Originally Posted By: dougwalkabout
You must have a high grade of coal to light it so easily. Ours takes a lot of heat before it really gets going, and won't produce much heat unless there's a good draft all around.
The firelighter burns for 5 or 10 minutes - it's a commercial product designed for the job so it ought to make it easier. It comes as a biggish brick which you are supposed to break into small tabs. I actually break it into double-tabs. A single tab isn't enough to get the fire going, and two work best if they are close together. I can't really remember how much success I had with the paper and kindling approach; it was a long time ago that I stopped using it.

The firelighters add a significant cost to each evening's fire, and I stockpile them much as I do the coal. The grate and chimney means there is a good draft.

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Do your neighbours object to coal burning, or is it commonly used in your area?
It's not common. I'm not very social, so I don't really know what they think.
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