Using a Wok over charcoal

[sparrks]

I tried my Cobb oven with the Wok but it was so slow for cooking. Anyone have a small portable solution? I've been reading up about using a chimney. Something about the size of an asian terracotta stove but much lighter.

 

[Robmac]

I tried my Cobb oven with the Wok but it was so slow for cooking. Anyone have a small portable solution? I've been reading up about using a chimney. Something about the size of an asian terracotta stove but much lighter.

I think the chimney starter should do the job, you may have read this;

deadspin-quote-carrot-aligned-w-bgr-2

There are quite a few available on Amazon.

Amazon.co.uk: bbq chimney starter weber

 

[korky]

I think the chimney starter should do the job, you may have read this;

deadspin-quote-carrot-aligned-w-bgr-2

There are quite a few available on Amazon.

Amazon.co.uk: bbq chimney starter weber

I've been using a chimney starter for a few years just to light the barbie and I reckon you're right,it should be just the job for heating a wok.
It gets very hot,fast.Has also revolutionised starting barbie.Good even ignition of coals in just a few mins.

Korky.

 

[sparrks]

I think the chimney starter should do the job, you may have read this;

deadspin-quote-carrot-aligned-w-bgr-2

There are quite a few available on Amazon.

Amazon.co.uk: bbq chimney starter weber

Thanks Rob, I had been looking at these, even read the page you had linked to but had wondered if you folks had an even better solution. I have now ordered one - will look at putting a wider base on it to make it more stable and increasing the draught with shutters over the vents, plus to put a support to hold the Wok. This should earn me even more brownie points from the missus. Did look at an Thai/Asian stove at a Thai festival over the weekend but they wanted £80 odd for it - couple of quid in Thailand.

 

[Fazerloz]

I find these good for woks if you get plenty of fire in the bottom they get the wok very hot. PORTABLE CHARCOAL BBQ GRILL CAST IRON FIRE PIT GARDEN PATIO CAMPING BARBECUE

 

[Fazerloz]

That is the small one larger ones are available I just meant that style of bbq.

 

[Deleted member 207]

I've given up on using the Cobb briquettes, too slow, too expensive. I just use BBQ beads, which I think are just compressed charcoal and coal dust, or just charcoal and use a slug of meths or a base of small twigs to get them started. Most of the wilding spots I stay at also have plenty of left over charcoal in old campfires so I just spend a few minutes gathering up the leftovers.

I don't think a wok will ever be successful on a Cobb as the heat source is too low, probably a small campfire burnt down to coals and the wok placed directly on the coals would do.

I used to motorcycle with a Chinese guy back in the 80s who used that method and he cooked some superb meals whilst we struggled with Trangias and dehydrated crap. He could even cook damper. He lost his wok in a wind storm overlooking the Great Australian Bight, in a hundred years some plonker is going to find it and the Chinese will claim Australia!!!

 

[izwozral]

Bought one in NZ for 1$ in a charity shop, brilliant bit of kit. Used it mainly on the camp fire, steaks were superb, also used it for flat breads and potato cakes.

 

[Wooie1958]

They`re rubbish for soup :sad:

 

[Luckheart]

Wooie started it!

 

[Channa]

Not using charcoal as such, but in my experience for using a wok a Coleman petrol stove is the best thing I have used,

The heat generated is ferocious and a wok with oil can be used as a makeshift fat fryer for Fish and Chips etc. I shall be using mine later to make bhajis.

The wok itself, plays a part it is important that you can achieve good heat distribution rather than a localised heat.

£140 the Coleman is not the cheapest piece of kit, however had mine at least 30 years and still does its job. I would go so far as to say possibly the best piece of camping kit I have ever bought.

Because it can run on lead free petrol, finding fuel is never a problem, Always the back up in the van should the gas run out !. Also weather like we have had easy to cook with outside.

Unleaded 2 Burner Stove

Channa

 

[mistericeman]

You really won't beat a Coleman cooker for heat output and cheapness of running along with a large chunk of reliability thrown in.

The last couple of double burner ones I've bought off ebay I've paid less than £30.

I Never bother with Coleman fuel just have a gallon can of unleaded in the locker on the van (mind a mate of mine is currently running his race car on Methanol at £120 for 56 gallons so might give that a try) and service the cooker one a year.

Very versatile with a metal ammo box on top as an oven.

 

[Channa]

You really won't beat a Coleman cooker for heat output and cheapness of running along with a large chunk of reliability thrown in.

The last couple of double burner ones I've bought off ebay I've paid less than £30.

I Never bother with Coleman fuel just have a gallon can of unleaded in the locker on the van (mind a mate of mine is currently running his race car on Methanol at £120 for 56 gallons so might give that a try) and service the cooker one a year.

Very versatile with a metal ammo box on top as an oven.

I am reassured you echo my sentiment I too only use lead free petrol don't bother with the Coleman fuel, and never had a problem

I read somewhere once and I cant remember the figures but the Coleman creates more btus on its main burner than a domestic gas flame by some margin.

I love the ammo box idea, Months ago I was really envious of tandoor ovens you can buy readily in Asia but not here and the ones you can find are extortion. I think the ammo box idea could work really well too as a smoker for fish etc

Channa

 

[mistericeman]

I've got a 'rare' 3 burner one too for when cooking for a big group....

Mind if that's not hot enough you could always borrow my ex military No1 burner...

Ex MOD No1 burner/British army petrol cooker - YouTube

Designed to pressurise 2 gallons of petrol then fire it along a 6 foot trench with metal grills over it to stand 'dixies' on...
rumour has it it was 50/50 for a hot meal OR a, badly burned cookie ;-)

 

[Channa]

Last few Sundays I have been car booting to get rid of some gear, and looking out for an ammo box ! The idea is to sell, but I really need to work on this tandoor idea I have in my head.

Channa