Best Electric Fire Starters of 2025

“I've found this thing incredibly effective! I used to struggle with coals and lighter fluid, but now I just heat a few spots around my Kamado Joe, stir, and it’s good to go. Very tough too; it survived being submerged in water and still worked perfectly after drying it out!”

“I was a bit hesitant to buy an off-brand starter, but this one has really impressed me. It lights everything I’ve tried in under 30 seconds. It's just as good as the more expensive brands, and I think it’s a great value.”

“I loved using this device at first, but I did have some trouble. The fan didn’t start right away the first time, and now the heating element is out after only a couple of uses. I wish it had lasted longer.”

"I was hesitant about buying this due to its price compared to traditional lighter methods. However, after taking advantage of a promotional offer, I can confidently say it has saved me a lot of time and effort. It lights charcoal quickly and consistently, without any chemical smoke. I feel this is an essential investment for any charcoal grilling enthusiast, and I've had no problems after six months of use!"

"This electric torch exceeded my expectations. It lights coals white-hot in about 3-5 minutes. A few tips: stack coals with air circulation, have an electric outlet nearby, and use the blower to help kindle the fire. The constant pressure on the toggle switch is a smart design to prevent fires. Overall, this torch has made my grilling experience much easier and has fully replaced my BBQ chimney!"

"I initially purchased this to replace my Looftlighter, and while it works, I found the switch a bit challenging to hold for the required duration. It does ignite the charcoal in about a minute, but it takes additional time for the whole pile to be ready. The blower feature is helpful for speeding things up. I hope its durability holds up!"

"This Electric Charcoal Starter is simply outstanding. It lit my charcoal quickly and without any issues. All my briquettes were uniformly started, which allowed for an even heating experience in my smoker, with no hot spots. I highly recommend it for its simplicity and effectiveness!"

"I really wish it had a timer, since it feels a bit sketchy if I forget to check on it. However, in just five minutes, my coals become self-sufficient. It's so much easier than using a charcoal chimney, and it fits perfectly in my medium green egg!"

"This product appears to be well-made and heats up quickly. I love the angle of the heating element as it starts a larger surface area of charcoal. I definitely recommend it!"

"I've been using this product for several years now; this is my second one. It's fantastic for starting fires without the smell or taste of lighter fluid on my meats."

"This electric charcoal starter is so simple and effective. Just pour charcoal over it, plug it in, and 20-25 minutes later, I can spread the coals and start cooking!"

"I bought my second Char-Broil Electric Charcoal Starter because the first one lasted over 5 years. I love how it lights the charcoal quickly without any chemicals or burnt paper mess!"

"I genuinely wish these lasted longer. I find myself replacing them every other month. They work great, but I only get 10 to 12 uses out of them."

"I’ve used this starter for years, and when my old one finally gave out, I ordered a new one. I love how quickly the coals heat up without the awful smell of liquid starters. It’s the only safe and easy way for me to light charcoal."

"This product is fantastic! No need for lighter fluid. I use it to ignite both the grill and our firepit. It gets extremely hot in no time—just plug it in and you're good to go."

"I absolutely love this item. The charcoal gets red hot really fast without any chemicals. I ensure that 4-5 coals are touching the rods, and once they start glowing, I reposition the rest of the charcoal on top. I can get a strong burn going in about 20 minutes!"

"I bought this because it was the cheapest option for blower air-lighters. It just works, although the cord is a bit short."

"I love this firestarter! Unlike the multiple electric prong types we tried before, this one starts the fire quickly."

"We've used it very frequently and have had no issues with it. I just wish I had purchased it sooner!"

“I've used it a dozen times and find it quick to light the charcoal and start grilling.”

“This works well as an effective backup option for my old starter.”

“While it does light the charcoal, holding the switch the entire time can be tough on my thumb.”

"I've been using this charcoal starter for over five years, and it still looks and works like new! While it may be pricier than other options, it's definitely worth the investment. I highly recommend it!"

"With about three years of use, this starter has been fantastic! It heats up better and faster than the other starters I've tried. I even ordered a backup because I don’t want to grill without it!"

"I don't usually write reviews, but this charcoal lighter deserves one! It’s basically indestructible. I've melted the handle, left it out in the rain, and it just keeps working. I don’t think I’ll ever need to buy another!"

"This electric charcoal lighter has truly simplified my grilling experience! I can start my grill quicker and without chemicals. Just plug it in, push the safety latch and power button, and touch the tip to the charcoal. When I see a spark, I switch to the blower position to fan the flame. It's lightweight and heats up to 1100° in seconds—definitely worth the price!"

"I recently tried using this in my fireplace, but despite following the instructions and holding the trigger, it didn’t ignite the logs or even a fire starter. The unit gets hot, but it just wouldn’t catch fire. I might try it again on charcoal in the summer, but for now, it’s only 2 stars from me."

"I thought it would be wireless, but it's wired, which limits my options. The cable is quite short, so I can't use it in my fireplace. However, overall, it’s a super handy tool for outdoor projects, and my husband really loves it!"