. Both aim to efficiently ignite charcoal briquettes for grilling, but their designs and performance differ considerably. We’ll delve into a detailed comparison, examining build quality, ease of use, lighting speed, and overall effectiveness in generating hot coals perfect for searing steaks or any grilling endeavor. The goal is to determine which chimney offers superior performance and value, catering to a range of grilling styles and priorities.This head-to-head comparison explores crucial aspects like charcoal capacity, airflow optimization, and even handle temperature. We'll analyze the impact of the BBQ Dragon's unique internal tube and the optional fan attachment on lighting time. Ultimately, we aim to help you decide which chimney best suits your needs – whether you prioritize speed and convenience, or prefer a larger capacity for extensive grilling sessions. Our findings will highlight the strengths and weaknesses of each, providing a clear picture to guide your purchase decision.
Pros And Cons
- Smaller size heats coals faster
- Central tube produces good draft
- Handle does not get hot
- Faster lighting time with fan
- Larger size
- Nice handle for easier grip
- Handle gets extremely hot during use
Read more: Kingsford Chimney Starter: 8-Pack for Easy Charcoal Grilling
Introduction to the Charcoal Chimneys
This review compares two popular charcoal chimneys: the BBQ Dragon Chimney of Insanity and the Weber chimney. Both are designed to efficiently light charcoal briquettes for grilling, but they differ significantly in design and performance.
We'll examine their build quality, ease of use, lighting speed, and overall effectiveness in achieving hot coals for searing steaks or other grilling purposes.
The goal is to determine which chimney offers superior performance and value for money, catering to different grilling needs and preferences.
Design and Build Comparison
The Weber chimney boasts a robust build with a large, comfortable double-handled design. Its larger circumference suggests greater charcoal capacity.
Conversely, the BBQ Dragon Chimney of Insanity is more compact with a single handle, but includes a unique internal tube for optimized airflow.
This tube is designed to improve the draft and potentially light the charcoal faster. The smaller size might also lead to quicker heating of the coals.
Lighting Speed Test: Weber vs. BBQ Dragon
Both chimneys were loaded with an equal amount of Kingsford Blue 50 charcoal briquettes. The lighting process was timed to compare their efficiency.
The BBQ Dragon chimney, despite being smaller, showed surprising speed in lighting the charcoal. This can be attributed to its optimized airflow design.
The Weber chimney, while eventually lighting the coals, took considerably longer. The larger size and less focused airflow likely contributed to this.
BBQ Dragon with Fan Enhancement
A second test incorporated the BBQ Dragon fan accessory. This flexible fan clips onto the chimney to enhance airflow.
Adding the fan significantly reduced the lighting time. The combination proved extremely effective in achieving hot coals rapidly.
The fan's adjustable speed allows for precise control, optimizing the airflow to suit different charcoal types and desired heat levels.
Handle Temperature and Safety
A noteworthy observation was the significant difference in handle temperature. The Weber chimney's handle became extremely hot after use.
In contrast, the BBQ Dragon chimney's handle remained surprisingly cool, potentially due to its design or materials.
This feature enhances safety and convenience, making it more comfortable to handle even without gloves.
Conclusion and Recommendations
The BBQ Dragon Chimney of Insanity, especially with the fan attachment, provides significantly faster charcoal lighting. This feature is invaluable when time is of the essence.
The Weber chimney, while a reliable option, takes much longer to light and has a noticeably hotter handle. It may suit those who prioritize a larger charcoal capacity and don't mind a longer wait time.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on individual needs and priorities. The BBQ Dragon system is ideal for speed and ease of use. The Weber is more suited for larger grilling sessions.