Tired of waiting 15 minutes for your chimney full of charcoal to get nice and hot? Then take thyself down to the Harbor Freight and buy one of these. You can have searing hot coals in under a minute. 
Without a doubt, the single greatest trick I learned in my first year of competition BBQ was the propane torch. I can't ever recall seeing anyone stuffing newspaper into the bottom of a chimney at any of the events in which I have competed, but I have seen many a good-old boy taking the torch to the firebox.
Attach one of these bad boys to that propane cylinder you've had sitting around in the garage forever and you've got yoursef a serious man-toy. The neighbors will know exactly when you plan to BBQ because the sound of one of these torches is absolutely unmistakeable. Think of a small jet taking off in your backyard. It should inspire a healthy dose of fear in your neighbors about "that crazy BBQ guy next door". And that's what you want - besides hot coals, of course, - is a little mystery and mystique. You'll be the only dude in the neighborbood with a bona fide flamethrower.
Get one - Now. You'll be oh-so-glad you did. Trust me.
Thanks, you rock.
It's on it's way to me now.
Best I could find one of these was for $75.
Posted by: Jerry | May 23, 2007 at 05:05 AM
Gee, bbq-man, how did you ever find such an awesome thing?
-Eddie
Posted by: Eddie | May 24, 2007 at 11:32 AM