We use the Cobb own thingies. There are 2 varieties normal and quick. Normal takes about 5 mins to heat and quick is about 1-3 mins.
IF we used the Cobb at home we would probably use heat beads. As we take the Cobb camping with our tent we count days minus 1 or 2 and take these round Cobb things with us. We also use a double burner so will not use it for every evening meal. Some people use it for every meal.
We have use Aussie Heat Beads, and sometimes Weber Briquettes. Had better success with the Aussie heat beads. Got ours on line from Gardens4less, but did notice The Range sold them last year.
I tend to use the Cobb stones for ease, but have started to use the heat beads, It can be helpful to use a BBQ fire starter chimmney to get your heatbeads or briquettes hot quickly.
Most people use either heatbeads or the Cobb stones. Lumpwood isn't great on Cobbs. I've tried normal briquettes, I've found they are ok for quick cooks as they burn quicker than the heatbeads.
Play around before you go and if you've bot already done so, check out the Cobb UK pages on Facebook. Loads of people on there with tonnes of advice.
The genuine Aussie Heat beads are the best ...ive had a Cobb for years ... the heat beads burn and keep their heat for up to 3 hours longer than Briquettes ( Remember to keep the bag of beads away from the damp ground ) 9 heat beads can give you up to 4 hours cooking time...we now tend to just use our cobb for chickens and joints of meat also fish ( the veg etc goe's in the moat in foil )as does any deserts. For Currys , stews , stir frys etc and cooked Breakfasts we use our Cadac....this way we have all sides covered !
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Lord Scratcher and Lady Jayne
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You tried your best
and failed MISERABLY.
The lesson is : NEVER TRY .