Best Charcoal Starters of 2025

"These are great for starting fires. I've never struggled to get a fire going when I use them, and I prefer this to gasoline, which never works as well for me."

"I find that they light up quickly, even when it's wet outside. They burn hot enough to get my coals going fast and are mess-free for grilling. I absolutely recommend them for anyone who grills with charcoal."

"I was impressed with how small yet effective these are. They got my Masterbuilt smoker going in seconds, and I was pleasantly surprised. Better than advertised!"

"Using this chimney has completely changed my grilling experience. It's incredibly simple and efficient. Just crumple some newspaper, add charcoal, and light it. In 10-15 minutes, I have perfectly lit charcoal that tastes great, without any unpleasant lighter fluid flavor. Highly recommend this chimney!"

"I used to struggle with starting charcoal fires, but this chimney makes it stupid easy! Just one piece of newspaper and 10 minutes later, I can dump the coals and start grilling. I'm really happy I bought it!"

"I recently purchased this charcoal chimney starter, and it's a game-changer! If you're tired of lighter fluid and long waits, this is a must-have tool for grilling enthusiasts. Fast, efficient, and safe—I highly recommend it!"

“After running out of fire starters, I chose Kingsford for its reputation and price. Using a Kingsford chimney with one starter is enough to get my coals going. They fit perfectly and are super economical.”

“These fire starters ignite quickly and efficiently, allowing me to enjoy grilling without fuss. I love that they burn cleanly without any chemical odors, ensuring my food tastes great. They’re also compact for easy storage, making them a must-have for grilling or camping.”

“I’m not great at starting fires, but these starters make it so easy. They light up with just a simple lighter after a few seconds. I highly recommend them for anyone who wants to simplify their fire-starting process.”

"I find these very convenient for lighting my wood-burning furnace. They burn really well and last a long time."

"Using just two starters is all it takes for me to get a fire going. No more need for newspaper!"

"What a great value! They light up instantly when I apply a fire source, and they're super easy to use."

“I bought the Weber Rapidfire Chimney Starter four months ago, and it has made starting my charcoal grill so much easier. Filling the chimney with charcoal, placing some newspaper underneath, and lighting it up is all I need to do. In about 15 minutes, the coals are ready. This chimney is sturdy and well-built, and the cool handle makes it safe to use. It’s a lot quicker than using lighter fluid, and I appreciate that there’s no chemical smell.”

“I am thrilled with my recent purchase of the fire starter chimney. It has revolutionized my grilling experience. Starting a charcoal fire was once frustrating, but now it’s quick and easy with just a fire starter. The thick and sturdy metal construction gives me confidence, and the heat-resistant handle ensures safety. Now, within minutes, my coals are evenly lit and ready to cook.”

“After reading numerous reviews, I decided to go with the Weber chimney, and I couldn't be more satisfied. It lights quickly and efficiently! I don’t even wear gloves when the coals are blazing since the handle stays cool. Just one tumbleweed is all it takes to get it started, making my grilling preparation quicker and easier.”

"I bought the Weber Lighter Cubes, 24 Count, four months ago. They have been very helpful for starting my grill. They light up quickly and easily, even in windy conditions. I just place a couple of cubes under the charcoal and light them with a match. Within minutes, the charcoal is burning, and I can start grilling. The cubes are clean and leave no mess behind. Overall, they are very convenient."

"I’ve been starting fires for a long time and normally use charcoal or wood chunks. I’ve never been a fan of lighter fluid due to the chemical tastes it imparts to food. I used to rely on newspaper, but it occasionally created a mess in windy weather. Then I tried these fire starter cubes, and they worked great in my chimney! I put in some coals, then the fire starter, light it, and add more coals. No paper ash blowing around, and they help me elevate my grilling experience!"

"I'm really impatient when it comes to getting my grill going. I've tried many methods, but these lighters are perfect for my needs! They come in a small package, but they pack a big punch! I found that I didn't have to worry if I got things right; the cubes sped up the process significantly. They’re inexpensive and lightweight, making them great for camping too!"

"I got these fire starters to go with my tabletop fire pit. They light easily and look really cool. I created a 20-minute fire with minimal smoke. They worked great for lighting pellets, and the storage can is a nice touch. I gave them as a gift because they looked impressive compared to other brands."

"These fire starters are fantastic! They have a clean and consistent burn, which lasts plenty of time to ignite even stubborn or slightly damp wood. Plus, they’re priced well."

"I specifically bought this for camping, and it definitely delivered. I just place it at the bottom of the wood or on top of the charcoal, light it, and it works like a candle. It took about 10-15 minutes for the coals to be ready for grilling while I did other things. It's definitely a must-have for my camping gear!"

"I've been using this product for several years now, and this is my second one. It's a fantastic way to start the fire without the smell or taste of lighter fluids on my meats."

"For me, this is a simple and effective solution. Just pour the charcoal over the element, plug it in, and in 20-25 minutes, I'm ready to cook."

"This is my second Char-Broil Electric Charcoal Starter. My first lasted over 5 years. I love how it lights charcoal quickly and keeps my cooking free from chemicals or messy ashes."

"I was initially hesitant to spend the money on this product, but after taking advantage of a promotional offer, it's been a game changer. It has saved me so much time and effort, providing quick and consistent charcoal fires without any chemical smoke. I’ve been using it for 6 months with no issues."

"After using the Electro Torch for the first time, I was pleasantly surprised. The coals were glowing in about 20 seconds, and with the blower on, they fully ignited in about 45 seconds. I highly recommend it; it seems durable and effective."

"When my old lighter failed, I turned to this one and it exceeded my expectations. I can get the coals white-hot in about 3-5 minutes by stacking them correctly. The toggle switch design is smart for safety, but it does require holding down constantly, which can be a bit of a hassle."

"These make starting a campfire so easy; it's like cheating! I set a couple under my kindling, and they light quickly, allowing me to have a roaring fire in no time. Lightweight, no chemical smell, and they burn cleanly."

"I use these for our wood fires when camping. They ignite quickly and create a large flame right away. I only need two under several pieces of firewood, and I have a fire in no time! No need for kindling, and they never go out."

"I rely on these for my pizza oven. They are quick, easy to use, and work every time. No accelerant needed, and they burn bright and strong!"