Processing for #2 begins: February 11. As of March 2 (about 6 weeks total), awaiting results. If it's 6-8 weeks from processing time, I still have weeks to go. My own test took about 3 weeks from activation to completion, but that was a couple of years ago, so maybe there is a bigger backlog right now. Be the first to rate this.
Undo. kframe19. Yes, those kinds of fireplaces generally burned coal-depending on where you are they may well have burned lignite, which is a sort of in between peat and bituminous coal. The solid panels are a nice touch to have, still. Many times they've simply disappeared.
You simply place a few sheets of newspaper under the chimney, below the grate and unlit charcoal into the cylinder above the grate, until it reaches the top. Light the newspaper (in a few places through the holes on the bottom of the chimney) and it will ignite the charcoal all the way to the top. Your coals are ready when they are at least 50% charred, but usually 10-20 minutes will do the trick, just enough time to get things ready for the grill!