I struggle to get my heat beads going most of the time. Some light and others refuse to burn almost. I've followed the instructions and crossed my fingers and even prayed to the CO gods! ;)
I've used the self starters and the normal ones, self starters have a better strike rate , as you would expect.

I don't yet have a bead chimmney yet, working on that. Do they make that much of a difference?

Any tips folks?

Willo the chimney will make a huge difference, but more importantly, the brand of heat beads and brand of fire lights, for the carcole only use HeatBeads or hot shots, I like the "LIght House "fire lights never had a failure.

Willo it is worth reading the info on the first page of this website.  It gives a good visual in the area "charcoal as heat" on the right hand side where you find the Camp Oven Chat Board.  
I havent got a chimney, but can see they are a big help to those that have them.  

Good advice from Micheal re heatbead choice.  The cheapies never end up being cheaper in the long run (from experience ::) ).

a trivett helps the airflow.  I have used the trivett in an old frying pan on our bbq.  with the frying pan on the bbq nothing is heat damaged under the frying pan and the frying pan holds the ash so it doesnt go everywhere.  of course if you can get an old electric frypan to put the trivett in then that is even better. On the bbq brings it to a height convenient for me.

IMHO a chimney is a must, even an old fruit tin with holes on the base and sides will do the trick and as others have said don't buy the cheap heatbeads, they ain't cheap in the long run.
I light my beads  up on a gas ring and wait until they are all gray, about 20 minutes, too easy.
pd

Fruit tin with holes side and bottom - now where to find a tin large enough.  Just a family of two here now.  Guess it would be best to put it on a trivett tho so that the air circulates under.  We dont always have gas outside to try your method but sounds good idea pd.

I would agree with the others pay more and you get better results I only use heat bead brand. I can't always get there firestarter but I never buy cheap ones.

Try putting about 4 firestarters under a trivet and the heat beads piled on top.  If you have a catering size tin open on both ends you could shelter it with that. Punch some holes in it if your able to

I take the easy way out and use a heat bead chimney or put the starters on the floor of my volcano and the beads on the rack. All use the same principals of air flow but not winds.  

Thanks guys, I've been only using Heat Bead brand beads and thats what has been frustrating me.

Will look for tin and like the idea of using gas ring to blast the little critters! ;)

Check these out willo they look the goods.

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/BBQ-Charcoal-Chimney-Starter-Heat-Beads-Weber-Kettle-/130492467595?pt=AU_Outdoor_Living_BBQs_Cookware&hash=item1e61f5098b

Nicest one I've seen Astro, I haven't got much on at present and it just so happens I have an old gas bottle roughly that size mmmmm.

pd

I'm only a newbie, and for the small damper i made (stuffed up) last night i used a piece of chicken wire with the beads wrapped in it. Did'nt take long for them to light up because i put them on top of a fire i already had going in the barbie.
It was the first time i have used beads for a co, but it wont be the last. I used the hot shots.
Dont ask about the damper, it was a comedy of errors from the start. (wrong flour and too much heat for the 8 inch oven that i used) Still tasted good, but thick crust with a small burnt patch on top, and a bit doughy inside.
"Practice makes perfect"

Good luck Jez 

Hi.........few of us have had problems with a batch of heat beads

made mine from paint tin

Dave

---

Jez
     How do you think we learnt ?
     stuff up's & practice !  ;)
     and still do it!  :( :( :(

 Daryl

    ....and still do it!  :( :( :(

 Daryl [/quote]

Especially when the preparation is rushed and it's piss'n rain!
Thanks Daryl.

Cheers Jez