Best Charcoal Starters of 2026
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Charcoal starters are a convenient and efficient way to ignite charcoal for grilling and barbecuing. These products are designed to make the process of starting charcoal easier and quicker than traditional methods such as using lighter fluid or newspaper. Charcoal starters come in various forms, including cubes, sticks, and electric starters. They are made from materials such as paraffin wax, sawdust, and vegetable oil. Charcoal starters are recommended for those who want to avoid the unpleasant smell and taste associated with lighter fluid and are looking for a safer and more eco-friendly option.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
Top 9 Charcoal Starters
Weber 7416 Rapidfire Chimney Starter for Kettle Grills
The Weber Rapidfire Chimney Starter is designed for all kettle charcoal grill owners, making it easier than ever to light your briquettes. With its two handles, you can pour hot charcoal with optimal control, reducing the risk of spills or burns. The cylindrical canister holds enough charcoal to fill your kettle barbecue, ensuring you have plenty for your grilling session. Plus, the cone-shaped bottom helps briquettes ignite quickly, meaning you can start cooking sooner and enjoy those delicious meals without long waiting times.
BLOSTM Extra Large Charcoal Chimney Starter
The BLOSTM Charcoal Starter makes barbecuing effortless and enjoyable. It ignites your coals in as little as 20 minutes, allowing you to focus on other tasks while you wait. The safe double handles ensure easy pouring of charcoal, keeping your hands protected from heat. With larger vent holes, lighting is quicker, letting you spend less time fussing with the fire and more time enjoying meals with loved ones. Its versatile design works with lump wood and briquettes, eliminating the need for lighter fluid and making your grilling experience more convenient.
Q4U 1500W Slim Electric Charcoal Starter
The Q4U Electric Charcoal Starter is a practical solution for quickly igniting your charcoal. This slim device can get your coal discs glowing in just 5 to 10 minutes, making barbecue preparation swift and effortless. With a power supply of 220-240V and a British Standard 3 pin plug, it is compatible with standard sockets. Its ease of use and high-quality construction ensure that you can enjoy a hassle-free grilling experience, perfect for family gatherings or outdoor parties.
Weber 7447 Compact Chimney Starter
The Weber 7447 Chimney Starter is an essential tool for any barbecue enthusiast. With its quick BBQ coal starter feature, you can spend less time lighting your barbecue and more time enjoying delicious food with your guests. The two-handle design allows you to easily control the flow of burning coal onto your charcoal grate, ensuring safety and precision. Its compact steel canister is perfect for smaller barbecues, while the cone shape promotes even burning of your charcoal, making your cooking experience smoother and more efficient.
Weber Rapidfire Barbecue Chimney Starter Set
The Weber Rapidfire Starter Set is the perfect companion for your barbecuing needs. This quick BBQ fire starter set includes a durable aluminised steel canister designed to hold enough charcoal for grills 47cm or larger. Its spacious, cone-shaped canister ensures your coal burns evenly, giving you a consistent heat source. With a unique two-handle design, you can easily control the direction of your burning coal, making it safe and efficient for you. Plus, you can skip the lighter fluid and enjoy an authentic BBQ flavour by simply using the included briquettes and firelighters.
Ecoblaze Natural Firelighters for BBQ and Wood Burners
The Ecoblaze Natural Firelighters make lighting fires quick and easy, allowing you to start a fire instantly with just one match. They are perfect for outdoor fire pits, BBQ ovens, and camping, ensuring hassle-free fire lighting wherever you go. If you love spending time outside, these firelighters are a great companion for your countryside trips, making your camping experience more enjoyable. They also help you enjoy garden gatherings by speeding up the BBQ preparation, giving you more time to relax with family and friends.
LIVIVO Deluxe Charcoal Chimney Starter Kit
The LIVIVO Charcoal Starter is an efficient tool for lighting charcoal quickly and easily. Made from heavy-duty galvanised iron, it ensures durability for years of use. You will appreciate the stay-cool thermoplastic wooden handle, which keeps your hands safe while lifting and tipping the starter. With hot charcoals ready in just 10 to 20 minutes, you can skip the wait and avoid using lighter fluid, eliminating any unwanted flavours in your food.
Flamers Natural Firelighters 50 Pack for BBQ and Fireplace
The Flamers Natural Firelighters are designed to help you start a fire quickly and easily every time. Made from wood wool dipped in paraffin wax, they ignite instantly and burn longer, making fire-building fast and hassle-free. These firelighters are eco-friendly, crafted from sustainable untreated wood shavings, and can even be lit with flint and steel, offering a greener alternative to traditional lighters. Plus, they burn cleanly without unpleasant odours, making them ideal for cooking or using in small, enclosed spaces where you want to keep the air fresh and safe for your family.
Woodside Charcoal Chimney Starter Quick BBQ Lighter
The Woodside Chimney Starter is the quickest and easiest way to light your barbecue charcoal. It takes about 20 minutes for the coals to reach the perfect cooking temperature, saving you time and hassle. Thanks to its superior ventilation, the coals heat evenly, helping you cook your food consistently every time. The protective handle keeps your hand cool and safe while handling the starter, though it’s still best to use gloves for extra safety. This handy accessory is a must-have for any barbecue enthusiast.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Are charcoal starters worth it?
The biggest advantage to using a chimney starter is that you don't have to use the self-igniting fluid that contains hazardous and unhealthy additives. Although it might seem easier to squirt on some lighter-fluid, you don't want the residual taste of these toxins present in your meal.
2. What does a charcoal starter do?
A chimney starter or charcoal chimney is a device for igniting charcoal lumps or briquettes. It consists of a metal tube with a grate to hold charcoal.
During our charcoal starter research, we found 140 charcoal starter products and shortlisted 9 quality products. We collected and analyzed 344,959 customer reviews through our big data system to write the charcoal starters list. We found that most customers choose charcoal starters with an average price of £18.51.
The charcoal starters are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of charcoal starters, including Weber, BLOSTM, Q4U, ecoblaze, LIVIVO.
Toby Butcher is a Horticulturist, and he earned his title as a Master Gardener in 2016. Toby has acquired a 25-year experience as a home gardener planting, designing, grooming vegetables and flowers. He is the leader of a plant group in Durham. Toby owns a blog where he publishes articles on growing and growing your flowers at home, in a vase, or in a garden.