NorthernSmoke, This was one of my concerns when I bought a large BGE about 3 years ago. I'd agree that 20 minutes is a fair estimate of getting up to a reasonable grilling temp. I also learned that some lump lights quicker than others. Someone below (Trex?) suggested using Cowboy for this. I can get it at my local Ace hardware store here in eastern Mass. It is also sold as the house brand at Whole Foods up here. This is what I use for grilling. I still use Weber cubes for lighting but a Mapp torch would make it a few minutes faster.Let's face it. The gasser is more convenient if you just want to click it on and cook asap. However, once you go down the steep learning curve with lump and the egg, you won't go back. I used to pride myself on grilling at least once a week during the winter on my gasser. Now I grill (or bake or roast or barbecue) about three times per week throughout the winter. I use it more during the other seasons and am now up to three eggs (adding a small and a mini). But I'm a moderate user compared to the other posters on this board!Good luck with your decision.Paul