Handful of pellets in the firebox?

I believe this action comes more from how far the ignitor in an FEC100 extends into the firepot. Both of my FEC100s have an ignitor that only slightly extends into the firepot. Thus the small handfull of pellets put in the side of the firepot where the ignitor is helps to make sure it fires up when it is lit for the next use.

Does this make sense?

yes.

The reason is that if you don't you have to wait for the auger to spit enough pellets to catch fire. manually doing this starts the burning process. The ignitor comes on immediately so give it a go.

Great, thanks! She's cookin away....