"Brian" > wrote in message
ups.com...
> Hi folks.
>
> I just bought my first Weber grill and I love it. I bought last year's
> Platinum model because I had to have a table and couldn't afford a new
> Performer. Anyway, I set up my first batch of lump charcoal in my
> Weber chimney starter and put it on my concrete patio. I went into the
> kitchen for a minute and heard "POP!!!! POP-POP-POP!!!! I ran outside
> and found that the heat of the lump charcoal busted up the surface of
> the concrete!!! It caused the chimney starter to topple over! Luckily
> it landed on stone and didn't ignite anything. The concrete patio now
> has a circular hole the size of the chimney starter that's about a 1/4
> inch deep. Naturally I was in shock. Has anyone else experienced
> anything like this? I didn't even have the starter completely full.
>
> My question: With briquettes, I know I have to wait until they turn
> ashey white. What about with lump? When can I put the food over them?
>
> Happy grilling.
>
> Brian


As I learned in metalcasting class many years ago, concrete floors have
moisture in them, which can be turned to high pressure steam if the concrete
is heated quickly to a high temperature, causing the concrete to literally
explode. I place my chimney starter on top of the pile of charcoal in the
cooker while it does it's work.

As far as waiting until the lump turns white, I don't do this . I just wait
long enough for all the pieces to get going, then dump them on the rest of
the charcoal.