even with the bottom vent/one touch cleaning device fully open and the lid off it takes at least 45 minutes to reach a temperature that I feel is high enough for me to start cooking ... any thoughts
2 thoughts spring to mind.
1. Try keeping the lid on during the warm up process to get a blast furnace effect which can get the coals burning more quickly.
2. Treat yourself to Weber charcoal starting "chimney" definitely works like a blast furnace and usually has coals from cold to cooking temperature in 20 minutes or so (I seem to remember someone posted a picture of one on this topic somewhere - best present my ex-father-in-law ever bought me!!).
This will of course have the
gas aficionados howling with laughter and bragging about instant heat etc, but don't let that put you off - it doesn't make it right. My advice for the charcoal experience is: get beer, light charcoal, chill drinking beer, ensure resupply of beer and cook when ready. It's all about planning really.