re: Grill recommendations for a beginner essentially?

quote:

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I put my chimney full of coals on by crawfish burner for a few minutes and they're ready to go.

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Another thing I miss about having a side burner. I could get more coals going when doing a long smoke without getting the smoker too hot. Light them up, sit the chimney on the grill on the gas side, and when they aren't flaming quickly add them to the smoke box.

And let it be noted that my first beer comment is what had OP reconsidering charcoal.