Currently I had to buy a new Rapid Fire because of old after about 6 years of continuous operation was actually carried. When I reckon about high stakes (I've not only a charcoal starter) then should mean that 10 or even 15 year average crickets.
It is for this reason the current times today a review about the Weber charcoal starter (AZK).
Material and processing:
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The Weber AZK consists of (aluminum-coated?) Sheet. Grip and heat shield are indeed only riveted, but keep very good long-term use of. The thermoplastic handle is the same as you get from the Weber grills ago and can hold up well in hand. The additional bracket for Kohleausschütten is securely hooked.
The most important feature - and herein, the Weber AZK different from the discount store competitors like compatriot and Co - the charcoal grate. This is not riveted when Weber AZK (when compatriot counterpart me is before the Glutauflage fell out with roaring hot embers down because the rivets gave way in the heat ò_ó) but securely hooked into the metal wall of the AZKs. Furthermore, the coal grate has a slightly conical shape, is thus increased in the middle, so that the surface is increased to ignition and the ignition takes place simultaneously more in the center of the coal.
Use:
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First you fill the AZK (for a barbecue session in '57 kettle grill) to the brim with coal (I assume in almost all cases, briquettes).
Then, and this is particularly important, one should shake the AZK above a coal sack or better over the ash buckets tidy. So you can namely remove the pulverized coal and the Kleinstbröckchen from AZK. This has the advantage that then smoke significantly less when lighting the AZK or the coals.
Now you ignited in the charcoal grate of grill lighter 2 or 3 (I assume these pressed sawdust and oil things that Weberanzünder stink too much like chemicals) and is the stuffed AZK centered about. From Anzünderei with newspaper, I think nothing, because a first chance flies the paper ash in the garden.
There is already a lot at the beginning of smoke (I had been in all tested coals as Grillis, Weber, Dancook, etc.), but that settles down after the first 5 - 10 min.
Due to the shape of the so-called chimney effect AZK is favored, ie the flame or the hot gases are "sucked" up through the coals. One can observe nice if the embers slowly from below by eating up and the flames licking from minute 15 up from the AZK.
The coal is ready when gray ash layer has formed on the top coals. Once you are in a hurry but you can even earlier spilling the coal in the grill because there glows this course continues through.
Now it's time, a pair of thick gloves (welding gloves are ideal) to attract.
Just when you vorglüht the AZK in barbecue, the handle is warm to hot and also you never know where you have to tackle problems possibly.
In '57 Kugelgrill I now fill the coals on one half of the charcoal grate, so I always have to escape the possibility of grilling the heat in the indirect zone with steaks, sausages, etc.. Here you can control the spilling very well with the bow. Despite everything you should on wind direction and guests - especially children - eighth. It occurs, when the glow spilling in no small shower of sparks. During the day you can not see this, but makes it even at night!
Now it is important to have a safe place, where the really red-hot AZK can be turned off to cool down. Here special care again, when children are present.
And the hot AZK please do not put on the lawn, which is a nice bald spot.
If you have a longer session you can grill any time a full AZK coals rekindle the embers to replenish the grill. Here, the AZK must then of course somewhere else than standing at the grill. This is essential to ensure fire resistance of the backing and the fact that nobody can trip over the AZK accidentally or contacts. The 1A solution is another barbecue, in which one can make the AZK for kindling. Since tut's also the 5-Euro-tripod Tanke grill, so far is the acquisition of such only for AZK a good thing.
Shelf life:
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As mentioned earlier, my Weber Rapidfire is through after 6 years Power crickets, ie the rivets have become loose and even the charcoal grid does not inspire confidence.
But if I umrechne the on an average grilling, is likely to mean at least 10 years durability. This of course is neat.
The Weber AZK runs immediately after the first use on the outside of the heat. After further uses and the bearings may outdoors also rust can occur on the outside and in any case at Glutrost. But these are only optical defects, the function is not impaired.
Conclusion:
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The Weber charcoal starter actually belongs to barbecue essential to do so. The processing and the function are impeccable, as well as the durability. Fast embers without any further action.
5 star top rating and absolute buy recommendation.
Alternatives:
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Difficult! The cheap AZKs keep not stand and handle or Glutrost fall off, saugefährlich Experience has shown that the heat!
I have a few more AZKs from Bauhaus brand "Kingstone". Except for its quadrangular shape equal to Weber. The are some alternative, however, the shape distorted due to the heat. But since fits in even more coal, great for use with the smoker.
Otherwise: Weber Rapidfire!
