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have read new Cobb fuel made from cocoa shells...burn hotter and longer

B u t....has anyone tried the mostly anthracite 'charcoal' from poundland and 99p stores (for two blocks) they are sort of funny shaped, with holes in them.  They look almost identical to the 'Cobbles' advertised by Cobb.  They are said to burn for up to 3 hours, at 350degrees.   They are called miracleblaze or wonderblaze.  Would they be OK on Cobb - they look as if they would fit the charcoal grid, and would probably only need to use one at a time....anyone tried them, or got any comments please?

as of today - noticed they had some in Range (a new store to me, just opened in Swindon) but apparently they are all over.

They had lots of heat beads.....also Homebase locally just received some in. 

Also noticed some heat beads lighters - about 20 little push out wax thingees, got some to try, as Bryant and May seem to have stopped the packeted non-smell lighters which were recommended.

Quote: Originally posted by kara on 25/5/2008

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Also noticed some heat beads lighters - about 20 little push out wax thingees, got some to try, as Bryant and May seem to have stopped the packeted non-smell lighters which were recommended.

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We've converted over to heat beads and they certainley are much better than normal briquettes or lumpwood.

Not even a cobb user, just for a charcoal bbq - last soooo much longer and can be re-used.

Chaz

Just back from a trip in the Hebrides and used a full packet of Cobblestones for the first time. I,m not convinced that they are hotter than the heat beads and the burn time seemed to be variable between 2 and 3 hours.

They are expensive but the big advantage is that they are ready within about five minutes rather than the half an hour you need for briquettes. I would recommend a packet for those times when you simply cant wait to get started but to also carry standard heat beads or briquettes for more leisurely nights otherwise the cost gets a bit prohibitive.

I must try these anthracite thingies.

PS although the cobblestones start quickly once you have lit them you will need a gas lighter to get them going rather than a match.

cheers

John