How to Light a Big Green Egg Fire the Cheapest Possible Way

I'm all for saving money and I love this method.   First, obtain a tall metal can.  This is one from a big thing of pineapple juice.  I drilled some holes in the side for oxygen and used a can opener to cut out the bottom.  Stack your coals the way you want and put your metal can on top in the middle of the pile.  Insert an electric fire starter and fill with charcoal.

After a few minutes when you have some flames going, remove the electric starter and use a pair of tongs to lift the can straight up allowing the charcoal to fall out of the bottom.  Set safely aside to cool.  The result is a small amount of coals lit right in the middle of the fire.  This works well for long cooks where you want to start the fire in a small area right at the top middle of the coals.This will allow for the coal to burn out and down for prolonged heat.

This is also, as I understand it, similar to what is called the "Minion Method".  A variation can also be done without the can sticking the heating element directly in the coals

Alternative methods include:

• Fire Starter Squares - This will light 144 fires for $18.  You can find equivalent type fire starters at any store that sells BBQ stuff.
• Looflighter - This is probably the most expensive way to light your grill, but it's pretty awesome.  Some will say this product is just an expensive heat gun.
• In a pinch, a crumpled up paper towel and vegetable oil can be used to get a fire going.